Refrigerant unit

Abstract

The invention provides a refrigerant unit. The heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger is made appropriate so as to meet different temperature requirements of a plurality of temperature adjustment objects. A refrigerant unit (10) is provided with: a refrigerant circuit; and a single support member (12) that concentratedly supports the constituent elements of the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit is provided with a first heat exchanger (30) and second heat exchangers (41, 42) that have different functions, the first heat exchanger is disposed between the plurality of second heat exchangers, and the heat exchange amount on one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers is greater than the heat exchange amount on the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers. The amount of heat exchange on the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant unit. Background Art

[0002] Thermal management systems for vehicles and the like utilize heat absorption and heat dissipation in the refrigerant circuit to perform thermal management on temperature control objects such as vehicle interior air conditioners. In order to enable centralized management in a vehicle or other device, or to be able to be installed in the device with good space efficiency, it is required that the components of the refrigerant circuit, which is the core of the thermal management system, be compactly unitized.

[0003] A unitized refrigerant circuit (refrigerant unit) is achieved by centrally arranging the components of the refrigerant circuit, such as a compressor, a heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator or a condenser, a pressure reducing device (expansion valve), and a gas-liquid separator (accumulator), on a supporting member serving as a base, and forming a refrigerant flow path (manifold) on the supporting member, thereby achieving unitization (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0039440

[0005] In the case of multiple temperature control objects, a heat management system provides multiple heat exchangers that function as evaporators and heat exchangers that function as condensers in a refrigerant unit, or both of them, so that each heat exchanger corresponds to each of the multiple temperature control objects. In this case, it is required that the flow path that diverts the refrigerant to the multiple heat exchangers that function as evaporators or condensers or the flow path that merges the refrigerants from the multiple heat exchangers be as short as possible.

[0006] In a refrigerant unit, when multiple heat exchangers with the same function are provided corresponding to multiple temperature control objects, as mentioned above, in addition to shortening the flow length of the refrigerant flow path, it is also required to optimize the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger to cope with the different temperature requirements of the multiple temperature control objects. Summary of the invention

[0007] The subject of the present invention is to deal with such a problem. That is, the subject of the present invention is to, in a refrigerant unit having a plurality of heat exchangers corresponding to a plurality of temperature control objects, in the case where a plurality of heat exchangers having the same function are provided corresponding to the plurality of temperature control objects, make the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger appropriate to deal with the different temperature requirements of the plurality of temperature control objects.

[0008] In order to solve such a problem, a refrigerant unit according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following structure. The refrigerant unit comprises: a refrigerant circuit; and a single supporting member that centrally supports the components of the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger with different functions, wherein the first heat exchanger is arranged between a plurality of the second heat exchangers, and the heat exchange amount on the other side of the plurality of the second heat exchangers is made larger relative to the heat exchange amount on one side of the plurality of the second heat exchangers.

[0009] In a refrigerant unit having multiple heat exchangers corresponding to multiple temperature control objects, the refrigerant unit having such characteristics can optimize the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger to cope with the different temperature requirements of the multiple temperature control objects when multiple heat exchangers with the same function are set corresponding to the multiple temperature control objects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member and each heat exchanger when viewed from the second fixing surface side in the refrigerant unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is a plan view of the surfaces of the first flow path block and the second flow path block, which are arranged on the same side as the first fixing surface, of the refrigerant unit applied to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is a plan view of the surfaces of the first flow path block and the second flow path block, which are arranged on the same side as the second fixing surface, of the refrigerant unit applied to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is a reference diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation in the refrigerant unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is a reference diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant during the heating operation in the refrigerant unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member and each heat exchanger when viewed from the second fixing surface side in a modified example of the refrigerant unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals represent the parts with the same functions, and the repeated description in each figure is appropriately omitted.

[0012] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant unit 10. The refrigerant unit 10 of this embodiment is a unitized refrigerant circuit having its components fixed to a support member 12, and is mounted on, for example, a vehicle having a driving battery, and is used for an air conditioning device or a thermal management system for performing air conditioning inside the vehicle cabin, temperature adjustment of vehicle-mounted equipment, etc.

[0013] As shown in the figures, the refrigerant unit 10 includes a refrigerant circuit connected by refrigerant pipes 91 to 94 to a compressor 20, a liquid storage tank 22, a first heat exchanger 30, a second heat exchanger 41, 42, a first flow path module 51, a second flow path module 52, a four-way valve 60 as a flow path direction switching mechanism, expansion valves 71, 72 as a pressure reducing device, and solenoid valves 81, 82 as flow path switching valves, and a supporting member 12 for centrally supporting them.

