Manifold

Abstract

To provide a manifold having a housing capable of reducing pressure loss of a refrigerant circulating in a flow passage.SOLUTION: A manifold 10 through which a refrigerant F1 flows includes a housing 11 in which a plurality of bottomed holes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e are formed, and opening ends of the bottomed holes 12a, 12b,,, are positioned at a side 11a, and heat exchangers 3, 5. 12c 12d 12e. The heat exchangers 3 and 5 have refrigerant inflow ports 3a and 5a, refrigerant outflow ports 3b and 5b, coolant inflow ports 3c and 5c, and coolant outflow ports 3d and 5d. An opening end of at least one of the bottomed holes 12a, 12b among the plurality of bottomed holes 12a, 12c, 12c, 12d, 12e is closed by the first devices VE1, VE2. The opening ends of the bottomed holes VE1, VE2 closed by the first devices 12a, 12c are located closer to the refrigerant inflow ports 3c, 5c and the refrigerant outflow ports 3d, 5d than the coolant inflow ports 3a, and the coolant outflow ports,. 5a 3b 5b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with motors as a driving source (e.g., hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)) have become widespread. These automobiles are equipped with batteries to drive the motors. These automobiles have many devices that require cooling, such as the motor (including an internal combustion engine), battery, air conditioner, and ECU. To cool these devices, cooling circuits are configured to circulate coolant and refrigerant. However, these devices may have different optimum operating temperatures. In such cases, the temperatures of the circulating coolant and refrigerant are controlled by exchanging heat through heat exchangers such as chillers and water-cooled condensers. To consolidate the flow paths of the coolant and refrigerant and control their flow, a manifold is sometimes used, which integrates auxiliary equipment such as heat exchangers, valves, pumps, and sensors mounted in a housing. The housing has a flow path formed therein for circulating cooling water or a refrigerant.

[0003] The manifold disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a housing, and accessories including a water-cooled condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, an accumulator, a plurality of check valves, a plurality of on-off valves, and a plurality of expansion valves attached to the housing. The manifold housing has a flow path formed therein for circulating a refrigerant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-033848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The housing of the manifold disclosed in Patent Document 1 is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. The flow path for the refrigerant is formed by forming grooves or holes in the housing body of the housing and then joining the lid so as to close the grooves. However, joining the housing body and the lid is technically difficult. Therefore, as an alternative, a method of forming the refrigerant flow path by drilling holes in the side of the housing can be considered.

[0006] However, when forming flow paths by drilling holes in the side of the housing, the openings of the holes must be blocked with plugs or other plugs to prevent refrigerant leakage, which increases the number of steps required to assemble the manifold and potentially leads to increased costs. Furthermore, drilling only allows for linear holes, limiting the flexibility of the flow path shape. Therefore, it is difficult to form complex flow paths within the housing. Forcing such flow paths into the housing increases the number of holes, and the need to block the openings of each hole with plugs or other plugs increases the housing's volume. Furthermore, increasing the number of holes in the housing can lead to a decrease in precision due to the housing's insufficient rigidity.

[0007] Furthermore, when a housing made of a metal material is formed by die casting, pilot holes are sometimes formed in the die during die casting to improve the accuracy of the holes that can be drilled or otherwise processed after die casting. In this case, from a cost perspective, it is preferable not to place the mold parts used to form the pilot holes on the side of the mold where the gate through which the molten metal (melt) is poured is located, which can limit the location where the holes can be formed. In this case, the holes can become longer or have more complex shapes, which can lead to increased pressure loss of the refrigerant as it flows through the flow path. As such, there is room for further improvement in conventional manifolds.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a manifold having a housing that can reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of a manifold according to the present disclosure is a manifold in which a refrigerant flows through flow paths formed therein, the manifold comprising: a housing having a plurality of blind holes formed therein to form the flow paths and having open ends of the blind holes positioned on a side surface; and a heat exchanger attached to the housing and performing heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the flow paths, the heat exchanger having a refrigerant inlet through which the refrigerant flows from the flow paths, a refrigerant outlet through which the refrigerant flows out of the flow paths after heat exchange, a cooling liquid inlet through which a cooling liquid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flows in, and a cooling liquid outlet through which the cooling liquid after heat exchange flows out. and a coolant outlet, wherein the coolant outlet is positioned closer to the coolant inlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and the coolant outlet is positioned closer to the coolant inlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and the open end of at least one of the multiple bottomed holes is blocked by a first device that controls the flow of the coolant, and the open end of the bottomed hole blocked by the first device is positioned closer to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the manifold includes a heat exchanger having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. The open end of at least one of the multiple blind holes formed in the housing is blocked by a first device that controls the flow of the refrigerant. The open end of the blind hole blocked by the first device is located closer to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. This allows the blind holes whose open ends are blocked by the first device, among the multiple blind holes that make up the flow path, to be concentrated on one side of the housing. This shortens the distance between the heat exchanger and the first device, thereby reducing pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit configuration diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit having a manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a housing of a manifold in plan view. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of a refrigerant circuit including a plan view showing the configuration of a manifold in plan view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a manifold according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for explaining the manifold, and the manifold is not limited to these embodiments. Therefore, the manifold according to the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Configuration of refrigerant circuit] First, with reference to FIG. 1 , a refrigerant circuit C mounted on an automobile (such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) (hereinafter collectively referred to as an "electric vehicle") equipped with a motor as a drive source will be described. The refrigerant circuit C is configured by a refrigerant flow path L (an example of a flow path) through which a refrigerant F1 for heating and cooling that adjusts the temperature inside the electric vehicle flows. The refrigerant F1 is, for example, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). A portion of the refrigerant flow path L is provided inside a housing 11 of a manifold 10, which will be described later. The portion surrounded by the dashed dotted line in FIG. 1 constitutes the manifold 10.

