Vehicles and onboard air conditioning systems

Abstract

This suppresses the impact on the refrigerant circuit of hydrocarbon-based refrigerants during vehicle collisions. [Solution] The on-board air conditioning system 12a comprises a refrigerant circuit R and a forward coolant circuit C1. The refrigerant circuit R has a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, through which a hydrocarbon refrigerant circulates. The forward coolant circuit C1 circulates a coolant that has undergone heat exchange with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit R. The refrigerant circuit R is concentrated in a refrigerant region RA located in the engine compartment 92 of the vehicle 10. The forward coolant circuit C1 includes piping and a radiator 34 located in front of the refrigerant region RA.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a vehicle and an in-vehicle air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a refrigerant for air conditioners, the use of hydrocarbon-based refrigerants (HC-based refrigerants) such as propane with a low global warming potential has been considered. Since HC-based refrigerants are flammable, configurations for preventing refrigerant leakage and ensuring safety in case of refrigerant leakage have been studied.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the use of propane as a refrigerant for a vehicle air conditioner. In the air conditioner of this document, the refrigeration circuit is installed in the engine room, the engine room and the passenger compartment are partitioned by a partition wall, and the cooling capacity of the refrigeration circuit is transmitted to the passenger compartment by a heat pipe penetrating the partition wall, so that even if the refrigerant leaks from the refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant does not flow into the passenger compartment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an in-vehicle air conditioner using a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, a configuration that can suppress an impact from being applied to the refrigerant circuit when the vehicle collides is desired.

[0006] Therefore, this specification discloses a vehicle and an in-vehicle air conditioner that can suppress an impact from being applied to the refrigerant circuit of a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant when the vehicle collides.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The in-vehicle air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a hydrocarbon refrigerant circulates, having a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption; and a forward coolant circuit through which a coolant, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, circulates, wherein the refrigerant circuit is concentrated and arranged in a refrigerant area provided in the engine compartment of the vehicle, and the forward coolant circuit includes piping and a radiator, which are located in front of the refrigerant area.

[0008] With this configuration, by positioning the piping and radiator of the coolant circuit in front of the refrigerant area, the refrigerant circuit is protected by the piping and radiator during a vehicle collision, thereby suppressing the impact on the refrigerant circuit.

[0009] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, a rear coolant circuit is provided in which a coolant that exchanges heat with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit is circulated, and the rear coolant circuit includes piping and a cooler core located behind the refrigerant area of ​​the vehicle, and the cooler core is located in a passage for air that is supplied into the passenger compartment.

[0010] With this configuration, by positioning the piping and cooler core of the cooler fluid circuit behind the refrigerant area, the refrigerant circuit can be protected by the piping and cooler core during a vehicle collision, thereby suppressing damage to the refrigerant circuit. In addition, it is possible to prevent refrigerant from leaking into the passenger compartment.

[0011] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, a battery coolant circuit is provided in which a coolant that is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit is circulated, the battery coolant circuit includes piping located behind the vehicle beyond the refrigerant region, and cools a battery mounted in the vehicle, and the piping of the battery coolant circuit extends downwards of the vehicle, avoiding the passenger compartment.

[0012] With this configuration, by positioning the piping of the coolant circuit behind the refrigerant area, the refrigerant circuit can be protected by the piping during a vehicle collision, thereby suppressing damage to the refrigerant circuit.

[0013] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel with each other, and the vehicle air conditioning system may also include a first heat exchanger integrated with the first evaporator for exchanging heat between the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the coolant of the rear coolant circuit, and a second heat exchanger integrated with the second evaporator for exchanging heat between the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the coolant of the battery coolant circuit.

[0014] With this configuration, by connecting the two evaporators of the refrigerant circuit in parallel, the coolants in the rear coolant circuit and the battery coolant circuit can be cooled efficiently.

[0015] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be provided with a pair of front side members located on the left and right sides of the front and extending in the front-rear direction, and the refrigerant circuit may be located behind the front ends of the pair of front side members.

[0016] With this configuration, the area behind the front end of the front side member is a space that can be protected during a vehicle collision. By placing the refrigerant circuit in this space, the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit during a vehicle collision can be reduced.

[0017] In the in-vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be equipped with a drive unit including a power source, and the refrigerant circuit may be located behind the front end of the drive unit and above or below the drive unit.

[0018] With this configuration, the area behind the front end of the drive unit is a space that can be protected during a vehicle collision. By placing the refrigerant circuit in this space, the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit during a vehicle collision can be reduced.

[0019] In the in-vehicle air conditioner of the present disclosure, a heating coolant circuit in which a coolant that exchanges heat with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit circulates may be provided. The heating coolant circuit includes piping and a heater core that are disposed behind the vehicle relative to the refrigerant region, and the heater core is disposed in a passage of air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0020] According to this configuration, by disposing the piping and the heater core of the coolant circuit behind the refrigerant region, the refrigerant circuit can be protected by the piping and the heater core during a vehicle collision, so that damage to the refrigerant circuit can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from leaking into the vehicle interior.

