Manifold

Abstract

The invention relates to a manifold. The manifold is provided with a flow path housing having a fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows, and an opening is formed in the flow path housing, into which an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe through which a second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid flows in the heat exchanger are inserted together, the opening functioning as a heat-insulating space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] There are known systems related to the thermal management of an air conditioning system or the like of a vehicle (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal management system including a compressor that compresses low-temperature refrigerant vapor in a subsystem into high-temperature refrigerant vapor.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-255879

[0004] In the thermal management system disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, if a high-temperature flow path through which high-temperature refrigerant vapor compressed by the compressor flows and a low-temperature flow path through which low-temperature refrigerant vapor flows are arranged close to each other, heat exchange may occur between the high-temperature refrigerant and the low-temperature refrigerant. As a result, the performance of the refrigerant circuit constituting the air conditioning system deteriorates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a manifold that suppresses heat exchange between cooling fluids at different temperatures.

[0006] The manifold of the present invention is characterized in the following aspects, that is, it includes: a flow path housing having a fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows, and an opening is formed in the flow path housing, and an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe through which a second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid in a heat exchanger flow are inserted together, and the opening functions as a heat insulation space.

[0007] According to this structure, an opening that functions as a heat insulation space is provided in the flow path housing having a fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows. When the first fluid flows in the fluid flow path, its temperature changes, but according to this structure, since an opening serving as a heat insulation space is provided in the flow path housing, heat exchange between first fluids at different temperatures can be suppressed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a manifold and its vicinity of an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 Viewed from another direction Figure 2 A diagram of the shown manifold. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the manifold according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0012] 〔Refrigerant Circuit〕

[0013] First, with reference to Figure 1 the refrigerant circuit C mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle will be described. The refrigerant circuit C is composed of a refrigerant flow path L through which a refrigerant F1 (an example of the first fluid) for cooling and heating that adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle flows. The refrigerant F1 is, for example, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), or the like. In addition, the refrigerant flow path L is provided in the manifold 100 mounted on the vehicle (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0014] As Figure 1 shown, the refrigerant circuit C includes a compressor 1 (compressor), a cockpit condenser 2, a water-cooled condenser 3 (condenser), an evaporator 4 (evaporator), a cooler 5 (evaporator), a accumulator 6, and a valve V. The compressor 1, the cockpit condenser 2, the water-cooled condenser 3, the evaporator 4, the cooler 5, the accumulator 6, and the valve V are connected via the refrigerant flow path L.

[0015] The valve V includes an on-off valve V1 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. In addition, the valve V further includes a first expansion valve VE1 provided between the cockpit condenser 2 and the water-cooled condenser 3, a second expansion valve VE2 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the evaporator 4, and a third expansion valve VE3 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5.

[0016] The on-off valve V1 controls (flows or cuts off) the flow of the refrigerant F1 between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. If the on-off valve V1 is set to the open state, the refrigerant F1 flows in the order of the compressor 1, the cockpit condenser 2, the first expansion valve VE1, the water-cooled condenser 3, the on-off valve V1, the accumulator 6, and the compressor 1. Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit C provided with the compressor 1, the cockpit condenser 2, the water-cooled condenser 3, the on-off valve V1, and the accumulator 6 will be referred to as the "main circuit Cm".

[0017] The first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, and the third expansion valve VE3 expand the refrigerant F1 to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant F1.

[0018] If the second expansion valve VE2 is set to the open state, the refrigerant F1 flows in the order of the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4, and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit C branched from the main circuit Cm and provided with the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4 is referred to as the "first branch circuit Cb1". The second expansion valve VE2 is controlled (flowed or cut off), for example, when adjusting the temperature in the vehicle cabin.

[0019] If the third expansion valve VE3 is set to the open state, the refrigerant F1 flows in the order of the third expansion valve VE3 and the cooler 5, and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit C branched from the main circuit Cm and provided with the third expansion valve VE3 and the cooler 5 is referred to as the "second branch circuit Cb2". The third expansion valve VE3 is controlled (flowed or cut off), for example, when adjusting the temperature of the battery.