[0014] 1, the refrigerant circuit C includes a compressor 1, a cabin condenser 2, a water-cooled condenser 3 (an example of a heat exchanger and a first heat exchanger), an evaporator 4, a chiller 5 (an example of a heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger), an accumulator 6, a first temperature sensor 7, a second temperature sensor 8, and a valve V. The compressor 1, the cabin condenser 2, the water-cooled condenser 3, the evaporator 4, the chiller 5, the accumulator 6, and the valve V are connected via a refrigerant flow path L.

[0015] The valve V includes a switching valve V1 (an example of a second device) provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. The valve V also includes a first expansion valve VE1 (an example of a first device) provided between the cabin condenser 2 and the water-cooled condenser 3, a second expansion valve VE2 (an example of a first device) provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the evaporator 4, and a third expansion valve VE3 (an example of a second device) provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the chiller 5.

[0016] The switching valve V1 controls (passes or blocks) the flow of refrigerant F1 between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. When the switching valve V1 is open, the refrigerant F1 flows in the following order: compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, first expansion valve VE1, water-cooled condenser 3, switching valve V1, accumulator 6, and compressor 1. Hereinafter, the circuit of the refrigerant circuit C that is composed of the compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, water-cooled condenser 3, switching valve V1, and accumulator 6 will be referred to as the "main circuit Cm."

[0017] The first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, and the third expansion valve VE3 expand the refrigerant F1 to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant F1. When the second expansion valve VE2 is open, the refrigerant F1 flows through the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4, and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the switching valve V1 and the accumulator 6.

[0018] The third expansion valve VE3, located upstream of the chiller 5, is opened when adjusting the battery temperature. When the third expansion valve VE3 is opened, the refrigerant F1 flows through the chiller 5 and then into the main circuit Cm between the switching valve V1 and the accumulator 6.

[0019] For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is to be increased (when the vehicle cabin is being heated), the switching valve V1 is in a state where the refrigerant F1 flows through the main circuit Cm, and the second expansion valve VE2 and the third expansion valve VE3 are in a closed state. On the other hand, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is to be decreased (when the vehicle cabin is being cooled), the switching valve V1 is in a state where the refrigerant F1 flows through the evaporator 4 and the chiller 5. At this time, the second expansion valve VE2 is in an open state.

[0020] The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant F1 to turn it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. Hereinafter, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 compressed by the compressor 1 will be referred to as a first temperature. The first temperature is, for example, 80 to 90 degrees.

[0021] The refrigerant 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 (removing heat and lowering its temperature), and is then sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 via the first expansion valve VE1. The water-cooled condenser 3 circulates a first heat transfer medium F2 circulating in a circuit separate from the refrigerant circuit C (for example, a cooling circuit for cooling electronic circuits mounted on an electric vehicle). The first heat transfer medium F2 is a refrigerant such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The refrigerant F1 sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 exchanges heat with the first heat transfer medium F2 circulating through the water-cooled condenser 3 (removing heat and lowering its temperature). Hereinafter, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 after being lowered in the water-cooled condenser 3 is referred to as the second temperature. The second temperature is, for example, 15°C to 25°C.

[0022] The refrigerant F1 sent to the second expansion valve VE2 is expanded into a liquid-gas mixture (atomized) and sent to the evaporator 4. In the evaporator 4, the refrigerant F1 exchanges heat with air introduced from the outside (removing heat and increasing the temperature) and vaporizes.

[0023] The refrigerant F1 sent to the third expansion valve VE3 is expanded and sent to the chiller 5 as a mixture of liquid and gas (atomized). The chiller 5 is circulated with a second heat transfer medium F3 circulating in a circuit separate from the refrigerant circuit C (e.g., a cooling circuit for cooling a battery mounted on an electric vehicle). The second heat transfer medium F3 is a refrigerant such as a cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), insulating oil such as paraffin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The refrigerant F1 sent to the chiller 5 is vaporized through heat exchange (heat absorption and temperature increase) with the second heat transfer medium F3 circulating through the chiller 5. Hereinafter, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 or chiller 5 is referred to as the third temperature. The third temperature is, for example, 0 to 10 degrees. The third temperature is detected by a first temperature sensor 7 disposed downstream of the evaporator 4 and a second temperature sensor 8 disposed downstream of the chiller 5.

[0024] The refrigerant F1 after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 is sent to the accumulator 6, where the liquid contained in the refrigerant F1 is separated. The refrigerant F1 from which the liquid has been separated returns to the compressor 1. The refrigerant F1 after heat exchange in the chiller 5 is also sent to the accumulator 6, where the liquid contained in the refrigerant F1 is separated. The gaseous refrigerant F1 from which the liquid has been separated returns to the compressor 1.

[0025] As described above, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 circulating through the refrigerant circuit C changes. Specifically, the temperature of the refrigerant F1 is highest when it flows from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, followed by the second temperature when it flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or chiller 5, and lowest when it flows from the evaporator 4 and / or chiller 5 to the compressor 1. The temperature of the refrigerant F1 that flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the switching 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 or cooling (the second temperature is the highest, and the third temperature is the lowest).

[0026] [Manifold configuration] Next, the configuration of a manifold 10 in which a portion of the refrigerant flow path L is provided will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The manifold 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a water-cooled condenser 3, a chiller 5, an accumulator 6, a first temperature sensor 7, a second temperature sensor 8, a housing 11, a switching valve V1, a first expansion valve VE1, a second expansion valve VE2, and a third expansion valve VE3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the housing 11 of the manifold 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the water-cooled condenser 3, the chiller 5, the accumulator 6, the first temperature sensor 7, the second temperature sensor 8, the switching valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, and the third expansion valve VE3 attached to the housing 11. The manifold 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a specific configuration of housing 11 in a plan view (viewed in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface). As shown in FIG. 2, housing 11 is formed by, for example, die-casting using a metal material such as aluminum. Housing 11 has a shape in which a plurality of tubes arranged parallel to the paper surface are connected and integrated. In the following description of housing 11, the left and right directions parallel to the paper surface in FIG. 2 are referred to as "horizontal," the top and bottom directions parallel to the paper surface are referred to as "vertical," the inclinations relative to the top, bottom, left, and right directions parallel to the paper surface are referred to as "inclination," and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is referred to as "depth."

