Cooling module

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling module. The cooling module is provided with a manifold in which a flow path through which a fluid flows is formed, and the manifold has, in the interior of the manifold: a branch flow path branching from the flow path; a merging flow path that merges with the flow path on the downstream side of the branch flow path in the flow direction of the fluid; and a reservoir that communicates with the branch flow path and the converging flow path, stores the fluid flowing through the branch flow path, and causes the stored fluid to flow from the converging flow path to the flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling module. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a liquid reservoir, which is configured to facilitate at least one of storage and flow of a liquid medium of a pump, a cooler, a heater, etc. by joining a first portion and a second portion. Patent document 1 discloses that the liquid reservoir includes an integrated channel that provides a path for the liquid medium to flow to the pump, the valve, the heater, etc., and the liquid medium is transported between a plurality of structural members via the integrated channel.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-520261

[0004] However, in the case where a receiving tank for storing liquid refrigerant is provided in a refrigerant circuit of a heat pump system in order to prevent a sudden change in the output of a cooling function (e.g., refrigeration), it is assumed that the liquid accumulator described in Patent Document 1 is used as the receiving tank. However, although the liquid accumulator described in Patent Document 1 is miniaturized by an integrated passage, a receiving tank must be provided separately, which occupies a limited space in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a compact cooling module.

[0006] The cooling module of the present invention is characterized in the following aspects: it is provided with a manifold, in which a flow path through which a fluid flows is formed, and the manifold has inside the manifold: a branch flow path that branches from the flow path; a confluent flow path that merges with the flow path on the downstream side of the flow direction of the fluid relative to the branch flow path; and a storage portion that is connected to the branch flow path and the confluent flow path, and stores the fluid flowing in the branch flow path, and causes the stored fluid to flow from the confluent flow path to the flow path.

[0007] According to this configuration, since the branch flow path, the converging flow path, and the storage portion are provided inside the manifold, the cooling module can be miniaturized. Thus, a compact cooling module is obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of a cooling system according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a part of the appearance of a manifold according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a part of the inside of the manifold according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a part of the interior of a manifold according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a cooling module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0013] 〔Cooling system〕

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing a circuit structure of a cooling system 200 having a cooling module 100. In the present embodiment, the cooling module 100 is integrally provided with a drive unit (not shown) having a motor (not shown). However, the cooling module 100 may also be provided independently of the drive unit (not shown). The motor (not shown) is, for example, provided in a motor room of a train.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system 200 includes a cooling fluid circuit 1 in which a cooling fluid W circulates, and a refrigerant circuit 2 in which a refrigerant R (an example of a fluid) circulates. The cooling fluid W is a cooling fluid such as a long-life coolant (LLC), an insulating oil such as a paraffin-based oil, a refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The refrigerant R is a refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).

[0016] 〔Cooling fluid circuit〕

[0017] The cooling fluid circuit 1 is a circuit for adjusting (cooling) the temperature of the rechargeable battery 11. The cooling fluid circuit 1 includes a cooling fluid flow path L1 through which the cooling fluid W flows, the rechargeable battery 11, and a cooler 12 that performs heat exchange between the cooling fluid W and the refrigerant R. The rechargeable battery 11 and the cooler 12 are connected via the cooling fluid flow path L1. After being heated by the heat generated by the rechargeable battery 11, the cooling fluid W flows into the cooler 12, and after being cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant R in the cooler 12, it flows into the rechargeable battery 11 and is heated again by the heat generated by the rechargeable battery 11.

[0018] 〔Refrigeration circuit〕

[0019] The refrigerant circuit 2 is a circuit for adjusting the temperature in the vehicle interior. The refrigerant circuit 2 includes a refrigerant flow path L2 (an example of a flow path) through which the refrigerant R flows. Hereinafter, the direction in which the refrigerant R flows is referred to as a flow direction D, the upstream side of the flow direction D is referred to as the "upstream side", and the downstream side is referred to as the "downstream side".