[0014] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the refrigerant unit 10, the compressor 20, the accumulator 22, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 constituting the refrigerant circuit are respectively fixed to the support member 12. In addition, as described later, by fixing the four-way valve 60 to the accumulator 22, fixing the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42, fixing the expansion valves 71, 72 to the first flow channel module 51, and fixing the solenoid valves 81, 82 to the second flow channel module 52, they are indirectly fixed to the support member 12.

[0015] (Regarding the positional relationship of each component) Figure 1 This is a perspective view from the compressor 20 and the accumulator 22 side. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 as viewed from the side. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view as seen from the compressor 20 side.

[0016] The support member 12 has a substantially rectangular bottom plate portion 15 as a plate-like member, and a substantially rectangular frame portion 16, which is formed integrally with the bottom plate portion 15 and is provided perpendicularly to the bottom plate portion 15 at one end side of the bottom plate portion 15. The support member 12 has a sufficient width to allow the compressor 20 and the accumulator 22 to be arranged without interfering with the components of the refrigerant unit 10 and the refrigerant piping.

[0017] The surface (front surface) of the bottom plate 15 on which the frame 16 is provided is a fixing surface for fixing the components of the refrigerant circuit, and the surface (back surface) of the bottom plate 15 opposite to the frame 16 is a mounting surface for mounting the refrigerant unit 10 on a vehicle body, etc. The refrigerant unit 10 can be mounted on a mounting object such as a vehicle body by fastening the four corners of the back surface of the bottom plate 15 with the fasteners 13 respectively via the rubber bushings 11.

[0018] The frame body 16 includes a pair of lateral sides 161 , 162 parallel to the bottom plate 15 , a pair of longitudinal sides 163 , 164 perpendicular to the bottom plate 15 , and a space 165 formed between the lateral sides 161 , 162 and the longitudinal sides 163 , 164 .

[0019] Both surfaces of the frame portion 16 are fixing surfaces for fixing the various components of the refrigerant circuit. In particular, in the frame portion 16, the surface on the opposite side to the surface on which the bottom plate portion 15 is provided (the surface on one side) is a first fixing surface for fixing the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the surface on the same side as the surface on which the bottom plate portion 15 is provided (the surface on the other side) is a second fixing surface for fixing the compressor 20 and the liquid storage tank 22.

[0020] In the frame portion 16, fixing plates 171, 172 for fixing the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are respectively provided at one end side and the other end side of the horizontal side portion 161 located on the upper side in the vertical direction, and a fixing plate 173 for fixing the first heat exchanger 30 is provided in the central part of the horizontal side portion 162 located on the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0021] Figure 4 1 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member 12, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 when viewed from the second fixing surface side. Figure 4 As shown, on the first fixing surface in the frame portion 16 , the first heat exchanger 30 is fixed by the lateral side portion 161 and the fixing plate 173 , the second heat exchanger 41 is fixed by the lateral side portion 162 and the fixing plate 171 , and the second heat exchanger 42 is fixed by the lateral side portion 162 and the fixing plate 172 .

[0022] Thus, on the first fixing surface, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are arranged to span the lateral side 161 and the lateral side 162 via the space 165. In addition, on the first fixing surface, the second heat exchanger 41, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchanger 42 are arranged in parallel and separated from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0023] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the example, the first heat exchanger 30 is disposed between the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are disposed at equal intervals. As described above, by fixing the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 in a manner of being mounted on the lateral side portions 161 and 162, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 function as beams, thereby improving the strength of the supporting member 12 and ensuring the space portion 165, thereby achieving lightweighting and improved strength of the supporting member 12.

[0024] In addition, the fixing position of the first heat exchanger 30 relative to the first fixing surface is different from the fixing position of the second heat exchangers 41, 42 relative to the first fixing surface in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 30 is fixed to the first fixing surface in a manner slightly above the second heat exchangers 41, 42 in the vertical direction.

[0025] The first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 are fixed to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42. When the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 are fixed to the second fixing surface, the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 are arranged in the space portion 165 of the frame portion 16. In addition, in the space portion 165, the first flow channel module 51 is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the second flow channel module 52 is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0026] In addition, the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 may be fixed not only to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42, but also in various ways. For example, at least a portion of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 may be fixed to the frame 16 by a fixing member such as a bracket. In addition, flanges may be formed on the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52, and the flanges may be fastened to directly fix them to the frame 16.

[0027] Thus, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 can be firmly fixed to the support member 12, and can be prevented from falling off from the support member 12 and further from the refrigerant unit 10. In addition, by forming the fixing member and the flange with a heat insulating member, heat transfer from the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 to the fixing member and the support member 12 can be prevented.