[0028] The refrigerant flow paths L formed in the housing 11 include blind holes 12 formed in the side surface 11a of the housing 11 by a drill or the like, and deep holes 13 formed by a die-casting method. The blind holes 12 formed in the side surface 11a of the housing 11 specifically include a first horizontal hole 12a (an example of a blind hole), a second horizontal hole 12b (an example of a blind hole), a third horizontal hole 12c (an example of a blind hole), a first vertical hole 12d (an example of a blind hole), and a second vertical hole 12e (an example of a blind hole). The blind holes 12 are a general term for these holes. When forming blind holes 12 in a housing 11 formed by a die-casting method, from the viewpoint of the accuracy of the blind holes 12, it is desirable to form pilot holes in advance using a mold (not shown) and then form the blind holes 12 linearly along the pilot holes by a drill or the like.

[0029] The first horizontal hole 12a, the second horizontal hole 12b, and the third horizontal hole 12c are parallel to one another in a plan view, and the first vertical hole 12d and the second vertical hole 12e are parallel to one another in a plan view. The first horizontal hole 12a, the second horizontal hole 12b, and the third horizontal hole 12c are perpendicular to the first vertical hole 12d and the second vertical hole 12e in a plan view.

[0030] In FIG. 2 , in a plan view, a first inclined hole 14a (an example of an inclined hole) is formed so as to extend from an opening end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a toward the lower left and inclined relative to the first horizontal hole 12a. Also, in a plan view, a second inclined hole 14b (an example of an inclined hole) is formed so as to extend from an opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c toward the upper left and inclined relative to the third horizontal hole 12c. Furthermore, in a plan view, a third inclined hole 14c is formed so as to extend from a side surface 11a of the housing 11 toward the upper left and inclined relative to the second horizontal hole 12b. Hereinafter, the first inclined hole 14a, the second inclined hole 14b, and the third inclined hole 14c are collectively referred to as inclined holes 14. The inclined holes 14 are formed linearly using a drill or the like. The "opening end" refers to the end opposite the bottom of the hole, i.e., the entrance of the hole. For example, the open end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a is the rightmost part of the first horizontal hole 12a shown in Fig. 2. The meaning of "open end" is similar for the other holes.

[0031] The depth holes 13 formed in the depth direction from the top surface (the surface shown in FIG. 2) of the housing 11 are formed by a die using a die casting method. Specifically, they are a first depth hole 13a, a second depth hole 13b, a third depth hole 13c, a fourth depth hole 13d, a fifth depth hole 13e, a sixth depth hole 13f, a seventh depth hole 13g, an eighth depth hole 13h, and a ninth depth hole 13i. The depth hole 13 is a general term for these holes.

[0032] The bottomed holes 12, the inclined holes 14, and the deep holes 13 are connected to one another. Specifically, the vicinity of the bottom of the first horizontal hole 12a is connected to the first deep hole 13a. The vicinity of the bottom of the third horizontal hole 12c is connected to the seventh deep hole 13g. The vicinity of the opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c is connected to the sixth deep hole 13f. The vicinity of the bottom of the first vertical hole 12d is connected to the second deep hole 13b. The vicinity of the opening end 12d1 of the first vertical hole 12d is connected to the ninth deep hole 13i. The vicinity of the bottom of the second vertical hole 12e is connected to the sixth deep hole 13f. The vicinity of the bottom of the first inclined hole 14a is connected to the third deep hole 13c. The vicinity of the bottom of the second inclined hole 14b is connected to the fourth deep hole 13d. The middle of the second inclined hole 14b is connected to the fifth deep hole 13e. The vicinity of opening end 14b1 of second inclined hole 14b is connected to sixth deep hole 13f. The vicinity of opening end 14c1 of third inclined hole 14c is connected to eighth deep hole 13h. The bottom of second horizontal hole 12b is not directly connected to fifth deep hole 13e, but is connected via communication hole 15 formed by a separate process after die casting.

[0033] The bottom of the third inclined hole 14c is connected to the middle of the second horizontal hole 12b. That is, the third inclined hole 14c and the second horizontal hole 12b are connected to each other. Furthermore, the vicinity of the open end 12b1 of the second horizontal hole 12b is connected to the middle of the first vertical hole 12d. That is, the second horizontal hole 12b and the first vertical hole 12d are connected to each other. Furthermore, the second horizontal hole 12b and the second inclined hole 14b are connected to each other via the fifth depth hole 13e and the communication hole 15.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the opening end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a and the opening end 14a1 of the first inclined hole 14a are located at the same location. That is, the first horizontal hole 12a and the first inclined hole 14a branch off from a common location. Also, the opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c, the opening end 14b1 of the second inclined hole 14b, and the bottom of the sixth deep hole 13f are located at the same location. The second vertical hole 12e is connected to this location. That is, the third horizontal hole 12c, the second vertical hole 12e, the second inclined hole 14b, and the sixth deep hole 13f branch off from a common location.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows the refrigerant circuit C, including a plan view showing the specific configuration of the manifold 10 in a plan view (viewed in a direction along the extension direction of the deep hole 13). As described above, the manifold 10 includes the water-cooled condenser 3, the chiller 5, the accumulator 6, the first temperature sensor 7, the second temperature sensor 8, the switching valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, and the third expansion valve VE3 attached to the housing 11. Of the auxiliary components constituting the refrigerant circuit C, the compressor 1, the cabin condenser 2, and the evaporator 4 are attached at locations spaced apart from the manifold 10, and the compressor 1, the cabin condenser 2, and the evaporator 4 are connected to the manifold 10 by a pipe P. Refrigerant F1 flows through the inside of the pipe P. That is, the pipe P constitutes the refrigerant flow path L except for the bottomed hole 12, the deep hole 13, and the inclined hole 14.

