Vehicle heat source unit

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle heat source unit that can be reliably fixed to a vehicle. A vehicle heat source unit (17) that can be disposed in a vehicle front cabin (BR) of a vehicle (11) includes an elongated structure (18) having an elongated shape, the elongated structure (18) being provided with a hot water device (30a) within which hot water flows. The elongate structure (18) includes a support portion (70a) configured to support the hot water device (30a), and a first fixed portion (56) and a second fixed portion (66) disposed on both ends of the support portion (70a). The first fixing portion (56) and the second fixing portion (66) may be fixed to a right rigid portion (50) and a left rigid portion (60) of the vehicle (11), respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle heat source unit, which is a heat source for heating the air inside the vehicle cabin with hot water. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner, which, for example, has heating and cooling functions, allowing the air in the cabin to be regulated. Patent document 1 discloses examples of relevant prior art regarding air conditioning.

[0003] The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an air-heating heat exchanger capable of heating the air blown into the vehicle cabin. The air-heating heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the air blown into the vehicle cabin and hot water as the heat medium.

[0004] The hot water circuit in which hot water flows includes: a hot water pump for conveying hot water; a refrigerant condenser for performing heat exchange between the hot water and the refrigerant; and a hot water heater capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser.

[0005] [List of Citations]

[0006] [Patent Literature]

[0007] [Patent Document 1]

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-184446 Summary of the Invention

[0009] [Technical Issues]

[0010] When a hot water pump, refrigerant condenser, and hot water heater are installed in a vehicle, it is considered to modularize the hot water pump, refrigerant condenser, and hot water heater into a heat source unit configured as a heat source for hot water. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the arrangement and fixing method of the heat source unit relative to the vehicle, therefore a specific installation method for the vehicle is required.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle heat source unit that can be reliably fixed to a vehicle.

[0012] [Technical solutions to the technical problems]

[0013] According to a first aspect, a vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) is provided, which can be arranged in the vehicle front compartment BR in front of the passenger compartment CR of a vehicle (11), said vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising:

[0014] A hot water system (30a) comprising at least one of the following: a hot water pump (31) configured to deliver hot water capable of heating air blown into the passenger compartment (CR); a refrigerant condenser (22) configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and a refrigerant capable of cooling air blown into the passenger compartment (CR); a hot water heater (32) capable of further heating the hot water already heated by the refrigerant condenser (22); or a hot water liquid tank (34) configured to store a portion of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water; and

[0015] An elongated structure (18, 120, 210) having an elongated shape, wherein the elongated structure is provided with the hot water device (30a).

[0016] The elongated structure (18, 120, 210) includes: a support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) configured to support the hot water device (30a); a first fixing portion (56, 130) disposed on one side of the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) as a reference, and the first fixing portion (56, 130) being fixable to the right rigid portion (50) of the vehicle (11); and a second fixing portion (66, 140) disposed on the opposite side of the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) as a reference, and the second fixing portion (66, 140) being fixable to the left rigid portion (60) of the vehicle (11).

[0017] According to the second aspect, preferably, in the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to the first aspect,

[0018] The first fixing part (56, 130) can be fixed to the right front panel (52) of the right rigid part (50), and

[0019] The second fixing part (66, 140) can be fixed to the left front panel (62) of the left rigid part (60).

[0020] According to the third aspect, preferably, in the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to the first or second aspect,

[0021] The first fixing part (56, 130) can be fixed to the right suspension tower (53) of the right rigid part (50), and

[0022] The second fixing part (66, 140) can be fixed to the left suspension tower (63) of the left rigid part (60).

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, preferably, in the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to third aspects,

[0024] The elongation structure (18, 120, 210) includes a front bulkhead fixing portion (76) that can be fixed to the front bulkhead (12) of the vehicle (11) between the second fixing portion (66, 140) and the first fixing portion (56, 130).

[0025] According to the fifth aspect, preferably, in the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,

[0026] The hot water pump (31), refrigerant condenser (22), hot water heater (32) and hot water tank (34) are supported to the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

[0027] According to the sixth aspect, preferably, the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects includes:

[0028] A refrigerant liquid tank (27) is configured to store a portion of the refrigerant and to separate the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant.

[0029] The refrigerant tank (27) is supported by the elongated structures (18, 120, 210).

[0030] According to the seventh aspect, preferably, the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is capable of cooling the battery (49) storing the driving power of the vehicle 11 by means of cold water cooled by the refrigerant, the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising:

[0031] A cold water pump (41) configured to deliver the cold water;

[0032] Cold water cooling expansion device (24), which enables the refrigerant to expand; and

[0033] The cold water cooling heat exchanger (26) performs heat exchange between the refrigerant, which has been expanded by the cold water cooling expansion device (24), and the cold water.

[0034] The cold water pump (41), the cold water cooling expansion device (24), and the cold water cooling heat exchanger (26) are supported by the elongated structures (18, 120, 210).

[0035] According to the eighth aspect, preferably, in the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to seventh aspects,

[0036] The first fixing part (56, 130) has a plate-like shape and includes a first overlapping part (57a, 131) that can overlap with the right rigid part (50) and a first base part (57c, 132) configured to connect the first overlapping part (57a, 131) to the support part (70a, 120a, 210a).

[0037] The first base portion (57c, 132) bends toward the first overlapping portion (57a, 131).

[0038] The second fixing portion (66, 140) has a plate-like shape and includes a second overlapping portion (67a, 141) that can overlap with the left rigid portion (60), and a second base portion (67c, 142) configured to connect the second overlapping portion (67a, 141) to the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a).

