Refrigerant unit

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in refrigerant piping while ensuring resistance to vibration of a compressor or the like. Provided is a refrigerant unit (10) comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor (20), a heater (40), a pressure reducing device (71, 72), a cooler (30), and a gas-liquid separator (22); and a support plate (12) for supporting the refrigerant circuit, at least the compressor, the heater, the cooler and the gas-liquid separator being fixed to the support plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant unit for performing heat exchange between a refrigerant and other heat media. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigerant circuit is known that connects a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion mechanism, etc. via refrigerant piping. This refrigerant circuit is used, for example, in a vehicle air conditioner, and the components constituting the refrigerant circuit are arranged at predetermined locations in the vehicle (Patent Document 1). However, in the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant suction and discharge ports of the compressor, in particular, are the connection points between the compressor and the refrigerant piping, and are therefore susceptible to compressor vibration. Therefore, rubber refrigerant hoses are used to connect the refrigerant suction and discharge ports of the compressor to the refrigerant piping to absorb compressor vibration. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 009713 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, if a rubber refrigerant hose is used for a long time, moisture may enter the refrigerant hose due to aging, etc. Therefore, a desiccant must be installed inside the tank or receiver. Furthermore, as the distance between the devices making up the refrigerant circuit increases, heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss on the surfaces of the refrigerant piping connecting the devices may increase. In particular, when heat exchangers are included to exchange heat between the outside air and the refrigerant, the increased length of the refrigerant piping, and the resulting increase in heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss, can become problematic.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in refrigerant piping while ensuring resistance to vibration of a compressor and the like. Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0006] A refrigerant unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a heater, a pressure reducing device, a cooler and a gas-liquid separator; and a support plate for supporting the refrigerant circuit, wherein at least the compressor, the heater, the cooler and the gas-liquid separator are respectively fixed to the support plate. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in the refrigerant pipe while ensuring resistance to vibration of the compressor and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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 a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a flow path module applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a flow path module applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a support plate applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a support plate applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a support plate applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a support plate applicable to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote parts having the same functions, and repeated descriptions in the drawings will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figures 1 to 4 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment. The refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle including a driving battery, for example, and is used in an air conditioning device or a thermal management system for performing vehicle interior air conditioning and temperature control of vehicle-mounted equipment.

[0011] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the refrigerant unit 10 includes: a refrigerant circuit, which is formed by connecting the compressor 20, the storage tank 22, the cooler (evaporator) 30, the heater (condenser) 40, the flow path module 50 and the expansion valves (pressure reducing devices) 71 and 72 through refrigerant piping 81 to 86; and a support plate 12, which supports them.

[0012] Here, the cooler 30 and the heater 40 are refrigerant-heat medium heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium (e.g., water). By supplying the heat of the refrigerant to the temperature adjustment target via the heat medium circuit (not shown), the air conditioning in the vehicle interior and the temperature adjustment of the vehicle-mounted equipment are performed. Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows into the cooler 30 from the heat medium pipe 93, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cooler 30, and flows out to the heat medium pipe 94. Similarly, the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows into the heater 40 from the heat medium pipe 91, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the heater 40, and flows out to the heat medium pipe 92.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view from the compressor 20 and heater 40 side. Figure 2 This is a perspective view from the heater 40 and the cooler 30 side. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cooler 30 and the storage tank 22. Figure 4 This is a perspective view as viewed from the storage tank 22 and the compressor 20 side. like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in the refrigerant unit 10, the compressor 20, accumulator 22, cooler 30, heater 40, and flow block 50 constituting the refrigerant circuit are each fixed to the support plate 12, thereby forming a unit. Furthermore, as will be described later, the expansion valves 71 and 72 are indirectly fixed to the support plate 12 by being fixed to the flow block 50.

[0014] Specifically, in the refrigerant unit 10 , a compressor 20 is disposed at one end of a support plate 12 , a cooler 30 and a heater 40 are disposed at the other end of the support plate 12 , and a flow path module 50 and an accumulator 22 are disposed between the compressor 20 , the cooler 30 , and the heater 40 .

[0015] Right now, Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated refrigerant unit 10, the compressor 20 is disposed on one side of the support plate 12 sandwiching the flow block 50, and the cooler 30 and heater 40 are disposed on the other side of the support plate 12 sandwiching the flow block 50. Furthermore, expansion valves 71 and 72 are disposed on the upper surface of one end of the flow block 50, and an accumulator 22 is provided on the side surface of the other end of the flow block 50.

