Vehicular air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a vehicular air conditioner in which constituent elements are excellently arranged in a refrigerant circuit.SOLUTION: A vehicular air conditioner 1 comprises: a compressor 11 that compresses a refrigerant; an expansion valve 13 that decompresses a refrigerant; an indoor capacitor 12, an indoor evaporator 15 or an outdoor heat exchanger 14; and a manifold 60 having a flow passage through which a refrigerant flows. The manifold 60 has a high-temperature part 61 including a portion of the flow passage for a high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and a low-temperature part 63 including a portion of the flow passage for a low-temperature refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 13, and has a first surface 65 which has a structure that suppresses heat transfer between the high-temperature part 61 and the low-temperature part 63 and is provided with an opening part configured so that piping that is connected to the indoor capacitor 12, the indoor evaporator 15 or the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is attached thereto, and a second surface 66 that is nearly orthogonal to the first surface 65 and is provided with an opening part configured so that piping through which a refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows is attached thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems equipped with refrigerant circuits that function as heat pumps for air conditioning vehicles and temperature control of on-board devices are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a manifold fluid module used in such systems. Patent Document 1 discloses that in a manifold fluid module having multiple fluid flow paths, heat transfer from a flow path carrying a high-temperature fluid to a flow path carrying a low-temperature fluid is suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2024 / 014740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle air conditioner, when a manifold is used for some of the flow paths, the arrangement of each component and the structure of the manifold can be various. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner having an excellent arrangement of each component in the refrigerant circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a decompression device that decompresses the refrigerant, a heat exchanger including at least one of an interior condenser through which the refrigerant flows and which is configured to heat air for heating the interior of a vehicle, an interior evaporator through which the refrigerant flows and which is configured to cool air for cooling the interior of the vehicle, and an exterior heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows and which is configured to exchange heat with air outside the vehicle, and a manifold having a flow path through which the refrigerant flows, wherein the manifold has at least a portion of a flow path for the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor. and a low-temperature section including at least a portion of a flow path for the low-temperature refrigerant after it has been depressurized by the decompression device, and the manifold has a structure that suppresses heat transfer between the high-temperature section and the low-temperature section, and the manifold has a first surface provided with an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe connected to at least one of the indoor condenser, the indoor evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat exchanger, and a second surface that is approximately perpendicular to the first surface and has an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle air conditioner having an excellent arrangement of components in a refrigerant circuit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle air conditioner according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the engine room as seen from above, showing a schematic overview of an example of the layout of the various parts in the engine room. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a manifold to which valves and the like are attached. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the first surface of the manifold, and is a front view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the manifold to which valves and the like are attached. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view schematically illustrating an outline of a modified example of the configuration of the manifold. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a front view schematically illustrating an outline of a modified example of the configuration of the manifold. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view schematically illustrating an outline of a modified example of the configuration of the manifold. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a front view schematically illustrating an outline of a modified example of the configuration of the manifold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Overview of vehicle air conditioning systems] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment relates to a vehicle air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit. The vehicle air conditioner of the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. The vehicle air conditioner 1 has a function of adjusting the temperature, humidity, etc. of the air inside the vehicle cabin. The vehicle air conditioner 1 is configured to not only adjust the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, but also adjust the temperatures of the motor and battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of a vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin, for example. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a coolant circuit 81 configured to circulate a fluid heat transfer medium, such as a coolant liquid. The coolant circuit 81 may include, for example, a battery temperature control circuit or a motor temperature control circuit that regulates the temperatures of the battery and the motor.

[0010] The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 90, which is an air conditioning unit. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a control device (not shown) that controls the operation of various sensors and each part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is controlled based on the detection values ​​of the various sensors, various requests, etc.

[0011] [Refrigerant circuit] The refrigerant circuit 10 has a compressor 11, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, a low-temperature side heat exchanger, and an accumulator 17, which are arranged so that a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump. That is, in the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor 11, releases heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger and condenses to become a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, expands in the pressure reducing device to become a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid, absorbs heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger and evaporates to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and is sent back to the compressor 11 via the accumulator 17.

[0012] The refrigerant circuit 10 includes an interior condenser 12. The interior condenser 12 is housed in a case 91 of the HVAC unit 90 and is configured to function as a high-temperature side heat exchanger during heating operation, for example, to heat the air supplied to the vehicle cabin. The refrigerant circuit 10 also includes multiple expansion valves 13 and heat exchangers. That is, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first expansion valve 131 and an exterior heat exchanger 14, a second expansion valve 132 and an interior evaporator 15, and a third expansion valve 133 and an evaporator 161 of a chiller 16, which serve as a pressure reducing device and a low-temperature side heat exchanger. The exterior heat exchanger 14 is configured to allow the refrigerant to exchange heat with air outside the vehicle cabin. The interior evaporator 15 is housed in the case 91 of the HVAC unit 90 and is configured to function as a low-temperature side heat exchanger during cooling operation, for example, to cool the air supplied to the vehicle cabin. The chiller 16 is configured to allow the refrigerant to exchange heat with the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit 81. In this way, the interior condenser 12 or the interior evaporator 15 functions as an interior heat exchanger configured to allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough and heat or cool the air for heating or cooling the vehicle interior.

