Vehicle-mounted air conditioning device

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted air conditioning device is provided with a refrigerant circuit, a first coolant circuit, and a second coolant circuit. The refrigerant circuit has a compressor, a heat dissipation condenser, an expansion valve, and a heat absorption evaporator, and circulates a hydrocarbon refrigerant. The first heat exchanger is configured integrally with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the first coolant. The first coolant circuit has a heat sink and circulates a first coolant. The second heat exchanger is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and cools the second cooling liquid by the refrigerant in the evaporator of the second heat exchanger. The second coolant circuit circulates a second coolant and supplies the second coolant to the cooler core. The cooler core is disposed in an air passage of the air conditioning unit. A vehicle-mounted air conditioning device is provided with a case in which a refrigerant circuit and first and second heat exchangers are housed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a vehicle air conditioning device, and more particularly discloses a vehicle air conditioning device using a hydrocarbon refrigerant. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research has been conducted on using hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane (HC refrigerants) with low global warming potential as refrigerants for air conditioning systems. Because HC refrigerants are flammable, research is underway on structures to prevent refrigerant leaks and to ensure safety in the event of a leak.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-62683 discloses the use of propane as a refrigerant in a vehicle air conditioning system. The air conditioning system described in this document has the following structure: the refrigeration circuit is located in the engine compartment, the engine compartment and the passenger compartment are separated by a partition wall, and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration circuit is transferred to the passenger compartment via heat pipes penetrating the partition wall. With this structure, even if refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration circuit, it will not flow into the passenger compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In vehicle air conditioning systems, it is desirable to isolate the refrigerant circuit for hydrocarbon refrigerants from other components of the vehicle body to improve vehicle safety.

[0005] This specification discloses an on-board air conditioning device that isolates the refrigerant circuit of hydrocarbon refrigerants from other components of the vehicle body.

[0006] The vehicle air conditioning device disclosed in this invention is characterized by comprising:

[0007] The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, and supplies hydrocarbon refrigerant circulation.

[0008] The first heat exchanger is integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the first coolant.

[0009] A first coolant circuit has a radiator and is used for circulating the first coolant;

[0010] The second heat exchanger is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and the second coolant is cooled by the refrigerant in the evaporator.

[0011] The second coolant circuit has a cooler core and is used for circulating the second coolant;

[0012] An air conditioning unit having an air passage in which the cooler core is internally disposed, and delivering cooled air passing through the air passage into the vehicle interior; and

[0013] The housing contains the refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers.

[0014] According to this structure, the refrigerant circuit dissipates heat to the first coolant in the first coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the second coolant in the second coolant circuit. Therefore, by concentrating the refrigerant circuit within a relatively narrow area inside the vehicle and housing the refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers within a casing, they can be isolated from other components of the vehicle body. Even in the event of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit, leakage of refrigerant to other components of the vehicle body can be prevented. Furthermore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the refrigerant circuit can be protected by the casing.

[0015] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention

[0016] The housing may be heat-insulating.

[0017] According to this structure, the shell can be used to shield the radiant heat from the outside of the shell, thereby suppressing the heating of the refrigerant circuit caused by the heat.

[0018] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the structure can be as follows:

[0019] The vehicle is equipped with a drive unit that has a power source.

[0020] The housing is configured to be adjacent to the drive unit.

[0021] The housing has thermal insulation at least on the drive unit side.

[0022] According to this structure, the radiant heat from the drive unit can be shielded by the housing, thus suppressing the heating of the refrigerant circuit caused by this heat.

[0023] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the structure can be as follows:

[0024] The housing has holes in its bottom wall.

[0025] A flexible hose extending downwards from the hole in the housing is connected to it.

[0026] According to this structure, even in the event of a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant can be guided to the area under the vehicle via a hose.

[0027] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the structure can be as follows:

[0028] The bottom wall of the housing may have an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the hole in the housing.

[0029] According to this structure, even in the event of a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant can still flow smoothly to the holes in the bottom wall of the casing.