[0039] The second base portion (67c, 142) bends toward the second overlapping portion (67a, 141).

[0040] [Advantages of the Invention]

[0041] The present invention provides a vehicle heat source unit that can be reliably fixed to a vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle thermal management system including the vehicle heat source unit of the first example.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a 3D model of the vehicle. Figure 1 The vehicle thermal management system can be installed in the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the support portion of the elongated structure of the vehicle heat source unit and the device supported by the support portion.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the support portion of the elongated structure and the cover member that can be suspended from the support portion.

[0046] Figure 5 A is a plan view of the vehicle heat source unit fixed to the vehicle. Figure 5 B is a diagram showing the arrangement of the compressor relative to the vehicle's heat source unit.

[0047] Figure 6 A is a view of the vehicle's heat source unit as seen from the rear. Figure 6 B is a view of the vehicle's heat source unit as seen from the left.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle heat source unit in the second example.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a view of the vehicle heat source unit from the front, based on the second example.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a partial view of the vehicle heat source unit of the third example. Detailed Implementation

[0051] <First Example>

[0052] The first example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that left and right refer to the left and right (in the direction of vehicle width) relative to passengers in the vehicle, and front and rear refer to the front and rear relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. In the drawings, Fr indicates front, Rr indicates rear, Le indicates left from the passenger's perspective, Ri indicates right from the passenger's perspective, Up indicates above, and Dn indicates below.

[0053] (Vehicle thermal management system)

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In vehicle 11, a vehicle thermal management system 10 can be installed. This system is capable of conditioning the air in the passenger compartment CR and cooling the battery 49, which is configured to store the driving power of vehicle 11. For ease of description, for Figure 2 The vehicle 11 shown only has its body 11a configured as a frame in the vehicle 11.

[0055] The vehicle thermal management system 10 includes: a refrigerant circuit 20 in which refrigerant capable of cooling the air inside the vehicle compartment CR flows; a hot water circuit 30 in which hot water capable of heating the air inside the vehicle compartment CR flows; and a cold water circuit 40 in which cold water capable of cooling the battery 49 flows.

[0056] (Refrigerant circuit)

[0057] The refrigerant circuit 20 includes: a compressor 21 configured to compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure; and a refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and hot water. The refrigerant condenser 22 is sometimes referred to as a water condenser. The refrigerant branching through the refrigerant condenser 22 forms two streams.

[0058] One of the branch refrigerant streams flows into an air refrigerant expander 23, which expands the refrigerant. The refrigerant expanded by the air refrigerant expander 23 flows into an air-cooled heat exchanger 25 to cool the air passing through it. The air cooled by the air-cooled heat exchanger 25 is supplied as cooling air to the vehicle compartment CR. The air-cooled heat exchanger 25 is sometimes referred to as an evaporator.

[0059] Another stream in the branch refrigerant flow flows into a chilled water-cooled expansion device 24, which allows the refrigerant to expand. The refrigerant, expanded by the chilled water-cooled expansion device 24, flows into a chilled water-cooled heat exchanger 26, which cools the chilled water through heat exchange between the chilled water and the refrigerant. The chilled water-cooled heat exchanger 26 is sometimes referred to as a cooler.

[0060] The refrigerant that has passed through the air-cooled heat exchanger 25 and the refrigerant that has passed through the water-cooled heat exchanger 26 are combined and then drawn into the compressor 21.

[0061] It is worth noting that the refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with a refrigerant liquid tank 27, which is configured to store a portion of the refrigerant and separate the liquid refrigerant from the gaseous refrigerant. In this example, the refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant condenser 22 once, through the refrigerant liquid tank 27, and only the liquid refrigerant flows back into the refrigerant condenser 22. Because the refrigerant condenser 22 and the refrigerant liquid tank 27 are arranged in this way, the liquid refrigerant can be cooled in the refrigerant condenser 22, increasing the degree of supercooling and enhancing the cooling capacity of the air-cooled heat exchanger 25 (evaporator) and the chilled water-cooled heat exchanger 26 (cooler).

[0062] (Hot water circuit)

[0063] The hot water circuit 30 includes: a hot water pump 31 configured to deliver hot water; the aforementioned refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and the refrigerant; a hot water heater 32 capable of further heating the hot water already heated by the refrigerant condenser 22; an air heating heat exchanger 33 into which hot water heated by the hot water heater 32 flows to heat the air flowing through the air heating heat exchanger 33; and a hot water tank 34 configured to store a portion of the hot water that has passed through the air heating heat exchanger 33 and to remove air bubbles from the hot water. The air heated by the air heating heat exchanger 33 is supplied to the passenger compartment CR as hot air for heating. The air heating heat exchanger 33 is sometimes referred to as the hot water heater core. The hot water that has passed through the hot water tank 34 flows back into the hot water pump 31. Although not shown, the hot water circuit 30 may, as needed, be equipped with a radiator capable of cooling the hot water using external air from the vehicle 11.

[0064] (Cold water circuit)

[0065] The cold water circuit 40 includes: a cold water pump 41 configured to deliver cold water; the aforementioned cold water cooling heat exchanger 26 configured to cool the cold water with a refrigerant; and a battery cooling device 42 in which the cold water cooled by the cold water cooling heat exchanger 26 flows, thereby cooling the battery 49. The battery cooling device 42 includes at least a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the battery 49.