[0013] The refrigerant circuit 10 can also operate in a hot gas heating mode to sufficiently increase the temperature of the refrigerant in an extremely low-temperature environment. In the hot gas heating mode, the refrigerant bypasses the indoor condenser 12 and is repeatedly compressed and expanded. The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a fourth expansion valve 134 provided in this bypass path.

[0014] The refrigerant circuit 10 also includes a plurality of solenoid valves 18 and check valves for switching and rectifying the various circuits described above. That is, the refrigerant circuit 10 includes a first solenoid valve 181, a second solenoid valve 182, a first check valve 191, and a second check valve 192. The refrigerant flow path is switched by opening and closing the various valves, and the operating mode is switched between heating, cooling, temperature control of various devices, and the like.

[0015] In this embodiment, among the flow paths that constitute the refrigerant circuit 10, each flow path in the portion surrounded by the dashed line in FIG.

[0016] [HVAC unit] The indoor condenser 12 and the indoor evaporator 15 of the refrigerant circuit 10 are housed in a case 91 of an HVAC unit 90. The case 91 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 90 and defines an air flow passage 92 therein.

[0017] The HVAC unit 90 has an intake unit 93 that takes in outside air or interior air, and a blower 94 that supplies the air taken in through the intake unit 93 to an air flow passage 92. An interior evaporator 15 is installed upstream of the air flow passage 92. An interior condenser passage and a bypass passage are formed in parallel downstream of the air flow passage 92. The interior condenser 12 is installed in the interior condenser passage. The flow of air into the interior condenser passage or the bypass passage is adjusted by an air mix damper 95. With this configuration, air that has passed through the interior condenser 12 or the interior evaporator 15 and has been heated or cooled is sent into the vehicle cabin.

[0018] [Layout in the engine room] A portion of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is disposed in an engine compartment 100 provided at the front of the vehicle. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the engine compartment 100 as viewed from above, showing a schematic overview of an example of the arrangement of each part in the engine compartment 100. The left side of the figure is the front side of the vehicle, where the exterior heat exchanger 14 is disposed. The right side of the figure is the cabin side at the rear of the vehicle, where the HVAC unit 90 is disposed.

[0019] The coolant module 80 constitutes part of the above-described coolant circuit 81 and includes a pump, piping, various valves, and the like. The coolant module 80 is disposed at the rear side of the engine compartment 100 in terms of its position relative to other related devices. The coolant module 80 is disposed offset to one side in the left-right direction of the vehicle within the engine compartment 100. In this embodiment, the coolant module 80 is disposed offset to the right side. A refrigerant module 70 including the compressor 11, chiller 16, accumulator 17, and the like may be disposed near this coolant module 80. In this embodiment, the refrigerant module 70 is disposed forward of the coolant module 80 within the engine compartment 100.

[0020] 2, in this embodiment, a manifold 60 is disposed in the space between the refrigerant module 70 and the coolant module 80. The manifold 60 is configured to accommodate the expansion valves 13, the solenoid valves 18, various sensors (not shown), and the like, and includes the flow paths shown in FIG.

[0021] [Manifold configuration] FIG. 3A is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of manifold 60 from the same direction as FIG. 2 . FIG. 3B is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of manifold 60, showing a first surface 65 of manifold 60 and the flow paths and the like within manifold 60. In manifold 60, the flow paths are formed mainly within the same plane, and inlets and outlets 20 for the flow paths within manifold 60 are provided on one side of this plane so that piping leading to each component can be connected perpendicularly to this plane. The surface on which these inlets and outlets 20 are provided will be referred to as first surface 65. That is, in manifold 60, the flow paths for the refrigerant are formed mainly along first surface 65. The inlets and outlets 20 provided in first surface 65 include openings configured to accommodate piping connected to heat exchangers such as indoor condenser 12, indoor evaporator 15, and outdoor heat exchanger 14.

[0022] In addition, openings other than the inlets and outlets 20 connected to the flow paths are also provided on the first surface 65. The expansion valves 13, the solenoid valves 18, the sensors, etc. are attached to these openings. That is, the expansion valves 13, the solenoid valves 18, the sensors, etc. are also attached to the first surface 65.