[0030] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the hydrocarbon refrigerant may be propane or a refrigerant with propane as the main component.

[0031] The vehicle disclosed in this manual is equipped with the aforementioned vehicle air conditioning device.

[0032] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to isolate the refrigerant circuit of hydrocarbon refrigerants from other components of the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an air conditioning unit.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system inside the vehicle.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram used to illustrate the location of the housing of the refrigerant module inside the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the refrigerant module housing.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view showing the refrigerant module housed within the main casing.

[0039] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of the refrigerant module.

[0040] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the other housing of the refrigerant module.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of another air conditioning unit. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Foreword

[0043] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same symbols are used to denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms indicating directions and orientations such as front, back, left, right, up, and down refer to directions and orientations related to the vehicle. In each figure, arrow FR points forward, arrow UP points upward, and arrow LH points to the left.

[0044] Air conditioning units are installed in vehicles such as automobiles. In the embodiments described below, the type of vehicle equipped with the air conditioning unit is not limited. For example, the vehicle can be an engine-powered automobile or a battery electric vehicle (BEV) powered by a motor. Furthermore, the vehicle can be a hybrid BEV or a plug-in hybrid BEV, equipped with both an engine and a motor. Additionally, the vehicle can be a fuel cell electric vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, or a BEV that operates using electricity stored in a battery.

[0045] Air conditioning units have a refrigerant circuit that circulates hydrocarbon refrigerants (referred to as HC refrigerants). HC refrigerants are flammable. Examples of HC refrigerants include propane, butane, isobutane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene. In the refrigerant circuit, one of these HC refrigerants or a mixture of two or more of them can be used. Furthermore, in the refrigerant circuit, a mixed refrigerant can be used, primarily composed of one or more HC refrigerants but containing refrigerants other than HC refrigerants and various additives. For example, in the refrigerant circuit, propane or a refrigerant primarily composed of propane but containing at least one of other refrigerants and additives (a propane-based refrigerant) can be used. As an example, an HC refrigerant can be R290. In this specification, hydrocarbon refrigerant (HC refrigerant) refers to a pure hydrocarbon refrigerant or a refrigerant primarily composed of hydrocarbon refrigerants.

[0046] The refrigerant circuit serves as the heat source for the air conditioning unit. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the refrigerant circuit sequentially includes a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption. A receiver may be installed between the condenser and the expansion valve. Furthermore, a liquid accumulator may be installed between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0047] The air conditioning unit may include: a high-temperature coolant circuit, which circulates the coolant heated by the condenser passing through the refrigerant circuit; and a low-temperature coolant circuit, which circulates the coolant cooled by the evaporator passing through the refrigerant circuit. The coolant is the heat medium, and the high-temperature coolant circuit and the low-temperature coolant circuit are heat medium circuits, respectively.

[0048] In the implementation methods described below, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a first coolant circuit C1 as a high-temperature coolant circuit and second and third coolant circuits C2 and C3 as low-temperature coolant circuits. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit 12 can be configured without the third coolant circuit C3; for this purpose, [the following is a possible interpretation]. Figure 7 Please provide an explanation.

[0049] The coolant in coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3 (sections 1-3) can be cooling water. That is, the coolant can be water without additives, water mixed with additives such as antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors, or other coolant solutions. Furthermore, the coolant can be any liquid heat transfer medium, such as oil, and is not limited to any particular type.

[0050] In the embodiments described below, the refrigerant circuit is located under the vehicle's front hood. Hereinafter, regardless of the presence or type of power source (engine, motor, etc.) under the front hood, the area under the front hood will be referred to as the "engine compartment".

[0051] Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioning device 12 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit 12 inside the vehicle. The vehicle 10 is equipped with a battery 54 that supplies electricity to the motor, which serves as a power source. The vehicle 10 can be, for example, a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid battery electric vehicle, etc.

[0053] The air conditioning unit 12 provides air conditioning for the vehicle compartment 90 and also cools the battery 54. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit 12 may be configured to cool the battery 54 and, in place of the battery 54, cool onboard equipment such as the power control unit (PCU).