[0066] (vehicle)

[0067] Reference Figure 2 Vehicle 11 (body 11a) includes: a front bulkhead 12 (partition wall) configured to separate the passenger compartment CR and the vehicle front compartment BR in front of the passenger compartment CR; a right front member 13, which is part of the vehicle 11 and is arranged in the lower right part of the vehicle front compartment BR; and a left front member 14, which is part of the vehicle 11 and is arranged in the lower left part of the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0068] (Rigid sections on the left and right)

[0069] The vehicle 11 also includes: a right rigid portion 50 having predetermined rigidity and disposed in the right side portion of the vehicle front compartment BR; and a left rigid portion 60 having predetermined rigidity and disposed in the left side portion of the vehicle front compartment BR. The right rigid portion 50 and the left rigid portion 60 are components of the body 11a and, together with the front bulkhead 12, define the space of the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0070] (Right front panel)

[0071] The right rigid portion 50 includes: an upper right member 51 extending forward from the upper right corner of the front bulkhead 12; and a right front side panel 52 arranged from the upper right member 51 to the right front side member 13. It should be noted that the upper right member 51 and the right front side panel 52 can be bonded to each other or can be a single member integrally formed.

[0072] (Right suspension tower)

[0073] The right front panel 52 includes a right suspension tower 53 arranged to partially surround the right front suspension (not shown). The right suspension tower 53 includes: a right tower portion 54 extending upward from the right front member 13; and a right top portion 55 disposed on the upper end of the right tower portion 54 and capable of supporting the upper portion of the right front suspension. The right top portion 55 has a hole 55a coaxial with the right front suspension.

[0074] (Left front panel)

[0075] The left rigid portion 60 includes: an upper left member 61 extending forward from the upper left corner of the front bulkhead 12; and a left front side panel 62 disposed from the upper left member 61 to the left front member 14. It should be noted that the upper left member 61 and the left front side panel 62 can be bonded to each other or can be a single member integrally formed.

[0076] (Left suspension tower)

[0077] The left front panel 62 includes a left suspension tower 63 arranged to partially surround the left front suspension (not shown). The left suspension tower 63 includes: a left tower portion 64 extending upward from the left front member 14; and a left top portion 65 disposed on the upper end of the left tower portion 64 and capable of supporting the upper portion of the left front suspension. The left top portion 65 has a hole 65a coaxial with the left front suspension.

[0078] (Air conditioning unit, heat source unit)

[0079] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Some of the devices constituting the vehicle thermal management system 10 are modular and can be installed in the vehicle 11. Specifically, the vehicle thermal management system 10 includes: an air conditioning unit 16, which can be arranged immediately behind the front bulkhead 12 in the passenger compartment CR and can regulate the air in the passenger compartment CR; and a vehicle heat source unit 17, which can be arranged in the front compartment BR of the vehicle.

[0080] (Air conditioning unit)

[0081] The air conditioning unit 16 includes a housing 16a that houses an air cooling heat exchanger 25 (evaporator), an air heating heat exchanger 33 (hot water heater core), and an air refrigerant expansion device 23.

[0082] (Vehicle heat source unit, hot water device)

[0083] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle heat source unit 17 includes: a hot water pump 31; a refrigerant condenser 22; a hot water heater 32; a hot water tank 34; a refrigerant tank 27; a cold water cooling expansion device 24; a cold water pump 41; a cold water cooling heat exchanger 26; and an elongated structure 18 having an elongated shape, in which these devices are disposed.

[0084] In the following text, the devices disposed in the elongation structure 18 will be referred to as supported devices 26 to 31. The elongation structure 18 includes: a support member 70 configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31; and a cover member 80 configured to cover the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0085] (Hot water device)

[0086] Reference Figure 1 Some of the supported devices 26 to 31 in which hot water flows will be referred to as hot water device 30a. It should be noted that although in this example hot water device 30a refers to all of the hot water pump 31, refrigerant condenser 22, hot water heater 32, and hot water tank 34, hot water device 30a may also include at least one of these devices. For example, only the hot water pump 31 may be arranged in the extension structure 18.

[0087] (Hot water heater)

[0088] The hot water heater 32 is an apparatus for further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser 22, and includes at least: a tank for supplying hot water flow; an electric heater disposed in the tank and capable of heating the hot water; a tank hot water inlet through which hot water is introduced into the tank; and a tank hot water outlet through which hot water is discharged from the tank.

[0089] (Supporting components)

[0090] Reference Figure 3 The support member 70 includes: a main portion 70a (support portion) configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31; a first fixing member 56 (first fixing part) disposed on one side of the main portion 70a relative to the longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of the reference elongated structure 18, and capable of being fixed to the right rigid portion 50 of the vehicle 11; and a second fixing member 66 (second fixing part) disposed on the other side of the main portion 70a relative to the longitudinal direction of the reference elongated structure 18, and capable of being fixed to the left rigid portion 60 of the vehicle 11.

[0091] (Frame components)

[0092] The main part 70a includes two elongated frame members 71, 71 arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each frame member 71 is, for example, a hollow cylindrical metal member and has the same length. The spacing between the frame members 71 is not strictly defined. However, for one of the support devices 26 to 31 that has the longest dimension in the front-rear direction, the spacing will naturally be set to a slightly larger value. At the same time, the spacing between the frame members 71 can be set to a value that allows the supported devices 26 to 31 to protrude forward or backward from the frame members 71.

[0093] (Bridging component)

[0094] Multiple bridging members 72 bridge two frame members 71. Each of the bridging members 72 is, for example, a metal strip. Both ends of each bridging member 72 are fixed to the frame member 71. The fixing method is, for example, welding or screw fastening. The frame member 71 and the bridging members 72 are integrally formed into a ladder shape. The frame member 71 and the bridging members 72 can be made of any material, as long as the material has a predetermined strength. As an example, preferably, the bridging members 72 are made of the same material as the frame member 71. This improves the corrosion resistance of the portions of the frame member 71 and the bridging members 72 that come into contact with each other. Alternatively, highly insulating materials, such as resin, are preferably used for the bridging members 72. Localized galvanic reactions in the portions of the frame member 71 and the bridging members 72 that come into contact with each other can be suppressed to improve corrosion resistance.