[0020] The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant F1 to make the refrigerant F1 into a high-pressure gas. The refrigerant F1 compressed by the compressor 1 is sent to the cockpit condenser 2, exchanges heat with the air in the vehicle cabin during the heating operation, and flows into the water-cooled condenser 3 (an example of the first heat exchanger) via the first expansion valve VE1.

[0021] The first heat carrier F2 (an example of the second fluid) circulating in a circuit different from the refrigerant circuit C (for example, a cooling circuit for cooling an electronic circuit mounted on a vehicle, etc.) flows in the water-cooled condenser 3. The first heat carrier F2 is a long-life coolant (LLC) or the like, such as cooling water, insulating oil such as paraffin-based, refrigerant such as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).

[0022] The refrigerant F1 flowing into the water-cooled condenser 3 exchanges heat (takes away heat and cools down) with the first heat carrier F2 flowing in the water-cooled condenser 3, and becomes a high-pressure liquid. Hereinafter, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 flowing into the water-cooled condenser 3 is referred to as the "first heat carrier temperature", and the temperature of the refrigerant F1 flowing out of the water-cooled condenser 3 is referred to as the "second heat carrier temperature". In addition, the first heat carrier temperature is, for example, 80 degrees to 90 degrees, and the second heat carrier temperature is, for example, 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

[0023] The refrigerant F1 flowing into the second expansion valve VE2 is expanded into a state in which liquid and gas are mixed (misty state) and flows into the evaporator 4. In the evaporator 4, the refrigerant F1 exchanges heat (takes away heat and warms up) with the air introduced from the outside and is vaporized. The refrigerant F1 after heat exchange by the evaporator 4 flows into the accumulator 6, and the liquid contained in the refrigerant F1 is separated. The refrigerant F1 after separating the liquid returns to the compressor 1.

[0024] The refrigerant F1 flowing into the third expansion valve VE3 is expanded and becomes a state of a mixture of liquid and gas (misty state), and flows into the cooler 5 (an example of the second heat exchanger). The second heat carrier F3 (an example of the second fluid) circulating in a circuit different from the refrigerant circuit C (for example, a cooling circuit for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle) flows to the cooler 5. The second heat carrier F3 is a coolant such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, refrigerant such as hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).

[0025] The refrigerant F1 flowing into the cooler 5 exchanges heat with the second heat carrier F3 flowing in the cooler 5 (takes heat and warms up) and vaporizes. The refrigerant F1 after heat exchange by the cooler 5 flows into the accumulator 6, and the liquid contained in the refrigerant F1 is separated. The refrigerant F1 after separating the liquid returns to the compressor 1. Hereinafter, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 flowing into the cooler 5 is referred to as "the third heat carrier temperature", and the temperature of the refrigerant F1 flowing out of the cooler 5 is referred to as "the fourth heat carrier temperature". The third heat carrier temperature and the fourth heat carrier temperature are, for example, 15 degrees to 25 degrees.

[0026] 〔Structure of the manifold〕

[0027] Next, with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the structure of the manifold 100 provided with the refrigerant flow path L will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the manifold 100 and its vicinity, Figure 3 is a diagram of the manifold shown from another direction Figure 2 . In addition, in Figure 2 , only a part (the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5) in the vicinity of the manifold 100 is shown. Further, in Figure 3 , only a part of the refrigerant flow path L provided in the manifold 100 (the flow path housing 10) is shown. Hereinafter, a plane including the extending direction of the refrigerant flow path L is referred to as "the imaginary plane VS".

[0028] As shown in Figure 2 , the manifold 100 includes a flow path housing 10 and a plate member 60. The plate member 60 is a plate-like member having a flat surface. The flow path housing 10 has a refrigerant flow path L. The flow path housing 10 is joined to the plate member 60 in such a manner that the surface provided with the refrigerant flow path L faces the flat surface of the plate member 60. Thereby, the refrigerant flow path L is formed inside the manifold 100.