[0021] In the in-vehicle air conditioner of the present disclosure, the hydrocarbon refrigerant may be propane or a refrigerant mainly composed of propane.

[0022] The vehicle disclosed in this specification includes the above-described in-vehicle air conditioner.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to suppress an impact from being applied to the refrigerant circuit of the hydrocarbon refrigerant during a vehicle collision.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] <> [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. [[ID=三十]] [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioner of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 4] It is a control block diagram of the air conditioner. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the refrigerant circuit. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the refrigerant circuit. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an alternative configuration of the refrigerant circuit. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the configuration of another air conditioning unit. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system in the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] <Introduction> The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms indicating directions and orientations such as front, back, left, right, up, and down refer to directions and orientations related to the vehicle. In each figure, the arrow FR indicates the front, the arrow UP indicates upward, and the arrow LH indicates left.

[0026] The air conditioning system is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. In each embodiment described below, the type of vehicle in which the air conditioning system is installed is not limited. For example, the vehicle may be an engine-powered automobile or an electric vehicle powered by a motor. The vehicle may also be a hybrid electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle equipped with both an engine and a motor. Furthermore, the vehicle may be a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell or a battery electric vehicle that runs on electricity stored in a battery.

[0027] The air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit R (see Figures 1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, etc.) through which a hydrocarbon refrigerant (referred to as an HC refrigerant) circulates. HC refrigerants are flammable. Examples of HC refrigerants include propane, butane, isobutane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene. In the refrigerant circuit R, one of these HC refrigerants, or a mixture of two or more of these HC refrigerants, may be used. Alternatively, in the refrigerant circuit R, a mixed refrigerant may be used that primarily consists of one or more HC refrigerants, along with other refrigerants and various additives. For example, in the refrigerant circuit R, propane, or a refrigerant primarily composed of propane, along with at least one of other refrigerants and additives (a refrigerant primarily composed of propane), may be used. In this specification, a hydrocarbon refrigerant means a pure hydrocarbon refrigerant or a refrigerant primarily composed of a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

[0028] The refrigerant circuit R serves as the heat source for the air conditioning system. The refrigerant circuit R comprises, in order along the direction of refrigerant flow, a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve (expansion mechanism), and an evaporator for heat absorption. A receiver may be provided between the condenser and the expansion valve, and an accumulator may be provided between the evaporator and the compressor. The receiver and accumulator may be omitted if they are not required.

[0029] The air conditioning system may include a high-temperature coolant circuit through which coolant heated by a condenser in the refrigerant circuit R circulates, and a low-temperature coolant circuit through which coolant cooled by an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit R circulates. The coolant is a heat transfer medium, and the high-temperature coolant circuit and the low-temperature coolant circuit are heat transfer medium circuits, respectively.

[0030] In the first embodiment described below, as shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 12a includes a front coolant circuit C1 and a heating coolant circuit C4 as high-temperature coolant circuits, and a rear coolant circuit C2 and a battery coolant circuit C3 as low-temperature coolant circuits. The air conditioning system can also be configured by omitting at least one of the coolant circuits C2 to C4, which will be described in the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments (Figures 9 to 20).

[0031] The coolant in the coolant circuits C1 to C4 may be coolant water. That is, the coolant may be water without additives, water mixed with additives such as antifreeze or preservatives, or coolant fluid. Furthermore, the coolant may also be a liquid heat transfer medium such as oil, and is not limited to that.

[0032] The refrigerant circuit R is located, for example, under the front hood of the vehicle. The area under the front hood is called the engine room, engine compartment, motor compartment, electric compartment, power unit room, etc. In this specification, the area under the front hood is referred to as the "engine room" regardless of the presence or type of power source (engine, motor, etc.) under the front hood.

[0033] In the engine compartment, at least a portion of the coolant circuit (forward coolant circuit) is positioned in front of the refrigerant circuit R, and this coolant circuit includes a radiator that exchanges heat between the coolant and the vehicle's airflow. This configuration reduces the impact on the refrigerant circuit during a vehicle collision. At least one of the radiator and coolant piping of the forward coolant circuit may function to absorb collision energy and protect the refrigerant circuit R during a vehicle collision. The coolant piping may be made of a flexible material, a material that provides a certain degree of rigidity (such as metal), or a combination thereof, and may be capable of absorbing collision energy.

[0034] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 12a of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system 12a of the first embodiment. The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery 54 that supplies power to a motor as a power source. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, etc.