[0095] (The supported device is supported by bridging components)

[0096] Each bridging member in the bridging member 72 has a threaded through hole 74, through which an external threaded member 73 can be inserted. An internal thread 79 is formed in the upper surface 31b of the housing 31a of the hot water pump 31, into which the external thread 73 can be screwed. By overlapping the upper surface 31b of the housing 31a of the hot water pump 31 with the lower surface of the bridging member 72, and fastening the external threaded member 73 and the internal thread 79 inserted through the threaded through hole 74, the hot water pump 31 can be fixed to the bridging member 72.

[0097] Similarly, internal threads 79 are formed in each of the following: the upper surface 34b of the housing 34a of the hot water tank 34; the upper surface 32b of the housing 32a of the hot water heater 32; the upper surface 27b of the housing 27a of the refrigerant tank 27; the upper surface 24b of the housing 24a of the cold water cooling expansion device 24; the upper surface 22b of the housing 22a of the refrigerant condenser 22; the upper surface 26b of the housing 26a of the cold water cooling heat exchanger 26; and the upper surface 41b of the housing 41a of the cold water pump 41. Each device is secured to the bridging member 72 by external threads 73.

[0098] It should be noted that multiple supported devices 26 to 31 can be fixed to a single bridging member 72. The shape of the housing of the supported devices 26 to 31 is not limited to block or cylindrical.

[0099] (First fixed component)

[0100] The first fixing member 56 includes a rigid first plate 57. The first plate 57 includes: a plate-shaped first overlapping portion 57a ​​that can overlap with the right top portion 55 of the right suspension tower 53; a first base portion 57c that extends from the edge of the first overlapping portion 57a ​​toward the frame member 71; and two first arm portions 57b, 57b that extend toward the frame member 71 in a front-rear direction from both ends of the first base portion 57c.

[0101] The first semi-cylindrical member 58 is attached to each of the first arm portions 57b. The first arm portions 57b and the first semi-cylindrical member 58 define a first insertion hole 59, into which the end portion of each of the frame members 71 on one side can be inserted.

[0102] (Second fixed component)

[0103] The second fixing member 66 includes a rigid second plate 67. The second plate 67 includes: a plate-shaped second overlapping portion 67a that can overlap with the left top portion 65 of the left suspension tower 63; a second base portion 67c that extends from the edge of the second overlapping portion 67a toward the frame member 71; and two second arm portions 67b, 67b that extend toward the frame member 71 in a front-rear direction from both ends of the second base portion 67c.

[0104] The second semi-cylindrical member 68 is attached to each of the second arm portions 67b. The second arm portions 67b and the second semi-cylindrical member 68 define a second insertion hole 69 into which the end portion of each of the frame members 71 on one side can be inserted.

[0105] (Bending at the base)

[0106] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 The first base portion 57c bends toward the first overlapping portion 57a. The second base portion 67c bends toward the second overlapping portion 67a. However, the first base portion 57c and the second base portion 67c may not need to be bent.

[0107] (Front panel fixing part)

[0108] The support member 70 also includes a front bulkhead fixing member 76 (front bulkhead fixing portion), which is disposed between and behind the first fixing member 56 and the second fixing member 66, and can be fixed to an intermediate fixing portion 15 disposed on the upper end of the front surface of the front bulkhead 12 of the vehicle 11. The fixing method is, for example, threaded fastening by external and internal threads.

[0109] (Cover component)

[0110] Reference Figure 4 The cover member 80 is, for example, a box with its entire upper surface open. Specifically, the cover member 80 includes: a plate-like bottom portion 81 that covers the underside of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a peripheral wall 82 that extends upward from the entire edge of the bottom portion 81 and surrounds the supported devices 26 to 31 from the side.

[0111] The peripheral wall 82 includes: a front wall portion 83 extending upward from the front edge of the bottom portion 81 and covering the front of the supported devices 26 to 31; a rear wall portion 84 extending upward from the rear edge of the bottom portion 81 and covering the rear of the supported devices 26 to 31; a left wall portion 86 extending upward from the left edge of the bottom portion 81 and covering the left side of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a right wall portion 85 extending upward from the right edge of the bottom portion 81 and covering the right side of the supported devices 26 to 31. It should be noted that although the cover member 80 is a single component made of resin, multiple plates can also be provided, and the multiple plates can be joined together to form a box shape.

[0112] (Suspension of cover components with S-hooks)

[0113] Multiple hook holes 88 arranged longitudinally are formed in the upper ends of the front wall portion 83 and the rear wall portion 84 of the cover member 80. The lower end of an S-shaped hook 75 is hooked onto each hook hole 88, and the upper end of the S-shaped hook 75 hooks onto the frame member 71. According to the above configuration, the cover member 80 can be hung on the frame member 71, thereby completing... Figure 1 The vehicle heat source unit 17 is shown. However, the elongated structure 18 may include only the support member 70 and not the covering member 80.

[0114] (Method for fixing the vehicle heat source unit to the vehicle body)

[0115] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A plurality of threaded through holes 56b are formed in the first overlapping portion 57a ​​of the first fixing member 56, through which the external threaded member 78 can be inserted. The first overlapping portion 57a ​​is overlapped with the right top portion 55 of the right suspension tower 53 of the vehicle 11, and the external threaded member 78 is tightened in the internal thread 55b, so that the first fixing member 56 can be fixed.