[0029] 〔Flow path housing〕

[0030] The flow path housing 10 is formed, for example, by molding a metal containing aluminum (for example, aluminum alloy).

[0031] As shown inFigure 3 As shown, a compressor 1, a cockpit condenser 2, a water-cooled condenser 3, an evaporator 4, a cooler 5, and a reservoir 6 are provided outside the flow path housing 10.

[0032] The water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 are arranged at positions overlapping the flow path housing 10 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane VS (also refer to Figure 2 ).

[0033] 〔Cast Hole〕

[0034] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, cast holes 20 (an example of an opening) into which pipes connected to the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 are inserted are formed in the flow path housing 10. The cast holes 20 are formed by molding using a pre-designed mold. In the present embodiment, two cast holes 20 are provided in the flow path housing 10. Hereinafter, one of the two cast holes 20 is referred to as the "first cast hole 21" (an example of a first opening), and the other is referred to as the "second cast hole 22" (an example of a second opening). In addition, through holes (not shown) penetrating the plate member 60 are formed in the plate member 60 at positions corresponding to the two cast holes 20.

[0035] In the water-cooled condenser 3, a first flow pipe 30 through which a first heat transfer medium F2 that exchanges heat with the refrigerant F1 flows is inserted into the first cast hole 21. The first flow pipe 30 is connected to the water-cooled condenser 3. As Figure 3 shown, the first flow pipe 30 includes: an inflow pipe, i.e., a first inflow pipe 31, which is connected to the inflow port of the first heat transfer medium F2 of the water-cooled condenser 3, i.e., the first heat transfer medium inflow port 3a, and through which the first heat transfer medium F2 flowing into the water-cooled condenser 3 flows; and an outflow pipe, i.e., a first outflow pipe 32, which is connected to the outflow port of the first heat transfer medium F2 of the water-cooled condenser 3, i.e., the first heat transfer medium outflow port 3b, and through which the first heat transfer medium F2 flowing out of the water-cooled condenser 3 flows.

[0036] That is, both the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 are inserted into the first cast hole 21. The first cast hole 21 has a shape and size capable of accommodating the two pipes, i.e., the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32, together. In addition, in the present embodiment, the water-cooled condenser 3 is arranged such that the first heat transfer medium inflow port 3a and the first heat transfer medium outflow port 3b overlap the first cast hole 21 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane VS.

[0037] The first cast hole 21 is an elongated hole, and the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 are inserted into the first cast hole 21 in a manner arranged along the long side direction of the first cast hole 21.

[0038] In the cooler 5, a second refrigerant flow pipe 50 through which a second refrigerant F3 that exchanges heat with the refrigerant F1 flows is inserted into the second casting hole 22. The second refrigerant flow pipe 50 is connected to the cooler 5. The second refrigerant flow pipe 50 includes: a second inflow pipe 51 that is connected to the second refrigerant inlet 5a of the second refrigerant F3 of the cooler 5, i.e., the second refrigerant inflow port, and through which the second refrigerant F3 flowing into the cooler 5 flows; and a second outflow pipe 52 that is connected to the second refrigerant outlet 5b of the second refrigerant F3 of the cooler 5, i.e., the second refrigerant outflow port, and through which the second refrigerant F3 flowing out of the cooler 5 flows.

[0039] That is, both the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 are inserted into the second casting hole 22. The second casting hole 22 has a shape and size capable of accommodating both the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 together. In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooler 5 is arranged such that, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane VS, the second refrigerant inflow port 5a and the second refrigerant outflow port 5b overlap with the second casting hole 22.

[0040] The second casting hole 22 is a long hole, and the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 are inserted into the second casting hole 22 in a manner arranged along the long side direction of the second casting hole 22.