[0035] The air conditioning unit 12a provides air conditioning to the vehicle compartment 90 and also cools the battery 54. The air conditioning unit 12a may also be configured to cool onboard equipment such as a PCU (Power Control Unit), either together with or instead of the battery 54.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 12a includes a refrigerant circuit R which serves as a heat source, coolant circuits C1 to C4 which circulate coolant heated or cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R, and an air conditioning unit 70 which supplies air whose temperature has been regulated by the coolant circulating in the coolant circuits C2 and C4 into the vehicle interior.

[0037] The refrigerant circuit R is a closed circuit that circulates a hydrocarbon refrigerant, consisting of a compressor 20, a condenser 22, a receiver 28, an expansion valve 24, and an evaporator 26, all connected sequentially by refrigerant piping. The expansion valve 24 comprises a first expansion valve 24a and a second expansion valve 24b. The evaporator 26 comprises a first evaporator 26a connected downstream of the first expansion valve 24a and a second evaporator 26b connected downstream of the second expansion valve 24b. In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant piping between the first expansion valve 24a and the first evaporator 26a, and the refrigerant piping between the second expansion valve 24b and the second evaporator 26b are connected in parallel. That is, the first evaporator 26a and the second evaporator 26b are connected in parallel to each other.

[0038] The air conditioning unit 12a is integrated with the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R and includes a heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the respective coolants of the coolant circuits C1 and C4. The heat exchanger 30 is a water-cooled condenser.

[0039] The coolant circuit C1 is a closed circuit that circulates coolant, consisting of a heat exchanger 30, a water pump 32, and a radiator 34 connected sequentially by coolant piping. The radiator 34 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the coolant and the vehicle's airflow Wtr. In the coolant circuit C1, the coolant pumped by the water pump 32 becomes hot as it passes through the heat exchanger 30 due to the heat dissipation of the refrigerant in the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R. The hot coolant is then sent to the radiator 34, where it is cooled by the vehicle's airflow Wtr.

[0040] The coolant circuit C4 is a closed circuit that circulates coolant, consisting of a heat exchanger 30, a water pump 62, and a heater core 74 connected sequentially by coolant piping. The heater core 74 is a heat exchanger located in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70, which exchanges heat between the coolant and the conditioned air (Wac). In the coolant circuit C4, the coolant pumped by the water pump 62 becomes hot due to the heat dissipation of the refrigerant in the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 30. The hot coolant is then sent to the heater core 74, where it heats the conditioned air (Wac). With this configuration, the heat dissipation from the refrigerant circuit R can be used for heating the passenger compartment.

[0041] The air conditioning unit 12a is integrated with the first evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R and includes a heat exchanger 40 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the coolant of the coolant circuit C2. The heat exchanger 40 is a chiller and is the first heat exchanger.

[0042] The coolant circuit C2 is a closed circuit that circulates coolant, consisting of a heat exchanger 40, a water pump 42, and a cooler core 72 connected sequentially by coolant piping. The cooler core 72 is a heat exchanger located in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70 that exchanges heat between the coolant and the conditioned air (Wac). In the coolant circuit C2, the coolant pumped by the water pump 42 becomes cold due to the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 40. The cooled coolant is then sent to the cooler core 72, where it cools the conditioned air (Wac). The cooler core 72 is a heat exchanger that receives the cooling capacity of the first evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R.

[0043] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12a is integrated with the second evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R and includes a heat exchanger 50 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the coolant of the coolant circuit C3. The heat exchanger 50 is a chiller and is a second heat exchanger.

[0044] The coolant circuit C3 is a closed circuit that circulates coolant, with the heat exchanger 50, water pump 52, and battery 54 sequentially connected by coolant piping. In the coolant circuit C3, the coolant pumped by the water pump 52 becomes cold due to the absorption of heat by the refrigerant in the second evaporator 26b in the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 50. The cooled coolant is then sent to the battery 54 to cool the battery 54.

[0045] In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant circulates as follows: The compressor 20 discharges high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which dissipates heat and liquefies in the condenser 22 by exchanging heat with the coolant in the coolant circuits C1 and C4 passing through the heat exchanger 30, becoming high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 is depressurized and expanded by the first expansion valve 24a via the receiver 28, becoming low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the first evaporator 26a. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 26a evaporates in the first evaporator 26a by exchanging heat with the coolant in the coolant circuit C2 passing through the heat exchanger 40, becoming gaseous refrigerant, flowing out of the first evaporator 26a, and returning to the compressor 20.

[0046] Furthermore, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 is depressurized and expanded by the second expansion valve 24b via the receiver 28, becoming low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the second evaporator 26b. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 26b evaporates by exchanging heat with the coolant in the coolant circuit C3 that passes through the heat exchanger 50 in the second evaporator 26b, becoming gaseous refrigerant, flowing out of the second evaporator 26b, and returning to the compressor 20.