[0036] The flow of refrigerant F1 shown in Figure 3 will be described. In Figure 3, the flow of refrigerant F1 is indicated by dashed lines, one-dot chain lines, and two-dot chain lines. The dashed lines represent refrigerant F1 flowing through the main circuit Cm shown in Figure 1. The one-dot chain line represents refrigerant F1 that flows back from compressor 1 shown in Figure 1 via second expansion valve VE2 and evaporator 4 to compressor 1. The two-dot chain line represents refrigerant F1 that flows back from compressor 1 shown in Figure 1 via third expansion valve VE3 and chiller 5 to compressor 1.

[0037] The specific configuration of the manifold 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The switching valve V1 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the opening end 13e1 (see FIG. 2) of the fifth deep hole 13e and closes the fifth deep hole 13e. The first expansion valve VE1 is attached to the opening end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a and closes the first horizontal hole 12a and the first inclined hole 14a. That is, the multiple holes (in this embodiment, the first horizontal hole 12a and the first inclined hole 14a) share a common opening end 12a1. The second expansion valve VE2 is attached to the opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c and closes the third horizontal hole 12c and the second inclined hole 14b. That is, the multiple holes (in this embodiment, the third horizontal hole 12c and the second inclined hole 14b) share a common opening end 12c1. The third expansion valve VE3 is attached to an opening end 13f1 of the sixth depth hole 13f, closing the sixth depth hole 13f. The first temperature sensor 7 is attached to an opening end 13i1 of the ninth depth hole 13i, closing the ninth depth hole 13i. The second temperature sensor 8 is attached to an opening end 14c1 of the third inclined hole 14c, closing the third inclined hole 14c. In this way, by closing the opening ends of the bottomed hole 12, the depth hole 13, and the inclined hole 14 with the switching valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, the third expansion valve VE3, the first temperature sensor 7, and the second temperature sensor 8, leakage of the refrigerant F1 flowing through the refrigerant flow path L to the outside is prevented.

[0038] The second expansion valve VE2 is disposed at the opening end 14b1 of the second inclined hole 14b. The third expansion valve VE3 is disposed in the sixth deep hole 13f connected to the second inclined hole 14b near the opening end 14b1 of the second inclined hole 14b. The switching valve V1 is disposed in the middle of the second inclined hole 14b. That is, the second expansion valve VE2, the third expansion valve VE3, and the switching valve V1 are all disposed along the second inclined hole 14b.

[0039] The first deep hole 13a is connected to the pipe P connected to the downstream side of the cabin condenser 2 and is blocked by the pipe P. The open end 12e1 of the second vertical hole 12e is connected to the pipe P connected to the upstream side of the evaporator 4 and is blocked by the pipe P. The open end 12d1 of the first vertical hole 12d is connected to the pipe P connected to the downstream side of the evaporator 4 and is blocked by the pipe P. The pipe P also connects the downstream side of the accumulator 6 to the upstream side of the compressor 1, and also connects the downstream side of the compressor 1 to the upstream side of the cabin condenser 2. The open end 12b1 of the second horizontal hole 12b is blocked by a plug 16.

[0040] The accumulator 6 is attached to the left side surface 11a of the housing 11. The upstream side of the accumulator 6 is connected to the second deep hole 13b by a pipe P (not shown). In other words, the second deep hole 13b is closed by the pipe P.

[0041] The water-cooled condenser 3 has a first refrigerant inlet 3a (an example of a refrigerant inlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows, a first refrigerant outlet 3b (an example of a refrigerant outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows, a first cooling liquid inlet 3c (an example of a cooling liquid inlet) through which a cooling liquid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant F1 flows, and a first cooling liquid outlet 3d (an example of a cooling liquid outlet) through which the cooling liquid flows. The water-cooled condenser 3 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first refrigerant inlet 3a and the first refrigerant outlet 3b are located at the right end of the body of the water-cooled condenser 3, and the first cooling liquid inlet 3c and the first cooling liquid outlet 3d are located at the left end. That is, the first refrigerant outlet 3b is located closer to the first refrigerant inlet 3a than the first cooling liquid inlet 3c and the first cooling liquid outlet 3d. Furthermore, the first cooling liquid outlet 3d is located closer to the first cooling liquid inlet 3c than the first refrigerant inlet 3a and the first refrigerant outlet 3b. As a result, the opening end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a, which is blocked by the first expansion valve VE1, the opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c, which is blocked by the second expansion valve VE2, and the opening end 12e1 of the second vertical hole 12e, which is blocked by the piping P, are all located closer to the first refrigerant inlet 3a and the first refrigerant outlet 3b than the first coolant inlet 3c and the first coolant outlet 3d.

[0042] The water-cooled condenser 3 is attached to the housing 11 so that the first refrigerant inlet 3a is connected to the third deep hole 13c and the first refrigerant outlet 3b is connected to the fourth deep hole 13d. This allows the refrigerant F1 circulating through the housing 11 to flow inside the water-cooled condenser 3. The first coolant inlet 3c and the first coolant outlet 3d are each connected to a pipe (not shown) through which the coolant flows, allowing the coolant to flow inside the water-cooled condenser 3.

