manifold

Abstract

To provide a manifold which is less likely to be damaged while fixed to a vehicle body support frame etc. and restrained.SOLUTION: A manifold 10 includes: a manifold body 11 having a high temperature part 16 provided with a high temperature passage LH in which a high temperature fluid F1 having a temperature, which is equal to or higher than a first temperature, flows, and a low temperature part 18 provided with low temperature passages LM, LL, LML in which low temperature fluids F2, F3, F4 each having a temperature, which is equal to or lower than a second temperature lower than the first temperature, flow; and restraint parts 13a, 13b which restrain the manifold body 11 to a restrained object 14. The restraint part 13a has stress absorption structures 20, 30 which absorb stress generated by restraint force of the restraint parts 13a, 13b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a thermal management system that is installed in a vehicle for purposes such as air conditioning the vehicle interior (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a manifold (thermal management system in Patent Document 1) that has a coolant storage section, a flow path section, a mounting section, and a mounting bracket, and through which fluid (coolant and refrigerant) flows. A plurality of water pumps, a plurality of valves, a plurality of heat exchangers, etc. are mounted in the mounting section. In addition, four restraining sections (mounting feet in Patent Document 1) are formed on the mounting bracket, and the manifold is fixed to the vehicle body by fixing the restraining sections to a vehicle body support frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Application Publication No. 114789636 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The manifold disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of heat exchangers, so that a high-temperature fluid and a low-temperature fluid flow through the inside of the manifold. That is, the manifold is provided with a high-temperature circuit through which a high-temperature fluid flows and a low-temperature circuit through which a low-temperature fluid flows. In general, a substance contracts at low temperatures and expands at high temperatures, so that in the manifold, the portion where the high-temperature circuit is disposed expands and the portion where the low-temperature circuit is disposed contracts. Here, for example, if two or more of the four restraining portions are formed at the portion where the low-temperature circuit is disposed, the restraining portions are fixed and restrained to the vehicle body support frame, so that the vicinity of each of the two or more restraining portions formed at the portion where the low-temperature circuit is disposed contracts, and tensile stress is generated between the two or more restraining portions, and in the worst case, the manifold may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a manifold that is resistant to damage even when fixed and restrained to a vehicle body support frame or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of a manifold according to the present invention comprises a manifold body having a high temperature section in which a high temperature flow path is formed through which a high temperature fluid having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low temperature section in which a low temperature flow path is formed through which a low temperature fluid having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows, and a restraint section that restrains the manifold body to a restrained object, the restraint section having a stress absorbing structure that absorbs stress generated by the restraining force of the restraint section.

[0007] According to this embodiment, since the restraint portion has a stress absorbing structure, even if tensile stress due to contraction occurs when multiple restraint portions are arranged in a low-temperature portion, the tensile stress is absorbed, and the manifold is less likely to be damaged even when fixed and restrained to a vehicle support frame or the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a manifold body according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. [Figure 4] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a configuration of a manifold body according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing the configuration of a manifold body according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0010] [Configuration of refrigerant circuit] First, a refrigerant circuit C mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The refrigerant circuit C is configured with a refrigerant flow path L through which a refrigerant F for cooling and heating that adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle flows. The refrigerant F is, for example, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The refrigerant flow path L is provided inside a manifold body 11 of a manifold 10 described later (see Fig. 2).

[0011] 1, the refrigerant circuit C includes a compressor 1, a cabin condenser 2 (heating condenser), a water-cooled condenser 3, an evaporator 4, a battery cooler 5, an accumulator 6, and a valve V. The compressor 1, the cabin condenser 2, the water-cooled condenser 3, the evaporator 4, the battery cooler 5, the accumulator 6, and the valve V are connected via a refrigerant flow path L.

[0012] The valve V includes an on-off valve V1 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. The valve V further includes a first expansion valve VE1 provided between the cabin condenser 2 and the water-cooled condenser 3, and a second expansion valve VE2 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the evaporator 4.

[0013] The on-off valve V1 controls (passes or blocks) the flow of the refrigerant F between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. When the on-off valve V1 is open, the refrigerant F flows in the following order: compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, first expansion valve VE1, water-cooled condenser 3, on-off valve V1, accumulator 6, and compressor 1. Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit C consisting of the compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, water-cooled condenser 3, on-off valve V1, and accumulator 6 will be referred to as the "main circuit Cm."