[0020] In addition, the refrigerant circuit 2 includes a compressor 21 that compresses the refrigerant R, a condenser 22 that condenses the refrigerant R compressed by the compressor 21, an expansion valve 23 that expands the condensed refrigerant R, an evaporator 24 that evaporates the refrigerant R expanded by the expansion valve 23, and a cooler 12 that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant R expanded by the expansion valve 23 and the cooling fluid W. In the present embodiment, the expansion valve 23 includes a first expansion valve 231 connected to the evaporator 24, and a second expansion valve 232 connected to the cooler 12. In addition, the refrigerant flow path L2 includes a first refrigerant flow path L21 (an example of a first flow path), and a second refrigerant flow path L22 (an example of a second flow path) branched from the first refrigerant flow path L21.

[0021] The compressor 21 , the condenser 22 , the accumulator 20 , the first expansion valve 231 , and the evaporator 24 are connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 , and the refrigerant R expanded by the first expansion valve 231 flows into the evaporator 24 .

[0022] The second expansion valve 232 and the cooler 12 are connected to the second refrigerant flow path L22, and the refrigerant R expanded by the second expansion valve 232 flows into the cooler 12. The second refrigerant flow path L22 is connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 between the evaporator 24 and the compressor 21 on the downstream side of the cooler 12, and the refrigerant R after heat exchange in the cooler 12 merges with the refrigerant R flowing in the first refrigerant flow path L21 between the evaporator 24 and the compressor 21. That is, the first expansion valve 231 and the evaporator 24, the second expansion valve 232 and the cooler 12 form a parallel circuit.

[0023] Refrigerant R is determined by Figure 1 After the compressor 21 described above compresses and turns the compressed gas into a high-temperature gas, it flows into the condenser 22 and is condensed and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant R is expanded by the first expansion valve 231 or the second expansion valve 232 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure mist. The refrigerant R used for adjusting the temperature in the vehicle interior among the refrigerant R that has become a mist, that is, the refrigerant R expanded by the first expansion valve 231, flows into the evaporator 24. In the evaporator 24, the refrigerant R takes heat from the air introduced from the outside air and evaporates and gasifies. Thus, the cooled air is supplied to the vehicle interior. On the other hand, the refrigerant R that is not used for adjusting the temperature in the vehicle interior among the refrigerant R that has become a mist, that is, the refrigerant R expanded by the second expansion valve 232, flows into the cooler 12. In the cooler 12, the refrigerant R is discharged from the cooler 12 in reference to the temperature of the vehicle interior. Figure 1 The cooling fluid W circulating in the cooling fluid circuit 1 described above absorbs heat to evaporate and gasify. In the evaporator 24 and the cooler 12 , the gasified refrigerant R flows into the compressor 21 .

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, auxiliary equipment such as the cooler 12, the condenser 22, the first expansion valve 231, the second expansion valve 232, and the evaporator 24 (not shown) are installed on the manifold 10 ( Figure 1 double-dotted line shown). Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a part of the appearance of the manifold 10. The manifold 10 is manufactured by, for example, die casting in which a metal such as molten aluminum is pressed into a mold.

[0025] return Figure 1 The refrigerant circuit 2 also includes a branch flow path L3 branching from the refrigerant flow path L2, a confluent flow path L4 confluent with the refrigerant flow path L2 on the downstream side of the branch flow path L3, and a storage device 20 (an example of a storage unit) connected (communicated) to the branch flow path L3 and the confluent flow path L4. In addition, in the present embodiment, two branch flow paths L3 and two confluent flow paths L4 are provided. Hereinafter, one of the branch flow paths L3 will be referred to as the "first branch flow path L31", and the other will be referred to as the "second branch flow path L32", and one of the confluent flow paths L4 will be referred to as the "first confluent flow path L41", and the other will be referred to as the "second confluent flow path L42" (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0026] The branch flow path L3 branches from the refrigerant flow path L2 between the condenser 22 and the expansion valve 23, and the confluent flow path L4 merges with the refrigerant flow path L2 on the downstream side (between the condenser 22 and the expansion valve 23) of the branch flow path L3. That is, the branch flow path L3 and the confluent flow path L4 are connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 on the downstream side of the condenser 22, and are connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 on the upstream side of the expansion valve 23.