[0043] Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant F1 and the coolant inside the water-cooled condenser 3. Of the refrigerant flow paths L through which the refrigerant F1 flows, the in-exchanger refrigerant flow path L1 arranged inside the water-cooled condenser 3 is configured in a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the refrigerant F1 flows in through the first refrigerant inlet 3a, flows to the left, then turns back to the right, and flows out through the first refrigerant outlet 3b. Also, the in-exchanger coolant flow path M through which the coolant flows inside the water-cooled condenser 3 is configured in a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the coolant flows in through the first coolant inlet 3c, flows to the right, then turns back to the left, and flows out through the first coolant outlet 3d. This allows the first refrigerant inlet 3a relative to the first coolant inlet 3c and the first refrigerant outlet 3b relative to the first coolant outlet 3d to be located on the same side (the right side) in a plan view.

[0044] The chiller 5 has a second refrigerant inlet 5a (an example of a refrigerant inlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows, a second refrigerant outlet 5b (an example of a refrigerant outlet) through which the refrigerant F1 flows, a second coolant inlet 5c (an example of a coolant inlet) through which a coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant F1 flows, and a second coolant outlet 5d (an example of a coolant outlet) through which the coolant flows. The chiller 5 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 3, the second refrigerant inlet 5a and the second refrigerant outlet 5b are located at the right end of the body of the chiller 5, and the second coolant inlet 5c and the second coolant outlet 5d are located at the left end. That is, the second refrigerant outlet 5b is located closer to the second refrigerant inlet 5a than the second coolant inlet 5c and the second coolant outlet 5d. The second coolant outlet 5d is located closer to the second coolant inlet 5c than the second refrigerant inlet 5a and the second refrigerant outlet 5b. As a result, the opening end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a, which is blocked by the first expansion valve VE1, the opening end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c, which is blocked by the second expansion valve VE2, and the opening end 12e1 of the second vertical hole 12e, which is blocked by the piping P, are all located closer to the second refrigerant inlet 5a and the second refrigerant outlet 5b than the second coolant inlet 5c and the second coolant outlet 5d.

[0045] The chiller 5 is attached to the housing 11 so that the second refrigerant inlet 5a is connected to the seventh depth hole 13g and the second refrigerant outlet 5b is connected to the eighth depth hole 13h. This allows the refrigerant F1 circulating through the housing 11 to flow inside the chiller 5. The second coolant inlet 5c and the second coolant outlet 5d are each connected to piping (not shown) through which the coolant flows, allowing the coolant to flow inside the chiller 5.

[0046] Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant F1 and the liquid coolant inside the chiller 5. Of the refrigerant flow paths L through which the refrigerant F1 flows, the in-exchanger refrigerant flow path L1 arranged inside the chiller 5 is configured in a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the refrigerant F1 flows in through the second refrigerant inlet 5a, flows to the left, then turns back to the right, and flows out through the second refrigerant outlet 5b. Also, the in-exchanger liquid coolant flow path M through which the liquid coolant flows inside the chiller 5 is configured in a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 3, so that the liquid coolant flows in through the second liquid coolant inlet 5c, flows to the right, then turns back to the left, and flows out through the second liquid coolant outlet 5d. This allows the second refrigerant inlet 5a relative to the second liquid coolant inlet 5c and the second refrigerant outlet 5b relative to the second liquid coolant outlet 5d to be located on the same side (the right side) in a plan view.

[0047] In this embodiment, a plurality of blind holes 12 are formed in the side surface 11a of the housing 11 of the manifold 10. However, the blind holes 12 and the oblique holes 14 are not formed in the upper surface 11b (an example of a gate side surface) of the side surface 11a, which is located on the upper side in FIG. 2 (an example of a gate side surface), and the open ends of the blind holes 12 and the oblique holes 14 are not located therein. When the housing 11 is formed by a die casting method, it is preferable to provide a gate of the mold on the surface of the mold on which the blind holes 12 are not formed. This is because there is no need to place a mold part for forming pilot holes for the blind holes 12 on the surface of the mold on which the blind holes 12 are not formed, and therefore there are fewer restrictions on providing the gate. In this embodiment, the gate of the mold is provided at a position on the housing 11 facing the upper surface 11b. In FIG. 2, the portion of the upper surface 11b of the housing 11 corresponding to the gate of the mold is indicated as a gate mark G.

[0048] In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, the water-cooled condenser 3 has a U-shaped refrigerant flow path L, which allows the first refrigerant inlet 3a and the first refrigerant outlet 3b to be positioned close to one end (the right end in FIG. 3 ). Similarly, the chiller 5 also has a U-shaped refrigerant flow path L, which allows the second refrigerant inlet 5a and the second refrigerant outlet 5b to be positioned close to one end (the right side). Furthermore, most of the blind holes 12 constituting the refrigerant flow path L are machined from the side surface 11a on one side (the right side in FIG. 3 ) of the housing 11, and the blind holes 12 are connected to the deep holes 13 and the inclined holes 14. This allows the refrigerant flow paths L of the manifold 10 to be concentrated on the right side of the housing 11, shortening the distance between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the first expansion valve VE1 and shortening the distance between the chiller 5 and the second expansion valve VE2. As a result, the pressure loss of the refrigerant F1 flowing through the refrigerant flow path L can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, by arranging the switching valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, the second expansion valve VE2, and the third expansion valve VE3 at the open ends of the blind hole 12 and the deep hole 13 formed on the right side of the housing 11, the valves V can be concentrated on one side of the housing 11, and the open ends of the blind hole 12 and the deep hole 13 can be blocked by the valve V. Furthermore, the third inclined hole 14c is blocked by the second temperature sensor 8. As a result, the number of plugs 16 that block the open ends of the blind hole 12 and the inclined hole 14 can be reduced (in this embodiment, one plug 16 is used), thereby reducing the number of steps and costs required to assemble the manifold 10. Furthermore, by shortening the lengths of the blind hole 12 and the inclined hole 14, it is possible to reduce pressure loss when the refrigerant F1 flows through them.