[0014] The first expansion valve VE1 and the second expansion valve VE2 expand the refrigerant F to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant F. When the second expansion valve VE2 is in an open state, the refrigerant F flows through the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4 in this order, and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant circuit C that branches off from the main circuit Cm and includes the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4 is called the "first branch circuit Cb1." For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is increased (during heating operation of the vehicle cabin), the on-off valve V1 is in an open state, and the second expansion valve VE2 is in a closed state. On the other hand, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is decreased (during cooling operation of the vehicle cabin), the on-off valve V1 is in a closed state, and the second expansion valve VE2 is in an open state.

[0015] The battery cooler 5 includes an expansion valve, and the expansion valve of the battery cooler 5 is opened when adjusting the temperature of the battery. When the expansion valve of the battery cooler 5 is opened, the refrigerant F flows through the battery cooler 5 and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerant circuit C that branches off from the main circuit Cm and in which the battery cooler 5 is provided is referred to as a "second branch circuit Cb2."

[0016] The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant F to make the refrigerant F a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. Hereinafter, the refrigerant F compressed by the compressor 1 is referred to as a high-temperature fluid F1, and the temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 is referred to as a first temperature. The first temperature is, for example, 80 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0017] The high-temperature fluid F1 compressed by the compressor 1 is sent to the cabin condenser 2, where it exchanges heat with the air in the vehicle cabin during heating operation (the temperature is reduced by removing heat), and is sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 via the first expansion valve VE1. In the water-cooled condenser 3, a first heat medium Fa circulating in a circuit (for example, a cooling circuit for cooling electronic circuits mounted on a vehicle) separate from the refrigerant circuit C flows. The first heat medium Fa is a refrigerant such as cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), etc. The high-temperature fluid F1 sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 exchanges heat with the first heat medium Fa flowing through the water-cooled condenser 3 (the temperature is reduced by removing heat). Hereinafter, the refrigerant F after being cooled by the water-cooled condenser 3 is referred to as a second low-temperature fluid F3 (an example of a low-temperature fluid). The temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 is referred to as a third temperature. The third temperature is, for example, 15 degrees to 25 degrees.

[0018] The second low-temperature fluid F3 that flows out from the water-cooled condenser 3 and is sent to the second expansion valve VE2 is expanded into a mixture of liquid and gas (mist state) and sent to the evaporator 4. In the evaporator 4, the second low-temperature fluid F3 exchanges heat with air introduced from the outside (removing heat and raising the temperature) and is vaporized.

[0019] The second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing out of the water-cooled condenser 3 and sent to the battery cooler 5 is expanded by the expansion valve of the battery cooler 5. The second heat medium Fb circulating in a circuit (for example, a cooling circuit for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle) other than the refrigerant circuit C flows through the battery cooler 5. The second heat medium Fb is a refrigerant such as cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), etc. The second low-temperature fluid F3 sent to the battery cooler 5 is vaporized by heat exchange (heating up by removing heat) with the second heat medium Fb flowing through the battery cooler 5. Hereinafter, the refrigerant F after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 or the battery cooler 5 is referred to as a first low-temperature fluid F2 (an example of a low-temperature fluid). The temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 is referred to as a second temperature. The second temperature is, for example, 60 degrees to 70 degrees. That is, the second temperature is less than the first temperature and the third temperature is less than the second temperature.

[0020] The first low-temperature fluid F2 after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 is sent to the accumulator 6, and the liquid contained in the first low-temperature fluid F2 is separated. The first low-temperature fluid F2 from which the liquid has been separated is returned to the compressor 1. The first low-temperature fluid F2 after heat exchange in the battery cooler 5 is also sent to the accumulator 6, and the liquid contained in the first low-temperature fluid F2 is separated. The gaseous first low-temperature fluid F2 from which the liquid has been separated is returned to the compressor 1.

[0021] As described above, the temperature of the refrigerant F circulating through the refrigerant circuit C changes. Specifically, the temperature of the refrigerant F is the highest at the first temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 flowing from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, the second highest at the second temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 flowing from the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and the lowest at the third temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5. The temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 that flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the on-off valve V1 and merges with the main circuit Cm changes between the second temperature and the third temperature depending on the operating conditions such as heating and cooling (the lowest temperature is the third temperature, and the highest temperature is the second temperature).

