Air conditioning system for a vehicle

Abstract

Air conditioning system (1) for a vehicle, comprising components such as valves (2, 10, 13), a refrigerant compressor (3), sensors (4) and heat exchangers (5), wherein first external connecting lines (6) are arranged at least partially between these components, characterized in that a multi-valve block (8) is arranged in the air conditioning system (1), in which components such as several valves (2, 10) and at least one sensor (4) are arranged, that the multi-valve block (8) has several connection points (11), that second internal connecting lines (9) are arranged between the connection points (11) and the components of the multi-valve block (8), and that a gap (23) is arranged in the multi-valve block (8) between a first area of ​​higher temperature (24) and a second area of ​​lower temperature (25).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a vehicle, which comprises components such as valves, a refrigerant compressor, sensors and heat exchangers, wherein first external connecting lines are arranged at least partially between these components.

[0002] It is known from the prior art that vehicle air conditioning systems are used as refrigerant circuits, particularly with electric refrigerant compressors driven by an electric motor. This applies in particular to electrically or at least partially electrically powered vehicles, such as electric cars or vehicles with hybrid drive systems.

[0003] In particular, the description concerns refrigerant circuits of air conditioning systems, in which assemblies such as valves, electric refrigerant compressors, pumps, sensors, heat exchangers and other components required for the functioning of the circuits are arranged in the system.

[0004] An air conditioning system used in a motor vehicle, for example, is also referred to as a vehicle air conditioning system, heat pump system, or cooling and heat pump system. Such air conditioning systems in a vehicle consist of many different components, such as a refrigerant compressor, various heat exchangers, such as a condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, various valves, a dryer, sensors for control processes, and other components. Such components must be attached to the vehicle and usually require connections for an operating and / or control voltage in the form of electrical wiring.

[0005] According to the known state of the art, the components of the refrigerant circuit are usually arranged decentrally at different installation locations in a vehicle and connected to each other via so-called connecting lines via so-called connection points, also known as coupling pieces or fittings.

[0006] A disadvantage of this decentralized arrangement is that the decentralized placement of the components and the resulting interconnection cables between them result in corresponding costs for the interconnection cables and connection points. In addition, there are the materials and cables required for mounting the components and for the electrical wiring.

[0007] A further disadvantage is that, depending on the length of the pipes and the deflection or change in direction of the pipes, pressure losses occur in the flowing refrigerant, which leads to a reduction in the performance of the air conditioning system.

[0008] Furthermore, there are a large number of connection points, which also represent the sealing points between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and the environment. However, in practice, each individual connection point or sealing point exhibits a certain degree of leakage, which adds up to the overall leakage of the air conditioning system. Therefore, it would be advantageous if the number of these connection points could be kept as low as possible.

[0009] The tightness of the air conditioning system is a very critical feature. Depending on the refrigerant used, the leakage of the refrigerant into the environment can, for example, release a highly harmful greenhouse gas, or the leakage of the refrigerant from the air conditioning system can impair the function or reliability of the air conditioning system, such as an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle.

[0010] In practice, various air conditioning systems are used in vehicles, which have a varying number of connection points depending on the number and type of components used, such as the refrigerant compressor, condenser, evaporator, dryer, chiller, and other heat exchangers, as well as various valves and sensors. In such air conditioning systems, for example, between 10 and 20 such connection points may be necessary to ensure the proper functioning of such air conditioning systems.

[0011] DE 20 2021 104 430 U1 discloses a pipe arrangement for an air conditioning system, comprising a base body into which several fluid channels and several openings are incorporated. The objective is to provide a pipe arrangement for an air conditioning system that is particularly easy to adapt to various air conditioning tasks.

[0012] The pipe arrangement according to the invention for an air conditioning system comprises a base body into which several fluid channels and several openings are incorporated, with at least one valve and several connections arranged in the openings. Accordingly, the base body has several fluid channels, with individual fluid channels each communicating with at least two openings. It is also conceivable for fluid channels within the base body to communicate with one another. The design of the fluid channels depends on the requirements of the air conditioning system.

[0013] DE 10 2014 105 097 A1 relates to a valve block arrangement for multiple valves. The objective of DE 10 2014 105 097 A1 is to create a valve block arrangement for multiple valves for fluid systems, and in particular refrigerant-carrying systems, which reduces the number of separation points in the refrigerant line system and, moreover, has a minimal impact on the refrigerant-side pressure loss. Furthermore, the goal is to reduce the required refrigerant quantity in the system relative to the created component and also to reduce the potential for oil retention and external refrigerant leakage.

