Vehicle air conditioning system and refrigerant module

Abstract

This facilitates the assembly of refrigerant circuits into vehicles. [Solution] The in-vehicle air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit Ra, a first coolant circuit C1, and a second coolant circuit C2. The refrigerant circuit Ra has a compressor 20, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve 24a, and an evaporator for heat absorption, through which the refrigerant circulates. A first heat exchanger 30 is integrated with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit Ra and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the coolant of the first coolant circuit C1. A second heat exchanger 40 is integrated with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit Ra and cools the coolant of the second coolant circuit C2 with the refrigerant in the evaporator. The second coolant circuit C2 has a cooler core located in the air conditioning unit. The compressor 20, the first heat exchanger 30, the expansion valve 24a, and the second heat exchanger 40 are fixed to a common fixing member 100a, thereby forming an integrated refrigerant module RMa in which the refrigerant circuit Ra is located.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with air conditioners. Individual devices that make up the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner are assembled to the vehicle at a vehicle factory. Patent Document 1 discloses the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device in which refrigerant circulates in an in-vehicle air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In-vehicle air conditioners differ in the type of refrigerant required and heating and cooling performance, for example, for each vehicle model or for each region where the vehicle is used. Therefore, it has become necessary to change the refrigerant injected into the refrigerant circuit or to change the devices that make up the refrigerant circuit according to the vehicle model or the region where the vehicle is used. As a result, the assembly work of the refrigerant circuit for the vehicle has become complicated, and it has been necessary to secure a large working space. Therefore, a configuration that can facilitate the assembly work of the refrigerant circuit for the vehicle is desired.

[0005] This specification discloses an in-vehicle air conditioner and a refrigerant module that facilitate the assembly work of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner for the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The in-vehicle air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, having a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption; a first heat exchanger integrated with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit and transferring heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to a first coolant; a first coolant circuit through which the first coolant circulates, having a radiator; a second heat exchanger integrated with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit and cooling a second coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator; a second coolant circuit through which the second coolant circulates, having a cooler core; and an air conditioning unit having an air passage in which the cooler core is located and which cools the air passing through the air passage and blows it into the vehicle cabin, wherein the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are fixed to a common fixing member, thereby forming a refrigerant module in which the refrigerant circuit is integrated.

[0007] With this configuration, the refrigerant circuit dissipates heat to the first coolant of the first coolant circuit and absorbs heat to the second coolant of the second coolant circuit. This allows the refrigerant circuit to be concentrated in a relatively small area within the vehicle and modularized. By assembling the refrigerant module into the vehicle, the refrigerant circuit can be installed in the vehicle. Since it is not necessary to individually assemble the equipment (components) that make up the refrigerant circuit into the vehicle, the assembly work of the refrigerant circuit into the vehicle can be made easier. For example, multiple types of refrigerant modules can be prepared in advance, and the vehicle factory can select the desired refrigerant module from among the multiple types according to the vehicle type or the area in which the vehicle will be used, and then assemble it into the vehicle.

[0008] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the fixed member may include a plate, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger may be fixed to the upper surface, lower surface, or both of the upper surface and lower surface of the plate.

[0009] This configuration allows for a simplification of the refrigerant module.

[0010] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the plate may have a flow path inside through which the refrigerant flows, and the flow path of the plate may be a refrigerant flow path between at least two of the following devices: the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger.

[0011] This configuration allows for shorter refrigerant flow paths, resulting in space savings for the refrigerant module. Furthermore, it enables the elimination or reduction of piping for the refrigerant circuit.

[0012] In the vehicle air conditioning system of the present disclosure, the evaporator and the second heat exchanger are, respectively, an air conditioning evaporator and an air conditioning heat exchanger, the refrigerant circuit further includes a battery evaporator, the vehicle air conditioning system further includes a battery heat exchanger which is integrally configured with the battery evaporator of the refrigerant circuit and cools the battery coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator, and a battery coolant circuit which circulates the battery coolant to cool a battery mounted in the vehicle, and the battery heat exchanger is fixed to the fixed member.

[0013] This configuration allows the vehicle's battery to be cooled using a refrigerant module.

[0014] In the vehicle air conditioning system of this disclosure, the refrigerant may be a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant. Alternatively, the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant may be propane or a refrigerant mainly composed of propane.

[0015] The vehicles disclosed herein are equipped with the above-described on-board air conditioning system.

[0016] The refrigerant module disclosed herein comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, having a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption; a first heat exchanger integrated with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit for transferring heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to a first coolant; a first coolant circuit through which the first coolant circulates, having a radiator; a second heat exchanger integrated with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit for cooling a second coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator; and a cooler core. A refrigerant module applied to an in-vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a second coolant circuit through which the second coolant circulates; and an air conditioning unit having an air passage in which the cooler core is arranged, which cools the air passing through the air passage and blows it into the vehicle cabin, characterized in that it comprises the refrigerant circuit; the first and second heat exchangers; and a fixed member to which the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are fixed and which integrates the refrigerant circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The technology disclosed herein can facilitate the assembly of refrigerant circuits into vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the air conditioning system inside the vehicle. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the refrigerant module. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of plate 100. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the assembly process of refrigerant modules in a vehicle factory. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another air conditioning system. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing another refrigerant module. [Figure 8](A) is a perspective view showing yet another refrigerant module, (B) is a perspective view showing an example of a fixed member, and (C) is a perspective view showing another example of the fixed member.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <Preface> Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to equivalent elements in all the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms representing directions and orientations such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down represent directions and orientations related to the vehicle. In FIG. 2 described below, the direction of arrow FR represents the front, and the direction of arrow UP represents the up.