[0016] In refrigerant unit 10, the various devices that make up the refrigerant circuit are connected as follows. The refrigerant suction port of compressor 20 is connected to accumulator 22 via flow block 50 via refrigerant piping 85. Refrigerant piping 85 has a bent portion 85A that bends closer to compressor 20 than to accumulator 22 and flow block 50 (the connected devices). The refrigerant discharge port of compressor 20 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of heater 40 via refrigerant piping 81, and is further connected to flow block 50 via refrigerant piping 86 branching from refrigerant piping 81.

[0017] The refrigerant outlet of heater 40 is connected to flow block 50 via refrigerant pipe 82. The refrigerant inlet of cooler 30 is connected to flow block 50 via refrigerant pipe 83. The refrigerant outlet of cooler 30 is connected to accumulator 22 via refrigerant pipe 84 through flow block 50.

[0018] The refrigerant pipes 81 to 86 are all arranged at a position lower than the highest position of each device constituting the refrigerant circuit. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the expansion valves 71 and 72 of the devices constituting the refrigerant unit 10 are arranged at the highest position, and the refrigerant pipes 81 to 86 are arranged at positions lower than the highest position of the expansion valves 71 and 72 .

[0019] The refrigerant unit 10 is mounted on an installation object such as a vehicle body by fastening fastening holes 106 (described later) provided in the bottom plate 15 of the support plate 12 to the vehicle body using fasteners 62 via rubber bushings 61 .

[0020] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a perspective view of the flow path module 50 is shown. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the flow path module 50 as viewed from the surface adjacent to the compressor 20. Figure 6 This is a perspective view as viewed from a surface of the flow path block 50 adjacent to the cooler 30 and the heater 40 .

[0021] The flow path module 50 has a manifold structure with multiple refrigerant flow paths integrally formed within a metal body. It constitutes at least a portion of the flow paths through which the refrigerant circulates within the refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the flow path module 50 has connectors 50A and 50B on one end of the upper surface for connecting to the expansion valves 71 and 72, and the accumulator 22 is integrally mounted on the side surface of the other end. By providing the connectors 50A and 50B on the flow path module 50 and connecting the expansion valves 71 and 72, installation and removal of the expansion valves 71 and 72 are facilitated, improving maintainability.

[0022] The refrigerant flow path of the flow path module 50 includes a high-pressure flow path for high-pressure refrigerant and a low-pressure flow path for low-pressure refrigerant. In other words, a high-pressure flow path heated to high temperature by refrigerant circulation and a low-temperature flow path cooled to low temperature coexist in one metal body.

[0023] Therefore, in order to prevent the high-pressure flow path that becomes high temperature through the circulation of the refrigerant and the flow path that becomes low temperature from being randomly mixed, in the flow path module 50, the high-pressure flow path is configured to gather in the high-pressure side area 51, and the low-pressure flow path is configured to gather in the low-temperature side area 52, thereby dividing the high-pressure side area 51 and the low-pressure side area 52.

[0024] That is, two regions, a high-pressure side region 51 which becomes high temperature due to the circulation of the refrigerant and a low-pressure side region 52 which becomes low temperature, are provided in a metal body, and a slit 55 is provided between the high-pressure side region 51 and the low-pressure side region 52 to separate them.

[0025] That is, the flow path module 50 includes a high-pressure side region 51 provided with a high-pressure flow path and a low-pressure side region 52 provided with a low-pressure flow path. The high-pressure side region 51 and the low-pressure side region 52 are divided by a slit 55 .

[0026] The slits 55 are provided between the high-pressure region 51 and the low-pressure region 52, and serve to suppress heat transfer between the high-pressure region 51 and the low-pressure region 52. Specifically, in the flow path module 50, which is a metal body, air grooves are formed between the high-pressure region 51 and the low-pressure region 52 by the slits 55, thereby suppressing heat transfer between the high-pressure region 51 and the low-pressure region 52.

[0027] exist Figures 7 to 10 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire support plate 12. Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the support plate 12 includes a bottom plate 15 provided substantially parallel to the surface on which the refrigerant unit 10 is installed, and a heat exchanger support plate 16 provided perpendicularly to the bottom plate 15 .