[0028] In addition, expansion valves 71 and 72 are fixed to the first flow channel module 51, and the expansion valves 71 and 72 are arranged in the refrigerant flow channel (described later) formed inside the first flow channel module 51. In addition, solenoid valves 81 and 82 are fixed to the second flow channel module 52, and the solenoid valves 81 and 82 are arranged in the refrigerant flow channel (described later) formed inside the second flow channel module 52. In the space portion 165 of the frame portion 16, the expansion valve 71 and the solenoid valve 81 are arranged between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, and the expansion valve 72 and the solenoid valve 82 are arranged between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42.

[0029] A beam-shaped member 18 is fixed to the second fixing surface of the frame 16 so as to be bridged between the lateral side 161 and the lateral side 162 via the space 165. In addition, a bracket 19 for fixing the compressor 20 is fixed to one of the longitudinal sides 164 of the second fixing surface. By providing the beam-shaped member 18, the strength of the support member 12 can be improved.

[0030] The compressor 20 and the accumulator 22 are fixed to the second fixing surface in the frame 16. Specifically, the compressor 20 is fixed to the second fixing surface by the beam member 18 and the bracket 19 in a state separated from the bottom plate 15. The accumulator 22 is placed on the bottom plate 15 and fixed to the second fixing surface by a bracket (not shown).

[0031] (Regarding the First Heat Exchanger 30 and the Second Heat Exchangers 41 and 42) The first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are refrigerant-heat medium heat exchangers for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium (e.g., water), and perform air conditioning inside the vehicle interior, temperature regulation of vehicle-mounted equipment, etc. by supplying heat of the refrigerant to the temperature regulation object via a heat medium circuit (not shown).

[0032] The first heat exchanger 30 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 304 and 305 that serve as a refrigerant inflow portion or a refrigerant outflow portion according to the refrigerant flow direction. Similarly, the second heat exchanger 41 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 414 and 415 that serve as a refrigerant inflow and outflow port according to the refrigerant flow direction, and the second heat exchanger 42 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 424 and 425 that serve as a refrigerant inflow and outflow port according to the refrigerant flow direction.

[0033] In the refrigerant unit 10 of the present embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be switched by the four-way valve 60, and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 function as an evaporator or a condenser according to the flow direction of the refrigerant. At this time, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 have different functions from each other.

[0034] That is, in the refrigerant unit 10, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be switched by controlling the four-way valve 60, so that the refrigerant is circulated in a manner that the first heat exchanger 30 functions as a condenser and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 function as evaporators, or the refrigerant is circulated in a manner that the first heat exchanger 30 functions as an evaporator and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 function as condensers.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the first heat exchanger 30 is connected to heat medium pipes 301 and 302 for the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit to flow in or out, the second heat exchanger 41 is connected to heat medium pipes 411 and 412 for the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit to flow in or out, and the second heat exchanger 42 is connected to heat medium pipes 421 and 422 for the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit to flow in or out.

[0036] The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows into the first heat exchanger 30 from either the heat medium pipe 301 or the heat medium pipe 302 , exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 30 , and flows out to the other of the heat medium pipe 302 and the heat medium pipe 301 .

[0037] Similarly, the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows into the second heat exchanger 41 from either the heat medium pipe 411 or the heat medium pipe 412 , exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 41 , and flows out to the other of the heat medium pipe 412 and the heat medium pipe 411 .

[0038] The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows into the second heat exchanger 42 from either the heat medium pipe 421 or the heat medium pipe 422 , exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 42 , and flows out to the other of the heat medium pipe 422 and the heat medium pipe 421 .

[0039] (Regarding the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52) Next, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 will be described. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A top view of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 is shown. Figure 5 is a top view of the surface of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 arranged on the same side as the first fixing surface, Figure 6 It is a plan view of the surfaces of the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 which are arranged on the same side as the second fixing surface.

[0040] The first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 have a manifold structure in which a plurality of refrigerant flow paths are integrally formed inside a block made of metal such as aluminum, for example, and at least a portion of the refrigerant flow paths in the refrigerant circuit are formed as an integral component.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, on the same plane of the first fixing surface side of the first flow channel module 51, connection parts 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B are provided for connecting other components to the first flow channel module 51 so that the refrigerant flows between them. Figure 6 As shown, mounting portions 518 , 519 for mounting detection devices S1 , S2 are provided on the same plane on the second fixing surface side of the first flow channel module 51 . The detection devices S1 , S2 detect the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant unit 10 .

[0042] Each connection portion is provided corresponding to the position of the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the device connected to the first flow channel module 51. Specifically, the connection portion 511 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 415 of the second heat exchanger 41, the connection portion 512 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 425 of the second heat exchanger 42, and the connection portion 513 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 305 of the first heat exchanger 30.