[0023] 2, the manifold 60 is disposed so that the first surface 65 passes through an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction of the engine room 100. The manifold 60 is disposed so that the first surface 65 faces the opposite side of the engine room 100 from the chiller 16 and the accumulator 17. In other words, the manifold 60 is disposed so that the first surface 65 faces outward from the refrigerant module 70 and the coolant module 80. Therefore, the manifold 60 is disposed so that the first surface 65 faces the center of the engine room 100.

[0024] A surface perpendicular to the first surface 65 and extending in the thickness direction of the manifold 60 will be referred to as the second surface 66. The first surface 65 and the second surface 66 do not need to be strictly perpendicular to each other, as long as they are approximately perpendicular to each other. The area of ​​the first surface 65 is larger than the area of ​​the second surface 66. In this embodiment, the manifold 60 is disposed so that the second surface 66 faces the compressor 11 of the refrigerant module 70. The manifold 60 also has an inlet / outlet 20 for a flow path within the manifold 60 on the second surface 66. The inlet / outlet 20 on the second surface 66 is an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe connected to the refrigerant module 70. In particular, the inlet / outlet 20 on the second surface 66 includes an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows.

[0025] The configuration of the manifold 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3B and FIG. 1. The manifold 60 has a high-temperature section 61 through which a high-temperature refrigerant mainly flows, a low-temperature section 63 through which a low-temperature refrigerant mainly flows, and a medium-temperature section 62 through which other refrigerants flow. The high-temperature section 61 includes at least a portion of a flow path for the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11. The low-temperature section 63 includes at least a portion of a flow path for the refrigerant after being decompressed by the decompression device. The manifold 60 has a structure that suppresses heat transfer between the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63. That is, the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63 are configured to suppress mutual heat conduction. For this reason, for example, the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63 may each be formed as a block, and a space or a heat shield may be provided between the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63. Furthermore, two or more of the high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62 and the low temperature section 63 are formed integrally, but spaces or heat shields may be provided in areas other than the connecting portions of each section.

[0026] In the manifold 60, the high temperature section 61 is disposed on the vertically upper side, and the low temperature section 63 is disposed on the vertically lower side. In addition, in the present embodiment, in the manifold 60, the medium temperature section 62 is provided on the opposite side of the compressor 11, i.e., the opposite side of the second surface 66, with respect to the high temperature section 61 and the low temperature section 63.

[0027] A first inlet 21 connected to the outlet of the compressor 11 is provided on the second surface 66 of the high-temperature section 61. The refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 is a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. In the flow path formed in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60, a first branch section 41 is provided downstream of the first inlet 21. One side of the branched flow path is connected to a first outlet 31 formed in the high-temperature section 61. The other side of the branched flow path is connected to a fourth expansion valve 134 attached to a mounting port on the first surface 65. A pipe connected to the inlet of the indoor condenser 12 in the HVAC unit 90 is attached to the first outlet 31.

[0028] A pipe connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 12 is connected to a second inlet 22 provided on the first surface 65 of the medium temperature section 62. In the flow path formed in the medium temperature section 62 of the manifold 60, a second branch section 42 is provided downstream of the second inlet 22. One of the branched flow paths is connected to a first solenoid valve 181 attached to an attachment port on the first surface 65. The other of the branched flow paths is connected to a first expansion valve 131 attached to an attachment port on the first surface 65. In the flow path formed in the medium temperature section 62 of the manifold 60, a second outlet 32 ​​formed on the first surface 65 is provided downstream of the first expansion valve 131. A pipe connected to an inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is attached to the second outlet 32.

[0029] A pipe connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is connected to a third inlet 23 provided on a first surface 65 of the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60, a third branch section 43 is provided downstream of the third inlet 23. One of the branched flow paths is connected to a second check valve 192. The other of the branched flow paths is connected to a second solenoid valve 182 attached to an attachment port on the first surface 65. In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60, a first junction 45, a first check valve 191, a second junction 46, and a third junction 47 are provided, in this order, downstream of the second solenoid valve 182. A third outlet 33 formed on the first surface 65 is provided downstream of the third junction 47. A pipe connected to an inlet of an accumulator 17 provided in the refrigerant module 70 is attached to the third outlet 33. In the refrigerant module 70, a pipe connected to the inlet of the compressor 11 is attached to the outlet of the accumulator 17.

[0030] In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60, a fourth junction 48 is provided downstream of the second check valve 192 described above. A fourth branch 44 is provided downstream of the fourth junction 48. One of the branched flow paths is connected to a third expansion valve 133 attached to a mounting port on the first surface 65. The other of the branched flow paths is connected to a second expansion valve 132 attached to a mounting port on the first surface 65. In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63, a fourth outlet 34 formed in the first surface 65 is provided downstream of the second expansion valve 132. A pipe connected to an inlet of the indoor evaporator 15 in the HVAC unit 90 is attached to the fourth outlet 34.