[0047] In this embodiment, since the first evaporator 26a and the second evaporator 26b are connected in parallel, the coolants of the coolant circuits C2 and C3 can be efficiently cooled. Alternatively, the first evaporator 26a and the second evaporator 26b may be connected in series. In this case, the expansion valve 24, the first evaporator 26a, and the second evaporator 26b will be connected sequentially by refrigerant piping. Furthermore, the first evaporator 26a and the second evaporator 26b may be composed of a single evaporator 26. In this case, the expansion valve 24 and the evaporator 26 will be connected sequentially by refrigerant piping, and the coolants of the coolant circuits C2 and C3 will flow into a single heat exchanger (corresponding to heat exchangers 40 and 50) that is integrated with the evaporator 26.

[0048] In this embodiment, the coolants from the coolant circuits C1 and C4 flow into a single heat exchanger 30 integrated with the condenser 22. However, the condenser 22 may be separated into a first condenser 22a and a second condenser 22b (neither of which are shown), with the coolant from the coolant circuit C1 flowing into a heat exchanger 30a (not shown) integrated with the first condenser 22a, and the coolant from the coolant circuit C4 flowing into a heat exchanger 30b (not shown) integrated with the second condenser 22b. In this case, the first condenser 22a and the second condenser 22b may be connected in parallel or in series.

[0049] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the air conditioning unit 70. The air conditioning unit 70 comprises an air intake port 76, a blower 80, and a case 71 that forms an air passage 75. The air intake port 76 has an indoor air inlet and an outdoor air inlet. The air intake port 76 is provided with an indoor / outdoor air switching door 78 that switches the opening and closing of the indoor air inlet and the outdoor air inlet.

[0050] Inside the case 71, a blower 80, a cooler core 72, and a heater core 74 are arranged in order from the direction of airflow. The blower 80 introduces air into the air passage 75 from the air intake 76 and blows this air through the cooler core 72 and heater core 74, thereby supplying temperature-controlled air to the vehicle interior. Temperature control of the air means lowering the air temperature, raising the air temperature, or both. An air mix door 82 is provided inside the case 71, which adjusts the ratio of air that has passed through the cooler core 72 to the air mix door 82 that flows to the heater core 74. The air conditioning unit 70 may employ conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the engine compartment 92 and the passenger compartment 90 are separated by a dashboard 94. An instrument panel (not shown) is provided on the passenger compartment 90 side of the dashboard 94. The air conditioning unit 70 is located between the instrument panel and the dashboard 94.

[0052] The air conditioning unit 70 may also be located in the engine compartment 92, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, for example, the temperature-controlled air from the air conditioning unit 70 may be guided to the passenger compartment 90 through an air guide member such as a duct that penetrates the dashboard 94. Alternatively, part of the air conditioning unit 70 may be located in the engine compartment 92 and the remaining part in the passenger compartment 90. The same applies to other embodiments described below.

[0053] The battery 54 is located under the floor of the passenger compartment 90, that is, under the floor panel 96. However, the battery 54 may also be located under the seats or at the rear of the vehicle, and its location is not limited.

[0054] Figure 4 shows the control block of an air conditioning system. Note that in Figure 4, components that are not closely related to the air conditioning system of this embodiment are omitted. The air conditioning system includes a controller 200 that controls the equipment included in the air conditioning system. The controller 200 is a computer that includes a processor and memory. The controller 200 may include a microcomputer, and may be, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0055] The air conditioning system includes an outside temperature sensor 202, an inside temperature sensor 204, a solar radiation sensor 206, and a battery temperature sensor 208. The outside temperature sensor 202 detects the temperature outside the vehicle. The inside temperature sensor 204 detects the temperature inside the vehicle. The solar radiation sensor 206 detects the amount of solar radiation irradiating the vehicle. The battery temperature sensor 208 detects the temperature of the battery 54. These sensors are connected to the controller 200, and the output of each sensor is input to it.

[0056] The air conditioning unit includes an operation panel 210. The operation panel 210 has buttons and display devices for setting, for example, the ON / OFF status of the air conditioning unit, the operating mode, the discharge mode, the airflow rate of the blower 80, the target temperature, etc. The operation panel 210 is connected to the controller 200, and the output of the operation panel 210 is input to it.

[0057] The controller 200 is connected to and controls the following devices. Specifically, the controller 200 is connected to the compressor 20 of the refrigerant circuit R, the first expansion valve 24a, the second expansion valve 24b, the water pump 32 of the coolant circuit C1, the water pump 42 of the coolant circuit C2, the water pump 52 of the coolant circuit C3, the water pump 62 of the coolant circuit C4, the blower 80 of the air conditioning unit 70, the interior / exterior air switching door 78, and the air mix door 82. Based on the detection values ​​of sensors 202, 204, 206, 208 and the output of the control panel 210, the controller 200 controls each device connected to the controller 200 so that the interior temperature approaches the target temperature and / or the temperature of the battery 54 approaches the desired temperature. The controller 200 may employ conventional air conditioning control technology.