[0041] The long side direction of the first casting hole 21 is parallel to the long side direction of the second casting hole 22. The long side directions of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 correspond to the molten metal flow direction when the flow path housing 10 is molded. Hereinafter, the direction along the long side direction of each of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 is referred to as the "first direction D1".

[0042] The first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 are adjacently arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1. Hereinafter, the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 is referred to as the "second direction D2".

[0043] In other words, the first refrigerant flow pipe 30 (the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32) connected to the water-cooled condenser 3 and the second refrigerant flow pipe 50 (the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52) connected to the cooler 5 are adjacent in the second direction D2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 are arranged such that the first refrigerant inflow port 3a and the first refrigerant outflow port 3b of the water-cooled condenser 3 connected to the first refrigerant flow pipe 30 and the second refrigerant inflow port 5a and the second refrigerant outflow port 5b of the cooler 5 connected to the second refrigerant flow pipe 50 are adjacent in the second direction D2.

[0044] 〔Refrigerant flow path〕

[0045] The refrigerant flow path L includes a first opposed portion L1 and a second opposed portion L2 that face each other across the casting holes 20 in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, the first opposed portion L1 includes a first flow path side outlet 111 (an example of a first outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows out from the refrigerant flow path L toward the water-cooled condenser 3, and a first flow path side inlet 112 (an example of a first inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the water-cooled condenser 3. The second opposed portion L2 includes a second flow path side outlet 121 (an example of a second outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows out from the refrigerant flow path L to the cooler 5, and a second flow path side inlet 122 (an example of a second inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the cooler 5.

[0046] That is, the first flow path side outlet 111, the first flow path side inlet 112, the second flow path side outlet 121, and the second flow path side inlet 122 are separated and arranged so as to sandwich the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22. In addition, the first flow path side outlet 111, the first flow path side inlet 112, the second flow path side outlet 121, and the second flow path side inlet 122 are formed in the flow path housing 10.

[0047] The first flow path side outlet 111 is connected to the first refrigerant inlet 3c of the water-cooled condenser 3, and the refrigerant F1 flowing out from the first flow path side outlet 111 flows into the water-cooled condenser 3 (the first refrigerant inlet 3c). The first flow path side inlet 112 is connected to the first refrigerant outlet 3d of the water-cooled condenser 3, and the refrigerant F1 flowing out from the water-cooled condenser 3 (the first refrigerant outlet 3d) flows into the refrigerant flow path L via the first flow path side inlet 112.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the first flow path side outlet 111 and the first flow path side inlet 112 are arranged in the first direction D1. The first flow path side outlet 111 and the first flow path side inlet 112 are arranged on the side farther from the cooler 5 than the first casting hole 21. Hereinafter, the first flow path side outlet 111 and the first flow path side inlet 112 may be collectively referred to as the "first flow path side connection portion 11".

[0049] The second flow path side outlet 121 is connected to the second refrigerant inlet 5c of the cooler 5, and the refrigerant F1 flowing out from the second flow path side outlet 121 of the refrigerant flow path L flows into the cooler 5 (the second refrigerant inlet 5c). The second flow path side inlet 122 is connected to the second refrigerant outlet 5d of the cooler 5, and the refrigerant F1 flowing out from the cooler 5 (the second refrigerant outlet 5d) flows into the refrigerant flow path L via the second flow path side inlet 122.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the second flow path side flow outlet 121 and the second flow path side flow inlet 122 are arranged in the first direction D1. The second flow path side flow outlet 121 and the second flow path side flow inlet 122 are provided on a side farther from the water-cooled condenser 3 than the second casting hole 22. Hereinafter, the second flow path side flow outlet 121 and the second flow path side flow inlet 122 may be collectively referred to as the "second flow path side connection portion 12".