[0014] This object is achieved by the valve block assembly being designed in two parts, consisting of a flow path element with the flow paths arranged in this flow path element, and a limiting element. The limiting element acts as a cover and outwardly limiting element for the flow paths and any additional cavities or recesses provided in the flow path element.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for an improved air conditioning system for a vehicle.

[0016] The object of the invention is to provide an air conditioning system for a vehicle, which achieves reliable operation, improved tightness, and reduced assembly effort and costs in the production of an air conditioning system.

[0017] The problem is solved by an object having the features according to claim 1 of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0018] The idea is to use a multi-valve block in which several of the valves required in the air conditioning system are arranged. Examples of such valves include needle valves or ball valves. In general, all valves commonly used in air conditioning systems, especially in refrigerant circuits, such as switching valves, expansion valves, and 3 / 2-way valves, can be used in both needle and ball valve versions. Check valves can also be used in the multi-valve block.

[0019] In addition to the valves, other components required in the air conditioning system, such as sensors, can also be arranged in the multi-valve block according to the invention. Such sensors can be, for example, pressure sensors or temperature sensors.

[0020] Such a multi-valve block can, for example, be cuboid-shaped or cylindrical. There is no restriction on such shapes for the multi-valve block. The multi-valve block can, for example, be manufactured using an extrusion process, a milling process, a casting process, or a forging process. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the external contours of the multi-valve block can thus be individually adapted to different requirements, provided that the required components, such as valves and sensors, as well as the second internal connecting lines arranged in the multi-valve block, can be arranged in a functionally appropriate manner within the multi-valve block. For simplicity, the multi-valve block is described and illustrated below using the example of a nearly cuboid-shaped design.

[0021] The multi-valve block has several connection points at which connection means are arranged, enabling connection to a connecting line, for example, for a refrigerant in the air conditioning system. These connection points thus connect the multi-valve block to the other components of the air conditioning system, and in particular to the refrigerant circuit.

[0022] The multi-valve block, which is, for example, cuboid-shaped, has second internal connecting lines, for example in the form of bores introduced into the multi-valve block, which form the internal connections between the valves, sensors or other components arranged in the multi-valve block.

[0023] These second internal connecting lines between the components arranged in the multi-valve block, such as valves or sensors, do not require conventional connection points such as couplings or fittings. This eliminates the effort required to seal the connection points and eliminates the possibility of refrigerant leakage or pressure losses. The invention thus makes it possible to eliminate 40% to 70% of the connection points required in the prior art.

[0024] The second internal connecting lines, for example, connect a connection point of the multi-valve block to a valve or sensor located in the multi-valve block. Furthermore, these second internal connecting lines can also connect two or more valves located in the multi-valve block to each other.

[0025] It is further provided that the second internal connecting lines in the multi-valve block are arranged at multiple levels within the multi-valve block. Furthermore, it is provided that the second internal connecting lines in the multi-valve block are arranged so that they run as straight as possible between the components in the multi-valve block. The second internal connecting lines in the multi-valve block are thus only short, which leads to a reduction in pressure losses through the connecting lines required in a refrigerant circuit. The straight design of the second internal connecting lines also avoids pressure losses that occur in the prior art due to changes in the direction of the refrigerant flow.

[0026] By arranging multiple components such as valves and sensors in the multi-valve block, the number of potentially leaky connection points in the air conditioning system is reduced. In an exemplary embodiment of a first design of an air conditioning system, in which thirteen connection points are required in a prior art embodiment, the number of connection points is reduced to just five connection points by using a multi-valve block according to the invention, if the circuit design is simultaneously optimized for the use of the multi-valve block, as shown below in an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] The multi-valve block can be made, for example, from a metal such as aluminum, into which the second internal connecting lines are introduced through several holes or milled recesses, for example, in several levels and in different directions. Furthermore, openings or holes, such as counterbores, are introduced into the multi-valve block, into which the valves to be arranged in the multi-valve block are inserted. These openings for the valves or counterbores for the valves are preferably arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the second internal connecting lines.

[0028] The central arrangement of several components in the multi-valve block reduces the installation space for the components of the air conditioning system.

[0029] It is also intended to arrange the multi-valve block according to the invention with its components directly on a refrigerant compressor without an additional connecting line, or to connect the multi-valve block directly to the refrigerant compressor. For this purpose, the multi-valve block can be attached to the refrigerant compressor, for example, using several connecting screws.

