Vehicle-mounted air conditioning device

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle-mounted air conditioning device. The present invention is provided with a refrigerant circuit (R) and first and second coolant circuits (C1, C2). The refrigerant circuit has a compressor (20), a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve (24a), and an evaporator for heat absorption, and circulates a hydrocarbon refrigerant. The first heat exchanger (30) is configured integrally with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, and transfers heat from the refrigerant located in the condenser to the coolant of the first coolant circuit (C1). The first coolant circuit has a heat sink. The second heat exchanger (40) is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and cools the coolant of the second coolant circuit (C2) by means of the refrigerant located in the evaporator. The second coolant circuit has a cooler core disposed in the air conditioning unit. A vehicle-mounted air-conditioning device is provided with a heat-insulating plate (100) disposed between a refrigerant circuit and first and second heat exchangers (30, 40) and a heat-generating element (14) mounted on a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to vehicle air conditioning systems, and in particular, discloses vehicle air conditioning systems using hydrocarbon refrigerants. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, hydrocarbon-based refrigerants such as propane (HC-based refrigerants), which have low global warming coefficients, have been studied as refrigerants for air conditioning systems. Since HC-based refrigerants are flammable, structures for preventing refrigerant leaks and ensuring safety during leaks have been investigated.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling device with a drive unit for an electric motor, which includes a circulation system for cooling oil for the electric motor and a circulation system for cooling water for the oil through heat exchange.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-199293 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Vehicles contain heat-generating components such as engines, motors, converters, and batteries. Additionally, they contain electrical connections such as battery power terminals, connectors for electrical equipment, and connectors between wires. At these electrical connections, there is a possibility of sparking due to poor contact between two conductive parts. In vehicle air conditioning systems, it is desirable to isolate the refrigerant circuit for hydrocarbon-based refrigerants from heat-generating components or electrical connections within the vehicle body to improve vehicle safety.

[0008] Therefore, this specification discloses a vehicle air conditioning device that isolates the refrigerant circuit of a hydrocarbon refrigerant from heat-generating elements or wiring connections within the vehicle body.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The vehicle air conditioning device disclosed in this specification is characterized by comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, for circulating a hydrocarbon refrigerant; a first heat exchanger integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, for transferring heat from the refrigerant located in the condenser to a first coolant; a first coolant circuit having a radiator for circulating the first coolant; a second heat exchanger integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, for cooling a second coolant by the refrigerant located in the evaporator; a second coolant circuit having a cooler core for circulating the second coolant; an air conditioning unit having an air passage with the cooler core disposed inside, for cooling air passing through the air passage and supplying air into the vehicle interior; and a heat insulation plate disposed between the refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and heat-generating elements disposed within the vehicle.

[0011] According to this structure, the refrigerant circuit releases heat to the first coolant in the first coolant circuit and absorbs heat from the second coolant in the second coolant circuit. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit can be concentrated in a relatively narrow area within the vehicle, and the refrigerant circuit, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are isolated from heat-generating elements by a heat shield. Since radiant heat from heat-generating elements is blocked by the heat shield, heating of the refrigerant circuit by this heat can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the event of a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit, the heat shield can prevent the refrigerant from flowing out to the heat-generating elements.

[0012] In the vehicle air conditioning device disclosed herein, the refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers may be disposed on the upper side of the heat-generating element, the heat insulation plate may be inclined downward toward one side, and the lower end of the heat insulation plate may be located on the outside of the heat-generating element.

[0013] Hydrocarbon-based refrigerants are generally heavier than air. Therefore, according to the above structure, in the event of a leak of the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit, the upper surface of the heat insulation plate can catch the refrigerant and allow it to flow along the downward direction of the heat insulation plate, guiding the refrigerant from the lower end of the heat insulation plate to the outside of the heat-generating element.

[0014] In the vehicle air conditioning device disclosed herein, the heating element may include a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion that is lower than the high-temperature portion, and the heat insulation plate may include an upper part located above the high-temperature portion of the heating element and a lower part located below the upper part and above the low-temperature portion of the heating element.