[0050] When raising the temperature inside the vehicle cabin in winter (during heating operation of the vehicle cabin), the refrigerant F1 is cooled and pressured by the first expansion valve VE1. At this time, the shorter the length of the refrigerant flow path L downstream of the compressor 1 and upstream of the first expansion valve VE1, the less heat the refrigerant F1 dissipates in the refrigerant flow path L before flowing into the first expansion valve VE1 (the temperature of the refrigerant F1 does not drop significantly). Furthermore, the longer the length of the refrigerant flow path L downstream of the first expansion valve VE1 and upstream of the compressor 1, the more heat the refrigerant F1 absorbs from the outside air while flowing through the refrigerant flow path L (the temperature of the refrigerant F1 rises). As a result, the operating efficiency of the heat pump can be improved, and a decrease in the driving range of an electric vehicle in winter can be suppressed.

[0051] When lowering the temperature inside the vehicle cabin in summer (during cabin cooling operation), the refrigerant F1 is cooled and pressured by the second expansion valve VE2 and sent to the evaporator 4. At this time, the longer the length of the refrigerant flow path L downstream of the compressor 1 and upstream of the second expansion valve VE2, the more heat the refrigerant F1 dissipates in the refrigerant flow path L before flowing into the second expansion valve VE2 (the temperature of the refrigerant F1 decreases). Furthermore, the shorter the length of the refrigerant flow path L downstream of the second expansion valve VE2 and upstream of the compressor 1, the less heat the refrigerant F1 absorbs from the outside air while flowing through the refrigerant flow path L (the temperature of the refrigerant F1 does not increase significantly). As a result, the operating efficiency of the heat pump can be improved.

[0052] Other Embodiments The embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured as follows other than the above-described embodiments (components having the same functions as the above-described embodiments are given the same numbers and symbols as the above-described embodiments).

[0053] (1) In the manifold 10 described in the above embodiment, the open end 12a1 of the first horizontal hole 12a and the open end 12c1 of the third horizontal hole 12c are blocked by the first expansion valve VE1 and the second expansion valve VE2, respectively. However, they may be blocked by sensors such as the first temperature sensor 7 and the second temperature sensor 8 or other accessories instead of the valve V. Depending on the configuration of the refrigerant circuit C, the open end of any of the blind holes 12 and deep holes 13 can be blocked by any accessory. In this case, the optional accessory corresponds to the first device and / or the second device.

[0054] (2) In the manifold 10 described in the above embodiment, the second expansion valve VE2, the third expansion valve VE3, and the switching valve V1 are arranged along the second inclined hole 14b. However, at least one of these may be replaced with a sensor such as the first temperature sensor 7 or the second temperature sensor 8, or another auxiliary device. The configuration of the refrigerant circuit C allows any auxiliary device to be arranged along the second inclined hole 14b. Furthermore, the configuration of the refrigerant circuit C allows any auxiliary device to be arranged along any hole other than the second inclined hole 14b, among the first inclined hole 14a, the third inclined hole 14c, and the blind hole 12. In this case, the optional auxiliary device corresponds to the first device and / or the second device.

[0055] (3) In this embodiment, the housing 11 is formed by die-casting. However, the housing 11 may be formed by cutting out a block of metal. In this case, it is not necessary to consider the gate position, which is necessary when using die-casting. This increases the degree of freedom in arranging the blind holes 12, deep holes 13, and inclined holes 14 that form the refrigerant flow path L of the housing 11.

[0056] (4) In this embodiment, the accumulator 6 is attached to the left side surface 11 a of the housing 11 . However, the accumulator 6 may be disposed away from the housing 11 .

[0057] Hereinafter, the following configuration is considered for the manifold 10 described in the above embodiment.

[0058] <1> One aspect of the manifold (10) is a manifold (10) in which a refrigerant (F1) flows through a flow path (L) formed therein, the manifold (10) including a housing (11) in which a plurality of bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) serving as the flow path (L) are formed, and in which open ends (12a1, 12b1, 12c1, 12d1, 12e1) of the bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) are located on a side surface (11a); and a heat exchanger (3, 5) attached to the flow path (L) and performing heat exchange with the refrigerant (F1) flowing through the flow path (L), the heat exchanger (3, 5) having refrigerant inlets (3a, 5a) through which the refrigerant (F1) flows from the flow path (L), refrigerant outlets (3b, 5b) through which the refrigerant (F1) after heat exchange flows out to the flow path, coolant inlets (3c, 5c) through which coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant (F1) flows in, and coolant outlets (3d, 3e) through which the coolant after heat exchange flows out. the coolant outlets (3b, 5b) are arranged closer to the coolant inlets (3a, 5a) than the coolant inlets (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlets (3d, 5d), the coolant outlets (3d, 5d) are arranged closer to the coolant inlets (3c, 5c) than the coolant inlets (3a, 5a) and the coolant outlets (3b, 5b), and ... at least one of the plurality of blind holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) The open ends (12a1, 12c1) of the bottomed holes (12a, 12c) are blocked by first devices (VE1, VE2) that control the flow of the refrigerant (F1), and the open ends (12a1, 12c1) of the bottomed holes (12a, 12c) blocked by the first devices (VE1, VE2) are located closer to the refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a) and the refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b) than to the coolant inlet (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlet (3d, 5d).