[0027] The accumulator 20 stores the refrigerant R flowing in the branch flow path L3, that is, the liquid refrigerant R condensed by the condenser 22. The storage of the refrigerant R in the accumulator 20 and the supply of the refrigerant R from the accumulator 20 are controlled by adjusting the discharge amount (output) of the compressor 21 and the opening of the expansion valve 23. In addition, the control of the compressor 21 and the expansion valve 23 can also be controlled by a control device (not shown) including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the amount of refrigerant R supplied from the compressor 21 to the expansion valve 23 via the condenser 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "supply amount") and the amount of refrigerant R required in the expansion valve 23 (hereinafter referred to as the "required amount") are the same (including substantially the same), the amount of refrigerant R stored in the accumulator 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "stored amount") is maintained and the stored amount does not increase.

[0028] The accumulator 20, the branch flow path L3, the converging flow path L4, and a portion of the refrigerant flow path L2 are formed inside the manifold 10 (see Figure 3 ).

[0029] 〔Inside the manifold〕

[0030] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of the interior of the manifold 10. Figure 3 As shown, the first refrigerant flow path L21 is formed inside the manifold 10 along the outer edge of the manifold 10. The condenser 22 is arranged on the upstream side of the first refrigerant flow path L21 formed inside the manifold 10, and the evaporator 24 is arranged on the downstream side. In addition, the first expansion valve 231 is arranged on the upstream side of the evaporator 24. In addition, although the direction of the manifold 10 when in use is not particularly limited, hereinafter, the side where the evaporator 24 is arranged relative to the first expansion valve 231 is referred to as the "lower side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "upper side".

[0031] The second refrigerant flow path L22 branches from the first refrigerant flow path L21 at a branching position P between the condenser 22 and the first expansion valve 231, and extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first refrigerant flow path L21 extends. The cooler 12 is arranged on the downstream side of the second refrigerant flow path L22, and the second expansion valve 232 is arranged on the upstream side of the cooler 12.

[0032] In addition, an external connection flow path L5 connected to an external flow path (not shown) and the first refrigerant flow path L21 is formed inside the manifold 10. Figure 2 , the external connection flow path L5 is omitted.

[0033] The refrigerant R from the external flow path (not shown) flows into the external connection flow path L5, and the refrigerant R merges with the first refrigerant flow path L21. The external flow path is a refrigerant flow path formed outside the manifold 10, and is a flow path different from the refrigerant flow path L2. Auxiliary equipment such as a condenser (different from the condenser 22) not shown in the figure is connected to the external flow path.

[0034] The accumulator 20 is arranged near the expansion valve 23 inside the manifold 10 in a manner avoiding the refrigerant flow path L2, the branch flow path L3, the converging flow path L4, the first expansion valve 231, and the second expansion valve 232. Hereinafter, the space inside the manifold 10 where the refrigerant flow path L2, the branch flow path L3, the converging flow path L4, the first expansion valve 231, and the second expansion valve 232 are not provided is referred to as a "dead zone". That is, the accumulator 20 is arranged in the dead zone of the manifold 10 near the expansion valve 23. In addition, in the present embodiment, the dead zone is the space inside the manifold 10 for setting the reference Figure 2The area on the inner side (inner side) of the area where auxiliary equipment such as the condenser 22 and the cooler 12 are arranged on the outside of the manifold 10 described. That is, the dead zone is the area on the inner side of the projected image of the auxiliary equipment such as the condenser 22 and the cooler 12 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the manifold 10. In addition, the main surface of the manifold 10 is a plane including the direction in which the flow path L extends. In addition, in the present embodiment, the dead zone is arranged between the first refrigerant flow path L21 and the external connection flow path L5.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, two reservoirs 20 are provided inside the manifold 10. Hereinafter, the reservoir 20 disposed between the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232 of the two reservoirs 20 is referred to as the "first reservoir 201", and the reservoir 20 disposed on a side (upper side) farther from the first expansion valve 231 than the first reservoir 201 is referred to as the "second reservoir 202".