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a refrigerant circuit R that serves as a heat source, first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3, and an air conditioning unit 70. The first coolant circuit C1 circulates a first coolant that is heated by the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant circuit R. The second coolant circuit C2 circulates a second coolant that is cooled by the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant circuit R. Similarly, the third coolant circuit C3 circulates a third coolant that is cooled by the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant circuit R. The air conditioning unit 70 supplies air cooled by the second coolant circulating through the second coolant circuit C2 to the vehicle interior.

[0055] The refrigerant circuit R is a closed loop that circulates HC-type refrigerant (hereinafter referred to as refrigerant) by connecting the compressor 20, condenser 22, receiver 28, expansion valves 24a and 24b, and evaporators 26a and 26b in sequence through refrigerant piping. Expansion valve 24a is connected in series with evaporator 26a, and similarly, expansion valve 24b is connected in series with evaporator 26b. The refrigerant flow paths of expansion valve 24a and evaporator 26a, and of expansion valve 24b and evaporator 26b, are connected in parallel.

[0056] The air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 30. The heat exchanger 30 is integrally formed with the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R, and facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R and the first coolant in the first coolant circuit C1. The heat exchanger 30 is a water-cooled condenser, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 30 is the first heat exchanger.

[0057] The first coolant circuit C1 is a closed loop formed by connecting the water pump 32, heat exchanger 30, and radiator 34 sequentially through coolant piping, thus circulating the first coolant. The radiator 34 is a heat exchanger that allows the first coolant to exchange heat with the vehicle's running airflow Wtr. In the first coolant circuit C1, the first coolant, pressurized by the water pump 32, becomes high-temperature during its passage through the heat exchanger 30 due to heat dissipation from the refrigerant in the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R. The high-temperature first coolant is then sent to the radiator 34, where it is cooled by the vehicle's running airflow Wtr.

[0058] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 40. The heat exchanger 40 is integrally formed with the evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R, and facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R and the second coolant in the second coolant circuit C2. The heat exchanger 40 can be, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 40 is the second heat exchanger.

[0059] The second coolant circuit C2 is a closed loop formed by connecting the water pump 42, the heat exchanger 40, and the cooler core 72 sequentially through coolant piping, thus circulating the second coolant. The cooler core 72 is a heat exchanger disposed in the air passage 75 of the air conditioning unit 70, which facilitates heat exchange between the second coolant and the air conditioning air Wac. In the second coolant circuit C2, the second coolant, pressurized by the water pump 42, becomes cold due to heat absorption by the refrigerant in the evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R during its passage through the heat exchanger 40. The cold second coolant is then sent to the cooler core 72, where it cools the air conditioning air Wac.

[0060] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger 50 is integrally formed with the evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R, and facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R and the third coolant in the third coolant circuit C3. The heat exchanger 50 can be, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 50 is the third heat exchanger.

[0061] The third coolant circuit C3 is a closed loop formed by connecting the water pump 52, the heat exchanger 50, and the battery 54 sequentially through coolant piping, thus circulating the third coolant. In the third coolant circuit C3, the coolant pressurized by the water pump 52 becomes cold due to heat absorption by the refrigerant in the evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R while passing through the heat exchanger 50. The cold-cooled third coolant is then sent to the battery 54 to cool it. In this specification, the third coolant circuit C3 and the third coolant are also referred to as the battery coolant circuit and the battery coolant, respectively.

[0062] In this specification, expansion valve 24a, evaporator 26a, and heat exchanger 40 are also referred to as air conditioning expansion valve, air conditioning evaporator, and air conditioning heat exchanger, respectively. Furthermore, expansion valve 24b, evaporator 26b, and heat exchanger 50 are also referred to as battery expansion valve, battery evaporator, and battery heat exchanger, respectively.