[0028] The base plate 15 includes an area 15A on which the compressor 20 is placed, an area 15B on which the storage tank 22 and the flow path module 50 are placed, a step portion 15C provided between the area 15A and the area 15B and between the area 15A and the area 15D, and an area 15D located on the opposite side of the area 15B so as to sandwich the area 15A.

[0029] In base plate 15, regions 15B and 15D are located at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, while region 15A is formed by stepped portion 15C so as to be located plumbly below regions 15B and 15D. Furthermore, the height of stepped portion 15C corresponds to the height of compressor leg 21 and rubber bushing 61, described later.

[0030] The legs 21 of the compressor 20 are placed in region 15A. Region 15B includes fastening holes 104 for attaching the accumulator 22, fastening holes 105 for attaching the flow module, and fastening holes 106 for attaching the refrigerant unit 10 to the object being attached. Step 15C includes fastening holes 101 for fastening the legs 21 of the compressor 20. Region 15D includes fastening holes 106 for fastening the refrigerant unit 10 to the object being attached.

[0031] As a result, the legs 21 of the compressor 20 placed in the region 15A are fastened by fasteners (not shown), thereby securing the compressor 20 to the base plate 15. Furthermore, the accumulator 22 and the flow path module 50 placed in the region 15B are fastened by fasteners (not shown) and secured to the base plate 15. Thus, the compressor 20, the accumulator 22, and the flow path module 50 are placed on the base plate 15 and each fastened to the base plate 15 and secured thereto.

[0032] Furthermore, the refrigerant unit 10 is mounted on an installation object such as a vehicle body by fastening the fastening holes 106 provided in the bottom plate 15 to the vehicle body with the fasteners 62 via the rubber bushings 61 (see FIG. Figures 1 to 4 ).

[0033] The heat exchanger support plate 16 is engaged with the side portion of the bottom plate 15 so that the side portion thereof is perpendicular to the side portion of the bottom plate 15 .

[0034] The heat exchanger support plate 16 is provided with fastening holes 102 and 103 for attaching the cooler 30 and heater 40. The cooler 30 is fastened to one side of the heat exchanger support plate 16 using fasteners (not shown), and the heater 40 is fastened to the other side of the heat exchanger support plate 16 using fasteners (not shown). In this way, the cooler 30 and heater 40 are fixed and supported by the heat exchanger support plate 16.

[0035] Furthermore, a portion of the heat exchanger support plate 16 is inserted into the slit 55 of the flow path block 50. This facilitates positioning of the flow path block 50, the cooler 30, and the heater 40 in the refrigerant unit 10, thereby improving the assemblability of the refrigerant unit 10.

[0036] In the refrigerant unit 10 , the refrigerant circulates as follows. That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 20 to become a high-pressure gas refrigerant and is discharged. The high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 20 flows through the refrigerant pipe 81 and flows into the heater 40.

[0037] At this time, when expansion valve 71 is open, the high-pressure gas compressed in compressor 20 is diverted from refrigerant pipe 81 to refrigerant pipe 86 according to the opening of expansion valve 71. At least a portion of the refrigerant diverted to refrigerant pipe 86 flows through the high-pressure flow path of flow path module 50 into expansion valve 71, is decompressed and expanded in expansion valve 71, flows into accumulator 22, and is again sucked into compressor 20 through refrigerant pipe 85.

[0038] On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing into the heater 40 from the refrigerant pipe 81 releases heat by exchanging heat with other heat medium in the heater 40 , then flows out of the heater 40 and flows into the flow path block 50 through the refrigerant pipe 82 .

[0039] The refrigerant flowing into the flow path module 50 passes through the high-pressure flow path provided in the high-pressure side region 51 of the flow path module 50 and flows into the expansion valve 72. The refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 72 and expands to become low-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant, having been reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 72, passes through the low-pressure flow path provided in the low-pressure side region of the flow path module 50, flows out of the flow path module 50, and flows into the cooler 30 through the refrigerant pipe 83.