[0030] This direct connection of the multi-valve block with the refrigerant compressor, such as an electric refrigerant compressor, results in a system consisting of a refrigerant compressor and a multi-valve block, the mass or total mass of which is greater than the mass of the refrigerant compressor.

[0031] It is known that vibrations occur during the operation of an electric refrigerant compressor. Such vibrations, which may also be accompanied by noise, are perceived as disturbing by vehicle occupants. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) refers to audible or perceptible vibrations in vehicles, for example, in a frequency range between approximately 20 Hz and 100 Hz. An electric refrigerant compressor represents a vibration source that generates such disturbing vibrations.

[0032] Increasing the mass of the system, consisting of the refrigerant compressor and multi-valve block, leads to improved damping of these unwanted vibrations. This improves the NVH performance of the air conditioning system.

[0033] It is further provided to divide the multi-valve block into different temperature zones. In practice, such zones with different temperatures are arranged separately from one another to prevent heat flow between the zones with different temperatures. To prevent such undesirable heat flow between zones with different temperatures in the multi-valve block, according to the invention, a gap with a fixed gap length is arranged between these zones in the multi-valve block. Such zones with different temperatures are, for example, a first zone with a higher temperature, which is, for example, in the range from 90°C to 130°C, and a second zone with a lower temperature, which is, for example, in the range from -10°C to 60°C.

[0034] Since the gap, which usually fills with air from the environment along its length, has a much lower thermal conductivity or a lower thermal conductivity coefficient than the material of the multi-valve block, heat flow between the areas with different temperatures, i.e. the first area with a higher temperature and the second area with a lower temperature, is greatly reduced.

[0035] It is also planned to design the gap with different widths along the length of the gap in order to specifically prevent the heat flow between the areas with different temperatures.

[0036] It is also intended that the gap be designed to be more than just straight along its length. This allows the gap's path to be adapted, for example, to the path of second internal connecting lines or the installation location of components and their fasteners in the multi-valve block. Such a gap can be created in the multi-valve block, for example, by milling, laser cutting, or eroding. Alternatively, the gap can be created during the manufacture or forming of the multi-valve block using an extrusion, casting, or forging process.

[0037] The gap has a gap length designed to ensure reliable separation or decoupling of the first region with a higher temperature from the second region with a lower temperature. At the same time, the gap length must be limited so that the strength or stability of the multi-valve block is not compromised.

[0038] The gap can also have any shape that is simply adapted to the function of the multi-valve block or to the components arranged in the multi-valve block.

[0039] Furthermore, it is provided that one or more second internal connecting lines of the multi-valve block are designed with a maximum possible volume for the refrigerant flowing in the second internal connecting lines. This is achieved by coordinating the placement of the components in the multi-valve block and the route of at least one second internal connecting line, for example, by maximizing the diameter of this second internal connecting line.

[0040] This increase in volume makes it possible to dampen the pressure waves in the refrigerant that occur during operation in the electric refrigerant compressor. The multi-valve block thus also acts as a pressure oscillation damper for the air conditioning system.

[0041] The advantages to be achieved by the invention are in particular: • a reduction in the length of the connecting pipes in an air conditioning system, • a reduction of diversions in the connecting lines and a reduction of pressure losses in the air conditioning system, • a compact design of the multi-valve block • a central arrangement of control and measuring devices such as valves and sensors in the multi-valve block, • a reduction in thermal losses through a gap in the multi-valve block, • a mechanical vibration damping for the electric refrigerant compressor and • hydraulic vibration damping in the refrigerant or refrigerant circuit.

[0042] Further details, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1: a layout for an air conditioning system according to the prior art in a first embodiment, Fig. 2: a modified layout for the air conditioning system according to Fig. 1 when using the multi-valve block according to the invention, Fig. 3: another layout for an air conditioning system according to the prior art in a second embodiment, Fig. 4: a modified layout for the air conditioning system according to Fig. 2 when using the multi-valve block according to the invention, Fig. 5: a partial assembly of an air conditioning system with the multi-valve block according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 6: the subassembly of the air conditioning system from the Fig. 5 with the multi-valve block according to the invention in an exploded view, Fig. 7: the multi-valve block according to the invention obliquely from above in a perspective view, Fig. 8: the multi-valve block according to the invention obliquely from below in a perspective view, Fig. 9: a multi-valve block according to the invention and an electric refrigerant compressor, Fig. 10: an arrangement of two valves in the multi-valve block in a first variant, Fig. 11: an arrangement of two valves in the multi-valve block in a second variant, Fig. 12: a first variant of a thermal decoupling of areas in the multi-valve block by an arrangement of a gap and Fig. 13: a second variant of a thermal decoupling of areas in the multi-valve block by arranging a gap.