[0036] The first reservoir 201 is connected to the first branch flow path L31 and the first converging flow path L41.

[0037] The first branch flow path L31 is connected to the first accumulator 201 and the refrigerant flow path L2 (the second refrigerant flow path L22). Specifically, the first branch flow path L31 is connected to the end portion (near the branch position P) on the upstream side of the flow direction D of the second refrigerant flow path L22, and is connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 via the second refrigerant flow path L22.

[0038] The first confluent flow path L41 communicates the first accumulator 201 with the first expansion valve 231. Specifically, the first confluent flow path L41 is connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 on the upstream side of the first expansion valve 231 in the vicinity of the first expansion valve 231, and communicates with the first expansion valve 231 via the first refrigerant flow path L21. In addition, the first confluent flow path L41 is connected to the evaporator 24 via the first expansion valve 231 and the first refrigerant flow path L21 on the downstream side of the first expansion valve 231. That is, the first expansion valve 231 communicates with the first accumulator 201 via the first confluent flow path L41 connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 on the upstream side of the first expansion valve 231. In addition, at the same time, the first expansion valve 231 is connected to the evaporator 24 via the first refrigerant flow path L21 on the downstream side of the first expansion valve 231.

[0039] The second reservoir 202 is connected to the second branch flow path L32 and the second converging flow path L42.

[0040] The second branch flow path L32 allows the second accumulator 202 and the refrigerant flow path L2 (the first refrigerant flow path L21) to communicate with each other.

[0041] The second confluent flow path L42 communicates the second accumulator 202 with the second expansion valve 232. In detail, the second confluent flow path L42 is connected to the second refrigerant flow path L22 on the upstream side of the second expansion valve 232 near the second expansion valve 232. That is, the second accumulator 202 is connected to the second expansion valve 232 via the second refrigerant flow path L22. In addition, the second confluent flow path L42 is connected to the cooler 12 via the second expansion valve 232 and the second refrigerant flow path L22 on the downstream side of the second expansion valve 232. That is, the second expansion valve 232 is connected to the second accumulator 202 via the second confluent flow path L42 connected to the second refrigerant flow path L22 on the upstream side of the second expansion valve 232. In addition, at the same time, the second expansion valve 232 is connected to the cooler 12 via the second refrigerant flow path L22 on the downstream side of the second expansion valve 232.

[0042] [Refrigerant flow inside the manifold]

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The flow of the refrigerant R inside the manifold 10 will be described.

[0044] First, a case where the compressor 21 and the expansion valve 23 are controlled in such a manner that the supply amount of the refrigerant R is the same as the required amount of the refrigerant R will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the compressor 21 and the expansion valve 23 are controlled in such a manner that the supply amount of the refrigerant R is the same as the required amount of the refrigerant R will be referred to as the "same operation mode".

[0045] In the same operation mode, the refrigerant R from the condenser 22 is not newly stored in the accumulator 20, but all flows into the expansion valve 23. Specifically, the refrigerant R from the condenser 22 flows in the first refrigerant flow path L21 and flows into the first expansion valve 231, and flows into the second expansion valve 232 via the first refrigerant flow path L21 and the second refrigerant flow path L22. Hereinafter, the opening degree of the expansion valve 23 when the supply amount of the refrigerant R and the required amount of the refrigerant R are the same is referred to as the "reference opening degree", and the discharge amount of the compressor 21 is referred to as the "reference discharge amount".

[0046] In the same operation mode, for example, when the refrigerant R is not stored in the accumulator 20, if the opening of the expansion valve 23 (at least one of the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232) is greater than the reference opening, the compressor 21 is controlled so that the discharge amount (output) thereof is greater than the reference discharge amount according to the change in the opening of the expansion valve 23. However, since the refrigerant R is supplied to the expansion valve 23 after being compressed by the compressor 21 and condensed by the condenser 22, it takes time (hereinafter referred to as "first required time") before reaching the expansion valve 23, and the refrigerant R is temporarily insufficient in the expansion valve 23.