[0040] The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the cooler 30 absorbs heat through heat exchange with other heat media in the cooler 30, then flows out of the cooler 30, passes through the low-pressure flow path of the flow path module 50, flows through the refrigerant piping 84, and flows into the accumulator 22 via the flow path module 50. From the accumulator 22, it returns to the compressor 20 via the refrigerant piping 85. The refrigerant flowing into the compressor 20 is compressed again, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0041] As described above, during the refrigerant circulation process, when the refrigerant flows from the condenser 40 and into the flow path module 50, the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the high-pressure flow path, causing the temperature of the high-pressure side region 51 to rise. Meanwhile, the low-pressure refrigerant, having been reduced in pressure by passing through the expansion valve 72, passes through the low-pressure flow path, causing the temperature of the low-pressure side region 52 to drop. At this time, heat transfer occurs from the high-pressure side region 51 to the low-pressure side region 52. However, due to the air grooves formed by the slits 55, the high-pressure side region 51 and the low-pressure side region 52 are not continuous metal bodies, thus hindering heat transfer from the high-pressure side region 51 to the low-pressure side region 52.

[0042] Furthermore, by forming the entire support plate 12 or at least the heat exchanger support plate 16 from a heat insulating material and inserting the heat insulating material into the slit 55 , heat transfer between the high-pressure side region 51 and the low-pressure side region 52 can be further suppressed.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, the compressor 20, accumulator 22, cooler 30, heater 40, and flow path module 50 that constitute the refrigerant circuit are each supported on the support plate 12, thereby unitizing the components. Consequently, the components included in the refrigerant unit 10 are positioned close to one another, minimizing the length of the refrigerant pipes 81 to 86. This reduces heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in the refrigerant pipes 81 to 86.

[0044] When the refrigerant unit 10 is mounted on a vehicle body, the entire refrigerant unit 10 vibrates due to vibrations caused by the operation of the compressor 20 and the running of the vehicle. Therefore, the displacement difference between the devices included in the refrigerant unit 10 is small, and the vibration resistance of the refrigerant unit 10 is improved.

[0045] By arranging refrigerant pipes 81-86 at a position lower than the highest position of expansion valves 71 and 72, damage to refrigerant pipes 81-86 and their connections can be prevented even when refrigerant unit 10 vibrates. Furthermore, since refrigerant unit 10 is constructed as described above, there is no need to use a refrigerant hose between refrigerant pipe 85 and compressor 20. There is no need to worry about moisture intrusion into the unit due to deterioration of the refrigerant hose, and therefore, there is no need to install a desiccant inside accumulator 22 or the like.

[0046] Providing at least a bent portion 85A in the refrigerant piping 85 connected to the refrigerant suction port of the compressor can eliminate installation errors and even assembly errors during assembly of the refrigerant unit 10. Furthermore, by providing the bent portion 85A at a position closer to the compressor 20 than the connected equipment (in this embodiment, the accumulator 22 and the flow path module 50), installation errors and even assembly errors relative to the compressor 20 can be further absorbed.

[0047] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in the refrigerant pipe while ensuring resistance to vibration of the compressor and the like.

[0048] While 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 embodiments, and design changes that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also encompassed by the present invention. (Explanation of Symbols)

[0049] 10 Refrigerant unit; 12 Support plate; 15 Bottom plate; 15A, 15B, 15D areas; 15C Step portion; 16 Heat exchanger support plate; 20 Compressor; 21 Leg; 22 Storage tank; 30 Cooler; 40 Heater; 50 Flow path module; 50A, 50B connection portion; 51 High-pressure side area; 52 Low-pressure side area; 55 Slit; 61 Rubber bushing; 62 Fastener; 71, 72 Expansion valve; 81-86 Refrigerant piping; 85A Bend portion; 91-94 Heat medium piping; 101-106 Fastening holes.

Claims

1. A refrigerant unit, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit is formed by connecting a compressor, a heater, a pressure reducing device, a cooler and a gas-liquid separator through refrigerant piping; as well as a support plate, the support plate supporting the refrigerant circuit, At least the compressor, the heater, the cooler, and the gas-liquid separator are respectively fixed to the support plate.

2. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant suction port of the compressor has at least one bent portion.

3. The refrigerant unit according to claim 2, wherein: The refrigerant pipe has at least one bent portion on a side closer to the compressor than a connected device connected to a refrigerant suction port of the compressor through the refrigerant pipe.

4. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigerant circuit includes a flow path module, the flow path module integrally forming at least a portion of a refrigerant flow path for circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, and fixed to the support plate. The flow path block is formed with a connection portion of the decompression device.

5. The refrigerant unit according to claim 4, wherein: The refrigerant pipes connecting the compressor, the heater, the decompression device, the cooler, the gas-liquid separator, and the flow path module are arranged at a position that is the same as or lower than the highest position of the decompression device.

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