[0043] In addition, in the first flow channel module 51, the connection portion 751A between the refrigerant flow channel 51A connected to the expansion valve 71 and the first heat exchanger 30 is offset in the vertical direction relative to the connection portion 751B between the refrigerant flow channel 51C connected to the expansion valve 71 and the second heat exchanger 41. The pair of connection portions 751A and 751B are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports (refrigerant inflow portion or refrigerant outflow portion) 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71.

[0044] Similarly, in the first flow channel module 51, the connection portion 752A between the refrigerant flow channel 51B connected to the expansion valve 72 and the first heat exchanger 30 is offset in the vertical direction relative to the connection portion 752B between the refrigerant flow channel 52D connected to the expansion valve 72 and the second heat exchanger 42. The pair of connection portions 752A, 752B are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 72A, 72B provided in the expansion valve 72. In this way, by providing the connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B in the first flow path module 51 to connect the expansion valves 71 and 72, attachment and detachment of the expansion valves 71 and 72 are facilitated, and the maintainability is improved.

[0045] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71 are arranged at different heights along the vertical direction. According to the flow direction of the refrigerant, one side becomes the refrigerant inflow portion, and the other side becomes the refrigerant outflow portion. Similarly, a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 72A and 72B of the expansion valve 72 are arranged at different heights along the vertical direction. According to the flow direction of the refrigerant, one side becomes the refrigerant inflow portion, and the other side becomes the refrigerant outflow portion.

[0046] A refrigerant flow channel 51A connecting the connection portion 513 and the connection portion 751A, a refrigerant flow channel 51B connecting the connection portion 513 and the connection portion 752A, a refrigerant flow channel 51C connecting the connection portion 751B and the connection portion 511, and a refrigerant flow channel 51D connecting the connection portion 752B and the connection portion 512 are formed inside the first flow channel module 51. The connection portion 513 serves as a branch point or a junction point between the refrigerant flow channel 51A and the refrigerant flow channel 51B.

[0047] In the first flow channel module 51, the connection parts 513, 751A, 752A are arranged at substantially the same height in the vertical direction. In addition, the connection parts 511, 512, 751B, 752B are arranged at substantially the same height in the vertical direction and are located vertically below the connection parts 513, 751A, 752A. Therefore, the refrigerant flow paths 51A to 51D are arranged substantially in parallel, and the refrigerant flow paths 51A and 51B are located above the refrigerant flow paths 51C and 51D in the vertical direction.

[0048] The mounting portion 518 is disposed on the back side of the connection portion 513, and the mounting portion 519 is disposed on the back side of the connection portion 751B. Therefore, the detection devices S1 and S2 are mounted on the surface of the first flow path module 51 opposite to the surface connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42.

[0049] In addition, the detection device S1 mounted on the mounting portion 518 is disposed at a branch point or a junction point between the refrigerant flow passage 51A and the refrigerant flow passage 51B, and the detection device S2 mounted on the mounting portion 519 is disposed at a connection point between the refrigerant flow passage 51C and the expansion valve 71. That is, the detection device S1 is disposed at a branch point or a junction point of the refrigerant flow passage formed by the refrigerant flow passage 51A and the refrigerant flow passage 51B and connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the detection device S2 is disposed near the branch point or the junction point.

[0050] Since the refrigerant state such as the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30 and before being diverted to the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 can be detected by the detection device S1 or the detection device S2, it is not necessary to respectively set detection devices in the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the number of detection devices can be reduced in the refrigerant unit 10. That is, by making the configuration position of the detection device S1 or the detection device S2 appropriate, the state of the refrigerant can be efficiently detected. In addition, the detection results of the detection devices S1 and S2 are output to the control device (not shown), and the refrigerant circuit is controlled based on the detection results.

[0051] Connecting parts 521, 522, 851A, 851B, 852A, 852B for connecting other components to the second flow path module 52 so that the refrigerant flows between them are provided on the same plane on the first fixed surface side of the second flow path module 52. In addition, the second flow path module 52 is provided with a connecting part 529 for connecting the refrigerant pipe 93 on the second fixed surface side.

[0052] Each connection portion is provided corresponding to the position of the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the device connected to the second flow channel module 52. Specifically, the connection portion 521 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 414 of the second heat exchanger 41, and the connection portion 522 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 424 of the second heat exchanger 42.