[0043] The Fig. 1 shows a layout for an air conditioning system 1 according to the prior art in a first embodiment.

[0044] The air conditioning system 1 comprises, for example, six first valves 2, which are designed as two-way valves, an electric refrigerant compressor 3, two sensors 4, which are designed as pressure and / or temperature sensors, and four heat exchangers 5, which operate, for example, as condensers, evaporators, or chillers. These components of the air conditioning system 1 are functionally connected to one another by corresponding first connecting lines 6, here also referred to as first external connecting lines 6, wherein in the example of the Fig. 1, thirteen connection points 7 are created, which represent sealing points between the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1 and the environment. As already described, each of these connection points 7 has a certain degree of leakage, allowing the refrigerant to escape from the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1.

[0045] The Fig. 2 shows a modified layout for the air conditioning system 1 according to Fig. 1 when using the cuboid multi-valve block 8 according to the invention.

[0046] As can be seen, the layout of the air conditioning system 1 was optimized for the use of the cuboid multi-valve block 8, while maintaining the functionality of the air conditioning system 1. Such optimization ensures that as many components of the air conditioning system 1 as possible are arranged in the multi-valve block 8. The connections necessary for functionality between the components arranged in the multi-valve block 8, such as first valves 2 and connection points 11 or first valves 2 and sensors 4, and others, are implemented as second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8.

[0047] As it is in the Fig. 2, after optimizing the layout according to Fig. 1 and the use of the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention, only five connection points 7 are required in the air conditioning system 1.

[0048] These five connection points 7, which are all located on the multi-valve block 8, correspond to the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8, which are positioned, for example, at the ends of the second internal connecting lines 9. To connect the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8 with corresponding first external connecting lines 6 of the air conditioning system 1, corresponding connection means 12 are arranged at the connection points 11, which are in the Fig. 2 are not shown.

[0049] The multi-valve block 8 has a plurality of second internal connecting lines 9, which are arranged, for example, between the connection points 11 and a first valve 2 or a second valve or a sensor 4, or as connections between these components. These second internal connecting lines 9 are designed to be straight in the multi-valve block 8 to prevent changes in the direction of the refrigerant flow and the associated pressure losses.

[0050] The Fig. 3 shows a further layout for an air conditioning system 1 according to the prior art in a second embodiment.

[0051] The air conditioning system 1 in the Fig. 3 comprises, for example, seven first valves 2, which are designed as two-way valves, an electric refrigerant compressor 3, two sensors 4, which are designed as pressure and / or temperature sensors, and four heat exchangers 5, which are integrated into the refrigerant circuit, for example, as condensers, evaporators or chillers. In this layout of the Fig. 3, a check valve 13 is also arranged in the air conditioning system 1. These components of the air conditioning system 1 are functionally connected to one another by corresponding first external connecting lines 6, whereby in the example of the Fig. 3 Fifteen connection points 7 are created, which represent sealing points between the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1 and the environment. As already described, each of these connection points 7 has a certain degree of leakage, allowing the refrigerant to escape from the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1.

[0052] The Fig. 4 shows a modified layout for the air conditioning system 1 according to Fig. 3 when using the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention.

[0053] As can be seen, the layout of the air conditioning system 1 was optimized for use with the multi-valve block 8, while maintaining the functionality of the air conditioning system 1. Such optimization ensures that as many components of the air conditioning system 1 as possible are arranged in the multi-valve block 8. The connections required for functionality between the components arranged in the multi-valve block 8, such as first valves 2 or second valves 10 and the associated connection points 11, or first valves 2 or second valves 10 and a sensor 4, and others, are implemented as second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8.

[0054] A further optimization is achieved by using a second valve 10, which is designed as a three-way valve. The check valve 13 from the Fig. 3 is in the inventive solution in the Fig. 4 is also arranged in the multi-valve block 8.

[0055] As it is in the Fig. 4, after optimizing the layout according to Fig. 3 and the use of the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention, only seven connection points 7 are now required in the air conditioning system 1.