[0031] The pipe connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator 15 is connected to the fourth inlet 24 provided on the first surface 65 of the low-temperature section 63. In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63, the downstream side of the fourth inlet 24 is connected to the above-mentioned first junction 45. As described above, the first check valve 191, the second junction 46, the third junction 47, and the third outlet 33 are provided downstream of the first junction 45 in this order.

[0032] In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60, a fifth outlet 35 formed in the second surface 66 of the low-temperature section 63 is provided downstream of the third expansion valve 133. A pipe connected to the inlet of the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16 provided in the refrigerant module 70 is attached to the fifth outlet 35.

[0033] The pipe connected to the outlet of the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16 is connected to the fifth inlet 25 provided on the first surface 65 of the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In the flow path formed in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60, the downstream side of the fifth inlet 25 is connected to the above-mentioned third junction 47. As described above, the third outlet 33 is provided downstream of the third junction 47.

[0034] In addition, in the refrigerant module 70, if the piping connected to the outlet of the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16 is joined to the piping connected to the inlet of the accumulator 17, the fifth inlet 25 and the third junction 47 are not necessary in the manifold 60.

[0035] The downstream of the first solenoid valve 181 provided in the above-mentioned medium temperature section 62 is connected to the fourth junction 48 provided in the above-mentioned low temperature section 63 via the first connection section 51. As described above, the fourth branch section 44 is provided downstream of the fourth junction 48.

[0036] With regard to the first connection part 51, the first solenoid valve 181 and the fourth confluence part 48 may be connected by a flow path formed in the manifold 60, or may be connected via a pipe connecting a connection port formed in the medium temperature part 62 of the manifold 60 with a connection port formed in the low temperature part 63.

[0037] The downstream of the fourth expansion valve 134 provided in the high temperature section 61 is connected to the second junction 46 provided in the low temperature section 63 via the second connection section 52. As described above, the third junction 47 and the third outlet 33 are provided in this order downstream of the second junction 46.

[0038] With regard to the second connecting portion 52, the fourth expansion valve 134 and the second junction portion 46 may be connected by a flow path formed in the manifold 60, or may be connected via a pipe connecting a connection port formed in the high temperature portion 61 of the manifold 60 to a connection port formed in the low temperature portion 63. Because the temperature difference between the high temperature portion 61 and the low temperature portion 63 is large, it is preferable that this connection be made in a way that minimizes heat conduction.

[0039] In addition to the above-described configuration, a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the temperature, pressure, etc. of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path may be provided on the first surface 65 of the manifold 60. For this purpose, a port for installing the sensor may be provided on the flow path of the first surface 65.

[0040] [Operation of vehicle air conditioning system] The control device of the vehicle air conditioner 1 controls the opening and closing of each expansion valve 13 and solenoid valve 18 depending on the operation mode to switch the refrigerant flow path. The control device also controls the rotation speed of the compressor 11. The control device also controls the operation of the intake unit 93, blower 94, air mix damper 95, etc. of the HVAC unit 90 depending on the operation mode. Below, several examples of switching the flow path depending on the operation mode are shown.

[0041] In the heating mode, the first expansion valve 131 and the second solenoid valve 182 are opened, and the other valves are closed. As a result, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the first inlet 21, the first branch portion 41, the first outlet 31, the interior condenser 12, the second inlet 22, the second branch portion 42, the first expansion valve 131, the second outlet 32, the exterior heat exchanger 14, the third inlet 23, the third branch portion 43, the second solenoid valve 182, the first junction portion 45, the first check valve 191, the second junction portion 46, the third junction portion 47, the third outlet 33, the accumulator 17, and the compressor 11 in this order. The refrigerant dissipates heat to the air in the interior condenser 12 and absorbs heat from outside the vehicle cabin in the exterior heat exchanger 14. The air heated by the interior condenser 12 is introduced into the vehicle cabin, thereby heating the vehicle cabin.

[0042] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 passes through the first inlet 21, first branch portion 41, and first outlet 31 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the indoor condenser 12 passes through the second inlet 22, second branch portion 42, and first expansion valve 131 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the medium-temperature section 62 of the manifold 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the first expansion valve 131 leaves the manifold 60 from the second outlet 32 ​​of the medium-temperature section 62. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 passes through the third inlet 23, third branch portion 43, second solenoid valve 182, first junction 45, first check valve 191, second junction 46, third junction 47, and third outlet 33 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In this way, the sections through which high-temperature, medium-temperature and low-temperature refrigerants flow are generally divided into a high-temperature section 61, a medium-temperature section 62 and a low-temperature section 63, respectively.