[0053] In addition, a pair of connection parts 851A and 851B are provided at positions corresponding to a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports (refrigerant inflow or refrigerant outflow) 81A and 81B of the electromagnetic valve 81, and a pair of connection parts 852A and 852B are provided at positions corresponding to a pair of refrigerant inflow and outflow ports (refrigerant inflow or refrigerant outflow) 82A and 82B of the electromagnetic valve 82. In this way, by providing the connection parts 851A, 851B, 852A, and 852B in the second flow path module 52 to connect the electromagnetic valves 81 and 82, the electromagnetic valves 81 and 82 can be easily attached and detached, and the maintainability is improved.

[0054] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, a pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 81A and 81B of the electromagnetic valve 81 are arranged at different heights along the vertical direction, and one of them becomes the refrigerant inlet portion and the other becomes the refrigerant outlet portion according to the refrigerant flow direction. Similarly, a pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 82A and 82B of the electromagnetic valve 82 are arranged at different heights along the vertical direction, and one of them becomes the refrigerant inlet portion and the other becomes the refrigerant outlet portion according to the refrigerant flow direction.

[0055] A refrigerant flow channel 52A connecting the connection portion 529 and the connection portion 851B, a refrigerant flow channel 52B connecting the connection portion 529 and the connection portion 852B, a refrigerant flow channel 52C connecting the connection portion 851A and the connection portion 521, and a refrigerant flow channel 52D connecting the connection portion 852A and the connection portion 522 are formed inside the second flow channel module 52. The connection portion 529 serves as a branch point or a junction point between the refrigerant flow channel 52A and the refrigerant flow channel 52B.

[0056] In the second flow channel module 52, the connection parts 529, 851B, 852B are arranged at substantially the same height in the vertical direction. In addition, the connection parts 521, 522, 851A, 852A are arranged at substantially the same height in the vertical direction and are located vertically above the connection parts 529, 851B, 852B. Therefore, the refrigerant flow paths 52A to 52D are arranged substantially in parallel, and the refrigerant flow paths 52C and 52D are located above the refrigerant flow paths 52A and 52B in the vertical direction.

[0057] (Regarding the connection relationship between the components of the refrigerant circuit) In the refrigerant unit 10, the components of the refrigerant circuit are connected as follows (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). The refrigerant suction port of the compressor 20 is connected to the accumulator 22 via the four-way valve 60 through the refrigerant piping 94, and the refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 20 is connected to the four-way valve 60 through the refrigerant piping 91. In addition, the four-way valve 60 is connected to the first heat exchanger 30 through the refrigerant piping 92, and is connected to the connection portion 529 of the second flow channel module 52 through the refrigerant piping 93. By connecting the refrigerant piping 93 to the connection portion 529 of the second flow channel module 52, the refrigerant piping 93 is connected to the refrigerant flow channels 52A and 52B, and the refrigerants flow between them.

[0058] In the first flow channel module 51, the connection portion 511 is connected to the refrigerant inflow outlet 415 of the second heat exchanger 41, the connection portion 512 is connected to the refrigerant inflow outlet 425 of the second heat exchanger 42, and the connection portion 513 is connected to the refrigerant inflow outlet 305 of the first heat exchanger 30. In addition, the connection portions 751A and 751B are respectively connected to the refrigerant inflow outlets 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71. Similarly, the connection portions 752A and 752B are respectively connected to the refrigerant inflow outlets 72A and 72B of the expansion valve 72.

[0059] Thus, inside the first flow channel module 51, the connection portion 511 and the connection portion 513 are connected by the refrigerant flow channel 51A, the expansion valve 71, and the refrigerant flow channel 51C, forming a refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41. In addition, inside the first flow channel module 51, the connection portion 513 and the connection portion 512 are connected by the refrigerant flow channel 51B, the expansion valve 72, and the refrigerant flow channel 51D, forming a refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42.

[0060] In order to suppress the capacity difference between the heat exchangers due to the flow resistance, it is preferred that the first heat exchanger 30 is disposed between the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the distance between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 is substantially equal to the distance between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42, and the length of the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 is equal to the length of the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42. By minimizing the difference in flow path length between the refrigerant flow path on one side and the refrigerant flow path on the other side, the difference in flow path resistance generated between the two can be reduced, thereby suppressing the capacity difference generated between the two second heat exchangers 41 and 42.

[0061] As described above, in the expansion valves 71 and 72, the respective refrigerant inflow and outflow ports are arranged in a vertical direction. Therefore, the flow channel formed in the first flow channel module 51 and connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 includes the refrigerant flow channel 51A and the refrigerant flow channel 51C arranged in the horizontal direction, and the vertical flow channel formed between them by the expansion valve 71. That is, a step portion is formed between the refrigerant flow channel 51A and the refrigerant flow channel 51C.