[0022] [First embodiment] Next, the configuration of the manifold 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a manifold body 11 included in the manifold 10. The manifold 10 has the manifold body 11 formed using a metal material such as aluminum, resin, or the like, and the refrigerant flow path L described with reference to FIG. 1 is formed inside the manifold body 11. The manifold 10 is fixed to and restrained by a restrained object of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to a vehicle body support frame 14, which is an example of a restrained object. The manifold 10 includes the manifold body 11 and a restraining portion 13, and by fixing the restraining portion 13 to the vehicle body support frame 14, the manifold 10 (manifold body 11) is fixed to and restrained by the vehicle body support frame 14. Note that the restrained object to which the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained is not limited to the vehicle body support frame 14, but may be any type of object such as a power module case or a motor case (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, as long as the manifold 10 can be reliably fixed and restrained.

[0023] 2, the compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, water-cooled condenser 3, evaporator 4, battery cooler 5, and accumulator 6 are provided outside the manifold body 11. Also, the on-off valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided outside the manifold body 11. Note that in FIG. 2, although the on-off valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided outside the manifold body 11, they are shown by solid lines to indicate their respective positions.

[0024] In this embodiment, the manifold body 11 has a box shape having a rectangular flat surface (hereinafter, referred to as "principal surface 11s"). The principal surface 11s of the manifold body 11 has a rectangular shape, and a refrigerant flow path L is formed on the principal surface 11s. Hereinafter, the four ends constituting the manifold body 11 are referred to as "first end 12a" (right end in FIG. 2), "second end 12b" (left end in FIG. 2), "third end 12c" (lower end in FIG. 2), and "fourth end 12d" (upper end in FIG. 2). In addition, the longitudinal direction of the principal surface 11s (direction parallel to the third end 12c and the fourth end 12d) is simply referred to as "longitudinal direction", and the lateral direction of the principal surface 11s (direction parallel to the first end 12a and the second end 12b) is simply referred to as "lateral direction".

[0025] The on-off valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided so as to overlap with the manifold body 11 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface 11s. The first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided in this order from the first end 12a side along the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The manifold body 11 is formed with an outlet through which the refrigerant F flows out from the manifold body 11 to the first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2. The manifold body 11 is also formed with an inlet through which the refrigerant F flows into the manifold body 11 from the first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2. In the following, of the outlets formed in the manifold body 11, the outlet through which the refrigerant F flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the on-off valve V1 is referred to as an "outlet H1," and of the inlets, the inlet through which the refrigerant F flows from the on-off valve V1 into the manifold body 11 is referred to as an "inlet H2." The outlet H1 and the inlet H2 are provided to face the on-off valve V1.

[0027] [Configuration of Coolant Flow Path] 1, the temperature of the refrigerant F is the highest in the first temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 flowing from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, the second highest in the second temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 flowing from the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and the lowest in the third temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5. In other words, the manifold body 11 includes, as refrigerant flow paths L (see FIG. 1), a high-temperature flow path LH through which the high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, a medium-temperature flow path LM (an example of a low-temperature flow path) through which the medium-temperature first low-temperature fluid F2 flows from the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and a low-temperature flow path LL through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5.

[0028] In this embodiment, the manifold body 11 further includes a medium-low temperature flow passage LML (an example of a low temperature flow passage) as the refrigerant flow passage L, through which a third low temperature fluid F4 (an example of a low temperature fluid) having a low to medium temperature flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the on-off valve V1. Hereinafter, in the manifold body 11, a portion where the high temperature flow passage LH is arranged is referred to as a high temperature section 16. Further, a portion other than the high temperature section 16 (for example, a portion where the medium temperature flow passage LM, the low temperature flow passage LL, and the medium-low temperature flow passage LML are arranged) is referred to as a low temperature section 18. In FIG. 2, the high temperature section 16 is the portion to the right of the dashed line, and the low temperature section 18 is the portion to the left of the dashed line.

[0029] The high-temperature flow path LH includes a first high-temperature flow path LH1 through which the high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the compressor 1 to the cabin condenser 2, and a second high-temperature flow path LH2 through which the high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the cabin condenser 2 to the water-cooled condenser 3.

[0030] The first high temperature flow passage LH1 extends from the first end 12a of the manifold body 11 toward the second end 12b, and then bends toward the fourth end 12d, reaching the fourth end 12d.

[0031] The second high-temperature flow path LH2 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c, passes through the first expansion valve VE1, bends toward the second end 12b, and reaches the third end 12c.