[0058] Here, the arrangement of the components of the air conditioning system 12a will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant circuit R is concentrated in the refrigerant region RA located in the engine compartment 92 of the vehicle 10. The refrigerant region RA may be defined as a region that is less susceptible to collision loads during a collision of the vehicle 10. In other words, the refrigerant region RA may be defined as a region that can prevent damage to the refrigerant circuit R or reduce the risk of damage during a collision of the vehicle 10.

[0059] The refrigerant circuit R and some of the piping (coolant piping) of the coolant circuits C1 to C4 are located within the refrigerant region RA. That is, multiple components constituting the refrigerant circuit R (compressor 20, heat exchangers 30, 40, 50, receiver 28, two expansion valves 24a, 24b, etc.) and the refrigerant piping are located within the refrigerant region RA. In addition, some of the piping of coolant circuits C1 and C4 connected to heat exchanger 30, some of the piping of coolant circuit C2 connected to heat exchanger 40, and some of the piping of coolant circuit C3 connected to heat exchanger 50 are located within the refrigerant region RA.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, at least some of the piping in the coolant circuit C1 is located in front of the refrigerant region RA. Some of the piping in the coolant circuit C1 may be located to the left, right, or rear of the refrigerant region RA. Similarly, at least some of the piping in the coolant circuits C2, C3, and C4 is located rear of the refrigerant region RA, as shown in Figure 2. Some of the piping in the coolant circuits C2, C3, and C4 may be located to the left, right, or front of the refrigerant region RA.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, a portion of the piping (coolant piping) of the coolant circuit C1 and the radiator 34 are positioned in front of the refrigerant region RA. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is involved in a head-on collision, the radiator 34 and coolant piping of the coolant circuit C1 absorb the collision energy, reducing the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit R. The refrigerant region RA may be positioned behind the collision deformation region at the front of the vehicle. The collision deformation region is the region in which the vehicle deforms when the vehicle 10 collides with an object, or when the vehicle 10 is struck by an object. The collision deformation region may be, for example, the vehicle body region in front of the front end of a pair of front side members, including the area of ​​the crash box. Alternatively, the collision deformation region may be, for example, the vehicle body region in front of the front end of the drive unit, including the area of ​​the crash box.

[0062] Some of the piping (coolant piping) for the coolant circuits C2, C3, and C4 is positioned behind the refrigerant area RA. This allows the refrigerant circuit R to be protected by the piping of the coolant circuits C2, C3, and C4 during a collision with the vehicle 10, thereby suppressing damage to the refrigerant circuit R. The coolant circuit C3 has piping that extends downwards to avoid the passenger compartment 90.

[0063] The position of the refrigerant circuit R may be defined relative to a pair of front side members 100, as shown in Figure 6. The vehicle 10 comprises a pair of front side members 100, two crash boxes 102, and a bumper reinforcement 104. The pair of front side members 100 are closed-section structural members that are provided on the left and right sides of the front of the vehicle 10 and extend in the longitudinal direction, forming part of the vehicle 10's skeleton. A crash box 102 is attached to the front end 100F of each of the two front side members 100. The crash box 102 is a box-shaped or cylindrical structural member that absorbs impact by collapsing during a collision of the vehicle 10. The bumper reinforcement 104 is a reinforcing member incorporated into the front bumper and is provided at the front of the vehicle 10, extending in the vehicle width direction. The front ends of the two crash boxes 102 are joined to both ends of the bumper reinforcement 104 in the vehicle width direction.

[0064] The refrigerant circuit R (refrigerant region RA) may be positioned behind the front end 100F of the pair of front side members 100. That is, the refrigerant circuit R may be positioned behind the two crash boxes 102. The area behind the front end 100F of the pair of front side members 100 is a space that is protected during a collision of the vehicle 10, so by positioning the refrigerant circuit R in that space, the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit R during a collision of the vehicle 10 can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the location of the refrigerant circuit R may be defined relative to the drive unit 14, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The drive unit 14 consists of a power source for the vehicle 10 and a structure integrated therewith. The power source may include an engine, a motor, or both. The drive unit 14 may be, for example, an engine unit, a motor unit, a powertrain unit including an engine and a transaxle, or an eAxle. The drive unit 14 is located in the engine compartment.

[0066] The refrigerant circuit R (refrigerant region RA) may be located behind the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 and above the drive unit 14, as shown in Figure 7. The area behind the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 is a space that is protected during a collision of the vehicle 10. By placing the refrigerant circuit R in this space, the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit R during a collision of the vehicle 10 can be reduced.