[0056] These seven connection points 7, which are all located on the multi-valve block 8, correspond to the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8, which are positioned, for example, at the ends of the second internal connecting lines 9. To connect the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8 with corresponding first external connecting lines 6 of the air conditioning system 1, corresponding connection means 12 are arranged at the connection points 11, which are in the Fig. 4 are not shown.

[0057] In this embodiment, the multi-valve block 8 also has a plurality of second internal connecting lines 9, which are arranged, for example, between a connection point 11 and a first valve 2, or between a connection point 11 and a second valve 10, or between a connection point 11 and a sensor 4 as connections between these components. These second internal connecting lines 9 are designed to be straight in the multi-valve block 8 in order to avoid changes in the direction of the flow of the refrigerant in the second internal connecting lines 9 and the associated pressure losses.

[0058] The Fig. 5 shows a part of an air conditioning system 1 with the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention.

[0059] The Fig. 5 shows the multi-valve block 8, in which the Fig. 5, several valves have been inserted and secured into prepared openings, such as counterbores or correspondingly milled openings. These valves can be, for example, first valves 2 or second valves 10, which can be designed as needle or ball valves. The valves 2 and 10 are attached to the multi-valve block 8 by means of corresponding fastening means 14, such as screws. The valves 2 and 10 are sealed with corresponding sealing means, which are not included in the Fig. 5, and thus seal the respective prepared opening in the multi-valve block 8, so that no refrigerant can escape from the multi-valve block 8 or the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the Fig. 5 shows the connection means 12 arranged at the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8. These connection means 12 are arranged at the ends of the Fig. 6 and enable the connection of, for example, first external connecting lines 6 to establish the connections required for operation in the air conditioning system 1. For this purpose, the connecting means 12 are appropriately equipped and enable a tight connection with the first external connecting lines 6.

[0061] These connection means 12 can, depending on the requirements, provide a connection for a first external connection line 6, shown for example in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, wherein the connection is located in an extension of an imaginary longitudinal axis of a second internal connecting line 9. Alternatively, a connection for a first external connecting line 6 can be made, for example, at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second internal connecting line 9. Thus, in the Fig. 5 different connection elements 12 are shown.

[0062] The first external connecting lines 6 and the second internal connecting lines 9 are in the Fig. 5 not shown.

[0063] The Fig. 5 also shows a sensor 4 arranged in a connection point 11 of the multi-valve block 8, which is designed as a pressure and / or temperature sensor and can thus detect the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant in the multi-valve block 8 at the illustrated location in the second internal connecting lines 9. The sensor 4 has a corresponding connection 15 for connection to an electrical connecting line.

[0064] The Fig. 6 shows the subassembly of the air conditioning system 1 from the Fig. 5 with the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention in an exploded view.

[0065] The Fig. 6 also shows the multi-valve block 8 in a manner in which the openings 16 for the valves 2, 10 or counterbores for the valves 2, 10 introduced into the multi-valve block 8 as well as the second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8 can be seen.

[0066] Also visible are the needle valve inserts 17 of the first valves 2 and the ball valve insert 18 of the second valve 10.

[0067] The illustrated connecting means 12 can be equipped with an adjustment means, such as a pin, and openings for the insertion of a fastening means, such as a screw. The adjustment means allows for quick and secure positioning of the connecting means 12 at the corresponding connection point 11. The fastening means 14 ensures a firm and tight placement of the connecting means 12 at the corresponding connection point 11.

[0068] In the Fig. 6 further shows a check valve 13, which is inserted into the associated second internal connecting line 9 in the multi-valve block 8 in the direction shown by the associated arrow, before the associated connecting means 12 is arranged and fastened to the associated connection point 11 in the direction also shown by an arrow.

[0069] In the presentation of the Fig. 6 also shows two closure means 19 which have the task of closing openings caused by production.

[0070] The Fig. Figure 7 also shows the part of the air conditioning system 1 according to the Fig. 5, wherein in this illustration the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention is shown transparent for a better understanding of the invention. Fig. 7 shows the part of the air conditioning system 1 obliquely from above in a perspective view.

[0071] The components of the air conditioning system 1 shown have already been Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, therefore a repeated description is omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0072] In the Fig. Figure 7 shows the openings for valves arranged inside the multi-valve block 8, such as countersunk holes or milled openings 16 for the valves 2, 10. Furthermore, the second inner connecting lines 9 are clearly visible; these mostly have a straight line and thus do not present any significant flow resistance to the refrigerant flowing in the second inner connecting lines 9.