[0043] In the cooling mode, the first expansion valve 131 and the second expansion valve 132 are opened, and the other valves are closed. The second expansion valve 132 functions as a pressure reducing device, and the first expansion valve 131 does not function as a pressure reducing device. No air is sent to the indoor condenser 12, and heat exchange in the indoor condenser 12 is suppressed. The refrigerant circulates in the following order: compressor 11, first inlet 21, first branch section 41, first outlet 31, indoor condenser 12, second inlet 22, second branch section 42, first expansion valve 131, second outlet 32, outdoor heat exchanger 14, third inlet 23, third branch section 43, second check valve 192, fourth junction section 48, fourth branch section 44, second expansion valve 132, fourth outlet 34, indoor evaporator 15, fourth inlet 24, first junction section 45, first check valve 191, second junction section 46, third junction section 47, third outlet 33, accumulator 17, and compressor 11. The refrigerant dissipates heat to the outside of the vehicle cabin in outdoor heat exchanger 14 and absorbs heat from the air in indoor evaporator 15. The air cooled by the interior evaporator 15 is introduced into the vehicle interior through the bypass passage, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0044] The dehumidifying and cooling mode may also be implemented by adjusting the cooling capacity. Alternatively, the dehumidifying and cooling mode may also be implemented by sending air to the indoor condenser 12, reheating the air in the indoor condenser 12, and adjusting the pressure with the first expansion valve 131.

[0045] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 passes through the first inlet 21, first branch portion 41, and first outlet 31 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant after passing through the indoor condenser 12 without heat exchange passes through the second inlet 22, second branch portion 42, first expansion valve 131, and second outlet 32 ​​of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the medium-temperature section 62 of the manifold 60. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 passes through the third inlet 23, third branch portion 43, second check valve 192, fourth junction portion 48, fourth branch portion 44, and second expansion valve 132 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the second expansion valve 132 exits the manifold 60 from the fourth outlet 34 arranged in the low-temperature section 63. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the indoor evaporator 15 passes through the fourth inlet 24 of the manifold 60, the first junction 45, the first check valve 191, the second junction 46, the third junction 47, and the third outlet 33. These are arranged in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In this way, the sections through which high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants flow are generally divided and arranged into the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63, respectively.

[0046] In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the first expansion valve 131, the second expansion valve 132, the first solenoid valve 181, and the second solenoid valve 182 are opened, and the other valves are closed. The first expansion valve 131 and the second expansion valve 132 function as pressure reducing devices. The refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, the first inlet 21, the first branch section 41, the first outlet 31, the indoor condenser 12, the second inlet 22, the second branch section 42, the first expansion valve 131, the second outlet 32, the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the third inlet 23, the third branch section 43, the second solenoid valve 182, the first junction section 45, the first check valve 191, the second junction section 46, the third junction section 47, the third outlet 33, the accumulator 17, and the compressor 11, in that order. Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant branches at the second branch section 42 and passes through the first solenoid valve 181, the first connection section 51, the fourth junction section 48, the fourth branch section 44, the second expansion valve 132, the fourth outlet 34, the interior evaporator 15, and the fourth inlet 24 to merge at the first junction section 45. The refrigerant dissipates heat to the air in the interior condenser 12 and absorbs heat in the interior evaporator 15 and the exterior heat exchanger 14. The air is cooled in the interior evaporator 15 to dehumidify the air, and then the air is heated in the interior condenser 12 and introduced into the vehicle cabin, thereby dehumidifying and heating the vehicle cabin. The dehumidifying and heating capacities can be adjusted by adjusting the ratio of the refrigerant flowing through the interior evaporator 15 and the refrigerant flowing through the exterior heat exchanger 14.

[0047] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 passes through the first inlet 21, first branch portion 41, and first outlet 31 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the indoor condenser 12 passes through the second inlet 22, second branch portion 42, and first expansion valve 131 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the medium-temperature section 62 of the manifold 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the first expansion valve 131 leaves the manifold 60 from the second outlet 32 ​​of the medium-temperature section 62. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 passes through the third inlet 23, third branch portion 43, second solenoid valve 182, first junction 45, first check valve 191, second junction 46, third junction 47, and third outlet 33 of the manifold 60. These are arranged in the medium temperature section 62 or the low temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. Furthermore, the medium temperature medium pressure refrigerant that branches off from the second branch section 42 and passes through the first solenoid valve 181, the first connection section 51, the fourth junction section 48, the fourth branch section 44, and the second expansion valve 132, the low temperature low pressure liquid refrigerant that is decompressed by the second expansion valve 132 and exits from the fourth outlet 34, and the low temperature low pressure gas refrigerant that passes through the fourth inlet 24 and merges with the first junction section 45 pass through the medium temperature section 62 and the low temperature section 63. In this way, the sections through which the high temperature, medium temperature, and low temperature refrigerants flow are generally divided and arranged as the high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63, respectively.