[0051] In the present embodiment, in the second direction D2, the second flow path side flow outlet 121 faces the first flow path side flow inlet 112, and the second flow path side flow inlet 122 faces the first flow path side flow outlet 111 via the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22. According to the above structure, the portion of the refrigerant F1 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 toward the cooler 5 in the refrigerant flow path L extends along the outer edge of the region surrounding the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22. Thereby, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0052] 〔Function and effect of the embodiment〕

[0053] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the casting hole 20 that functions as a heat insulation space is provided in the flow path housing 10 having the refrigerant flow path L. Therefore, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 at different temperatures can be suppressed. In addition, the casting hole 20 also functions as an opening into which the inflow pipe for allowing the heating agent (the first heating agent F2 and the second heating agent F3) that exchanges heat with the refrigerant F1 flowing in the refrigerant flow path L to flow into the heat exchanger (the water-cooled condenser 3 and / or the cooler 5) and the outflow pipe for allowing it to flow out of the heat exchanger are inserted. That is, the casting hole 20 has both the function of a heat insulation space and the function of an opening into which the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe for allowing the heating agent to flow are inserted. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide the opening as a heat insulation space and the opening into which the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe for allowing the heating agent to flow are inserted in the flow path housing 10, and space saving of the flow path housing 10 can be achieved. Thereby, weight reduction and cost reduction of the flow path housing 10 can also be achieved.

[0054] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the first casting hole 21 into which the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 connected to the water-cooled condenser 3 are inserted and the second casting hole 22 into which the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 connected to the cooler 5 are inserted are adjacent in the first direction D1. That is, the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the water-cooled condenser 3, that is, the first flow path side connection portion 11, and the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the cooler 5, that is, the second flow path side connection portion 12, can be separated and provided. Thereby, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0055] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the first casting hole 21 is an elongated hole, the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 are arranged along the long side direction of the first casting hole 21. Similarly, since the second casting hole 22 is an elongated hole, the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 are arranged along the long side direction of the second casting hole 22. In addition, by setting the long side direction of the first casting hole 21 and the long side direction of the second casting hole 22 to be parallel, the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the water-cooled condenser 3, that is, the first flow path side connection portion 11, and the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the cooler 5, that is, the second flow path side connection portion 12, can be separated and provided. Thereby, heat exchange between the first fluids at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, each of the long side directions of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 corresponds to the molten metal flow direction. For example, in the case of a structure in which the heat insulation holes for suppressing heat exchange between the refrigerants F1 flowing in the refrigerant flow path L are inclined with respect to the molten metal flow direction, there is a concern that filling defects may occur during molding, resulting in a reduction in product quality. In order to suppress the occurrence of filling defects, sometimes a column portion is provided in such a way as to straddle the heat insulation hole along the molten metal flow direction. However, in a structure in which a column portion is provided in such a way as to straddle the heat insulation hole along the molten metal flow direction, heat exchange occurs via the column portion. As a result, there is a concern that the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases. In the present embodiment, the long side directions of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 respectively correspond to the molten metal flow direction during the molding of the flow path housing 10. Therefore, during the molding of the flow path housing 10, the occurrence of filling defects can be suppressed. In addition, there is no need to provide a column portion in the direction along the molten metal flow direction, and deterioration of heat exchange efficiency, increase in power consumption, etc. can be avoided.

[0057] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the water-cooled condenser 3, that is, the first flow path side connection portion 11 (the first flow path side outflow port 111 and the first flow path side inflow port 112), and the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L with the cooler 5, that is, the second flow path side connection portion 12 (the second flow path side outflow port 121 and the second flow path side inflow port 122), face each other with the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 interposed therebetween. That is, the first flow path side connection portion 11 (the first flow path side outflow port 111 and the first flow path side inflow port 112) and the second flow path side connection portion 12 (the second flow path side outflow port 121 and the second flow path side inflow port 122) are separated and provided in such a way as to sandwich the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22. Thereby, heat exchange between the first fluids at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0058] 〔Other Embodiments〕

[0059] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention may also be configured as follows (functionally identical to the embodiments are labeled with the same numbers and reference numerals as the embodiments).