[0073] In the area of ​​the ball valve insert 18 (not shown) of the second valve 10, a connecting area 20 between the opening 16 and a corresponding second internal connecting line 9 can be seen. This connecting area 20 is indicated by a dashed line. Through such a connecting area 20, for example, a refrigerant can flow from the area of ​​the opening 16 into the area of ​​a second internal connecting line 9, or vice versa.

[0074] The openings 16 for the valves 2, 10 are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the second internal connecting lines 9.

[0075] The Fig. Figure 8 also shows the part of the air conditioning system 1 according to the Fig. 5, wherein in this illustration the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention is also shown transparent for a better understanding of the invention. Fig. 8 shows the part of the air conditioning system 1 obliquely from below in a perspective view.

[0076] The components of the air conditioning system 1 shown have already been Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, therefore a repeated description is omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0077] Also in the Fig. 8 shows the openings for valves arranged inside the multi-valve block 8, such as countersunk holes or milled openings 16 for the valves 2, 10. Furthermore, the second inner connecting lines 9 are clearly visible, which mostly have a straight line and thus do not offer any significant flow resistance to the refrigerant flowing in the second inner connecting lines 9.

[0078] Also in the Fig. 8 shows the connecting area 20 between the opening 16 for the second valve 10 and an associated second inner connecting line 9. Additionally, two further connecting areas 20 are shown, each between an opening 16 for a first valve 2 and an associated second inner connecting line 9.

[0079] The Fig. 9 shows a part of the air conditioning system 1 with the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention and an electric refrigerant compressor 3.

[0080] The components in or on the multi-valve block 8 correspond to those of the Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Shown are the multi-valve block 8, three first valves 2, a sensor 4 with its connection 15, a second valve 10, six connection elements 12, and several fastening elements 14.

[0081] In the Fig. 9, the multi-valve block 8 according to the invention is arranged on an electric refrigerant compressor 3, for which purpose the multi-valve block 8 has several bores 21 for connecting screws. The multi-valve block 8 is firmly screwed to the refrigerant compressor 3 using connecting screws (not shown) which are arranged in the bores 21. Fig. 9 only one hole 21 for a connecting screw is shown as an example.

[0082] The multi-valve block 8 is arranged on the electric refrigerant compressor 3 in such a way that a sealed refrigerant transition point 22 is created. This refrigerant transition point 22 is formed by an outlet of the electric refrigerant compressor 3 for a refrigerant and a connection point 11 of the multi-valve block 8, which forms the inlet for the refrigerant in the multi-valve block 8. Thus, the refrigerant compressed by the electric refrigerant compressor 3 can flow via the outlet of the electric refrigerant compressor 3 for the refrigerant and via the corresponding connection point 11 of the multi-valve block 8 into an inlet-side second internal connecting line 9 of the multi-valve block 8. This refrigerant transition point 22 is in the Fig. 9 is marked with an arrow, as it is characterized by the way in which the Fig. 9 cannot be shown directly.

[0083] The rigid connection of the multi-valve block 8 to the electric refrigerant compressor 3 creates a system consisting of the refrigerant compressor 3 and the multi-valve block 8, which has a higher mass than the refrigerant compressor 3 alone. This increased mass leads to better damping of unwanted vibrations (NVH) that arise during operation of the electric refrigerant compressor 3.

[0084] The Fig. 10 shows an arrangement of two valves 2, 10 in the multi-valve block 8 in a first variant.

[0085] The Fig. 10 shows two valves, which may be first valves 2 and / or second valves 10, in an exemplary embodiment with two first valves 2. The valves 2 are in the Fig. 10 are arranged side by side in the same plane. The multi-valve block 8 is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 10 is shown semi-transparent. Thus, the needle valve inserts 17 of the valves 2 can be seen inside the multi-valve block 8. Also partially visible are the second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8.

[0086] It can also be seen that the second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8 are designed in a straight line to minimize flow losses. This straight line design is indicated by a double arrow in the Fig. 10 shown.

[0087] The Fig. 10 also shows a sensor 4 arranged in the multi-valve block 8 with its connection 15 as well as a bore 21 for a connecting screw, in which a connecting screw, not shown, is arranged in order to establish a fixed connection between the multi-valve block 8 and the refrigerant compressor 3.

[0088] The Fig. 11 shows an arrangement of two valves 2, 10 in the multi-valve block 8 in a second variant.