[0048] In a mode in which the coolant circuit 81 is used to cool, for example, a battery, the first expansion valve 131 and the third expansion valve 133 are opened, and the other valves are closed. The third expansion valve 133 functions as a pressure reducing device, and the first expansion valve 131 does not function as a pressure reducing device. No air is sent to the indoor condenser 12, and heat exchange in the indoor condenser 12 is suppressed. The refrigerant circulates in the following order: compressor 11, first inlet 21, first branch section 41, first outlet 31, indoor condenser 12, second inlet 22, second branch section 42, first expansion valve 131, second outlet 32, outdoor heat exchanger 14, third inlet 23, third branch section 43, second check valve 192, fourth junction section 48, fourth branch section 44, third expansion valve 133, fifth outlet 35, evaporator 161 of chiller 16, fifth inlet 25, third junction section 47, third outlet 33, accumulator 17, and compressor 11. The refrigerant dissipates heat to the outside of the vehicle cabin in outdoor heat exchanger 14 and absorbs heat from the coolant in evaporator 161 of chiller 16. The coolant cooled by chiller 16 circulates through coolant circuit 81 to cool, for example, a battery.

[0049] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 passes through the first inlet 21, first branch portion 41, and first outlet 31 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant after passing through the indoor condenser 12 without heat exchange passes through the second inlet 22, second branch portion 42, first expansion valve 131, and second outlet 32 ​​of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the medium-temperature section 62 of the manifold 60. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 passes through the third inlet 23, third branch portion 43, second check valve 192, fourth junction portion 48, fourth branch portion 44, and third expansion valve 133 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the third expansion valve 133 exits the manifold 60 from the fifth outlet 35, which is arranged in the low-temperature section 63. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16 passes through the fifth inlet 25, the third junction 47, and the third outlet 33 of the manifold 60. These are arranged in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In this way, the sections through which high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants flow are generally divided and arranged into the high-temperature section 61, the medium-temperature section 62, and the low-temperature section 63, respectively.

[0050] In one embodiment of the hot gas heating mode, the fourth expansion valve 134, the third expansion valve 133, and the first solenoid valve 181 are opened, and the other valves are closed. The refrigerant circulates through the compressor 11, first inlet 21, first branching section 41, the fourth expansion valve 134, the second connection section 52, the second junction section 46, the third junction section 47, the third outlet 33, the accumulator 17, and the compressor 11, in that order. In addition, a portion of the refrigerant branches at the first branching section 41 and passes through the first outlet 31, the indoor condenser 12, the second inlet 22, the second branching section 42, the first solenoid valve 181, the first connection section 51, the fourth junction section 48, the fourth branching section 44, the third expansion valve 133, the fifth outlet 35, the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16, and the fifth inlet 25 before merging with the third junction section 47. The refrigerant is heated by a circuit that circulates through the compressor 11, the fourth expansion valve 134, the accumulator 17, and the compressor 11. The refrigerant also releases heat to the air in the interior condenser 12 and absorbs heat from the coolant in the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16. The air heated by the interior condenser 12 is introduced into the vehicle cabin, thereby warming the vehicle cabin.

[0051] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the compressor 11 passes through the first inlet 21, the first branch portion 41, the first outlet 31, and the fourth expansion valve 134 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 of the manifold 60. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the fourth expansion valve 134 passes through the second connection portion 52, the second junction portion 46, the third junction portion 47, and the third outlet 33, which are arranged in the high-temperature section 61 and the low-temperature section 63. The medium-temperature, medium-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the indoor condenser 12 passes through the second inlet 22, the second branch portion 42, the first solenoid valve 181, the first connection portion 51, the fourth junction portion 48, the fourth branch portion 44, and the third expansion valve 133 of the manifold 60, which are arranged in the medium-temperature section 62 or the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the third expansion valve 133 exits the manifold 60 from the fifth outlet 35 located in the low-temperature section 63. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant after heat exchange in the evaporator 161 of the chiller 16 passes through the fifth inlet 25, third junction section 47, and third outlet 33 of the manifold 60, which are located in the low-temperature section 63 of the manifold 60. In this way, the sections through which high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants flow are generally divided and located as the high-temperature section 61, medium-temperature section 62, and low-temperature section 63, respectively.