[0060] (1) In the above-described embodiment, although the case where two casting holes 20 (openings) are formed in the flow path housing 10 has been described, the number of casting holes 20 formed in the flow path housing 10 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0061] (2) In the above-described embodiment, although the case where the first casting hole 21 is a long hole has been described, the first casting hole 21 only needs to be able to insert the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 together, and is not limited to a long hole. The same applies to the second casting hole 22, as long as it can insert the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 together, and is not limited to a long hole.

[0062] (3) In the above-described embodiment, although the case where the long side directions of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 are parallel has been described, the long side directions of the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 may also not be parallel.

[0063] (4) In the above-described present embodiment, although the case where the first opposing portion L1 facing each other across the casting hole 20 includes the first flow path side connection portion 11 (the first flow path side outflow port 111 and the first flow path side inflow port 112), and the second opposing portion L2 includes the second flow path side connection portion 12 (the second flow path side outflow port 121 and the second flow path side inflow port 122) has been illustrated as an example, the first opposing portion L1 only needs to include at least one of the first flow path side outflow port 111 and the first flow path side inflow port 112, and may also only include the first flow path side outflow port 111 or the first flow path side inflow port 112. Similarly, for the second opposing portion L2, as long as it includes at least one of the second flow path side outflow port 121 and the second flow path side inflow port 122, it may also only include the second flow path side outflow port 121 or the second flow path side inflow port 122.

[0064] (5) The positions of the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 in the first direction D1 can be interchanged with each other. Similarly, the positions of the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 in the first direction D1 can be interchanged with each other.

[0065] (6) In the above-described embodiment, although the case where the material of the flow path housing 10 is a metal containing aluminum has been described, the material of the flow path housing 10 may also contain a metal other than aluminum, or may be a resin or the like.

[0066] (7) In the above-described embodiment, although the water-cooled condenser 3 has been described as an example of the first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger may be a heat exchanger other than the water-cooled condenser 3. Similarly, the second heat exchanger may also be a heat exchanger other than the cooler 5.

[0067] (8) In the above-described embodiment, although the structure in which the refrigerant circuit C (the second branch circuit Cb2) includes the cooler 5 has been described as an example, the refrigerant circuit C may include a battery cooler instead of the cooler 5.

[0068] (9) In the above-described embodiment, although the refrigerant F1 has been described as an example of the cooling fluid, the cooling fluid may be a fluid other than the refrigerant F1, such as cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, etc.

[0069] (10) In the above-described embodiment, although the case where the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 are rectangular in shape when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane VS has been described, the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 are not limited to the rectangular shape and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the imaginary plane VS is a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0070] (11) The size in the long side direction of the first casting hole 21 and the size in the long side direction of the second casting hole 22 may be equal or may not be equal. In addition, the distance between the first casting hole 21 and the second casting hole 22 in the second direction D2 may also be smaller than at least one of the size in the long side direction of the first casting hole 21 and the size in the long side direction of the second casting hole 22.

[0071] (12) Expressions such as "parallel" and "orthogonal" in the above-described embodiment are not strictly limited to the cases representing "parallel" and "orthogonal", etc., and also include cases where the same function can be obtained.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the following structure can be conceived.

[0073] (1) The manifold 100 of the present invention is characterized in the following aspects, that is, it includes: a flow path housing 10 having a refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows, and a casting hole 20 (opening) is formed in the flow path housing 10, and the casting hole 20 (opening) is inserted together with the first inflow pipe 31, the second inflow pipe 51 (inflow pipes) and the first outflow pipe 32, the second outflow pipe 52 (outflow pipes) through which the first heat transfer agent F2 and the second heat transfer agent F3 (second fluids) that exchange heat with the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) in the water-cooled condenser 3 and the cooler 5 (heat exchangers) flow, and the casting hole 20 (opening) functions as a heat insulation space.