[0116] Similarly, a plurality of threaded through holes 66b are formed in the second overlapping portion 67a of the second fixing member 66, through which the external threaded member 78 can be inserted. The second overlapping portion 67a is overlapped with the left top portion 65 of the left suspension tower 63 of the vehicle 11, and the external threaded member 78 is tightened in the internal thread 65b, so that the second fixing member 66 can be fixed.

[0117] (Arrangement of vehicle heat source units)

[0118] According to the above configuration, the vehicle heat source unit 17 fixed to the vehicle body 11a is arranged such that the axial direction of the elongated structure 18 (hereinafter referred to as the "length direction") becomes the vehicle width direction.

[0119] (Arrangement of supported devices 26 to 31)

[0120] Reference Figure 5 A. The arrangement of the supported devices 26 to 31 in the plan view of the vehicle heat source unit 17 viewed from above is described. The refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water tank 34 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18.

[0121] In addition, the hot water pump 31 is aligned longitudinally with the refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water tank 34. The hot water tank 34 is located between the hot water heater 32 and the hot water pump 31.

[0122] It should be noted that the refrigerant condenser 22 may also be located between the hot water pump 31 and the hot water heater 32. The supported devices 26 to 31 may contact the cover member 80, although they are shown as components separated from (not in contact with) the peripheral wall 82 of the cover member 80.

[0123] (Location of the compressor)

[0124] Reference Figure 5B. The area in which the refrigerant condenser 22 is projected in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (or lateral direction in this example) of the elongated structure 18 as a reference is called the projection region R. In other words, the projection region R is the area (space) between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, the first plane P1 including the end portion of the refrigerant condenser 22 on one side, and the second plane P2 including the end portion of the refrigerant condenser 22 on the other side relative to the longitudinal direction. The compressor 21 overlaps with the projection region R (is located within the projection region R) and is positioned in front of the vehicle heat source unit 17.

[0125] It should be noted that at least a portion of the compressor 21 may overlap with the projected area R. The direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (or lateral direction in this example) of the elongated structure 18 is not limited to the front-rear direction. The compressor 21 may be located above, below, or behind the vehicle heat source unit 17.

[0126] (Location of the compressor's suction port and discharge port)

[0127] The compressor 21 includes a refrigerant suction port 21b for drawing in refrigerant and a refrigerant discharge port 21a for discharging refrigerant. The refrigerant suction port 21b and the refrigerant discharge port 21a are arranged to overlap with the projected area R. Although the refrigerant suction port 21b and the refrigerant discharge port 21a are oriented rearward and aligned in the lateral direction, the orientation and position of the ports can be changed.

[0128] (Orientation of the refrigerant condenser)

[0129] The refrigerant condenser 22 is formed by stacking multiple refrigerant condenser plates 28. Although a specific description of the construction will be omitted, at least two types of refrigerant condenser plates 28 are arranged and stacked alternately to form channels through which only refrigerant passes and channels through which only hot water passes. The stacking direction of the refrigerant condenser plates 28 is along the width direction (front-back direction) of the elongated structure 18.

[0130] (Orientation of the cold water cooling heat exchanger)

[0131] The cold water-cooled heat exchanger 26 is formed by stacking multiple cold water cooling plates 29. Although a specific description of the construction will be omitted, at least two types of cold water cooling plates 29 are arranged and stacked alternately to form channels through which only refrigerant passes and channels through which only cold water passes. The stacking direction of the cold water cooling plates 29 is along the width direction (front-back direction) of the elongated structure 18.

[0132] (Arrangement of the supported device in the height direction)

[0133] Reference Figure 6A. The plane including the uppermost part 18a will be referred to as the upper reference plane P3, which is the uppermost portion of the elongated structure 18, wherein the vertical direction of the plane is the normal direction. The supported devices 26 to 31 are located below the upper reference plane P3. In other words, the supported devices 26 to 31 do not protrude upward from the elongated structure 18. It should be noted that although the supported devices 26 to 31 are shown as components separated from (not in contact with) the bottom portion 81 of the cover member 80, the supported devices 26 to 31 may contact the cover member 80.

[0134] (Arrangement of the bottom part of the cover component)

[0135] The bottom portion 81 of the cover member 80 is located below the first fixing member 56 and the second fixing member 66.

[0136] (Tube)

[0137] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle heat source unit 17 includes: an internal connecting pipe (not shown in the figure) configured to connect the supported devices 26 to 31 to each other; and external connecting pipes 91 to 98 capable of connecting the supported devices 26 to 31 to external devices (devices other than the supported devices 26 to 31).

[0138] (Location of the hot water pipe)

[0139] External connecting pipes 91 to 98 include: a first hot water pipe 91, inside which hot water flows toward the air heating heat exchanger 33 of the carriage CR; and a second hot water pipe 92, inside which hot water that has passed through the air heating heat exchanger 33 of the carriage CR flows. For example, the first hot water pipe 91 is connected to a hot water heater 32. For example, the second hot water pipe 92 is connected to a hot water tank 34.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B. The first hot water pipe 91 and the second hot water pipe 92 extend through the pipe hole 89 formed in the rear wall portion 84 and are bent into a crank shape. The outlet 91a of the first hot water pipe 91 and the inlet 92a of the second hot water pipe 92 are both oriented rearward, located below the bottom portion 81 and behind the rear wall portion 84.

[0141] (Location of the refrigerant pipe)

[0142] Reference Figure 1 The external connecting pipes 91 to 98 include: a first refrigerant pipe 93 through which refrigerant already in the refrigerant tank 27 flows toward the air-cooled heat exchanger 25; and a second refrigerant pipe 94 through which refrigerant already in the air-cooled heat exchanger 25 flows.