[0032] The second high-temperature flow passage LH2 is provided so as to straddle the on-off valve V1. An outlet H1 for the refrigerant F to the on-off valve V1 is formed at a position facing the on-off valve V1, far from the second high-temperature flow passage LH2. An inlet H2 is provided between the outlet H1 and the portion straddling the second high-temperature flow passage LH2.

[0033] The medium temperature flow path LM includes a first medium temperature flow path LM1 through which the first low temperature fluid F2 flows from the evaporator 4 to the accumulator 6, a second medium temperature flow path LM2 through which the first low temperature fluid F2 flows from the battery cooler 5 to the accumulator 6, and a confluence medium temperature flow path LM3 where the first medium temperature flow path LM1 and the second medium temperature flow path LM2 are connected (the first low temperature fluids F2 merge with each other).

[0034] The first medium temperature flow passage LM1 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c so as to be inclined with respect to the fourth end 12d, changes direction midway so as to be parallel (including approximately parallel, the same applies below) to the second end 12b, and extends to the first bending point P1. The first medium temperature flow passage LM1 bends at the first bending point P1 so as to be toward the first end 12a, and reaches the merging medium temperature flow passage LM3.

[0035] The second medium temperature flow passage LM2 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c in parallel with the first medium temperature flow passage LM1 to the merging medium temperature flow passage LM3.

[0036] The junction medium temperature flow passage LM3 extends from the end of the first medium temperature flow passage LM1 in the longitudinal direction toward the first end 12a, and is connected to the refrigerant flow passage L from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the on-off valve V1 at a junction point P2. The junction medium temperature flow passage LM3 bends toward the fourth end 12d at the junction point P2, and extends in the lateral direction toward the fourth end 12d. The junction medium temperature flow passage LM3 further bends toward the first end 12a at a second bend point P3, extends in the longitudinal direction, and reaches the first end 12a. The junction medium temperature flow passage LM3 is provided so as to straddle the high temperature flow passage LH between the second bend point P3 and the end.

[0037] The medium-low temperature flow path LML is a refrigerant flow path L through which a third low temperature fluid F4 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the on-off valve V1 toward the accumulator 6. The medium-low temperature flow path LML extends from the third end 12c toward the fourth end 12d along the short side direction to a branch point P4. The branch point P4 is a position where the refrigerant F from the water-cooled condenser 3 branches into the third low temperature fluid F4 flowing toward the on-off valve V1, the second low temperature fluid F3 flowing toward the evaporator 4, and the second low temperature fluid F3 flowing toward the battery cooler 5.

[0038] The medium-temperature flow path LML bends toward the first end 12a at the branch point P4, extends along the longitudinal direction toward the first end 12a, passes through an on-off valve V1, and reaches a junction P2 with the junction medium-temperature flow path LM3.

[0039] The low-temperature flow path LL includes a first low-temperature flow path LL1 through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4, and a second low-temperature flow path LL2 through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the battery cooler 5. In this embodiment, the base ends of the first low-temperature flow path LL1 and the second low-temperature flow path LL2 are at a branch point P4.

[0040] The first low-temperature flow path LL1 passes through the second expansion valve VE2, extends along the short direction toward the fourth end 12d, changes direction so as to be inclined with respect to the fourth end 12d, and reaches the second end 12b.

[0041] The second low temperature flow passage LL2 extends along the short side direction. In the short side direction, the second low temperature flow passage LL2 changes direction so as to be inclined with respect to the fourth end 12d closer to the fourth end 12d than the bending point of the first low temperature flow passage LL1, and reaches the corner between the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d.

[0042] [Manifold Restraint] As described above, the manifold body 11 of the manifold 10 is divided into a high temperature section 16 (to the right of the dashed line in FIG. 2) in which the high temperature flow passage LH is arranged, and a low temperature section 18 (to the left of the dashed line in FIG. 2) other than the high temperature section 16. In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, two restraining sections 13 are arranged in the low temperature section 18, and the restraining sections 13 are fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14. Specifically, the restraining sections 13 are arranged at a location where the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d of the manifold body 11 shown in FIG. 2 intersect, and at a location where the second end 12b and the third end 12c intersect. By fixing the two restraining sections 13 to the vehicle body support frame 14, the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained with respect to the vehicle body support frame 14.