[0063] In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant circulates as follows: Compressor 20 discharges high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which dissipates heat and condenses in condenser 22 by exchanging heat with the first coolant in the first coolant circuit C1 of heat exchanger 30, thus becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of condenser 22 expands by being depressurized through expansion valve 24a via receiver 28, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into evaporator 26a. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into evaporator 26a exchanges heat with the second coolant in the second coolant circuit C2 of heat exchanger 40, evaporating into gaseous refrigerant, and flows out of evaporator 26a, returning to compressor 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 expands by being depressurized through the expansion valve 24b via the receiver 28, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant that flows into the evaporator 26b. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 26b exchanges heat with the third coolant in the third coolant circuit C3 of the heat exchanger 50, evaporating into a gaseous refrigerant that flows out of the evaporator 26b and returns to the compressor 20.

[0065] The air conditioning unit 70 includes a blower 80 and an air passage 75 formed by a housing (not shown). Inside the air passage 75, the blower 80, a cooler core 72, and a heater core 74 are arranged sequentially in the airflow direction. The heater core 74 is, for example, a heat exchanger that supplies engine cooling water or cooling water heated by a PTC heater for water heating. Alternatively, the heater core 74 may also be a structure that supplies coolant heated by the heat exchanger 30.

[0066] Blower 80 introduces air into air passage 75 through an air inlet (not shown), and ventilates the air through cooler core 72 and heater core 74, thereby delivering temperature-regulated air into the vehicle interior. An air mixing valve 82 is provided inside air passage 75, which adjusts the ratio of air flowing from cooler core 72 to heater core 74. Furthermore, air conditioning unit 70 can employ conventional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the engine compartment 92 and the passenger compartment 90 are separated by an instrument panel 94. An instrument cluster (not shown) is located on the passenger compartment 90 side of the instrument panel 94. An air conditioning unit 70 is positioned between the instrument cluster and the instrument panel 94.

[0068] The battery 54 is located under the floor of the passenger compartment 90, specifically below the floor panel 96. Alternatively, the battery 54 can be located under the seat or in the rear of the vehicle, and its location is not limited.

[0069] The air conditioning unit 12 includes a controller. The controller may comprise a processor and a storage device, and may be, for example, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The controller controls the equipment included in the air conditioning unit 12 based on detection information from multiple sensors (temperature sensors that detect external temperature, internal temperature, battery temperature, solar radiation sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) and settings from a user-operated control panel. Furthermore, the controller may employ conventional air conditioning unit control technology.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown in the upper right corner, the refrigerant circuit R is integrated to form the refrigerant module RM. Specifically, the refrigerant module RM is used to integrate the refrigerant circuit in the air conditioning unit 12. Figure 1 The integrated unit of equipment (components) inside the single-dot dashed line. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in the refrigerant module RM, the compressor 20, the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50, the receiver 28, and the two expansion valves 24a and 24b are fixed to the upper surface of the plate 150 by screws, etc. The various devices are connected by refrigerant piping 152.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a housing 100. The housing 100 includes a housing body 102 and a top panel 103. Figure 5As shown, the refrigerant module RM is housed within the housing body 102. The refrigerant module RM is secured to the inner surface of the housing body 102 via a bracket (not shown). A top panel 103 is mounted to the housing body 102 such that it covers the upper surface of the housing body 102 containing the refrigerant module RM.

[0072] The housing body 102 has a heat-insulating outer surface. Heat insulation can be achieved by forming the housing body 102 itself with a heat-shielding material, or by applying aluminum vapor deposition, aluminum foil, or the like to the outer surface of the housing body 102. Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 102 includes a front wall 112, a rear wall 114, a left side wall 116, a right side wall 117, and a bottom wall 118. The outer surfaces of these walls are heat-insulating. Furthermore, the housing body 102 has an outwardly extending flange 130 at its upper end. The flange 130 has a frame shape when viewed from above.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the left side wall 116 has two through holes 136a and 136b for the piping of the first coolant circuit C1 to pass through. The right side wall 117 has two through holes 136c and 136d for the piping of the second coolant circuit C2 to pass through, and two through holes 136e and 136f for the piping of the third coolant circuit C3 to pass through. In addition, the six through holes 136a to 136f may each have a sealing material at their edges to prevent gaps from forming between the outer surfaces of the piping.