[0047] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the compressor 21 and the expansion valve 23 are controlled in such a manner that the refrigerant R is pre-stored in the accumulator 20. For example, the compressor 21 is controlled in such a manner that the discharge amount is greater than the reference discharge amount, and the expansion valve 23 is controlled in such a manner that the opening of at least one of the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232 is maintained at the reference opening (or smaller than the reference opening). Alternatively, the compressor 21 is controlled in such a manner that the discharge amount is maintained at the reference discharge amount, and the expansion valve 23 is controlled in such a manner that the opening of at least one of the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232 is smaller than the reference opening. Hereinafter, the case where the compressor 21 and the expansion valve 23 are controlled in such a manner that the refrigerant R is stored in the accumulator 20 is referred to as an "storage mode". In the storage mode, a portion of the refrigerant R from the condenser 22 flows into the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232, and the remaining portion of the refrigerant R flows into the first storage tank 201 via the first branch flow path L31 and is stored in the first storage tank 201, and flows into the second storage tank 202 via the second branch flow path L32 and is stored in the second storage tank 202.

[0048] In a state where the refrigerant R is stored in the accumulator 20 in advance, if the opening degree of at least one of the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232 becomes larger, in addition to the refrigerant R from the condenser 22, the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 and the second accumulator 202 is also supplied to the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232. In detail, the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 is supplied to the first expansion valve 231 via the first merging flow path L41, and the refrigerant R stored in the second accumulator 202 is supplied to the second expansion valve 232 via the second merging flow path L42.

[0049] As described above, the first accumulator 201 is arranged near the first expansion valve 231. Therefore, when the opening degree of the first expansion valve 231 becomes larger, the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 is supplied to the first expansion valve 231 at the second required time shorter than the first required time. As a result, the shortage of the refrigerant R in the first expansion valve 231 can be suppressed. Similarly, since the second accumulator 202 is also arranged near the second expansion valve 232, when the opening degree of the second expansion valve 232 becomes larger, the refrigerant R stored in the second accumulator 202 can be supplied to the second expansion valve 232 at the third required time shorter than the first required time. As a result, the shortage of the refrigerant R in the second expansion valve 232 can be suppressed. The second required time and the third required time may be the same time or slightly different times. In addition, in this specification, the vicinity of the expansion valve 23 refers to the position of the accumulator 20 and the confluent flow path L4 such that the second required time and the third required time are shorter than the first required time. For example, the vicinity of the expansion valve 23 is a position of the accumulator 20 (an area close to the expansion valve 23 ) where the second required time and the third required time are shorter than the first required time.

[0050] [Effects of implementation methods]

[0051] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the branch flow path L3, the confluent flow path L4, and the accumulator 20 are provided inside the manifold 10, so that the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized. In addition, when the cooling module 100 is used in a heat pump system, the accumulator 20 can store the refrigerant R. Thus, for example, when the refrigeration switch is turned on during the cooling of the rechargeable battery 11, it is not necessary to increase the output of the compressor 21 as usual, and the refrigerant R stored in the accumulator 20 can be used to quickly operate the refrigeration. In this way, a compact cooling module 100 is obtained that can cope with a sudden change in the output of the cooling function (particularly, a sudden increase in the output of the cooling function).

[0052] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the confluent flow path L4 communicating with the accumulator 20 is arranged near the expansion valve 23, so the stored refrigerant R can flow into the expansion valve 23 at an appropriate time. As a result, for example, when the opening degree of the expansion valve 23 becomes larger and the amount (required amount) required for the expansion valve 23 to expand the refrigerant R increases, the refrigerant R can be supplied from the accumulator 20 to the expansion valve 23 in a shorter time than the refrigerant R supplied from the compressor 21, etc., so the shortage of the refrigerant R in the expansion valve 23 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the branch flow path L3 and the confluent flow path L4 communicating with the accumulator 20 are connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 on the downstream side of the condenser 22, so the accumulator 20 can store the refrigerant R condensed by the condenser 22. Thus, for example, even if the opening degree of the expansion valve 23 becomes larger and the amount of refrigerant R required in the expansion valve 23 increases, the shortage of the refrigerant R in the expansion valve 23 can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the accumulator 20 is disposed in the dead space of the manifold 10 near the expansion valve 23 , so that the space utilization efficiency of the manifold 10 can be improved, and the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized.