[0067] Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit R (refrigerant region RA) may be positioned inside the vehicle width direction of the drive unit 14, as shown in Figure 6. That is, the left end of the refrigerant circuit R may be closer to the center in the vehicle width direction of the drive unit 14 than the left end 14L of the drive unit 14, and the right end of the refrigerant circuit R may be closer to the center in the vehicle width direction of the drive unit 14 than the right end 14R of the drive unit 14. With this configuration, the refrigerant circuit R is protected by the drive unit 14 when the vehicle 10 is hit by a side collision.

[0068] Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit R (refrigerant region RA) may be positioned behind the front end 14F of the drive unit 14 and below the drive unit 14, as shown in Figure 8. This configuration also reduces the collision load input to the refrigerant circuit R when the vehicle 10 collides. In this configuration as well, the refrigerant circuit R may be positioned on the inside of the drive unit 14 in the vehicle width direction. In the configuration where the refrigerant circuit R is positioned facing the ground, a shielding plate may be placed below the refrigerant circuit R. This configuration protects the refrigerant circuit R from flying stones and the like when the vehicle is in motion. The shielding plate may be provided so as to cover part or all of the lower surface of the refrigerant circuit R.

[0069] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the refrigerant circuit R (refrigerant region RA) may be located behind the drive unit 14. In this configuration as well, the refrigerant circuit R may be located inside the drive unit 14 in the vehicle width direction. Also, the refrigerant circuit R may be located inside the drive unit 14 in the vertical direction. That is, the upper end of the refrigerant circuit R may be located closer to the vertical center of the drive unit 14 than the upper end of the drive unit 14, and the lower end of the refrigerant circuit R may be located closer to the vertical center of the drive unit 14 than the lower end of the drive unit 14.

[0070] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant circuit R can be concentrated in a limited area within the engine room 92. The refrigerant circuit R may be integrated to form a refrigerant module. For example, the refrigerant circuit R may be integrated to form a refrigerant module by fixing multiple components constituting the refrigerant circuit R (compressor 20, heat exchangers 30, 40, 50, receiver 28, two expansion valves 24a, 24b, etc.) to the upper surface, lower surface, or both of them with screws or the like. Alternatively, for example, the refrigerant circuit R may be integrated to form a refrigerant module by housing multiple components constituting the refrigerant circuit R within a case.

[0071] According to this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 collides with an object, or when the vehicle 10 is struck by an object, the integrated refrigerant circuit R (e.g., refrigerant module) is protected by the coolant circuit C1 located in front of the refrigerant circuit R and the coolant circuits C2, C3, and C4 located behind the refrigerant circuit R. Thus, the safety of the vehicle 10 can be enhanced.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit 12b of the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 12b of the second embodiment. This air conditioning unit 12b has a configuration in which the coolant circuit C3 is omitted from the air conditioning unit 12a of the first embodiment. The refrigerant circuit R includes one expansion valve 24 and one evaporator 26, and the air conditioning unit 12b includes a heat exchanger 40 integrated with the evaporator 26, into which the coolant from the coolant circuit C2 flows.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the refrigerant circuit R and some of the piping (coolant piping) of the coolant circuits C1, C2, and C4 are located within the refrigerant region RA. That is, multiple components constituting the refrigerant circuit R (compressor 20, heat exchangers 30, 40, receiver 28, expansion valve 24, etc.) and refrigerant piping are located within the refrigerant region RA. In addition, some of the piping of coolant circuits C1 and C4 connected to heat exchanger 30 and some of the piping of coolant circuit C2 connected to heat exchanger 40 are located within the refrigerant region RA.

[0074] In this embodiment, the battery 54 (see Figure 1) is not cooled by the air conditioning unit 12b. The battery 54 may be cooled by a cooling device provided separately from the air conditioning unit 12b. Note that in automobiles that do not have a battery 54 (a battery that supplies power to the motor), a cooling device for the battery is not necessary. The second embodiment, and the embodiments described below in which the battery is not cooled by the air conditioning unit, may be applied not only to electric vehicles (battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, etc.) but also to engine-powered vehicles and the like that do not have a battery 54.

[0075] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit 12c of the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 12c of the third embodiment. This air conditioning unit 12c has the same configuration as the air conditioning unit 12b of the second embodiment, but without the coolant circuit C4. The air conditioning unit 12c includes a heat exchanger 30, which is integrated with the condenser 22, into which the coolant from the coolant circuit C1 flows.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, the refrigerant circuit R and some of the piping (coolant piping) of the coolant circuits C1 and C2 are located within the refrigerant region RA. That is, multiple components constituting the refrigerant circuit R (compressor 20, heat exchangers 30, 40, receiver 28, expansion valve 24, etc.) and the refrigerant piping are located within the refrigerant region RA. In addition, some of the piping of the coolant circuit C1 connected to heat exchanger 30 and some of the piping of the coolant circuit C2 connected to heat exchanger 40 are located within the refrigerant region RA.