[0074] Additionally, one or more walls of the housing body 102 may have holes (not shown) for power lines, control lines, and other wires connected to equipment such as the compressor 20 to pass through. Furthermore, a sealing material may be provided at the edge of the wire hole to prevent gaps from forming between the outer surfaces of the wires.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall 118 of the housing body 102 has a hole 140. A flexible hose 142 extending downwards from the vehicle is connected to this hole 140. Figure 6A This shows a cross-section of the housing 100 of the refrigerant module. A hose 142 extends from a hole 140 in the bottom wall 118 to the bottom of the vehicle body. The front end of the hose 142 (not shown) can be secured to a vehicle body structure located in the lower part (or bottom) of the engine compartment.

[0076] The top panel 103 also has a heat-insulating outer surface. Heat insulation can be achieved by forming the top panel 103 itself with a heat-shielding material, or by applying aluminum vapor deposition or aluminum foil to the outer surface of the top panel 103. The top panel 103 is disposed on the flange 130 of the housing body 102. The outer periphery of the top panel 103 is fastened to the flange 130 of the housing body 102 by a plurality of screws. For example, screw holes are provided at constant intervals on the outer periphery of the top panel 103 and on the flange 130 of the housing body 102. Nuts are disposed on the lower surface of the flange 130 of the housing body 102, corresponding to the screw holes. A plurality of threads pass through the screw holes of the top panel 103 and the housing body 102 from the upper side of the top panel 103, and engage with the nuts on the lower surface of the flange 130.

[0077] Alternatively, the flange 130 of the housing body 102 may have a sealing material on its upper surface to prevent gaps from forming between it and the outer periphery of the top panel 103. Or, the outer periphery of the top panel 103 may have a sealing material on its lower surface to prevent gaps from forming between it and the flange 130 of the housing body 102.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 of the refrigerant module is disposed within the engine compartment 92. The first coolant circuit C1 is disposed in front of the housing 100. The housing 100 can be disposed further rearward than the collision deformation zone at the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision with the vehicle 10, the collision load input to the refrigerant module RM (refrigerant circuit R) can be reduced.

[0079] exist Figure 3 The diagram shows a more specific location of the housing 100 of the refrigerant module. The vehicle 10 includes a drive unit 14. The drive unit 14 comprises a power source for the vehicle 10 and an integrated structure therewith. The power source may include an engine, a motor, or both. The drive unit 14 may be, for example, an engine unit, a motor unit, a transmission unit including an engine and a driveshaft, or an electric drive axle, etc. The drive unit 14 is located in the engine compartment 92.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 100 of the refrigerant module is configured adjacent to the drive unit 14. Specifically, the housing 100 is positioned rearward and above the front end 14F of the drive unit 14. This rearward position relative to the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 creates a space protected during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10. Therefore, by arranging the housing 100 in this space, the collision load input to the refrigerant module RM (refrigerant circuit R) during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10 can be reduced. Alternatively, the housing 100 of the refrigerant module can be positioned rearward and below the front end 14F of the drive unit 14.

[0081] In addition, Figure 4 , Figure 6A The drive unit 14 is also shown in the figure. As shown in these figures, the hose 142 of the housing 100 is disposed on the rear side of the drive unit 14.

[0082] According to the embodiment described above, the refrigerant circuit R dissipates heat to the coolant in the first coolant circuit C1 and absorbs heat from the coolant in the second and third coolant circuits C2 and C3. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit R can be concentrated within a relatively narrow area inside the vehicle, and the refrigerant circuit R and the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50 can be housed within the housing 100. By housing the refrigerant circuit R and the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50 within the housing 100, they can be isolated from other components of the vehicle body. Even in the event of leakage of HC-type refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit R, the outflow of HC-type refrigerant to other components of the vehicle body can be prevented. Furthermore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the housing 100 can protect the refrigerant circuit R.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, since the housing 100 has heat insulation properties, it can block radiant heat from the drive unit 14 and suppress the heating of the refrigerant circuit R caused by this heat.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the implementation method described above, such as Figure 6A As shown, the bottom wall 118 of the housing body 102 has a hole 140 through which a flexible hose 142 extending downwards from the vehicle is connected. Therefore, even in the event of a leak of HC refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R, the HC refrigerant can be guided downwards from the vehicle via the hose 142. HC refrigerants are generally heavier than air, and therefore flow downwards in the hose 142. This allows the HC refrigerant to be released to a relatively safe location under the vehicle body.