[0015] According to this structure, in the event of a hydrocarbon refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant can be caught on the upper surface of the insulation plate and guided from the upper part of the insulation plate, which will become hot, to the lower part of the insulation plate, which will become cooler.

[0016] In the vehicle air conditioning device disclosed herein, the refrigerant circuit, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger may be disposed on the upper side of the heat-generating element, and the heat insulation plate may include: two opposing sides having upwardly projecting edges; and at least one side located outside the heat-generating element, where the edges are omitted.

[0017] According to this structure, in the event of a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit, the protruding edge of the insulation plate can prevent the refrigerant from flowing down the insulation plate to the heat-generating element. Furthermore, the refrigerant can be guided from the edge of the insulation plate (where the protruding edge is omitted) to the outside of the heat-generating element.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device disclosed in this specification is characterized by comprising: a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, for circulating a hydrocarbon refrigerant; a first heat exchanger integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, for transferring heat from the refrigerant located in the condenser to a first coolant; a first coolant circuit having a radiator for circulating the first coolant; a second heat exchanger integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, for cooling a second coolant using the refrigerant located in the evaporator; a second coolant circuit having a cooler core for circulating the second coolant; an air conditioning unit having an air passage with the cooler core disposed inside, for cooling air passing through the air passage and blowing it into the vehicle interior; and a partition plate disposed between the refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and an electrical wiring connection disposed within the vehicle.

[0019] According to this structure, in the event of a hydrocarbon refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit, the separator plate can be used to prevent the refrigerant from flowing out to the wire connection.

[0020] In the vehicle air conditioning device disclosed herein, the hydrocarbon refrigerant may be propane or a refrigerant with propane as the main component.

[0021] The vehicle disclosed in this manual is equipped with the aforementioned vehicle air conditioning system.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to isolate the refrigerant circuit of a hydrocarbon refrigerant from heat-generating elements or electrical connections within the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an air conditioning unit.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system inside the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram used to illustrate the location of the refrigerant module inside the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view showing the insulation panel and the surrounding structures.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view showing another insulation panel and the surrounding structures.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view showing another insulation panel and the surrounding structures.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of another air conditioning unit. Detailed Implementation

[0031] <Pre-position>

[0032] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for equivalent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms indicating direction (front, back, left, right, up, down, etc.) 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.

[0033] 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 an electric vehicle powered by a motor. Alternatively, the vehicle can be a hybrid electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle equipped with both an engine and a motor. Furthermore, the vehicle can be a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell or a battery electric vehicle that uses electricity stored in a battery for propulsion.

[0034] Air conditioning units have a refrigerant circuit for circulating hydrocarbon-based refrigerants (referred to as HC-based refrigerants). HC-based refrigerants are flammable. Examples of HC-based refrigerants include propane, butane, isobutane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene. In the refrigerant circuit, one of these HC-based refrigerants or a mixture of two or more of them can be used. Alternatively, a mixture of refrigerants, primarily composed of one or more HC-based refrigerants and including refrigerants other than HC-based refrigerants and various additives, can also be used in the refrigerant circuit. For example, propane or a refrigerant primarily composed of propane and including at least one of other refrigerants and additives (a propane-based refrigerant) can be used in the refrigerant circuit. As an example, an HC-based refrigerant can also be R 290. In this specification, hydrocarbon-based refrigerant (HC-based refrigerant) refers to a pure hydrocarbon-based refrigerant or a refrigerant primarily composed of a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant.

[0035] 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 can also be installed between the condenser and the expansion valve. Alternatively, an accumulator can be installed between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0036] An air conditioning unit may include: a high-temperature coolant circuit, which circulates coolant heated by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit; and a low-temperature coolant circuit, which circulates coolant cooled by the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit. The coolant is the heat medium, and the high-temperature and low-temperature coolant circuits are respectively heat medium circuits.

[0037] 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. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12 can be configured without the third coolant circuit C3; this is explained below. Figure 7 Please provide an explanation.