[0143] Reference Figure 6A and Figure 6 B. The first refrigerant pipe 93 and the second refrigerant pipe 94 extend through the pipe hole 89 formed in the rear wall portion 84 and are bent into a crank shape. The outlet 93a of the first refrigerant pipe 93 and the inlet 94a of the second refrigerant pipe 94 are oriented rearward, located below the bottom portion 81 and behind the rear wall portion 84.

[0144] (Location of the cold water pipe)

[0145] Reference Figure 1 The external connecting pipes 91 to 98 include: a first cold water pipe 95 through which cold water that has passed through the cold water cooling heat exchanger 26 flows toward the battery 49; and a second cold water pipe 96 through which cold water that has passed through the battery cooling device 42 flows.

[0146] The first cold water pipe 95 and the second cold water pipe 96 extend through the pipe hole 89 formed in the bottom portion 81. (See reference...) Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B. The outlet 95a of the first cold water pipe 95 and the inlet 96a of the second cold water pipe 96 are oriented downwards and located below the bottom portion 81.

[0147] (Location of the connecting pipe)

[0148] Reference Figure 5 B. External connecting pipes 91 to 98 include: a suction-side connecting pipe 97, which includes an outlet 97a connectable to the refrigerant suction port 21b; and a discharge-side connecting pipe 98, which includes an inlet 98a connectable to the refrigerant discharge port 21a. The outlet 97a of the suction-side connecting pipe 97 and the inlet 98a of the discharge-side connecting pipe 98 are both oriented forward.

[0149] (First effect)

[0150] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle thermal management system 10 includes a vehicle heat source unit 17, which can be arranged in the front compartment BR in front of the passenger compartment CR of the vehicle 11.

[0151] The vehicle heat source unit 17 is provided with a hot water device 30a, which includes at least one of the following: a hot water pump 31 configured to deliver hot water capable of heating the air blown into the passenger compartment CR; a refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and refrigerant capable of cooling the air blown into the passenger compartment CR; a hot water heater 32 capable of further heating the hot water already heated by the refrigerant condenser 22; or a hot water liquid tank 34 configured to store a portion of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water. Furthermore, the vehicle heat source unit 17 includes an elongated structure 18 with an elongated shape on which the hot water device 30a is provided.

[0152] Reference Figure 3 The elongation structure 18 includes: a main portion 70a (support portion) configured to support the hot water device 30a; a first fixing member 56 arranged on one side of the main portion 70a relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongation structure 18 as a reference, and capable of being fixed to the right rigid portion 50 of the vehicle 11; and a second fixing member 66 arranged on the other side of the main portion 70a relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongation structure 18 as a reference, and capable of being fixed to the left rigid portion 60 of the vehicle 11.

[0153] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The elongated structure 18 can be fixed to the right rigid portion 50 and the left rigid portion 60, which are components of the vehicle body 11a. Because the hot water device 30a is supported by the elongated structure 18, the hot water device 30a can be reliably fixed to the vehicle 11. Furthermore, the elongated structure 18 has an elongated shape, and the plurality of devices can be arranged such that the hot water device 30a is aligned longitudinally without becoming uneven and unstable as in the prior art, thereby improving the installability of the plurality of devices to the vehicle's front compartment BR, thus reliably securing the plurality of devices to the vehicle 11.

[0154] (Second effect)

[0155] The first fixing member 56 can be fixed to the right front panel 52 of the right rigid part 50. The second fixing member 66 can be fixed to the left front panel 62 of the left rigid part 60. Since the vehicle heat source unit 17 is arranged near the air conditioning unit 16, accidental heat loss can be effectively prevented.

[0156] (Third effect)

[0157] The first fixing member 56 can be fixed to the right suspension tower 53 of the right rigid part 50. The second fixing member 66 can be fixed to the left suspension tower 63 of the left rigid part 60. The left and right suspension towers 53 and 63 have high rigidity, which enables the vehicle heat source unit 17 to be more reliably fixed to the vehicle 11.

[0158] (Fourth effect)

[0159] The elongated structure 18 includes a front bulkhead fixing member 76, which is located between the second fixing member 66 and the first fixing member 56 and can be fixed to the intermediate fixing portion 15 on the front bulkhead 12 of the vehicle 11. Since the elongated structure 18 includes the front bulkhead fixing member 76 in addition to the second fixing member 66 and the first fixing member 56, the vehicle heat source unit 17 can be fixed to the vehicle 11 even more reliably.

[0160] (Fifth effect)

[0161] Reference Figure 3 The hot water pump 31, refrigerant condenser 22, hot water heater 32, and hot water tank 34 are supported by the elongated structure 18. Only the hot water pump 31 may be included as the hot water unit 30a. However, by including other units 22, 32, and 34, more units can be reliably secured to the vehicle 11.

[0162] (Sixth effect)

[0163] The vehicle heat source unit 17 includes a refrigerant liquid tank 27, which is configured to store part of the refrigerant and separate gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid tank 27 is supported by an extension structure 18. Moreover, the refrigerant liquid tank 27, as a device constituting the refrigeration cycle, is also supported by the extension structure 18 and can therefore be reliably fixed to the vehicle 11.