[0055] [Other implementation methods]

[0056] The present invention may be configured as follows other than the above-described embodiment (the same reference numerals and signs as those in the embodiment are given to components having the same functions as in the embodiment).

[0057] (1) The amount (required amount) of the refrigerant R used for adjusting the temperature in the vehicle interior, that is, the amount (required amount) required for the first expansion valve 231 connected to the evaporator 24 to expand the refrigerant R may be larger than the amount (required amount) required for the second expansion valve 232 connected to the cooler 12 to expand the refrigerant R. Therefore, for example, Figure 4 As shown, the volume of the first accumulator 201 may be larger than the volume of the second accumulator 202. Thus, the shortage of the refrigerant R in the first expansion valve 231 (the shortage of the refrigerant R for adjusting the temperature in the vehicle interior) can be suppressed.

[0058] (2) In the present embodiment, the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 is supplied to the first expansion valve 231, and the refrigerant R stored in the second accumulator 202 is supplied to the second expansion valve 232. However, the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 may be supplied to the second expansion valve 232, and the refrigerant R stored in the second accumulator 202 may be supplied to the first expansion valve 231. In addition, a part of the refrigerant R stored in the first accumulator 201 may be supplied to the first expansion valve 231, and the remaining part may be supplied to the second expansion valve 232. The same applies to the refrigerant R stored in the second accumulator 202.

[0059] (3) In the present embodiment, although the case where there are two accumulators 20 is described, the number of accumulators 20 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be one or more than three. In the case where there is one accumulator 20, the refrigerant R stored in the accumulator 20 is supplied to the first expansion valve 231 and the second expansion valve 232. In addition, the number of branch flow paths L3 and the number of confluent flow paths L4 may be changed according to the number of accumulators 20.

[0060] (4) In this embodiment, the reference Figure 2 The positions of auxiliary devices such as the cooler 12 and the condenser 22 described above are arranged. In this case, the positions of the reservoir 20, the branch flow path L3, and the converging flow path L4 arranged inside the manifold 10 can be appropriately changed according to the positions of the auxiliary devices.

[0061] (5) In the present embodiment, the dead zone is described as a region inside the manifold 10 that is located on the inner side (inner side) of the region where the auxiliary equipment is arranged. However, the dead zone may not be a region inside the region where the auxiliary equipment is arranged. In addition, the dead zone may not be arranged between the first refrigerant flow path L21 and the external connection flow path L5.

[0062] (6) In the present embodiment, the cooler 12, the condenser 22, and the expansion valve 23 are described as examples of auxiliary equipment mounted on the manifold 10, but the auxiliary equipment mounted on the manifold 10 can be appropriately changed. In addition, the cooling module 100 is composed of the manifold 10 and the auxiliary equipment mounted on the manifold 10, and the cooling system 200 is composed of the cooling module 100 and the auxiliary equipment included in the cooling fluid circuit 1 and the refrigerant circuit 2, except for the auxiliary equipment mounted on the manifold 10.

[0063] (7) In the present embodiment, the refrigerant R is described as an example of the fluid, but the fluid is not limited to the refrigerant R.

[0064] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the following configurations are conceivable.

[0065] (1) The cooling module 100 of the present invention is characterized in the following aspects, comprising: a manifold 10, in which a refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) through which a refrigerant R (fluid) flows is formed, and the manifold 10 has inside the manifold 10: a branch flow path L3 branching from the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path); a confluent flow path L4 merging with the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) on the downstream side of the branch flow path L3 in the flow direction D of the refrigerant R (fluid); and a storage device 20 (storage portion) which is connected to the branch flow path L3 and the confluent flow path L4, and stores the refrigerant R (fluid) flowing in the branch flow path L3, and allows the stored refrigerant R (fluid) to flow from the confluent flow path L4 to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path).