[0043] The manifold 10 of this embodiment is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by two types of restraining portions 13. Specifically, the two types of restraining portions 13 are restraining portions 13 having a stress absorbing structure and restraining portions 13 not having a stress absorbing structure. Hereinafter, the restraining portions 13 having the stress absorbing structure are referred to as first restraining portions 13a, and the restraining portions 13 not having the stress absorbing structure are referred to as second restraining portions 13b. When the first restraining portions 13a and the second restraining portions 13b are collectively referred to as restraining portions 13.

[0044] In this embodiment, the two restraining portions 13 provided in the low-temperature portion 18 of the manifold 10 are composed of one first restraining portion 13a and one second restraining portion 13b. The first restraining portion 13a is disposed at a location where the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d of the manifold body 11 intersect, and the second restraining portion 13b is disposed at a location where the second end 12b and the third end 12c intersect. The second restraining portion 13b fixes the manifold 10 to the vehicle body support frame 14 by a known method (for example, fastening with a bolt and a nut) so that the manifold 10 does not move relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. When the manifold 10 is fixed by the first restraining portion 13a and the second restraining portion 13b, it is preferable to arrange the first restraining portion 13a and the second restraining portion 13b so that all or most of the weight of the manifold 10 is applied to the second restraining portion 13b. This is to allow the first restraining portion 13a to fully exert the function of absorbing stress.

[0045] In this embodiment, there are two types of stress absorption structure configurations, which are referred to as a first stress absorption structure 20 (an example of a stress absorption structure) and a second stress absorption structure 30 (an example of a stress absorption structure). Either the first stress absorption structure 20 or the second stress absorption structure 30 can be applied to the manifold 10 of this embodiment.

[0046] [First stress absorption structure] 3, the first stress absorption structure 20 includes a first elastic member 22 (an example of a stress absorption member), a bolt 24 (an example of a fastening member), a nut 25, and a washer 26. The first elastic member 22 is made of rubber, elastomer, or the like having elasticity. The first elastic member 22 has a cylindrical (hollow tubular) first main body portion 22a with a through hole 22b formed therein, and flange portions 22c, 22c disposed on both ends of the first main body portion 22a in the axial direction. That is, the first elastic member 22 has a bobbin shape.

[0047] The first elastic member 22 is attached by fitting the first body portion 22a into the manifold through hole 11a (one example of a through hole) formed in the main surface 11s of the manifold body 11. At this time, the flange portions 22c, 22c sandwich the main surface 11s. In other words, the axial length of the first body portion 22a is equal to the thickness of the main surface 11s. The fixing of the manifold 10 to the vehicle body support frame 14 by the first restraint portion 13a is realized by passing a bolt 24 through the vehicle body through hole 14a formed in the vehicle body support frame 14 and the through hole 22b of the first elastic member 22 from the vehicle body support frame 14 side, and screwing a nut 25 to the tip of the passed bolt 24 for fastening. At this time, washers 26 are respectively arranged between one flange portion 22c of the first elastic member 22 and the vehicle body support frame 14, and between the other flange portion 22c and the nut 25. The force of fastening the bolt 24 and the nut 25 is received by the plate surface of the washer 26, thereby preventing the first elastic member 22 from being deformed.

[0048] In this manner, in the first restraint portion 13a having the first stress absorption structure 20, the vehicle body support frame 14 and the manifold 10 are fixed via the first elastic member 22, and therefore the manifold 10 is capable of moving relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. Therefore, as in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, if one of the two restraint portions 13 provided in the low temperature portion 18 is the first restraint portion 13a, even if tensile stress due to contraction occurs between the first restraint portion 13a and the second restraint portion 13b, the first elastic member 22 of the first restraint portion 13a having the first stress absorption structure 20 elastically deforms to absorb the tensile stress, and the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged.

[0049] [Second stress absorption structure] As shown in FIG. 4, the second stress absorption structure 30 includes a second elastic member 32 (an example of a stress absorption member), a bolt 24, and a washer 26. The second elastic member 32 is made of rubber, elastomer, or the like having elasticity. The second elastic member 32 has a bottomed cylindrical second main body portion 32a in which a blind hole 32b that does not penetrate through is formed, and a flange portion 32c arranged at an end of the second main body portion 32a opposite to the side in which the blind hole 32b is formed in the axial direction. A cylindrical female thread portion 32d (an example of a fastened portion) that can be screwed with the bolt 24 is arranged in the blind hole 32b. The female thread portion 32d is made of metal and is attached to the blind hole 32b by a method such as adhesion. If the second elastic member 32 is formed by injection molding or the like, the female thread portion 32d may be embedded by insert molding.