[0164] (Seventh effect)

[0165] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The battery 49, configured to store the driving power of the vehicle 11, can be cooled by cold water cooled by refrigerant. The vehicle heat source unit 17 includes: a cold water pump 41 configured to deliver cold water; a cold water-cooled expansion device 24 capable of expanding the refrigerant; and a cold water-cooled heat exchanger 26 configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant, already expanded by the cold water-cooled expansion device 24, and the cold water. The cold water pump 41, the cold water-cooled expansion device 24, and the cold water-cooled heat exchanger 26 are supported by an extension structure 18. The device configured to cool the battery 49 is also supported by the extension structure 18. This prevents the device from becoming uneven and allows it to be reliably secured to the vehicle 11.

[0166] (Eighth Effect)

[0167] Reference Figure 3 The first fixing member 56 is a plate comprising: a first overlapping portion 57a ​​that can overlap with the right rigid portion 50; and a first base portion 57c configured to connect the first overlapping portion 57a ​​and the frame member 71 to each other. The first base portion 57c is bent toward the first overlapping portion 57a. The second fixing member 66 is a plate comprising: a second overlapping portion 67a that can overlap with the left rigid portion 60; and a second base portion 67c configured to connect the second overlapping portion 67a and the frame member 71 to each other. The second base portion 67c is bent toward the second overlapping portion 67a. By partially bending the first fixing member 56 and the second fixing member 66, the elongated structure 18 is more likely to deform in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the fixing of the elongated structure 18 to the vehicle 11 from affecting the rigidity of the vehicle 11.

[0168] <Second Example>

[0169] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The vehicle heat source unit 17A in the second example will be described. For the construction common to the vehicle heat source unit 17 in the first example, the same reference numerals as in the first example are given, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0170] (Elongated structure)

[0171] The vehicle heat source unit 17A includes an elongated structure 120 with an elongated shape, on which supported devices 26 to 31 are provided. The elongated structure 120 has a long box shape with its entire upper surface open, and is provided with: a support portion 120a configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31; and a first fixing portion 130 and a second fixing portion 140 arranged at both ends of the support portion 120a in the longitudinal direction.

[0172] (Supporting section)

[0173] The support portion 120a includes: a plate-shaped bottom section 121 that extends in the longitudinal direction and is capable of covering the lower side of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a peripheral wall 122 that extends upward from the entire edge of the bottom section 121 and surrounds the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0174] The peripheral wall 122 includes: a front wall section 123 extending upward from the front edge of the bottom section 121 and covering the front of the supported devices 26 to 31; a rear wall section 124 extending upward from the rear edge of the bottom section 121 and covering the rear of the supported devices 26 to 31; a left wall section 126 extending upward from the left edge of the bottom section 121 and covering the left side of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a right wall section 125 extending upward from the right edge of the bottom section 121 and covering the right side of the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0175] (First fixed part)

[0176] The first fixing part 130 is a plate-shaped portion, which includes: a first overlapping section 131, which is capable of engaging with the right top portion 55 (see...). Figure 2 The overlapping portion 131 and the upper edge of the right wall portion 125 are connected to each other. The first base portion 132 bends toward the first overlapping portion 131.

[0177] (Second fixed part)

[0178] The second fixing part 140 is a plate-shaped part, which includes: a second overlapping section 141, which is capable of overlapping with the left top part 65 (see...). Figure 2); and a second base segment 142, which is configured to connect the edge of the second overlapping segment 141 and the upper edge of the left wall segment 126 to each other. The second base segment 142 is bent toward the second overlapping segment 141.

[0179] All of the aforementioned segments 121 to 126, 130 to 132, and 140 to 142 are continuously made of the same material (e.g., resin). The elongated structure 120 is a single component. Therefore, the elongated structure 120 can be manufactured by injection molding for ease of production. Alternatively, when it can be manufactured by injection molding, the elongated structure 120 can be made of layers of multiple components. The elongated structure 120 is made of a material that can increase strength and is made by layered injection molding, so that the entire elongated structure 120 can be reinforced. Alternatively, the elongated structure 120 can be formed by joining multiple different components using a known two-color molding method. The first base segment 132 and the second base segment 142 are formed of a material that is softer than the material of the support portion 120a to perform two-color molding, so that the effect on the rigidity of the vehicle 11 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0180] (Support method for the supported device)

[0181] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Similar to the first example, the extended structure 120 is supported by screws and fastened to the support devices 26 to 31. A threaded through hole is formed in the bottom section 121, through which the externally threaded member 101 can be inserted. An internal thread is formed in the lower surface 31c of the hot water pump 31, which can fasten the externally threaded member 101 therein. By placing the lower surface 31c of the hot water pump 31 on the upper surface 121a of the bottom section 121 and tightening the externally threaded member 101 extending through the threaded through hole, the hot water pump 31 can be fixed to the bottom section 121.

[0182] Similarly, internal threads (not shown) are formed in each of the following: the lower surface 34c of the hot water tank 34, the lower surface 32c of the hot water heater 32, the lower surface 27c of the refrigerant tank 27, the lower surface 22c of the refrigerant condenser 22, the lower surface 26c of the cold water cooling heat exchanger 26, and the lower surface 41c of the cold water pump 41, and are secured by the external thread 101.

[0183] (Arrangement of the supported device)

[0184] The supported devices 26 to 31 are all housed within the elongated structure 120. In other words, the supported devices 26 to 31 do not protrude upwards from the edge of the opening of the housing. However, the supported devices 26 to 31 may also protrude from the opening of the housing.

[0185] Preferably, the elongated structure 120 is provided with a drain hole (not shown) at a desired location in the plate-shaped bottom section 121. When water or other liquid components unintentionally accumulate in the elongated structure 120, the water or other liquid components can be effectively drained.