[0052] [Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the configuration of each part may be modified as appropriate. Some modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the manifold 60 is a single structure, but it may be a combination of a plurality of manifolds. Each manifold can be selected and arranged as appropriate.

[0054] The high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63 may be arranged as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a manifold 60 according to this modification, with the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, and the like attached. FIG. 4B is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a manifold 60 without the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, and the like attached. That is, in this example, the manifold 60 has flow paths for the high temperature section 61 and the low temperature section 63 formed along a first surface perpendicular to a second surface 66 connected to the refrigerant module 70, and valves and the like associated with the high temperature section 61 and the low temperature section 63 are attached to the first surface 65. The high temperature section 61 is arranged vertically above the low temperature section 63. The flow path for the medium temperature section 62 is formed along a third surface 67 perpendicular to the first surface 65 and facing away from the second surface 66, and valves and the like associated with the medium temperature section 62 are attached to the third surface 67. This example is suitable for cases where it is difficult to secure a space in the vertical direction, but a relatively large space can be secured in the horizontal direction.

[0055] The high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63 may be arranged as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a manifold 60 according to this modification, with the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, and the like attached. FIG. 5B is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a manifold 60 without the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, and the like attached. That is, in this example, the manifold 60 has flow paths for the high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63 formed along a first surface perpendicular to a second surface 66 connected to the refrigerant module 70, and valves and the like for the high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63 are attached to the first surface 65. The high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63 are arranged in this order from the top to the bottom. This example is suitable when it is difficult to secure space horizontally but space can be secured vertically.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the manifold 60 is formed of three sections, namely, the high temperature section 61, the medium temperature section 62, and the low temperature section 63, but this is not limiting. The manifold 60 may be formed of two sections, namely, the high temperature section and the low temperature section. Furthermore, the manifold 60 may be formed of four or more sections.

[0057] [About vehicle air conditioning systems] The advantages of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0058] In a vehicle air conditioning system, the components that make up the refrigerant circuit are sometimes arranged separately in gaps in the engine compartment and connected by piping. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, some of the piping is consolidated into a manifold 60. Furthermore, the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, etc. are attached to the manifold 60, and many of the components that make up the refrigerant circuit are consolidated into an assembly that includes the manifold 60. This makes the flow path length relatively short, and the pressure loss relatively small. Furthermore, because the flow path length is relatively short, the amount of refrigerant used is relatively small.

[0059] Furthermore, because many components constituting the refrigerant circuit are concentrated into an assembly including the manifold 60, the refrigerant circuit 10 is easy to assemble and maintain. In particular, in the manifold 60 of this embodiment, the first inlet 21, which is an inlet for high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and connected to the refrigerant module 70, and the fifth outlet 35, which is an outlet for low-temperature refrigerant flowing to the chiller 16, are provided on a second surface 66 of the side surface of the manifold 60, while the other inlets / outlets 20, the expansion valve 13, the solenoid valve 18, and various sensors (not shown) are provided on a first surface 65 perpendicular to the second surface 66. Concentrating these components on the first surface 65 improves assembly and maintenance workability. Here, the first surface 65 is provided on the outside of the refrigerant module 70, i.e., on the opposite side from the accumulator 17 and the chiller 16. Furthermore, the first surface 65 is positioned to face the center of the engine compartment 100. This makes it easy to perform various tasks on the first surface 65 side.

[0060] Furthermore, because the first surface 65 faces the center of the engine room 100, the pipes connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the indoor condenser 12 of the HVAC unit 90, and the indoor evaporator 15 generally only need to bend once at 90° in the engine room 100, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result, pressure loss is reduced compared to when the pipes bend multiple times. Furthermore, because the pipes bend fewer times, the pipe length is relatively short, and the amount of refrigerant charged is relatively small.

[0061] Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is at the highest pressure in the flow path. The first inlet 21 into which this refrigerant flows is provided on the second surface 66 of the manifold 60, and the flow path in the manifold 60 is formed along the first surface 65, thereby achieving high resistance to high refrigerant pressure. If the inlet for the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 were provided on the first surface 65, for example, the flow path would have to bend 90 degrees immediately downstream from the inlet. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first inlet 21 is provided on the second surface 66, so the flow path beyond the first inlet 21 can be arranged relatively long with relatively few bends along the first surface 65. This achieves the resistance to high refrigerant pressure described above.