[0085] Variations

[0086] exist Figure 6B The diagram shows a cross-section of another housing 100-1 of the refrigerant module. In this housing 100-1, the bottom wall 118 of the housing body 102-1 has an inclined surface 119 that slopes downward toward the hole 140. The bottom wall 118 slopes downward toward the hole 140 from the left and right ends, and from the front and rear ends. In this manner, even in the event of leakage of HC-type refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant can flow smoothly toward the hole 140.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, the housings 100 and 100-1 have a top panel 103. However, the housings 100 and 100-1 may also omit the top panel 103. Furthermore, the top panel 103 may have an opening.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, all walls of the housings 100 and 100-1 are heat-insulating. However, the drive unit 14 side (e.g., bottom wall 118) of the housings 100 and 100-1 may be heat-insulating. Additionally, the housings 100 and 100-1 may be configured to be adjacent to heating elements other than the drive unit 14. At least the heating element side of the housings 100 and 100-1 is heat-insulating. Furthermore, for example, if there are no heating elements such as the drive unit 14 near the housings 100 and 100-1, the housings 100 and 100-1 may not be heat-insulating. Additionally, the housings 100 and 100-1, in whole or in part, may be made of resin or the like.

[0089] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the refrigerant circuit R is integrated into the refrigerant module RM via the plate 150. However, the refrigerant circuit R may not be integrated via the plate 150, etc. That is, the refrigerant circuit R only needs to be housed within the housings 100 and 100-1. For example, multiple devices constituting the refrigerant circuit R can be respectively fixed to the inner surfaces of the housings 100 and 100-1.

[0090] Another air conditioning unit

[0091] Next, another air conditioning unit will be described. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of another air conditioning unit 12a. This air conditioning unit 12a is derived from the aforementioned air conditioning unit 12 (see reference). Figure 1 The expansion valve 24b, the third heat exchanger 50, and the third coolant circuit C3 are omitted. The refrigerant circuit Ra of the air conditioning unit 12a is formed by connecting the compressor 20, condenser 22, receiver 28, expansion valve 24a, and evaporator 26a in sequence through refrigerant piping.

[0092] The air conditioning unit 12a uses a non-cooled battery 54 (reference). Figure 1 The battery 54 can be cooled by a cooling device that is separate from the air conditioning unit 12a. Furthermore, vehicles such as engine vehicles that do not have a battery 54 (a battery that supplies power to the motor) do not require a battery cooling device, so the air conditioning unit 12a can be used.

[0093] In this air conditioning unit 12a, Figure 7The devices (components) inside the single-dot dashed line are housed in the aforementioned housings 100 and 100-1. These devices (components) can be housed in the aforementioned housings 100 and 100-1 either as an integrated refrigerant module RMa or by being respectively fixed to the inner surface of the housing.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, and supplies hydrocarbon refrigerant circulation. The first heat exchanger is integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the first coolant. A first coolant circuit has a radiator and is used for circulating the first coolant; The second heat exchanger is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and the second coolant is cooled by the refrigerant in the evaporator. The second coolant circuit has a cooler core and is used for circulating the second coolant; An air conditioning unit has an air passage in which the cooler core is disposed internally, and cools the air passing through the air passage before delivering it into the vehicle interior; and The housing contains the refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is heat-insulating.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with a drive unit that has a power source. The housing is configured to be adjacent to the drive unit. The housing has thermal insulation at least on the drive unit side.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing has holes in its bottom wall. A flexible hose extending downwards from the hole in the housing is connected to it.

5. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the housing has an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the hole in the housing.

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