[0186] <Third Example>

[0187] Reference Figure 9 The vehicle heat source unit 17B in the third example will be described. For the construction common to the vehicle heat source unit 17A in the second example, the same reference numerals as in the second example are given, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0188] The elongated structure 210 of the vehicle heat source unit 17B includes a bottom extension section 212 extending forward from a portion of the leading edge 211a of the bottom section 211 of the main body portion 210a. The bottom extension section 212 supports the compressor 21 by means of an external threaded member 101 screwed into an internal thread formed in the lower surface of the compressor 21. The bottom extension section 212 includes an extension sidewall 213 extending upward from the edge of the bottom extension section 212. The extension sidewall 213 surrounds the compressor 21 except at the rear and continues to the front wall section 123. It should be noted that the portion configured to support the compressor 21 is not limited to the bottom extension section 212.

[0189] It should be noted that, as long as the operation and effects of the present invention are demonstrated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0190] For example, in the description of the refrigerant circuit 20 above, the refrigerant has been branched into two streams by the refrigerant condenser 22. However, without branching, the refrigerant can also flow into the air-cooled heat exchanger 25. In this case, the vehicle heat source unit 17 does not include the cold water-cooled expansion device 24, the cold water-cooled heat exchanger 26, or the cold water pump 41. The vehicle heat source unit 17 does not have the function of cooling the battery 49. However, the vehicle heat source unit 17 still has the function of supplying refrigerant to the air-cooled heat exchanger 25 and supplying hot water to the air-heating heat exchanger 33, and is reliably fixed to the vehicle 11.

[0191] [List of reference numerals]

[0192] 10: Vehicle Thermal Management System

[0193] 11: Vehicle; 11a: Vehicle body

[0194] 12: Front panel

[0195] 17, 17A, 17B: Vehicle heat source unit

[0196] 18: Elongation Structure

[0197] 27: Refrigerant liquid tank

[0198] 30a: Hot water device

[0199] 31: Hot water pump

[0200] 32: Hot water heater

[0201] 50: Right rigid part

[0202] 52: Right front panel

[0203] 53: Right-side suspension tower

[0204] 56: First fixing component (first fixing part)

[0205] 57: First plate; 57a: First overlapping portion; 57c: First base portion

[0206] 60: Left rigid part

[0207] 62: Left front panel

[0208] 63: Left suspension tower

[0209] 66: Second fixing component (second fixing part)

[0210] 67: Second plate; 67a: Second overlapping portion; 67c: Second base portion

[0211] 70a: Main part (supporting part)

[0212] 76: Front panel fixing part

[0213] BR: Vehicle front compartment

Claims

1. A vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) which is arrangeable in a vehicle front compartment (BR) in front of a passenger-carrying cabin (CR) in a vehicle (11), the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising: a hot water device (30a) including at least one of: a hot water pump (31) configured to deliver hot water capable of heating air blown into the cabin (CR); a refrigerant condenser (22) configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and a refrigerant capable of cooling air blown into the cabin (CR); a hot water heater (32) capable of further heating hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser (22); or a hot water liquid tank (34) configured to store a portion of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water; and an elongated structure (18, 120, 210) having an elongated shape, the elongated structure being provided with the hot water device (30a), the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) including: a support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) configured to support the hot water device (30a); a first fixing portion (56, 130) arranged on an end portion of the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) on one side with respect to a longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) as a reference, and capable of being fixed to a right rigid portion (50) of the vehicle (11); and a second fixing portion (66, 140) arranged on an end portion of the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) on an opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) as a reference, and capable of being fixed to a left rigid portion (60) of the vehicle (11).

2. The vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein, the first fixing portion (56, 130) is capable of being fixed to a right front side panel (52) of the right rigid portion (50), and wherein the second fixing portion (66, 140) is capable of being fixed to a left front side panel (62) of the left rigid portion (60).

3. The vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing portion (56, 130) is capable of being fixed to a right suspension tower (53) of the right rigid portion (50), and wherein the second fixing portion (66, 140) is capable of being fixed to a left suspension tower (63) of the left rigid portion (60).

4. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein The elongated structure (18, 120, 210) includes a dash panel fixing portion (76) that is fixable to a dash panel (12) of the vehicle (11) between the second fixing portion (66, 140) and the first fixing portion (56, 130).

5. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The hot water pump (31), the refrigerant condenser (22), the hot water heater (32), and the hot water liquid tank (34) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

6. The vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 5, comprising a refrigerant liquid tank (27) configured to store a portion of the refrigerant and separate gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant, wherein The refrigerant liquid tank (27) is supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

7. The vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 6, which is capable of cooling a battery (49) configured to store a travel power of the vehicle (11) by cold water cooled by the refrigerant, the vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising: a cold water pump (41) configured to deliver the cold water; a cold water cooling expansion device (24) capable of expanding refrigerant; and a cold water cooling heat exchanger (26) configured to perform heat exchange between refrigerant that has been expanded by the cold water cooling expansion device (24) and cold water, wherein the cold water pump (41), the cold water cooling expansion device (24), and the cold water cooling heat exchanger (26) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

8. The vehicle heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 5, wherein, the first fixing portion (56, 130) has a plate shape and includes a first overlapping portion (57a, 131) that is superimposable with the right rigid portion (50), and a first base portion (57c, 132) configured to couple the first overlapping portion (57a, 131) and the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) to each other, the first base portion (57c, 132) is bent toward the first overlapping portion (57a, 131), and wherein the second fixing portion (66, 140) has a plate shape and includes a second overlapping portion (67a, 141) that is superimposable with the left rigid portion (60), and a second base portion (67c, 142) configured to couple the second overlapping portion (67a, 141) and the support portion (70a, 120a, 210a) to each other, the second base portion (67c, 142) is bent toward the second overlapping portion (67a, 141).

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