[0066] According to this structure, since the branch flow path L3, the confluent flow path L4 and the accumulator 20 (storage part) are arranged inside the manifold 10, the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized. In particular, when the cooling module 100 is used in a heat pump system, the accumulator 20 (storage part) can store liquid refrigerant R. As a result, when the refrigeration switch is turned on during the cooling of the rechargeable battery, it is not necessary to increase the output of the compressor as usual, and the liquid refrigerant R stored in the accumulator 20 (storage part) can be used to quickly perform cooling. In this way, a compact cooling module 100 is obtained, which can cope with a sudden change in the output of the cooling function.

[0067] (2) In the cooling module 100 of (1), a condenser 22 and an expansion valve 23 may also be provided, which are installed on the manifold 10 and connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path), and the converging flow path L4 is connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) on the side close to the expansion valve 23 in the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) between the condenser 22 and the expansion valve 23, and the branch flow path L3 and the converging flow path L4 are connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) on the downstream side of the condenser 22.

[0068] According to this structure, the confluent flow path L4 communicating with the accumulator 20 (storage unit) is arranged near the expansion valve 23, so that the stored refrigerant R (fluid) can flow into the expansion valve 23 at an appropriate time. In detail, the confluent flow path L4 is connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) on the side close to the expansion valve 23 in the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) between the condenser 22 and the expansion valve 23, and the branch flow path L3 and the confluent flow path L4 are connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) on the downstream side of the condenser 22. Therefore, for example, when the opening degree of the expansion valve 23 becomes larger and the amount of liquid refrigerant R required by the expansion valve 23 increases, the liquid refrigerant R can be supplied from the accumulator 20 (storage unit) to the expansion valve 23 in a short time compared with the refrigerant R supplied from the compressor, etc., so the shortage of the refrigerant R (fluid) in the expansion valve 23 can be suppressed.

[0069] (3) In the cooling module 100 of (2), the reservoir 20 (storage unit) may be disposed in a dead space of the manifold 10 near the expansion valve 23 .

[0070] According to this configuration, the accumulator 20 (storage unit) is disposed in the dead space of the manifold 10 near the expansion valve 23 , so that the space utilization efficiency of the manifold 10 can be improved, and the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized.

[0071] (4) In the cooling module 100 of (3), the dead zone can also be configured between the first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path) and the external connection flow path L5, wherein the first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path) has a condenser 22 on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) and an expansion valve 23 on the downstream side, and the external connection flow path L5 allows the refrigerant R (fluid) from the external flow path arranged outside the manifold 10 to flow in and merge with the refrigerant R (fluid) in the first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path).

[0072] According to this configuration, the accumulator 20 (storage portion) is arranged in the dead space between the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) and the external connection flow path L5 , so that the space utilization efficiency of the manifold 10 can be improved, and the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized.

[0073] (5) In the cooling module 100 of (3), the dead zone may be a region inside the manifold 10 that is on the back side of the region where auxiliary equipment including the condenser 22 is arranged.

[0074] According to this structure, the storage device 20 (storage unit) is arranged in the dead space of the manifold 10 on the inner side of the auxiliary equipment (inside the projection image of the auxiliary equipment), so that the space utilization efficiency of the manifold 10 can be improved and the cooling module 100 can be miniaturized.

[0075] (6) In any one of the cooling modules 100 in (2) to (5), an evaporator 24 and a cooler 12 connected to the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) may also be provided, the expansion valve 23 includes a first expansion valve 231 and a second expansion valve 232, the refrigerant flow path L2 (flow path) includes a first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path) connected to the first expansion valve 231 and a second refrigerant flow path L22 (second flow path) connected to the second expansion valve 232, the confluent flow path L4 includes a first confluent flow path L41 and a second confluent flow path L42, the storage device 20 (storage unit) includes a first storage device 201 (first storage unit) and a second storage device 202 (second storage unit), the first expansion valve 231 includes a first expansion valve 231 and a second expansion valve 232, The valve 231 is connected to the first storage tank 201 (first storage part) via the first confluent flow path L41 connected to the first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path) on the upstream side, and is connected to the evaporator 24 via the first refrigerant flow path L21 (first flow path) connected to the downstream side. The second expansion valve 232 is connected to the second storage tank 202 (second storage part) via the second confluent flow path L42 connected to the second refrigerant flow path L22 (second flow path) on the upstream side, and is connected to the cooler 12 via the second refrigerant flow path L22 (second flow path) connected to the downstream side. The volume of the first storage tank 201 (first storage part) is larger than the volume of the second storage tank 202 (second storage part).