[0038] The coolant in the first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3 can be cooling water. That is, the coolant can be: water without additives; water mixed with additives such as antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors; or coolant, etc. Alternatively, the coolant can also be a liquid heat medium such as oil; there are no restrictions.

[0039] In the embodiments described below, the refrigerant circuit is located under the vehicle's hood (front engine hood). Hereinafter, regardless of the presence or type of power source (engine, motor, etc.) under the hood, the area under the hood will be referred to as the "engine compartment".

[0040] <Implementation Method>

[0041] 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 may be, for example, a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc.

[0042] The air conditioning unit 12 regulates the air inside the vehicle compartment 90 and cools the battery 54. In addition, the air conditioning unit 12 may also be a structure that cools the battery 54 and on-board equipment such as the PCU (Power Control Unit), or replaces the battery 54 to cool the on-board equipment such as the PCU.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a refrigerant circuit R as a heat source, first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3, and an air conditioning unit 70. The first coolant, heated by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R, circulates in the first coolant circuit C1. The second coolant, cooled by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R, circulates in the second coolant circuit C2. Similarly, the third coolant, cooled by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R, circulates in the third coolant circuit C3. The air conditioning unit 70 supplies air cooled by the second coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit C2 to the vehicle interior.

[0044] 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, storage tank 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 are connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow paths of expansion valve 24b and evaporator 26b.

[0045] 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, enabling 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.

[0046] The first coolant circuit C1 is a closed loop that circulates the first coolant by connecting the water pump 32, heat exchanger 30, and radiator 34 sequentially via coolant piping. The radiator 34 is a heat exchanger that facilitates heat exchange between the first coolant and the vehicle's running airflow (Wtr). In the first coolant circuit C1, the first coolant, pressurized by the water pump 32, becomes hot during its passage through the heat exchanger 30 due to heat dissipation from the refrigerant in the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R. This hot first coolant is then transported to the radiator 34, where it is cooled by the vehicle's running airflow (Wtr).

[0047] Additionally, 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, allowing 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.

[0048] The second coolant circuit C2 is a closed loop that circulates the second coolant, consisting of a water pump 42, a heat exchanger 40, and a cooler core 72 connected sequentially by coolant piping. The cooler core 72 is a heat exchanger located in the air passage 75 of the air conditioning unit 70, facilitating heat exchange between the second coolant and the air conditioning airflow Wac. In the second coolant circuit C2, the second coolant, pressurized by the water pump 42, becomes cold due to the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R while passing through the heat exchanger 40. This cooled second coolant is then sent to the cooler core 72, where it cools the air conditioning airflow Wac.

[0049] Additionally, 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, enabling 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 a third heat exchanger.

[0050] The third coolant circuit C3 is a closed loop that circulates the third coolant, formed by connecting the water pump 52, heat exchanger 50, and battery 54 sequentially via coolant piping. In the third coolant circuit C3, the coolant pumped by the water pump 52 becomes cold as it passes through the heat exchanger 50 due to the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R. This cooled third coolant is then delivered 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.

[0051] In this specification, expansion valve 24a, evaporator 26a, and heat exchanger 40 are 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 referred to as battery expansion valve, battery evaporator, and battery heat exchanger, respectively.

[0052] In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant circulates as follows: Compressor 20 discharges high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which dissipates heat and condenses in the condenser 22 by exchanging heat with the first coolant in the first coolant circuit C1 of the heat exchanger 30, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 is depressurized and expanded by the expansion valve 24a via the reservoir 28, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the evaporator 26a. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 26a exchanges heat with the second coolant in the second coolant circuit C2 of the heat exchanger 40, evaporating into a gaseous refrigerant, and flows out of the evaporator 26a, returning to the compressor 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 is depressurized and expanded by the expansion valve 24b via the storage tank 28, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant, and 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, evaporates, becomes a gaseous refrigerant, and flows out of the evaporator 26b, returning to the compressor 20.

[0054] 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 coolant or coolant heated by a PTC heater for water heating. Alternatively, the heater core 74 may be a structure that supplies coolant heated by the heat exchanger 30.