[0089] The Fig. 11 also shows two valves, which may be first valves 2 and / or second valves 10, in an exemplary embodiment with two first valves 2. The valves 2 are in the Fig. 11 are arranged side by side in different planes. In an exemplary XYZ coordinate system (X-axis for width, Y-axis for length, Z-axis for height), several planes are provided along the Z coordinate on and in the multi-valve block 8.

[0090] Valves 2 or 10 can be arranged in the different levels on the multi-valve block 8. The second internal connecting lines 9 can be arranged in the multi-valve block 8 in the different levels inside. In the example of the Fig. 11 shows two levels on the multi-valve block 8, i.e., on the surface of the multi-valve block 8. Furthermore, three levels in the multi-valve block 8 are shown, in which the second internal connecting lines 9 are arranged.

[0091] The multi-valve block 8 is shown in the illustration of the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is also shown semi-transparent. Thus, the needle valve inserts 17 of the valves 2 can be seen inside the multi-valve block 8. Also visible are two connecting areas 20, for example, in which a refrigerant can flow, for example, from a second internal connecting line 9 into an opening 16 (not shown) for the valve 2, in which the needle valve insert 17 is arranged, or vice versa.

[0092] It can also be seen that the second internal connecting lines 9 in the multi-valve block 8 are designed in a straight line at all levels to minimize flow losses. This straight line design is indicated by a double arrow per level in the Fig. 11 shown.

[0093] Furthermore, the Fig. 11 three transitions of the second internal connecting lines 9 to the connection points 11 of the multi-valve block 8 and at least partially a sensor 4 with its connection 15.

[0094] The Fig. 12 shows a first variant of a thermal decoupling of two regions 24 and 25 with different temperatures in the multi-valve block 8 by arranging a gap 23 according to the invention.

[0095] The multi-valve block 8 is in the Fig. 12 in a top view in the direction of the Z-coordinate in the Fig. 11. This multi-valve block 8 in the Fig. 12 is manufactured, for example, by means of an extrusion process. Three holes 21 for connecting screws can be seen, which are Fig. 12 are not shown. These connecting screws establish a firm connection between the multi-valve block 8 and the refrigerant compressor 3 (not shown).

[0096] The multi-valve block 8 has four openings 16 for valves 2, 10, which are shown in the illustration of the Fig. 12 extend into the depth of the multi-valve block 8. Three approximately equally sized openings 16 are prepared, for example, for a needle valve insert 17 (not shown) and each accommodate a first valve 2. Larger openings 16 in the multi-valve block 8 are prepared for the ball valve insert 18 (not shown) of a second valve 10.

[0097] In the openings 16 for the valves 2, 10, the beginnings or ends of the second internal connecting lines 9 introduced into the multi-valve block 8 can be seen.

[0098] For functional reasons, the multi-valve block 8 in the example of Fig. 12 have a first region 24 of higher temperature and a second region 25 with a lower temperature compared to the first region 24. In order to prevent an undesirable heat flow between the regions 24 and 25 with different temperatures, a gap 23 is arranged between these regions 24 and 25 in the multi-valve block 8. The regions 24 and 25 are in the Fig. 12 is shown outlined by a dash-dash line.

[0099] The gap 23 in the Fig. 12 has different widths along the depth of the gap 23, which is referred to as the gap length 26. The gap length 26 of the gap 23 is dimensioned such that the thermal decoupling of the regions 24 and 25 is enabled, but the strength of the multi-valve block 8 is not excessively restricted.

[0100] As it is in the Fig. 12, the course and width of the gap 23 were adapted to structural conditions such as a bore 21 for a connecting screw or fastening means 14 (not shown) for the valves 2, 10, the bores of which can be seen in the multi-valve block 8.

[0101] Since the gap 23 fills with the ambient air along its gap length 26 and this air has a significantly lower thermal conductivity coefficient than the material of the multi-valve block 8, a heat flow between the areas 24 and 25 and vice versa is greatly reduced.

[0102] The outer contours of the multi-valve block 8 can also be adapted to structural features such as a bore 21 for a connecting screw or fastening elements 14 (not shown) for the valves 2, 10, whose bores can be seen in the multi-valve block 8. This can, for example, result in savings in material and weight. Furthermore, the outer contours of the multi-valve block 8 can also be structurally adapted to adjacent assemblies, lines, or units.

[0103] The Fig. 13 shows a second variant of a thermal decoupling of two regions 24 and 25 with different temperatures in the multi-valve block 8 by arranging a gap 23 according to the invention.