[0076] According to the present structure, the volume of the first accumulator 201 (first storage part) connected to the first expansion valve 231 connected to the evaporator 24 via the first merging flow path L41 is larger than the volume of the second accumulator 202 (second storage part) connected to the second expansion valve 232 connected to the cooler 12 via the second merging flow path L42. For example, when the cooling switch is turned on during the cooling of the rechargeable battery, the amount (required amount) required for the first expansion valve 231 connected to the evaporator 24 to expand the refrigerant R (fluid) may be larger than the amount (required amount) required for the second expansion valve 232 connected to the cooler 12 to expand the refrigerant R (fluid). Therefore, as in the present structure, by making the volume of the first accumulator 201 (first storage part) larger than the volume of the second accumulator 202 (second storage part), the shortage of the refrigerant R (fluid) in the first expansion valve 231 can be suppressed.

[0077] Possibility of industrial application

[0078] The present invention can be used in cooling modules.

[0079] Description of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10: manifold, 12: cooler, 20: storage device (storage unit), 22: condenser, 23: expansion valve, 24: evaporator, 100: cooling module, 201: first storage device (first storage unit), 202: second storage device (second storage unit), 231: first expansion valve, 232: second expansion valve, D: flow direction, L2: refrigerant flow path (flow path), L21: first refrigerant flow path (first flow path), L22: second refrigerant flow path (second flow path) L3: branch flow path, L4: confluent flow path, L41: first confluent flow path, L42: second confluent flow path, L5: external connection flow path, R: refrigerant (fluid).

Claims

1. A cooling module, wherein: have: A manifold having a flow path formed inside for the fluid to flow through, The manifold has inside the manifold: a branch flow path branching from the above flow path; a merging flow path that merges with the flow path on a downstream side of the branch flow path in the flow direction of the fluid; and The storage unit communicates with the branch flow path and the merging flow path, stores the fluid flowing in the branch flow path, and causes the stored fluid to flow from the merging flow path to the flow path.

2. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: A condenser and an expansion valve are mounted on the manifold and connected to the flow path. The converging flow path is connected to the flow path on the side close to the expansion valve in the flow path between the condenser and the expansion valve. The branch flow passage and the converging flow passage are connected to the flow passage on the downstream side of the condenser.

3. The cooling module according to claim 2, wherein: The reservoir is disposed in a dead space of the manifold near the expansion valve.

4. The cooling module according to claim 3, wherein: The dead zone is arranged between a first flow path and an external connection flow path, wherein the first flow path has the condenser arranged on the upstream side of the flow path and the expansion valve arranged on the downstream side, and the external connection flow path allows the fluid from the external flow path arranged outside the manifold to flow in and merge the fluid in the first flow path.

5. The cooling module according to claim 3, wherein: The dead zone is a region inside the manifold that is on the inner side of a region where auxiliary equipment including the condenser is arranged.

6. The cooling module according to claim 2, wherein: Also available: The evaporator and cooler connected to the above flow path, The above expansion valve includes a first expansion valve and a second expansion valve. The flow path includes a first flow path connected to the first expansion valve and a second flow path connected to the second expansion valve. The above-mentioned merging flow path includes a first merging flow path and a second merging flow path, The storage part includes a first storage part and a second storage part. The first expansion valve communicates with the first storage portion via the first merging flow path connected to the first flow path on the upstream side, and is connected to the evaporator via the first flow path connected to the downstream side. The second expansion valve communicates with the second storage portion via the second merging flow path connected to the second flow path on the upstream side, and is connected to the cooler via the second flow path connected to the downstream side. The first storage portion has a larger volume than the second storage portion.

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