[0059] According to this aspect, the manifold (10) includes a heat exchanger (3, 5) having a refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a), a refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b), a coolant inlet (3c, 5c), and a coolant outlet (3d, 5d). An open end (12a1, 12c1) of at least one bottomed hole (12a, 12c) of a plurality of bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) formed in the housing (11) is closed by a first device (VE1, VE2) that controls the flow of the refrigerant (F1). The open ends (12a1, 12c1) of the blind holes (12a, 12c) blocked by the first devices (VE1, VE2) are located closer to the refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a) and the refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b) than to the coolant inlet (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlet (3d, 5d). This allows the blind holes (12a, 12c) whose open ends (12a1, 12c1) are blocked by the first devices (VE1, VE2) among the plurality of blind holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) constituting the flow path (L) to be concentrated on one side of the housing (11). This shortens the distance between the heat exchanger (3, 5) and the first devices (VE1, VE2), thereby reducing pressure loss of the refrigerant (F1) flowing through the flow path (L).

[0060] <2> the above <1> In the manifold (10) described above, a second device (V1, VE3) that controls the flow of the refrigerant (F1) and is different from the first device (VE1, VE2) is disposed in the flow path (L), and it is preferable that the second device (V1, VE3) is located closer to the refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a) and the refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b) than to the coolant inlet (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlet (3d, 5d).

[0061] According to this aspect, the second device (V1, VE3) for controlling the flow of the refrigerant (F1) is disposed in the flow path (L), and the second device (V1, VE3) is located closer to the refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a) and the refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b) than to the coolant inlet (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlet (3d, 5d). Therefore, the first device (VE1, VE2) and the second device (V1, VE3) are disposed concentratedly on one side of the housing (11), which makes it possible to further reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant (F1) flowing through the flow path (L).

[0062] <3> the above <1> or <2> In the manifold (10) described above, it is preferable that the housing (11) has inclined holes (14a, 14b) that are formed in a slanted position with respect to the bottomed hole (12a, 12c) from the opening end (12a1, 12c1) of at least one of the plurality of bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) in a plan view, and that serve as flow paths (L).

[0063] According to this aspect, by forming an inclined hole (14a, 14b) from the opening end (12a1, 12c1) of at least one of the multiple bottomed holes (12a, 12c) among the multiple bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e), the pressure loss of the refrigerant (F1) flowing through the flow path (L) can be further reduced.

[0064] <4> the above <3> In the manifold (10) described above, it is preferable that three or more first devices (VE1, VE2) and / or second devices (V1, VE3) are arranged along the inclined hole (14b).

[0065] According to this embodiment, three or more first devices (VE1, VE2) and / or second devices (V1, VE3) can be concentrated and arranged on one side of the housing (11) along the inclined hole (14b).

[0066] <5> the above <3> In the manifold (10) described above, it is preferable that the blind holes (12a, 12c) and the inclined holes (14a, 14b) have a common open end (12a1, 12c1).

[0067] According to this embodiment, one first device (VE1, VE2) can close a plurality of holes.

[0068] <6> the above <1> from <5> In the manifold (10) described in any one of the above, the heat exchangers (3, 5) have at least a first heat exchanger (3) and a second heat exchanger (5), the first heat exchanger (3) has a first refrigerant inlet (3a) as a refrigerant inlet, a first refrigerant outlet (3b) as a refrigerant outlet, a first coolant inlet (3c) as a coolant inlet, and a first coolant outlet (3d) as a coolant outlet, and the second heat exchanger (5) has a second refrigerant inlet (5a) as a refrigerant inlet, a second coolant outlet (3d) as a coolant outlet, The cooling system has a second refrigerant outlet (5b) as an inlet, a second cooling liquid inlet (5c) as a cooling liquid inlet, and a second cooling liquid outlet (5d) as a cooling liquid outlet, and it is preferable that the first refrigerant inlet (3a) relative to the first cooling liquid inlet (3c), the first refrigerant outlet (3b) relative to the first cooling liquid outlet (3d), the second refrigerant inlet (5a) relative to the second cooling liquid inlet (5c), and the second refrigerant outlet (5b) relative to the second cooling liquid outlet (5d) are all arranged on the same side in a plan view.

[0069] According to this aspect, the distance between the first refrigerant inlet (3a) and the first refrigerant outlet (3b) of the first heat exchanger (3) and the first device (VE1) can be made shorter than the distance between the first coolant inlet (3c) and the first coolant outlet (3d) of the first heat exchanger (3) and the first device (VE1). Furthermore, the distance between the second refrigerant inlet (5a) and the second refrigerant outlet (5b) of the second heat exchanger (5) and the first device (VE2) can be made shorter than the distance between the second coolant inlet (5c) and the second coolant outlet (5d) of the second heat exchanger (5) and the first device (VE2). This further reduces the pressure loss of the refrigerant (F1) flowing through the flow path (L).

[0070] <7> the above <1> from <6> In the manifold (10) described in any one of the above, the first device (VE1, VE2) is preferably an expansion valve.

[0071] According to this aspect, since the first devices (VE1, VE2) are expansion valves, the opening ends (12a1, 12c1) of the bottomed holes (12a, 12c) can be blocked by the expansion valves, which are essential to the configuration of the refrigerant circuit (C), and the number of plugs (16) for blocking the opening ends (12a1, 12c1) can be reduced.

[0072] <8> the above <1> from <7> In the manifold (10) described in any one of the above, the heat exchanger (3, 5) has an in-exchanger refrigerant flow path (L1) connecting the refrigerant inlet (3a, 5a) and the refrigerant outlet (3b, 5b), and an in-exchanger coolant flow path (M) connecting the coolant inlet (3c, 5c) and the coolant outlet (3d, 5d), and it is preferable that the in-exchanger refrigerant flow path (L1) and the in-exchanger coolant flow path (M) each have a U-shape in a plan view.