[0077] In this embodiment, the heater core 74 of the air conditioning unit 70 does not utilize the heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit R. That is, for example, engine coolant heated by the engine of the vehicle 10 flows into the heater core 74. Alternatively, coolant heated by, for example, a PTC heater for water heating may flow into the heater core 74. In addition, a PTC heater for air heating may be placed in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70 in place of, or together with, the heater core 74.

[0078] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit 12d of the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 12d of the fourth embodiment. This air conditioning unit 12d has the same configuration as the air conditioning unit 12c of the third embodiment, but without the coolant circuit C2.

[0079] In this embodiment, the evaporator 26 of the refrigerant circuit R is located in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70. That is, the evaporator 26 itself becomes the cooler core 72. This configuration makes it possible to increase the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning air Wac.

[0080] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 12e of the fifth embodiment. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system 12e of the fifth embodiment. This air conditioning system 12e has a configuration that adds a gas detector 302 and two solenoid valves 310 and 312 to the air conditioning system 12d of the fourth embodiment.

[0081] As shown in Figure 15, one solenoid valve 310 is located upstream of the expansion valve 24, and the other solenoid valve 312 is located downstream of the evaporator 26. The two solenoid valves 310 and 312 are located in the engine room 92 (see Figure 16). The gas detector 302 is a sensor capable of detecting HC-based refrigerants for detecting refrigerant leaks in the refrigerant circuit R. The gas detector 302 is located, for example, adjacent to the evaporator 26 in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70. The gas detector 302 may be located, for example, downstream of the evaporator 26 in the direction of airflow.

[0082] The controller 200 (see Figure 4) is electrically connected to a gas detector 302 and two solenoid valves 310 and 312 (neither of which are shown in Figure 4). When the gas detector 302 does not detect refrigerant, i.e., when no refrigerant leak is detected (under normal conditions), the controller 200 opens the two solenoid valves 310 and 312. On the other hand, when the gas detector 302 detects refrigerant, i.e., when a refrigerant leak is detected, the controller 200 closes the two solenoid valves 310 and 312. With this configuration, in the event of a refrigerant leak, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from continuously flowing into the vehicle compartment 90. The controller 200 may also stop the compressor 20 of the refrigerant circuit R when the gas detector 302 detects a refrigerant leak.

[0083] In addition, another gas detector may be placed in the engine compartment 92. When refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit R in the engine compartment 92, the refrigerant is likely to flow downwards, so for example, the other gas detector may be placed below the refrigerant circuit R so that it can accurately detect the refrigerant. The controller 200 may stop the compressor 20 of the refrigerant circuit R when the other gas detector detects a refrigerant leak. In addition, the controller 200 may display a warning on a display device installed in the passenger compartment 90 or emit a warning sound from a speaker installed in the passenger compartment 90 when either gas detector detects a refrigerant leak.

[0084] <Sixth Embodiment> Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 12f of the sixth embodiment. This air conditioning unit 12f is configured in which the evaporator 26 of the air conditioning unit 12d of the fourth embodiment (Figures 13 and 14) is replaced with an evaporator 26n of a different form. The evaporator 26n comprises a main body 26n1 through which the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R flows, and an extension 26n2 connected to the main body 26n1. The extension 26n2 is the part to which the cooling capacity of the main body 26n1 is transmitted, and is made of a metal or the like with high thermal conductivity. Note that the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R does not flow into the extension 26n2.

[0085] As shown in Figure 18, in the air conditioning unit 70, only the extension portion 26n2 of the evaporator 26n is located in the air passage 75. The extension portion 26n2 is located in the air passage 75 through an opening provided in the case 71. The main body 26n1 of the evaporator 26n is located outside the case 71. With this configuration, if refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit R, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the air passage 75 of the air conditioning unit 70, and thus prevent the refrigerant from being guided into the passenger compartment 90.

[0086] The air conditioning unit 70 may be located in the engine compartment 92, as shown in Figure 17. In this case, the air conditioning unit 70 may be configured not to draw in air from the engine compartment 92 through the air intake 76 (see Figure 18).

[0087] In Figure 17, the air conditioning unit 70 is located in the engine compartment 92, but the air conditioning unit 70 may also be located behind the dashboard 94, i.e., in the passenger compartment 90. Alternatively, part of the air conditioning unit 70 may be located in the engine compartment 92, and the remaining part in the passenger compartment 90.

[0088] <Seventh Embodiment> Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit 12g of the seventh embodiment. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning unit 12g of the seventh embodiment. This air conditioning unit 12g has a configuration in which a cooling liquid circuit C3 for the battery 54 is added to the air conditioning unit 12d of the fourth embodiment (Figures 13 and 14).