[0050] The second elastic member 32 is attached by fitting the second main body portion 32a into the manifold through hole 11a formed in the main surface 11s of the manifold body 11 from the side farther from the vehicle body support frame 14. At this time, the flange portion 32c abuts against the manifold body 11 to determine the position of the second elastic member 32. The first restraint portion 13 fixes the manifold 10 to the vehicle body support frame 14 by inserting the bolt 24 into the vehicle body through hole 14a formed in the vehicle body support frame 14 from the vehicle body support frame 14 side and screwing the bolt 24 into the female thread portion 32d to fasten the manifold 10. At this time, a washer 26 is disposed between the end of the second elastic member 32 on the side where the female thread portion 32d is disposed and the vehicle body support frame 14. At this time, the inner diameter of the washer 26 is set so that the plate surface of the washer 26 contacts the female thread portion 32d, so that the second elastic member 32 is prevented from being deformed when the bolt 24 is tightened.

[0051] In this manner, in the first restraint portion 13a having the second stress absorption structure 30, the vehicle body support frame 14 and the manifold 10 are fixed via the second elastic member 32, so that the manifold 10 is capable of moving relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. Therefore, as in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, if one of the two restraint portions 13 provided in the low temperature portion 18 is the first restraint portion 13a, even if tensile stress due to contraction occurs between the first restraint portion 13a and the second restraint portion 13b, the second elastic member 32 of the first restraint portion 13a having the second stress absorption structure 30 elastically deforms to absorb the tensile stress, and the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, a manifold 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that two restraining portions 13 for fixing the manifold 10 to the vehicle body support frame 14 are arranged in the high temperature portion 16. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same configuration as the first embodiment, and detailed description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0053] In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, one first constraining portion 13a and one second constraining portion 13b are arranged in the high temperature portion 16. The first constraining portion 13a is arranged at a location where the first end portion 12a and the fourth end portion 12d of the manifold body 11 intersect, and the second constraining portion 13b is arranged at a location where the first end portion 12a and the third end portion 12c intersect. Either the first stress absorbing structure 20 or the second stress absorbing structure 30 can be applied to the manifold 10 of this embodiment.

[0054] In this manner, in the first restraint portion 13a having the first stress absorption structure 20 or the second stress absorption structure 30 in this embodiment, the vehicle body support frame 14 and the manifold 10 are fixed via the first elastic member 22 or the second elastic member 32, so that the manifold 10 is capable of moving relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. Therefore, as in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, if one of the two restraint portions 13 provided in the high temperature portion 16 is the first restraint portion 13a, even if compressive stress due to expansion occurs between the first restraint portion 13a and the second restraint portion 13b, the first elastic member 22 of the first restraint portion 13a having the first stress absorption structure 20 or the second elastic member 32 of the first restraint portion 13a having the second stress absorption structure 30 elastically deforms to absorb the compressive stress, so that the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged.

[0055] Third Embodiment Next, a manifold 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the high temperature section 16 and the low temperature section 18 in the manifold 10 differs from that in the first and second embodiments, and accordingly, the arrangement of the restraint section 13 also differs. Other than that, the configuration is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts having the same configuration as the first and second embodiments, and detailed description of the similar configuration will be omitted.

[0056] In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, the high temperature section 16 is disposed in the center of the manifold body 11, and the low temperature sections 18 are disposed on both sides of the high temperature section 16. Then, two low temperature sections 18 on each side are disposed, totaling four restraint sections 13. The four restraint sections 13 disposed in the low temperature sections 18 are disposed at the four corners of the manifold body 11, respectively. Specifically, the first restraint section 13a is disposed at a location where the first end 12a and the fourth end 12d of the manifold body 11 intersect, and where the second end 12b and the third end 12c intersect. The second restraint section 13b is disposed at a location where the first end 12a and the third end 12c intersect, and where the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d intersect. By disposing the two restraint sections 13 on each of the two vehicle body support frames 14, the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained with respect to the vehicle body support frames 14. Either the first stress absorbing structure 20 or the second stress absorbing structure 30 can be applied to the manifold 10 of this embodiment.