[0062] Similarly, the flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 formed in the first flow channel module 51 includes a refrigerant flow channel 51B and a refrigerant flow channel 51D arranged in the horizontal direction, and a flow channel in the vertical direction formed therebetween by the expansion valve 72. That is, a step portion is formed between the refrigerant flow channel 51B and the refrigerant flow channel 51D.

[0063] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow channel 51A, the expansion valve 71 and the refrigerant flow channel 51C changes the flow direction of the refrigerant through the step portion, and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow channel 51B, the expansion valve 72 and the refrigerant flow channel 51D changes the flow direction of the refrigerant through the step portion.

[0064] That is, the first flow channel module 51 includes the horizontal refrigerant flow channel 51A and the refrigerant flow channel 51C, and the vertical refrigerant flow channel inside the expansion valve 71, and the flow channel direction is changed so that the refrigerant flowing horizontally flows in the vertical direction, and then the flow channel direction is changed again so that the refrigerant flows in the horizontal direction. In addition, the first flow channel module 51 includes the horizontal refrigerant flow channel 51B and the refrigerant flow channel 51D, and the vertical refrigerant flow channel inside the expansion valve 72, and the flow channel direction is changed so that the refrigerant flowing horizontally flows in the vertical direction, and then the flow channel direction is changed again so that the refrigerant flows in the horizontal direction.

[0065] In this way, the refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 and the refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 of the first flow channel module 51 are both formed to change the flow channel direction twice. In this way, by making the number of changes in the flow channel direction in the refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 and the refrigerant flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 equal, the capacity difference between the heat exchangers caused by the flow channel resistance can be suppressed.

[0066] In the second flow channel module 52, the connection portion 521 is connected to the refrigerant inflow outlet 414 of the second heat exchanger 41, and the connection portion 522 is connected to the refrigerant inflow outlet 424 of the second heat exchanger 42. In addition, the connection portions 851A and 851B are respectively connected to the refrigerant inflow outlets 81A and 81B of the electromagnetic valve 81. Similarly, the connection portions 852A and 852B are respectively connected to the refrigerant inflow outlets 82A and 82B of the electromagnetic valve 82.

[0067] Thus, inside the second flow path module 52, the connection portion 521 and the connection portion 529 are communicated by the refrigerant flow path 52C, the solenoid valve 81 and the refrigerant flow path 52A, and through them and the refrigerant pipe 93, a refrigerant flow path connecting the second heat exchanger 41 and the four-way valve 60 is formed. In addition, inside the second flow path module 52, the connection portion 522 and the connection portion 529 are communicated by the refrigerant flow path 52D, the solenoid valve 82 and the refrigerant flow path 52B, and through them and the refrigerant pipe 93, a refrigerant flow path connecting the second heat exchanger 42 and the four-way valve 60 is formed.

[0068] (Regarding the flow of refrigerant) Next, use Figure 7 and Figure 8 The following describes the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant unit 10. In the refrigerant unit 10, for example, the circulation direction of the refrigerant can be switched by the four-way valve 60 according to the purpose of air conditioning or the temperature adjustment target.

[0069] (1) Flow of refrigerant during cooling operation For example, when the air conditioning apparatus using the refrigerant unit 10 performs cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates as follows (see Figure 7 That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 20 to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant and is ejected, flows through the refrigerant pipe 91, and flows into the four-way valve 60. The high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the four-way valve to the refrigerant pipe 92 and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0070] The refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 30 dissipates heat by exchanging heat with other heat media in the first heat exchanger 30, flows out of the first heat exchanger 30, flows into the first flow channel module 51, and branches at the connection part 513 of the first flow channel module 51, and is divided into the refrigerant flow channel 51A and the refrigerant flow channel 51B roughly equally.

[0071] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51A is decompressed and expanded in the expansion valve 71 to become low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the second heat exchanger 41. On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51B is decompressed and expanded in the expansion valve 72 to become low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the second heat exchanger 42.

[0072] The low-pressure refrigerant having flowed into the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 absorbs heat by exchanging heat with other heat media in the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 , and then flows out of the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 . The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 41 passes through the solenoid valve 81 while flowing in the refrigerant flow path 52A of the second flow path module 52 , merges with the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant flow path 52B at the connection portion 529 , and flows toward the refrigerant piping 93 .