[0055] Blower 80 introduces air into air passage 75 through an intake port (not shown), ventilating the cooler core 72 and heater core 74, thereby blowing temperature-controlled air into the vehicle interior. An air mixing gate 82 is provided inside air passage 75, adjusting the ratio of air flowing from cooler core 72 to heater core 74. Furthermore, air conditioning unit 70 can employ conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, the engine compartment 92 and the passenger compartment 90 are separated by a dashboard 94. An instrument panel (not shown) is located on the passenger compartment 90 side of the dashboard 94. An air conditioning unit 70 is positioned between the instrument panel and the dashboard 94.

[0057] The battery 54 is located under the floor of the passenger compartment 90, specifically under the floor panel 96. Alternatively, the battery 54 can also be located under the seats, at the rear of the vehicle, or in any other location.

[0058] The air conditioning unit 12 includes a controller. The controller may be configured to include a processor and a storage device, such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). 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 setting information from a user-operated control panel. Furthermore, the controller may employ existing air conditioning unit control technology.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant circuit R is integrated to form a refrigerant module RM. Specifically, the refrigerant module RM is a component located in the air conditioning unit 12. Figure 1 A unit formed by integrating the equipment (components) on the inside of a single-dotted 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 storage tank 28, and the two expansion valves 24a and 24b are fixed to the upper surface of the plate 150 by screws or the like. The various devices are connected by refrigerant piping 152.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerant module RM is located within the engine compartment 92. The first coolant circuit C1 is located in front of the refrigerant module RM. The refrigerant module RM can be positioned rearward than the frontal collision deformation zone 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.

[0061] exist Figure 3 The location of the refrigerant module RM is shown in more detail. Vehicle 10 includes a drive unit 14. The drive unit 14 comprises the power source of vehicle 10 and its integrated structure. 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 power transmission unit including an engine and a drive axle, or an eAxle (electric axle), etc. The drive unit 14 is located in the engine compartment 92.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant module RM is positioned rearward and above the front end 14F of the drive unit 14. A heat insulation plate 100 is disposed between the refrigerant module RM and the drive unit 14. The position rearward of the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 is a space protected during a frontal collision of the vehicle 10. Therefore, by arranging the refrigerant module RM 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.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the insulation panel 100 and its surrounding structures. The white box (lead-out box) in the upper left corner of the view indicates their schematic structure. It should be noted that another embodiment (the partition plate 101 of the wire connection portion 15) is shown inside the single-dot dashed line in the lower left corner of the view. This view will be described later.

[0064] The refrigerant module RM is positioned above the drive unit 14. The drive unit 14 is an example of a heat-generating element. The heat shield 100 is positioned between the refrigerant module RM and the drive unit 14. Furthermore, the refrigerant module RM and the heat shield 100 are respectively held in the engine compartment 92 by brackets (not shown).

[0065] The heat insulation panel 100 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The refrigerant module RM is located inside the heat insulation panel 100 when viewed from above. The heat insulation panel 100 has a front edge 130F, a rear edge 130B, a left edge 130L, and a right edge 130R. The heat insulation panel 100 slopes downwards to the right. The heat insulation panel 100 has upwardly projecting edges 110 on the opposing front edge 130F, rear edge 130B, and left edge 130L. The right edge 130R of the heat insulation panel 100 is the lower end 105, where the upwardly projecting edge 110 is omitted. The lower end 105 of the heat insulation panel 100 is located outside the drive unit 14.

[0066] The heat insulation performance of the heat insulation panel 100 is obtained by forming the panel itself from heat insulation material. Alternatively, the heat insulation performance of the heat insulation panel 100 can also be obtained by providing aluminum vapor deposition, aluminum foil, or the like on the lower surface of the panel on the side of the heat-generating element, i.e., on the side of the drive unit 14.