[0104] The multi-valve block 8 is in the Fig. 13 in a top view in the direction of the Z-coordinate in the Fig. 11. Three holes 21 for connecting screws can be seen, which are located in the Fig. 13 are not shown. These connecting screws establish a firm connection between the multi-valve block 8 and the refrigerant compressor 3 (not shown).

[0105] The multi-valve block 8 has four openings 16 for valves 2, which are shown in the illustration of the Fig. 13 extend into the depth of the multi-valve block 8. These four openings 16 are each prepared, for example, for a needle valve insert 17 (not shown) and each accommodate a first valve 2.

[0106] In the openings 16 for the valves 2, the beginnings or ends of the second internal connecting lines 9 introduced into the multi-valve block 8 can be seen.

[0107] For functional reasons, the multi-valve block 8 should also be used in the example of Fig. 13 have a first region 24 of higher temperature and a second region 25 with a lower temperature compared to the first region 24. In order to prevent an undesirable heat flow between the regions 24 and 25 with different temperatures, a gap 23 is arranged between these regions in the multi-valve block 8. The regions 24 and 25 are in the Fig. 13 again shown outlined by a dash-dash line.

[0108] The gap 23 in the Fig. 13 has a constant width across the length of the gap 23, which is designated as the gap length 26. The gap length 26 of the gap 23 is dimensioned such that the thermal decoupling of the regions 24 and 25 is enabled, but the strength of the multi-valve block 8 is not excessively restricted. In this embodiment, the gap 23 is designed simply, which makes the gap 23 easier to manufacture and easier to incorporate into the multi-valve block 8.

[0109] Since the gap 23 fills with the ambient air along its gap length 26 and this air has a significantly lower thermal conductivity coefficient than the material of the multi-valve block 8, a heat flow between the areas 24 and 25 and vice versa is greatly reduced.

[0110] The outer contours of the multi-valve block 8 are also different from the Fig. 12 are simpler and reduce the effort involved in manufacturing the multi-valve block 8 compared to manufacturing a multi-valve block 8 according to the Fig. 12. List of reference symbols 1 air conditioning system 2 first valve 3 electric refrigerant compressors 4 Sensor 5 heat exchangers (evaporator / condenser) 6 first external connecting lines 7 connection points 8 multi-valve block 9 second internal connecting lines 10 second valve 11 Junction 12 connecting elements 13 Check valve 14 fasteners 15 Connection 16 openings for valves 17 Needle valve insert 18 ball valve insert 19 Closure agents 20 Connection area 21 Hole for connecting screws 22 Refrigerant transition point 23 gap 24 first area of ​​higher temperature 25 second area of ​​lower temperature 26 gap length

Claims

[1] Air conditioning system (1) for a vehicle, which comprises components such as valves (2, 10, 13), a refrigerant compressor (3), sensors (4) and heat exchangers (5), wherein first external connecting lines (6) are arranged at least partially between these components, characterized by that a multi-valve block (8) is arranged in the air conditioning system (1), in which components such as a plurality of valves (2, 10) and at least one sensor (4) are arranged, that the multi-valve block (8) has a plurality of connection points (11), that second internal connecting lines (9) are arranged between the connection points (11) and the components of the multi-valve block (8), and that a gap (23) is arranged in the multi-valve block (8) between a first region of higher temperature (24) and a second region of lower temperature (25). [2] Air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the multi-valve block (8) is a cuboid-shaped or cylindrical multi-valve block (8). [3] Air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the valves (2, 10) arranged in the multi-valve block (8) are first valves (2) needle valves or second valves (10) ball valves. [4] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that a check valve (13) is arranged in the multi-valve block (8). [5] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the sensor (4) is a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. [6] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that connection means (12) are arranged at the connection points (11) of the multi-valve block (8), which are connected to first external connecting lines (6). [7] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the gap (23) has different widths along its gap length (26) and / or that the gap (23) runs deviating from a straight line, taking into account the placement of the components in the multi-valve block (8). [8] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that three first valves (2), a second valve (10), a check valve (13) and a sensor (4) with corresponding second internal connecting lines (9) are arranged in the multi-valve block (8). [9] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the multi-valve block (8) is arranged on a refrigerant compressor (3) with fastening means (14). [10] Air conditioning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the valves (2, 10) are arranged in openings (16) and that the openings (16) have a connecting region (20) with a connection to a second internal connecting line (9).

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