[0074] According to this structure, a casting hole 20 (opening) that functions as a heat insulation space is provided in the flow path housing 10 of the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) in which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows. Although the temperature of the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) changes during the process of flowing in the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path), according to this structure, the casting hole 20 (opening) that functions as a heat insulation space is provided in the flow path housing 10, so that heat exchange between refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0075] (2) In the manifold 100 of (1), the heat insulation space may also be arranged between refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures.

[0076] According to this structure, since the heat insulation space is arranged between refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures is suppressed.

[0077] (3) In the manifold 100 of (1) or (2), the heat exchanger may also include a water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and a cooler 5 (second heat exchanger), the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) may also include a first flow path side outlet 111 (first outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger), and a second flow path side inlet 122 (second inlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows into from the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger), and the heat insulation space may also be arranged between the first flow path side outlet 111 (first outlet) and the second flow path side inlet 122 (second inlet).

[0078] According to this structure, since the heat insulation space is arranged between the first flow path side outlet 111 (first outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the second flow path side inlet 122 (second inlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows into from the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger), heat exchange between refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0079] (4) In any one of the manifolds 100 in (1) to (3), the heat exchanger may also include a water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and a cooler 5 (second heat exchanger), the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) may also include a first flow path side inlet 112 (first inlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows into from the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger), and a second flow path side outlet 121 (second outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger), and the heat insulation space may also be arranged between the first flow path side inlet 112 (first inlet) and the second flow path side outlet 121 (second outlet).

[0080] According to this structure, a heat insulation space is arranged between the first flow path side inlet 112 (first inlet) where the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows into the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the second flow path side outlet 121 (second outlet) where the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger). Therefore, heat exchange between the refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0081] (5) In any one of the manifolds 100 in (1) to (4), the heat exchanger may also include the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger). The first inlet pipe 31 as the inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe 32 as the outlet pipe may also be connected to the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger). The second inlet pipe 51 as the inlet pipe and the second outlet pipe 52 as the outlet pipe may also be connected to the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger). The casting hole 20 (opening) may also include a first casting hole 21 (first opening) into which the first inlet pipe 31 and the first outlet pipe 32 are inserted together, and a second casting hole 22 (second opening) into which the second inlet pipe 51 and the second outlet pipe 52 are inserted together. The first casting hole 21 (first opening) and the second casting hole 22 (second opening) may also be adjacent.

[0082] According to this structure, the first casting hole 21 (first opening) into which the first inlet pipe 31 and the first outlet pipe 32 connected to the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) are inserted, and the second casting hole 22 (second opening) into which the second inlet pipe 51 and the second outlet pipe 52 connected to the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) are inserted are adjacent. That is, the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows with the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows with the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) can be separated and arranged. Thereby, heat exchange between the refrigerants F1 (first fluids) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0083] (6) In the manifold 100 of (5), each of the first casting hole 21 (first opening) and the second casting hole 22 (second opening) may be a long hole, and the long side directions of the first casting hole 21 (first opening) and the second casting hole 22 (second opening) may be parallel.

[0084] According to this structure, since the first casting hole 21 (first opening) is an elongated hole, the first inflow pipe 31 and the first outflow pipe 32 are arranged along the long side direction of the first casting hole 21 (first opening). Similarly, since the second casting hole 22 (second opening) is an elongated hole, the second inflow pipe 51 and the second outflow pipe 52 are arranged along the long side direction of the second casting hole 22 (second opening). In addition, by setting the long side direction of the first casting hole 21 (first opening) and the long side direction of the second casting hole 22 (second opening) to be parallel, the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) with the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the connection portion of the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) with the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) can be separated and arranged. Thereby, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 (first fluid) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0085] (7) In the manifold 100 of (5) or (6), the refrigerant flow path L (fluid flow path) may also include a first opposed portion L1 and a second opposed portion L2 that face each other via the casting hole 20 (opening). The first opposed portion L1 may include at least one of a first flow path side outlet 111 (first outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and a first flow path side inlet 112 (first inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger). The second opposed portion L2 may include at least one of a second flow path side outlet 121 (second outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) after heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and a second flow path side inlet 122 (second inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger).