[0067] 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, thus concentrating the refrigerant circuit R within a relatively narrow area inside the vehicle. Therefore, the refrigerant circuit R and the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50 can be isolated from the drive unit 14 by the heat insulation plate 100. Since the radiant heat from the drive unit 14 is blocked by the heat insulation plate 100, heating of the refrigerant circuit R by this heat can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the event of leakage of HC-based refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit R, the heat insulation plate 100 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the drive unit 14.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the heat insulation plate 100 faces one side (in... Figure 4 (The middle section is on the right) The heat insulation plate 100 slopes downwards, with its lower end 105 located outside the drive unit 14. HC-based refrigerants are generally heavier than air. Therefore, in the event of a leak from the refrigerant circuit R, the upper surface of the heat insulation plate 100 can catch the refrigerant, allowing it to flow along the downward direction of the heat insulation plate 100. Furthermore, the refrigerant can be guided from the lower end 105 of the heat insulation plate 100 to the outside of the drive unit 14.

[0069] In addition, according to the embodiment described above, the heat insulation plate 100 has an upwardly protruding edge 110, which can suppress the leakage of HC refrigerant from flowing down into the drive unit 14.

[0070] Furthermore, the lower end 105 of the heat insulation plate 100 is preferably located on the side of the heat insulation plate 100 where there are no other heat-generating elements or electrical equipment such as connectors for wire connections. That is, as Figure 3 As shown, for example, the power terminal 19 (wire connection) of the auxiliary battery 18 is located on the left side of the vehicle near the heat insulation plate 100. Figure 3 In the case of the right side of the vehicle (where the heat insulation plate is 100), it is best to place it on the right side of the vehicle (where the heat insulation plate is 100). Figure 3 The lower end 105 of the heat insulation plate 100 is provided on the left side. This prevents leaked HC refrigerant from approaching the wire connection (in the previous example, the power terminal 19 of the auxiliary battery 18) or other heat-generating elements.

[0071] <Another heat insulation panel>

[0072] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing another insulation panel 100a and its surrounding structures. The white box in the upper left corner of the view indicates their approximate structure. This insulation panel 100a is an improvement upon the aforementioned insulation panel 100 (see reference 100). Figure 4 The structure includes an extension 104. The extension 104 extends from the lower end 105 side of the heat insulation plate 100a. Figure 5The heat insulation plate 100a has a base 103 located below the refrigerant module RM and an extension 104 bent relative to the base 103. The extension 104 has a shape that gradually tapers (narrows in width) from the top to the bottom.

[0073] According to the heat insulation plate 100a, in the event of leakage of HC refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant can be caught by the base 103 of the heat insulation plate 100 and flow to the extension 104, and discharged from the extension 104 to a defined range outside the drive unit 14.

[0074] Here, refer to Figure 5 This describes the configuration of the heat shield 100a relative to the drive unit 14, which has a high-temperature portion (HTP) and a low-temperature portion (LTP). The drive unit 14, which has an engine, includes an intake manifold (not shown) and an exhaust manifold 190. The exhaust manifold 190 is hotter than the intake manifold. Therefore, the drive unit 14 is configured with the exhaust manifold 190 on one side ( Figure 5 The left side) becomes the high-temperature section HTP, and the side of the drive unit 14 with the intake manifold (not shown) is... Figure 5 The right side) becomes the low-temperature portion LTP, which has a lower temperature than the high-temperature portion HTP. In the case where the drive unit 14 (heat-generating element) includes both the high-temperature portion HTP and the low-temperature portion LTP, as... Figure 5 As shown, it is preferable that the portion of the heat insulation plate 100a above the high-temperature section HTP of the drive unit 14 (upper part 120U) is higher than the portion of the heat insulation plate 100a above the low-temperature section LTP of the drive unit 14 (lower part 120L). This prevents the refrigerant circuit R from being heated by the high-temperature section HTP of the drive unit 14. Furthermore, in the event of leakage of HC-based refrigerant from the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant can be guided from the upper part 120U of the heat insulation plate 100a, which would become high-temperature, to the lower part 120L of the heat insulation plate 100a, which would become lower-temperature.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown inside the single-dotted line in the lower left corner, the downward slope of the base 103 of the insulation plate 100a can also be curved. Figure 5 The inner side of the single-dotted line shows a rough cross section of the insulation plate 100a-1 with a base 103-1 that slopes downward in a curved shape.