[0057] In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by two restraining portions 13 arranged in each of the two low-temperature portions 18 of the manifold body 11. That is, the manifold 10 is fixed to and restrained by the vehicle body support frame 14 at four low-temperature portions 18. Since a low-temperature fluid flows through each low-temperature portion 18, the temperature of each low-temperature portion 18 is low, and the manifold body 11 contracts, including the vicinity of the two adjacent restraining portions 13. However, in this embodiment, the two adjacent restraining portions 13 in one low-temperature portion 18 are composed of one first restraining portion 13a and one second restraining portion 13b. As described above, in the first restraining portion 13a having the first stress absorption structure 20 or the second stress absorption structure 30, the vehicle body support frame 14 and the manifold 10 are fixed via the first elastic member 22 or the second elastic member 32. Therefore, in the first restraint portion 13a, the manifold 10 is capable of moving relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. As in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, if one of the two restraint portions 13 provided in each of the two low temperature portions 18 and fixed to one vehicle body support frame 14 is the first restraint portion 13a, even if tensile stress due to contraction occurs between the first restraint portion 13a and the second restraint portion 13b, the first elastic member 22 of the first restraint portion 13a having the first stress absorbing structure 20 or the second elastic member 32 of the first restraint portion 13a having the second stress absorbing structure 30 elastically deforms to absorb the tensile stress, and the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged.

[0058] Furthermore, in the locations where high temperature portions 16 through which high temperature fluid F1 flows are disposed between adjacent first and second constraining portions 13a and 13b, the tensile stress associated with contraction in the low temperature portions 18 and the compressive stress associated with expansion in the high temperature portions 16 cancel each other out, reducing stress in the manifold 10 as a whole. That is, in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, between the first and second constraining portions 13a and 13b disposed in the two adjacent low temperature portions 18 disposed so as to sandwich the high temperature portion 16, no excessive stress is generated in the manifold main body 11, and the manifold 10 is less likely to break.

[0059] [Other embodiments] The present invention may be configured as follows other than the above-described embodiment (common numbers and symbols as in the embodiment are used to designate components having the same functions as in the embodiment).

[0060] <1> Although the first restraining portion 13a of the manifold 10 in the first to third embodiments is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by the bolts 24, it may be fixed by any method capable of fixing the manifold 10, such as press fitting or welding.

[0061] <2> In the third embodiment, the low temperature sections 18 are arranged on both sides of the high temperature section 16, but two high temperature sections 16 and two low temperature sections 18 may be arranged alternately in parallel. In this case, two restraint sections 13 are arranged in each of the high temperature section 16 and the low temperature section 18, and the two adjacent restraint sections 13 in the high temperature section 16 and the two adjacent restraint sections 13 in the low temperature section 18 may each be composed of a first restraint section 13a and a second restraint section 13b. Also, two high temperature sections 16 and three low temperature sections 18 may be arranged alternately in parallel. In this case, two restraint sections 13 are arranged in each of the low temperature sections 18 at both ends, and the two adjacent restraint sections 13 in one low temperature section 18 may each be composed of a first restraint section 13a and a second restraint section 13b.

[0062] <3> In each of the above embodiments, the number of restraint sections 13 arranged in one low temperature section 18 or one high temperature section 16 may be three or more. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the first restraint sections 13a and the second restraint sections 13b alternately.

[0063] <4> In the above-described embodiment, the manifold 10 has been described as a refrigerant manifold through which a refrigerant flows as a fluid, but the manifold may also be a manifold through which a cooling liquid (an example of a fluid) such as cooling water, e.g., long-life coolant (LLC), or insulating oil, e.g., paraffin-based, flows.

[0064] The following configurations are envisioned from the above-described embodiment.

[0065] (1) One embodiment of a manifold 10 comprises a manifold body 11 having a high temperature section 16 in which a high temperature flow path LH is formed, through which a high temperature fluid F1 having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low temperature section 18 in which low temperature flow paths LM, LL, LML are formed, through which low temperature fluids F2, F3, F4 having a second temperature or lower that is less than the first temperature flow, and restraint sections 13a, 13b that restrain the manifold body 11 to a restrained object 14, and the restraint section 13a has stress absorbing structures 20, 30 that absorb stress generated by the restraining force of the restraint sections 13a, 13b.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the restraint portion 13a has a stress absorbing structure, even if tensile stress occurs due to contraction when multiple restraint portions 13a, 13b are arranged in the low-temperature portion 18, the stress absorbing structure of the restraint portion 13a absorbs the tensile stress, and the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged even when fixed and restrained to the vehicle body support frame 14, etc.