[0086] According to this structure, the first opposed portion L1 including at least one of the first flow path side outlet 111 (first outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the first flow path side inlet 112 (first inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger), and the second opposed portion L2 including at least one of the second flow path side outlet 121 (second outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 (first fluid) flows out toward the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) after heat exchange in the water-cooled condenser 3 (first heat exchanger) and the second flow path side inlet 122 (second inlet) through which the refrigerant flows in from the cooler 5 (second heat exchanger) face each other via the casting hole 20 (opening). That is, the first opposed portion L1 and the second opposed portion L2 are separated and arranged with the casting hole 20 (opening) therebetween. Thereby, heat exchange between refrigerants F1 (first fluid) at different temperatures can be suppressed.

[0087] Industrial applicability

[0088] The present invention can be used for a manifold.

[0089] Description of Reference Numerals

[0090] 3: Water-cooled condenser (first heat exchanger), 5: Cooler (second heat exchanger), 10: Flow path housing, 20: Cast hole (opening), 21: First cast hole (first opening), 22: Second cast hole (second opening), 31: First inflow pipe (inflow pipe), 32: First outflow pipe (outflow pipe), 51: Second inflow pipe (inflow pipe), 52: Second outflow pipe (outflow pipe), 100: Manifold, 111: First flow path side flow outlet (first flow outlet), 112: First flow path side flow inlet (first flow inlet), 121: Second flow path side flow outlet (second flow outlet), 122: Second flow path side flow inlet (second flow inlet), F1: Refrigerant (first fluid), F2: First heating agent (second fluid), F3: Second heating agent (second fluid), L: Fluid flow path (refrigerant flow path), L1: First opposed portion, L2: Second opposed portion.

Claims

1. A manifold, comprising: A flow path housing having a fluid flow path for a first fluid to flow through; An opening is formed in the flow path housing, and an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe through which a second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid in a heat exchanger flow together are inserted into the opening, and the opening functions as a heat insulation space.

2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein: The heat insulation space is disposed between the first fluids at different temperatures.

3. The manifold according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; The fluid flow path includes: a first flow outlet through which the first fluid flows out toward the first heat exchanger, and a second flow inlet through which the first fluid flows into from the second heat exchanger; The heat insulation space is disposed between the first flow outlet and the second flow inlet.

4. The manifold according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; The fluid flow path includes: a first flow inlet through which the first fluid flows into from the first heat exchanger, and a second flow outlet through which the first fluid flows out toward the second heat exchanger; The heat insulation space is disposed between the first flow inlet and the second flow outlet.

5. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; A first inflow pipe serving as the inflow pipe and a first outflow pipe serving as the outflow pipe are connected to the first heat exchanger; A second inflow pipe serving as the inflow pipe and a second outflow pipe serving as the outflow pipe are connected to the second heat exchanger; The opening includes: a first opening into which the first inflow pipe and the first outflow pipe are inserted together, and a second opening into which the second inflow pipe and the second outflow pipe are inserted together; The first opening and the second opening are adjacent to each other.

6. The manifold according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first opening and the second opening is a long hole; The long side direction of the first opening and the long side direction of the second opening are parallel.

7. The manifold according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The fluid flow path includes a first opposed portion and a second opposed portion that are opposed to each other through the opening; The first opposed portion includes at least one of a first flow outlet through which the first fluid flows out toward the first heat exchanger and a first flow inlet through which the first fluid flows into from the first heat exchanger; The second opposed portion includes at least one of a second flow outlet through which the first fluid that has exchanged heat in the first heat exchanger flows out toward the second heat exchanger and a second flow inlet through which the first fluid flows into from the second heat exchanger.

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