[0073] Similarly, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 42 passes through the solenoid valve 82 while flowing in the refrigerant flow path 52B of the second flow path module 52 , merges with the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant flow path 52A at the connection portion 529 , and flows toward the refrigerant distribution pipe 93 . The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant pipe 93 from the second flow path module 52 enters the four-way valve 60 again, flows into the accumulator 22 via the four-way valve 60, and returns to the compressor 20 from the accumulator 22 via the four-way valve 60. The refrigerant flowing into the compressor 20 is compressed again, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0074] (2) Refrigerant flow during heating operation For example, when a heating operation is performed in an air conditioning apparatus using the refrigerant unit 10, the refrigerant circulates as follows (see Figure 8). That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 20 to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant and is ejected, flows through the refrigerant pipe 91, and flows into the four-way valve 60. The high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the four-way valve to the refrigerant pipe 93, branches at the connection portion 529 of the second flow channel module 52, and is divided into the refrigerant flow channel 52A and the refrigerant flow channel 52B approximately equally.

[0075] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel 52A passes through the solenoid valve 81 and flows into the second heat exchanger 41. After heat is dissipated by heat exchange with other heat media in the second heat exchanger 41, the refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 41 and flows into the refrigerant flow channel 51A of the first flow channel module 51. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel 51A is decompressed and expanded in the expansion valve 71 to become a low-pressure refrigerant, and merges with the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant flow channel 51B at the connection portion 513 of the first flow channel module 51, and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0076] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 52B passes through the solenoid valve 82 and flows into the second heat exchanger 42. After heat is dissipated by heat exchange with other heat media in the second heat exchanger 42, the refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 42 and flows into the refrigerant flow path 51B of the first flow path module 51. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51B is decompressed and expanded in the expansion valve 72 to become a low-pressure refrigerant, and merges with the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant flow path 51A at the connection portion 513 of the first flow path module 51, and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0077] The refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 30 absorbs heat by exchanging heat with other heat media in the first heat exchanger 30, flows out of the first heat exchanger 30, flows in the refrigerant pipe 92, flows into the accumulator 22 through the four-way valve 60, and returns to the compressor 20 through the four-way valve 60. The refrigerant flowing into the compressor 20 is compressed again, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0078] (Variation) In a thermal management system using the refrigerant unit 10 , various temperature control targets such as the air conditioner and a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices in the vehicle interior are temperature controlled according to their respective temperature requirements. Therefore, it is preferable to optimize the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger to cope with different temperature requirements.

[0079] Therefore, in the refrigerant unit 10 of the modified example of the present embodiment, as Fig. 9 As shown, the first heat exchanger 30 is disposed between second heat exchangers 41 and 42 having different functions from the first heat exchanger 30. The heat exchange amount of the second heat exchanger 42 disposed on one side of the first heat exchanger 30 is greater than the heat exchange amount of the second heat exchanger 41 disposed on the other side of the first heat exchanger 30.

[0080] Thus, by setting the second heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 to have different heat exchange amounts, even for temperature control objects in different temperature ranges, temperature control corresponding to the respective temperature requirements can be performed. Specifically, the second heat exchanger 42 can be used for temperature control objects with higher temperature requirements than the second heat exchanger 41. That is, in the refrigerant unit 10 according to the modified example of the present embodiment, the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger can be optimized to cope with the temperature requirements of each of the plurality of temperature adjustment objects.

[0081] As described above, the refrigerant unit 10 according to the present embodiment and its modified example is unitized by directly or indirectly fixing the components of the refrigerant circuit to the support member 12. Therefore, the distances between the components of the refrigerant unit 10 are close to each other, and the lengths of the refrigerant pipes 91 to 94 can be kept to a minimum, so that the heat loss and the refrigerant pressure loss in the refrigerant pipes 91 to 94 can be reduced.

[0082] In addition, since the supporting member 12, the first flow path module 51, and the second flow path module 52, which are components of the refrigerant circuit, are composed of independent parts, it is possible to suppress the heat caused by the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through either the first flow path module 51 or the second flow path module 52 from being transferred to the supporting member 12 and either the first flow path module 51 or the second flow path module 52.

[0083] In more detail, even when the circulation direction of the refrigerant is changed, refrigerants of different temperature ranges flow through the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52, and the high-pressure refrigerant circulates in either direction. Therefore, heat transfer occurs when the first flow channel module 51, the second flow channel module 52, and the support member 12 are integrally formed.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first flow channel module 51, the second flow channel module 52 and the support member 12 are configured as independent components and are separated from each other, so that heat transfer between the components is suppressed, and thus heat loss caused by heat transfer can be suppressed. That is, the temperature drop of the high-temperature refrigerant and the temperature rise of the low-temperature refrigerant in the refrigerant flow channel of the refrigerant unit 10 can be suppressed, and the performance of the thermal management system using the refrigerant unit 10 can be maintained.

[0085] In addition, as described above, in the first flow channel module 51, the connection parts 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, 752B are arranged on the same plane on the first fixing surface side, and the mounting parts 518, 519 are arranged on the same plane on the second fixing surface side. In addition, in the second flow channel module 52, the connection parts 521, 522, 851A, 851B, 852A, 852B are arranged on the same plane on the first fixing surface side.