[0073] According to this aspect, the refrigerant flow path (L1) in the exchanger has a U-shape in plan view, and the liquid coolant flow path (M) in the exchanger also has a U-shape in plan view, so that the first refrigerant inlet (3a) for the first liquid coolant inlet (3c), the first refrigerant outlet (3b) for the first liquid coolant outlet (3d), the second refrigerant inlet (5a) for the second liquid coolant inlet (5c), and the second refrigerant outlet (5b) for the second liquid coolant outlet (5d) can all be arranged on the same side in plan view.

[0074] <9> the above <3> In the manifold (10) described above, it is preferable that the housing (11) is formed by a die-casting method, the housing (11) has a gate mark (G) which is a portion that became a gate when the housing (11) was formed by the die-casting method, and that none of the opening ends (12a1, 12b1, 12c1, 12d1, 12e1) of the bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) and the opening ends (14a1, 14b1) of the inclined holes (14a, 14b) are located on a gate side surface (11b) of the side surface (11a) of the housing (11) that has the gate mark (G).

[0075] According to this embodiment, the gate side surface (11b) having the gate marks (G) among the side surfaces (11a) of the housing (11) does not have any of the opening ends (12a1, 12b1, 12c1, 12d1, 12e1) of the blind holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) or the opening ends (14a1, 14b1) of the inclined holes (14a, 14b) located thereon. Therefore, there is no need to place mold parts for forming pilot holes for the blind holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) on the gate side surface (11b), and the gate side surface (11b) is less likely to be restricted in shape, etc., when providing the gate.

[0076] <10> the above <3> In the manifold (10) described above, it is preferable that the blind holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) and the inclined holes (14a, 14b) are all linear in plan view.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) and the inclined holes (14a, 14b) are all linear in plan view, so that the bottomed holes (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e) and the inclined holes (14a, 14b) can be easily formed using a drill or the like. [Industrial Applicability]

[0078] The present disclosure can be used in manifolds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 3: water-cooled condenser (heat exchanger, first heat exchanger), 3a: first refrigerant inlet (refrigerant inlet), 3b: first refrigerant outlet (refrigerant outlet), 3c: first coolant inlet (coolant inlet), 3d: first coolant outlet (coolant outlet), 5: chiller (heat exchanger, second heat exchanger), 5a: second refrigerant inlet (refrigerant inlet), 5b: second refrigerant outlet (refrigerant outlet), 5c: second coolant inlet (coolant inlet), 5d: second coolant outlet (coolant outlet), 10: manifold, 11: housing, 11a: side, 11b: upper side (gate side), 12a: first Horizontal hole (bottomed hole), 12a1: open end, 12b: second horizontal hole (bottomed hole), 12c: third horizontal hole (bottomed hole), 12c1: open end, 12d: first vertical hole (bottomed hole), 12e: second vertical hole (bottomed hole), 12e1: open end, 14a: first inclined hole (inclined hole), 14b: second inclined hole (inclined hole), F1: refrigerant, G: gate mark, L: refrigerant flow path (flow path), L1: refrigerant flow path in exchanger, M: coolant flow path in exchanger, V1: switching valve (second device), VE1: first expansion valve (first device), VE2: second expansion valve (first device), VE3: third expansion valve (second device)

Claims

1. A manifold in which a coolant flows through a flow path formed therein, a housing having a plurality of bottomed holes formed therein to serve as the flow paths, the open ends of the bottomed holes being located on a side surface of the housing; a heat exchanger attached to the housing and performing heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the flow path, the heat exchanger has a refrigerant inlet through which the refrigerant flows from the flow path, a refrigerant outlet through which the refrigerant after heat exchange flows out into the flow path, a coolant inlet through which a coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flows in, and a coolant outlet through which the coolant after heat exchange flows out, the coolant outlet is disposed closer to the coolant inlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and the coolant outlet is disposed closer to the coolant inlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, the open end of at least one of the plurality of blind holes is closed by a first device that controls the flow of the refrigerant; The manifold has an open end of the blind hole blocked by the first device, the open end being located closer to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet than the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

2. a second device different from the first device that controls the flow of the coolant is disposed in the flow path; The manifold of claim 1 , wherein the second device is located closer to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet than to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet.

3. The manifold according to claim 2, wherein the housing has an inclined hole that is formed in a plane view from the opening end of at least one of the plurality of bottomed holes in an inclined position relative to the bottomed hole, and that serves as the flow path.

4. The manifold of claim 3 , wherein three or more of the first devices and / or second devices are arranged along the inclined hole.

5. 4. The manifold according to claim 3, wherein the blind hole and the oblique hole have a common open end.

6. The heat exchanger includes at least a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger has a first refrigerant inlet as the refrigerant inlet, a first refrigerant outlet as the refrigerant outlet, a first cooling liquid inlet as the cooling liquid inlet, and a first cooling liquid outlet as the cooling liquid outlet, the second heat exchanger has a second refrigerant inlet as the refrigerant inlet, a second refrigerant outlet as the refrigerant outlet, a second coolant inlet as the coolant inlet, and a second coolant outlet as the coolant outlet, 2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant inlet relative to the first coolant inlet, the first refrigerant outlet relative to the first coolant outlet, the second refrigerant inlet relative to the second coolant inlet, and the second refrigerant outlet relative to the second coolant outlet are all arranged on the same side in a plan view.

7. 10. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the first device is an expansion valve.

8. the heat exchanger has an internal refrigerant flow path connecting the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, and an internal coolant flow path connecting the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, The manifold according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant flow path in the exchanger and the coolant flow path in the exchanger are both U-shaped in plan view.

9. The housing is formed by a die casting method, the housing has a gate mark, which is a portion that became a gate when the housing was formed by the die casting method; The manifold according to claim 3 , wherein neither the open end of the blind hole nor the open end of the inclined hole is located on a gate side surface having the gate mark among the side surfaces of the housing.

10. The manifold according to claim 3 , wherein the blind hole and the oblique hole are both linear in plan view.

Images