[0020] The air conditioner is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. In each of the embodiments described below, the type of vehicle on which the air conditioner is mounted is not limited. For example, the vehicle may be an engine vehicle powered by an engine, an electric vehicle powered by a motor, a hybrid electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle equipped with both an engine and a motor, a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, or a battery electric vehicle that runs on electric power stored in a battery.

[0021] Also, in each of the embodiments described below, the type of refrigerant employed in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner is not limited. The refrigerant may be, for example, R134a, R1234yf, a natural refrigerant, etc. Natural refrigerants include carbon dioxide refrigerant, ammonia refrigerant, hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, etc.

[0022] Hydrocarbon refrigerants (referred to as HC refrigerants) are flammable. Examples of HC refrigerants include propane, butane, isobutane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene. In the refrigerant circuits described below, one of these HC refrigerants, or a mixture of two or more of these HC refrigerants, may be used. In addition, a mixed refrigerant may be used in the refrigerant circuit, which mainly consists of one or more HC refrigerants and also contains refrigerants other than HC refrigerants and various additives. For example, in the refrigerant circuit, propane, or a refrigerant mainly consisting of propane and containing at least one of other refrigerants and additives (a refrigerant mainly composed of propane), may be used. In this specification, a hydrocarbon refrigerant means a pure hydrocarbon refrigerant or a refrigerant mainly composed of a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

[0023] The refrigerant circuit serves as the heat source for the air conditioning system. The refrigerant circuit comprises, in order along the direction of refrigerant flow, a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption. A receiver may be provided between the condenser and the expansion valve. An accumulator may also be provided between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0024] An air conditioning system may include a high-temperature coolant circuit through which a coolant heated by a condenser in the refrigerant circuit circulates, and a low-temperature coolant circuit through which a coolant cooled by an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit 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.

[0025] In the embodiments described below, as shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 12 includes a first coolant circuit C1 as a high-temperature coolant circuit and second and third coolant circuits C2 and C3 as low-temperature coolant circuits. The air conditioning system 12 can be configured without the third coolant circuit C3, which will be explained using Figures 6 and 7.

[0026] The coolant in the first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3 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.

[0027] In the embodiments described below, the refrigerant circuits are integrated to form a refrigerant module. The refrigerant module is located, for example, under the front hood of the vehicle. Hereafter, regardless of the presence or type of power source (engine, motor, etc.) under the front hood, the area under the front hood will be referred to as the "engine room".

[0028] <Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 12 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air conditioning system 12 inside the vehicle. The vehicle 10 is 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.

[0029] The air conditioning unit 12 provides air conditioning to the vehicle compartment 90 and also cools the battery 54. The air conditioning unit 12 may also be configured to cool other in-vehicle equipment, such as a PCU (Power Control Unit), along with the battery 54, or in place of the battery 54.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 12 comprises a refrigerant circuit R which serves as a heat source, first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3, and an air conditioning unit 70. The first coolant circuit C1 circulates a first coolant heated by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R. The second coolant circuit C2 circulates a second coolant cooled by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R. Similarly, the third coolant circuit C3 circulates a third coolant cooled by the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit R. The air conditioning unit 70 supplies air cooled by the second coolant circulating in the second coolant circuit C2 into the vehicle cabin.

[0031] The refrigerant circuit R is a closed circuit that circulates refrigerant, consisting of a compressor 20, a condenser 22, a receiver 28, expansion valves 24a and 24b, and evaporators 26a and 26b, which are sequentially connected by refrigerant piping. The expansion valve 24a and evaporator 26a are connected in series, and similarly, the expansion valve 24b and evaporator 26b are connected in series. The refrigerant flow paths of the expansion valve 24a and evaporator 26a and the refrigerant flow paths of the expansion valve 24b and evaporator 26b are connected in parallel.

[0032] The air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 30. The heat exchanger 30 is integrated with the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R and exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the first coolant of the first coolant circuit C1. The heat exchanger 30 is a water-cooled condenser and may be, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 30 is the first heat exchanger.

[0033] The first coolant circuit C1 is a closed circuit that circulates the first coolant, consisting of a water pump 32, a heat exchanger 30, and a radiator 34 connected sequentially by coolant piping. The radiator 34 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the first coolant and the vehicle's airflow Wtr. In the first coolant circuit C1, the first coolant, pressurized by the water pump 32, becomes hot due to heat dissipation from the refrigerant in the condenser 22 of the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 30. The hot first coolant is then sent to the radiator 34, where it is cooled by the vehicle's airflow Wtr.