[0076] Another heat insulation panel

[0077] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing another insulation panel 100b and its surrounding structures. The white box in the upper left corner of the view indicates their approximate structure. This insulation panel 100b is designed to accommodate the aforementioned insulation panel 100a (see reference...). Figure 5The base 103 of the heat insulation plate 100b is horizontal, and extensions 104 are provided on the left and right sides. The two extensions 104 of the heat insulation plate 100b slope downward from the top to the bottom with a fixed width. The left side 130L and the right side 130R of the heat insulation plate 100b are the lower ends 105 of the heat insulation plate 100, and the upward protruding edge 110 is omitted. The heat insulation plate 100b has a symmetrical shape.

[0078] In this heat insulation panel 100b, the same or similar effects as those of the heat insulation panels 100, 100a, and 100a-1 can also be obtained.

[0079] <Separator for wire connection>

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the refrigerant module RM is positioned above the drive unit 14. However, as... Figure 4 As shown inside the single-dot dash in the lower left corner, the refrigerant module RM can also be configured above the wire connection portion 15. The wire connection portion 15 is the connection point between a wire and an electrical device, or between wires themselves. Examples of wire connection portions 15 include battery power terminals, connectors for electrical devices, and connectors between wires. Figure 4 The lower left corner inside the single-dotted line shows the connection portion, i.e., the wire connection portion 15, between the connector 302 of the wire 300 and the connector 202 of the electrical device 200 (converter, etc.). A partition plate 101 is disposed between the refrigerant module RM and the wire connection portion 15. This partition plate 101 can be a heat-insulating plate or a non-heat-insulating plate. In this specification, the partition plate includes both heat-insulating plates and non-heat-insulating plates. The partition plate 101 of the wire connection portion 15 can adopt any shape and configuration of the heat-insulating plates 100, 100a, 100a-1, and 100b described above.

[0081] <Variation Example>

[0082] In the embodiments described above, the refrigerant module RM is disposed on the upper side of the drive unit 14, but the refrigerant module RM can also be disposed on the lower side of the drive unit 14. For example, the refrigerant module RM can also be disposed at the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 (see reference). Figure 3 It is located on the rear side and below the drive unit 14. A heat insulation plate is arranged between the drive unit 14 and the refrigerant module RM.

[0083] Alternatively, the refrigerant module RM can be configured to be adjacent to heat-generating elements other than the drive unit 14. In the vehicle 10, heat-generating elements such as the refrigerant module RM and the drive unit 14 can be arranged in a vertical, longitudinal, or horizontal direction. A heat insulation plate is disposed between the refrigerant module RM and heat-generating elements such as the drive unit 14. The heat insulation plate can be made of materials such as metal or resin.

[0084] Furthermore, in vehicle 10, the refrigerant module RM and the wiring connection can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or rear-facing. A partition is provided between the refrigerant module RM and the wiring connection. The partition can be made of materials such as metal or resin.

[0085] 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 also be integrated without the plate 150, etc. That is, the multiple devices constituting the refrigerant circuit R and the refrigerant piping may be located on one side of the insulation plate (or partition plate). For example, the multiple devices constituting the refrigerant circuit R may also be separately housed in structures within the engine compartment 92.

[0086] <Another air conditioning unit>

[0087] 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 12). Figure 1 The structure of expansion valve 24b, third heat exchanger 50, and third coolant circuit C3 is omitted in the original text. The refrigerant circuit Ra of the air conditioning unit 12a is formed by connecting the compressor 20, condenser 22, storage tank 28, expansion valve 24a, and evaporator 26a in sequence through refrigerant piping.

[0088] The air conditioning unit 12a does not cool the battery 54 (see reference). Figure 1 The battery 54 can be cooled by a cooling device that is separate from the air conditioning unit 12a. In addition, vehicles such as engine vehicles that do not have a battery 54 (a battery that supplies power to the motor) do not need a cooling device for the battery, so the air conditioning unit 12a can be used.