[0086] In this way, by setting each connecting part on a predetermined plane without bumps, the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 can be connected to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 connected to them in a manner that shortens the refrigerant flow channel, and each device can be compactly configured.

[0087] Furthermore, in the first flow path module 51, the connection parts 751B and 752B located at the lower part in the vertical direction among the connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A and 752B connected to the expansion valves 71 and 72 and the connection parts 511 and 512 connected to the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are arranged at the same height in the vertical direction. Thus, the flow path lengths of the refrigerant flow path 51C between the second heat exchanger 41 and the expansion valve 71 and the refrigerant flow path 51D between the second heat exchanger 42 and the expansion valve 72 can be shortened.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first flow path module 51, the connection parts 751A, 752A located above in the vertical direction among the connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A, 752B connected to the expansion valves 71, 72 and the connection part 513 connected to the first heat exchanger 30 are arranged at the same height in the vertical direction. Thus, the flow path lengths of the refrigerant flow path 51A between the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion valve 71 and the refrigerant flow path 51B between the first heat exchanger and the expansion valve 72 can be shortened.

[0089] Similarly, in the second flow path module 52, the connection parts 851A, 851B, 852A, 852B connected to the electromagnetic valves 81, 82, which are located at the upper part in the vertical direction, and the connection parts 521, 522 connected to the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are arranged at the same height in the vertical direction. Thus, the flow path lengths of the refrigerant flow path 52C from the second heat exchanger 41 to the electromagnetic valve 81 and the refrigerant flow path 52D from the second heat exchanger 42 to the electromagnetic valve 82 can be shortened.

[0090] In this way, the flow path lengths of the refrigerant flow paths 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D formed in the first flow path module 51 and the refrigerant flow paths 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D formed in the second flow path module 52 can be shortened. That is, the flow path lengths of the flow paths that divide or merge the refrigerant between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 can be shortened, and the performance of the refrigerant unit 10 can be improved.

[0091] In the support member 12, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, 42 are fixed on the first fixing surface in a manner of being bridged between the lateral side portions 161 and the lateral side portions 162 so as to function as a beam, and the beam-shaped member 18 is provided on the second fixing surface in a manner of being bridged between the lateral side portions 161 and the lateral side portions 162. Thus, the strength of the support member 12 can be improved, the components of the refrigerant circuit can be stably supported, and the space portion 165 can be ensured to be wide, thereby achieving a reduction in weight of the support member 12.

[0092] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a refrigerant unit having multiple heat exchangers corresponding to multiple temperature control objects, when multiple heat exchangers with the same function are set corresponding to the multiple temperature control objects, the heat exchange amount of each heat exchanger can be optimized to cope with the different temperature requirements of the multiple temperature control objects.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and design changes that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Description of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10: Refrigerant unit, 11: Rubber bushing, 12: Support member, 13: Fastener 15: bottom plate, 16: frame, 18: beam member, 19: bracket 20: compressor, 22: accumulator, 30: first heat exchanger, 41, 42: second heat exchanger 51: first flow channel module, 52: second flow channel module 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D: Refrigerant flow path 60: four-way valve, 71, 72: expansion valve, 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B: refrigerant inflow and outflow 81, 82: solenoid valves, 81A, 81B, 82A, 82B: refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 91-94: Refrigerant pipes, 161, 162: Horizontal edges, 163, 164: Vertical edges 165: space part, 171, 172, 173: fixed plate 301, 302, 411, 412, 421, 422: Heat medium pipes 304, 305, 414, 415, 424, 425: Refrigerant inflow and outflow ports 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, 752B: Connecting part 518, 519: Installation 521, 522, 529, 851A, 851B, 852A, 852B: Connecting part S1, S2: detection device.

Claims

1. A refrigerant unit comprising: refrigerant circuit; and A single supporting member centrally supports the components of the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant unit is characterized in that The refrigerant circuit includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger having different functions. The first heat exchanger is arranged between a plurality of the second heat exchangers, The heat exchange amount on the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers is made larger than the heat exchange amount on one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers.

2. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of refrigerant flow paths connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchangers are each provided with a decompression device of the refrigerant circuit.

3. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, wherein A compressor and a gas-liquid separator as components of the refrigerant circuit are arranged on one side of the support member across the support member, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged on the other side across the support member.

4. The refrigerant unit according to claim 3, wherein: The support member has a necessary and sufficient width for arranging the compressor and the gas-liquid separator, and the width of one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers is larger than the width of the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers.

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