[0089] As shown in Figure 19, the refrigerant circuit R includes a first expansion valve 24a and a second expansion valve 24b. The refrigerant circuit R also includes a first evaporator 26a connected downstream of the first expansion valve 24a and a second evaporator 26b connected downstream of the second expansion valve 24b. In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant piping between the first expansion valve 24a and the first evaporator 26a, and the refrigerant piping between the second expansion valve 24b and the second evaporator 26b are connected in parallel.

[0090] The first evaporator 26a is positioned in the air passage of the air conditioning unit 70. The air conditioning device 12g is integrated with the second evaporator 26b and includes a heat exchanger 50 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the coolant of the coolant circuit C3. With this configuration, the first evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R can be positioned in the air passage to efficiently cool the air conditioning air Wac, and the battery 54 can be cooled using the second evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 10 Vehicle, 12a~12g Air conditioning unit, 14 Drive unit, 14F Front end, 14B Rear end, 14L Left end, 14R Right end, 20 Compressor, 22 Condenser, 24 Expansion valve (expansion mechanism), 24a First expansion valve, 24b Second expansion valve, 26 Evaporator, 26a First evaporator, 26b Second evaporator, 26n Evaporator, 26n1 Main body, 26n2 Extension part, 28 Receiver, 30 Heat exchanger, 32 Water pump, 34 Radiator, 40 Heat exchanger, 42 Water pump, 50 Heat exchanger, 52 Water pump, 54 Battery, 62 Water pump, 70 Air conditioning unit, 71 Case, 72 Cooler core (heat exchanger), 74 Heater core, 75 Air passage, 76 78 Air intake, 80 Interior / exterior air switching door, 80 Blower, 82 Air mix door, 90 Passenger compartment, 92 Engine compartment, 94 Dashboard, 96 Floor panel, 100 Front side member, 100F Front end, 102 Crash box, 104 Bump reinforcement, 200 Controller, 202 Outside temperature sensor, 204 Interior temperature sensor, 206 Solar radiation sensor, 208 Battery temperature sensor, 210 Control panel, 302 Gas detector, 310, 312 Solenoid valve, R Refrigerant circuit, RA Refrigerant area, C1 Front coolant circuit, C2 Rear coolant circuit, C3 Battery coolant circuit, C4 Heater coolant circuit.

Claims

1. In-vehicle air conditioning system, A refrigerant circuit through which a hydrocarbon refrigerant circulates has a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, The system includes a forward coolant circuit through which a coolant circulates, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit, The aforementioned refrigerant circuit is concentrated and arranged in a refrigerant area located within the vehicle's engine compartment. The forward coolant circuit includes piping and a radiator, which are located in front of the refrigerant area of ​​the vehicle. In-vehicle air conditioner.

2. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The refrigerant circuit is equipped with a rear coolant circuit through which a coolant, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, circulates. The rear coolant circuit includes piping and a cooler core, which are located further rearward than the refrigerant area of ​​the vehicle. The cooler core is positioned in the passage for air that is blown into the passenger compartment. In-vehicle air conditioner.

3. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2, The battery coolant circuit includes a coolant circuit through which a coolant, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, circulates. The aforementioned battery coolant circuit includes piping located rearward of the vehicle than the refrigerant area, and cools the battery mounted in the vehicle. The piping of the aforementioned battery coolant circuit extends downwards to avoid the passenger compartment. In-vehicle air conditioner.

4. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3, The evaporator of the refrigerant circuit includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel with each other. The aforementioned in-vehicle air conditioning system is, A first heat exchanger, which is integrated with the first evaporator, for exchanging heat between the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the coolant of the rear coolant circuit, The system comprises a second heat exchanger, which is integrated with the second evaporator and exchanges heat between the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the coolant of the battery coolant circuit. In-vehicle air conditioner.

5. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The vehicle is equipped with a pair of front side members located on the left and right sides of the front and extending in the front-to-back direction. The refrigerant circuit is positioned behind the front ends of the pair of front side members. In-vehicle air conditioner.

6. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The vehicle is equipped with a drive unit including a power source, The refrigerant circuit is located behind the front end of the drive unit and above or below the drive unit. In-vehicle air conditioner.

7. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The refrigerant circuit includes a heating coolant circuit through which a coolant circulates, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrocarbon refrigerant by the condenser of the refrigerant circuit. The heating coolant circuit includes piping and a heater core, which are located rearward of the vehicle than the refrigerant area. The heater core is positioned in the passage for air that is blown into the passenger compartment. In-vehicle air conditioner.

8. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The aforementioned hydrocarbon refrigerant is propane or a refrigerant mainly composed of propane. In-vehicle air conditioner.

9. A vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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