[0089] In this air conditioning unit 12a, located Figure 7 The equipment (components) inside the single-dot dashed line are disposed on one side of the heat insulation plate or partition plate. These equipment (components) may be disposed on one side of the aforementioned heat insulation plate or partition plate in the form of an integrated refrigerant module RMa or in the form of structures separately maintained in the vehicle body.

[0090] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0091] 10 Vehicle; 12, 12a Air conditioning unit; 14 Drive unit (heating element); 14F Front end; 15 Wiring connection; 18 Auxiliary battery; 19 Power terminal; 20 Compressor; 22 Condenser; 24a Expansion valve (air conditioning expansion valve); 24b Expansion valve (battery expansion valve); 26a Evaporator (air conditioning evaporator); 26b Evaporator (battery evaporator); 28 Storage tank; 30 Heat exchanger (first heat exchanger); 32 Water pump; 34 Radiator; 40 Heat exchanger (second heat exchanger, air conditioning heat exchanger); 42 Water pump; 50 Heat exchanger (third heat exchanger, battery heat exchanger); 52 Water pump; 54 Battery; 70 Air conditioning unit; 72 Cooler core; 74 Heater core; 75 Air passage; 80 Blower; 82 Air mixing door; 90 Cabin; 92 Engine compartment; 94 Partition; 96 Floor panel; 100, 100a, 100a-1, 100b Heat insulation panels; 101 Partition plate; 103 Base; 104 Extension; 105 Lower end; 110 Edge; 120U Upper part; 120L Lower part; 130F Front ; 130B rear; 130L left; 130R right; 150 plate; 152 refrigerant piping; 190 exhaust manifold; 200 electrical equipment; 202 connector; 300 wire; 302 connector; HTP high-temperature section; LTP low-temperature section; R, Ra refrigerant circuit; RM, RMa refrigerant module; C1 first coolant circuit; C2 second coolant circuit (air conditioning coolant circuit); C3 third coolant circuit (battery coolant circuit); Wtr driving air; Wac air conditioning air.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted air conditioning device, comprising: The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, for circulating hydrocarbon refrigerants. A first heat exchanger is integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, and transfers heat from the refrigerant located in the condenser to the first coolant. The first coolant circuit has a radiator for circulating the first coolant; The second heat exchanger is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and uses the refrigerant located in the evaporator to cool the second coolant; The second coolant circuit has a cooler core for circulating the second coolant; An air conditioning unit has an air passage in which the cooler core is disposed internally, cools the air passing through the air passage and supplies air into the vehicle interior; as well as A heat insulation plate is disposed between the refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the heat-generating elements disposed within the vehicle.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, The refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers are arranged on the upper side of the heat-generating element. The heat insulation panel slopes downwards to one side. The lower end of the heat insulation plate is located on the outside of the heat-generating element.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 2, The heating element includes a high-temperature portion and a low-temperature portion with a temperature lower than the high-temperature portion. The heat insulation board includes: The upper part is located above the high-temperature portion of the heating element, and the lower part is located below the upper part and above the low-temperature portion of the heating element.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The refrigerant circuit and the first and second heat exchangers are arranged on the upper side of the heat-generating element. The heat insulation board includes: It has two opposing sides with an upwardly projecting edge, and at least one side located outside the heating element with the edge omitted.

5. A vehicle-mounted air conditioning device, comprising: The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, for circulating hydrocarbon refrigerants. A first heat exchanger is integrally formed with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, and transfers heat from the refrigerant located in the condenser to the first coolant. The first coolant circuit has a radiator for circulating the first coolant; The second heat exchanger is integrally formed with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, and uses the refrigerant located in the evaporator to cool the second coolant; The second coolant circuit has a cooler core for circulating the second coolant; An air conditioning unit has an air passage in which the cooler core is disposed internally, cools the air passing through the air passage and supplies air into the vehicle interior; as well as A partition plate is disposed in the refrigerant circuit and the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and disposed in the vehicle. Between the wire connections inside.

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