[0067] (2) In another embodiment of the manifold 10, two or more restraint portions 13a, 13b are arranged in the manifold body 11, at least one restraint portion 13b is fixed to the restrained object 14 without having a stress absorbing structure 20, 30, and at least one restraint portion 13a has a stress absorbing structure 20, 30.

[0068] In this embodiment, two or more of the restraining portions 13a, 13b of the manifold 10 are arranged in the manifold body 11, at least one of the restraining portions 13b does not have the stress absorbing structures 20, 30 and is fixed to the restrained object 14, and at least one of the restraining portions 13a has the stress absorbing structures 20, 30. Therefore, for example, in the case where the restraining portions 13a, 13b are arranged in one low-temperature portion 18 in the manifold body 11 of the manifold 10, even if a tensile stress due to contraction occurs between the restraining portions 13a, 13b, the first restraining portion 13a having the stress absorbing structures 20, 30 elastically deforms to absorb the tensile stress, so that the manifold 10 is unlikely to be damaged. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the first restraining portion 13a and the second restraining portion 13b so that all or most of the weight of the manifold 10 is applied to the second restraining portion 13b, since the first restraining portion 13a can fully exert its stress absorption function.

[0069] (3) In another aspect of the manifold 10, the stress absorption structure 20 has a hollow cylindrical stress absorption member 22 that covers the through hole 11a formed in the manifold body 11, and a fastening member 24 that penetrates through the restrained object 14 and the inside of the stress absorption member 22 and is fastened.

[0070] In this embodiment, the manifold 10 has a hollow cylindrical stress absorbing member 22 that covers the through hole 11a formed in the manifold body 11, and a fastening member 24 that is fastened by penetrating the inside of the restrained object 14 and the stress absorbing member 22. This allows the stress generated by the restraining force of the restraining portion 13 to be absorbed by the stress absorbing member 22, making the manifold 10 less likely to break.

[0071] (4) In one embodiment of the manifold 10, the stress absorption structure 30 is attached so as to cover the through hole 11a formed in the manifold body 11 and has a stress absorption member 32 including a fastening portion 32d at its end, and a fastening member 24 that penetrates the restrained object 14 and screws into the fastening portion 32d of the stress absorption member 32.

[0072] In this embodiment, manifold 10 has stress absorbing structure 30 including stress absorbing member 32 that is attached so as to close through hole 11a formed in manifold body 11 and includes fastening portion 32d at its end, and fastening member 24 that penetrates restrained object 14 and is screwed into fastening portion 32d of stress absorbing member 32. As a result, stress generated by the restraining force of restraining portion 13 can be absorbed by stress absorbing member 32, making manifold 10 less likely to break. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present invention can be used in a manifold. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10: manifold, 11: manifold body, 11a: manifold through hole (through hole), 13: restraint portion, 13a: first restraint portion (restraint portion), 13b: second restraint portion (restraint portion), 14: vehicle body support frame (restrained object), 16: high temperature portion, 18: low temperature portion, 20: first stress absorbing structure (stress absorbing structure), 22: first elastic member (stress absorbing member), 24: bolt (fastening member), 30: second stress absorbing structure (stress absorbing structure), 32: second elastic member (stress absorbing member), 32d: female thread portion (fastened portion), F1: high temperature fluid, F2: first low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), F3: second low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), F4: third low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), LH: high temperature flow path, LL: low temperature flow path, LM: medium temperature flow path (low temperature flow path), LML: medium low temperature flow path (low temperature flow path)

Claims

1. a manifold body having a high temperature section in which a high temperature flow path is formed through which a high temperature fluid having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low temperature section in which a low temperature flow path is formed through which a low temperature fluid having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows; a restraining portion that restrains the manifold body against a restrained object, The restraining portion has a stress absorbing structure that absorbs stress generated by the restraining force of the restraining portion.

2. Two or more of the restraining portions are arranged on the manifold body, At least one of the restraining portions does not have the stress absorbing structure and is fixed to the restrained object, The manifold of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the restraints comprises the stress absorbing structure.

3. 3. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the stress absorption structure comprises a hollow cylindrical stress absorption member that covers a through hole formed in the manifold body, and a fastening member that penetrates through the restrained object and the inside of the stress absorption member and is fastened to the restrained object.

4. 3. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the stress absorption structure comprises: a stress absorption member that is attached so as to cover a through hole formed in the manifold body and that includes a fastening portion at an end; and a fastening member that passes through the restrained object and is screwed into the fastening portion of the stress absorption member.

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