[0062] The manifold 60 according to this embodiment is divided into a high-temperature section 61, a medium-temperature section 62, and a low-temperature section 63. By suppressing heat transfer between these sections, a refrigerant that should be high temperature is not cooled by a low-temperature refrigerant, and a refrigerant that should be low temperature is not heated by a high-temperature refrigerant, thereby suppressing heat loss. In particular, where heated air tends to rise, the high-temperature section 61 is arranged vertically above and the low-temperature section 63 is arranged vertically below, thereby further suppressing heat transfer between the high-temperature section 61 and the low-temperature section 63. As a result, the vehicle air conditioner 1 achieves high air conditioning efficiency. While the manifold 60 is divided into three sections in this embodiment, it may be divided into two sections (a high-temperature section and a low-temperature section), or into four or more sections. In either case, the same effect can be obtained, even if the degree of division is different.

[0063] Furthermore, in consideration of the properties of the refrigerant, reduction in the amount of refrigerant used, and other characteristics, a vehicle air conditioner may be configured so that a heat medium such as coolant whose temperature is adjusted by the refrigerant flows through the interior condenser, interior evaporator, exterior heat exchanger, etc., rather than directly flowing the refrigerant through the interior condenser, interior evaporator, exterior heat exchanger, etc. In such cases, a refrigerant module 70 identical to the refrigerant module 70 of the present embodiment may be used, and a heat medium circuit module that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium may be disposed in the manifold 60 portion of FIG. 2. By accommodating the manifold 60 in the same portion as this module, as in the present embodiment, the refrigerant module 70 can be commonly used even if the configuration of the vehicle air conditioner is different.

[0064] The present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: vehicle air conditioning system, 10: refrigerant circuit 11: Compressor, 12: Indoor condenser, 13: Expansion valve, 131: First expansion valve, 132: Second expansion valve, 133: Third expansion valve, 134: Fourth expansion valve, 14: Outdoor heat exchanger, 15: Indoor evaporator, 16: Chiller, 161: Evaporator, 17: Accumulator, 18: Solenoid valve, 181: First solenoid valve, 182: Second solenoid valve, 191: First check valve, 192: Second check valve 20: entrance / exit, 21: first entrance, 22: second entrance, 23: third entrance, 24: fourth entrance, 25: fifth entrance, 31: first exit, 32: second exit, 33: third exit, 34: fourth exit, 35: fifth exit, 41: first branch, 42: second branch, 43: third branch, 44: fourth branch, 45: first junction, 46: second junction, 47: third junction, 48: fourth junction, 51: first connection, 52: second connection 60: Manifold, 61: High temperature section, 62: Medium temperature section, 63: Low temperature section 65: 1st side, 66: 2nd side, 67: 3rd side 70: Refrigerant module 80: Coolant module, 81: Coolant circuit 90: HVAC unit, 91: case, 92: air flow passage, 93: intake unit, 94: blower, 95: air mix damper 100: Engine room

Claims

1. a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant; a heat exchanger including at least one of an interior condenser configured to heat air for heating the interior of the vehicle cabin through which the refrigerant flows, an interior evaporator configured to cool air for cooling the interior of the vehicle cabin through which the refrigerant flows, and an exterior heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with air outside the vehicle cabin through which the refrigerant flows; a manifold having a flow path through which the coolant flows; Equipped with the manifold has a high-temperature section including at least a part of a flow path for the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and a low-temperature section including at least a part of a flow path for the low-temperature refrigerant after being decompressed by the decompression device, the manifold has a structure that suppresses heat transfer between the high-temperature portion and the low-temperature portion, The manifold has a first surface provided with an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe connected to at least one of the indoor condenser, the indoor evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger of the heat exchanger, and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface and provided with an opening configured to allow attachment of a pipe through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows. Vehicle air conditioning system.

2. 2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the manifold has a flow path for the refrigerant formed along the first surface, and an area of ​​the first surface is larger than an area of ​​the second surface.

3. The vehicle further includes a chiller including a heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of equipment mounted on the vehicle; the second surface of the manifold is provided with an opening configured to receive piping for the refrigerant to flow to the chiller.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. further comprising an accumulator disposed upstream of the compressor in the flow of the refrigerant; The accumulator and the chiller are provided on the opposite side of the manifold from the first surface.

4. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. 5. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the manifold is provided with an opening configured to receive a pipe connected to the interior condenser, an opening configured to receive a pipe connected to the interior evaporator, and an opening configured to receive a pipe connected to the exterior heat exchanger.

6. 5. The air conditioner for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an expansion valve as the pressure reducing device is attached to the first surface of the manifold.

7. 5. The air conditioning system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the high temperature portion is disposed vertically above the low temperature portion in the manifold.

8. the manifold further includes a medium temperature section including a flow path for the refrigerant; The manifold has a structure that suppresses heat transfer between the high temperature section, the low temperature section, and the medium temperature section.

8. The air conditioning system for a vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein the medium temperature section is provided on an opposite side of the high temperature section and the low temperature section from the compressor.

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