[0034] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 40. The heat exchanger 40 is integrated with the evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R and exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the second coolant of the second coolant circuit C2. The heat exchanger 40 may be, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 40 is the second heat exchanger.

[0035] The second coolant circuit C2 is a closed circuit that circulates the second coolant, with the water pump 42, heat exchanger 40, and cooler core 72 sequentially connected by coolant piping. The cooler core 72 is a heat exchanger located in the air passage 75 of the air conditioning unit 70, which exchanges heat between the second coolant and the conditioned air (Wac). In the second coolant circuit C2, the second coolant, pressurized by the water pump 42, becomes cold due to the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator 26a of the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 40. The cold second coolant is then sent to the cooler core 72, where it cools the conditioned air (Wac).

[0036] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 12 includes a heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger 50 is integrated with the evaporator 26b of the refrigerant circuit R and exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit R and the third coolant of the third coolant circuit C3. The heat exchanger 50 may be, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 50 is the third heat exchanger.

[0037] The third coolant circuit C3 is a closed circuit that circulates the third coolant, with the water pump 52, heat exchanger 50, and battery 54 sequentially connected by coolant piping. In the third coolant circuit C3, the coolant pumped by the water pump 52 becomes cold due to the absorption of heat by the refrigerant in the evaporator 26b in the refrigerant circuit R as it passes through the heat exchanger 50. The cold third coolant is then sent to the battery 54 to cool it. In this specification, the third coolant circuit C3 and the third coolant are also referred to as the battery coolant circuit and the battery coolant, respectively.

[0038] In this specification, the expansion valve 24a, evaporator 26a, and heat exchanger 40 are also referred to as the air conditioning expansion valve, air conditioning evaporator, and air conditioning heat exchanger, respectively. Furthermore, the expansion valve 24b, evaporator 26b, and heat exchanger 50 are also referred to as the battery expansion valve, battery evaporator, and battery heat exchanger, respectively.

[0039] In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant circulates as follows: The compressor 20 discharges high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which dissipates heat and liquefies and condenses in the condenser 22 by exchanging heat with the first coolant of the first coolant circuit C1, which passes 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 expansion valve 24a via the receiver 28, becoming low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the evaporator 26a. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 26a evaporates by exchanging heat with the second coolant of the second coolant circuit C2, which passes through the heat exchanger 40, becoming gaseous refrigerant, flowing out of the evaporator 26a, and returning to the compressor 20.

[0040] Furthermore, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 22 is depressurized and expanded by the expansion valve 24b via the receiver 28, becoming low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the evaporator 26b. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 26b evaporates by exchanging heat with the third coolant in the third coolant circuit C3 that passes through the heat exchanger 50, becoming gaseous refrigerant, flowing out of the evaporator 26b, and returning to the compressor 20.

[0041] The air conditioning unit 70 comprises a blower 80 and an air passage 75 formed by a case (not shown). Inside the air passage 75, the blower 80, a cooler core 72, and a heater core 74 are arranged in order from the direction of airflow. The heater core 74 is a heat exchanger to which, for example, engine coolant or coolant heated by a PTC heater for water heating is supplied. The heater core 74 may also be configured to be supplied with coolant heated by the heat exchanger 30.

[0042] The blower 80 introduces air into the air passage 75 from an air intake (not shown) and blows this air through the cooler core 72 and heater core 74, thereby supplying temperature-controlled air to the passenger compartment. An air mix door 82 is provided inside the air passage 75, which adjusts the ratio of air that has passed through the cooler core 72 to that which flows to the heater core 74. The air conditioning unit 70 may employ conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The air conditioning unit 12 includes a controller (not shown). The controller may consist of a processor and a memory device, and may be, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The controller controls the equipment included in the air conditioning unit 12 based on detection information from multiple sensors (temperature sensors that detect outside temperature, inside temperature, and battery temperature, solar radiation sensors, pressure sensors, etc.), and setting information from an operation panel operated by the user. The controller may employ conventional air conditioning control technology.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant circuit R is integrated to form a refrigerant module RM. Specifically, the refrigerant module RM is a unit that integrates the equipment (components) of the air conditioning unit 12 located inside the dashed line in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant module RM comprises the refrigerant circuit R, the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50, the manifold member 110, and the plate 100.

[0047] Plate 100 is a fixed member to which multiple pieces of equipment are fixed. Plate 100 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above and has a certain thickness. The material of plate 100 may be aluminum, for example. The first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50 and the two expansion valves 24a and 24b are fixed to the upper surface 102 of plate 100 by screws or the like. The compressor 20, receiver 28, and manifold member 110 are fixed to the lower surface 104 of plate 100 by screws or the like. In this way, since the equipment constituting the refrigerant circuit R is fixed to the upper surface 102 and lower surface 104 of plate 100, the refrigerant module RM can be made simpler and more compact.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of plate 100 in Figure 3. Inside plate 100, a flow path is provided in the form of a tunnel. Specifically, inside plate 100, there is a flow path RP of the refrigerant circuit R and flow paths C1P, C2P, and C3P of the first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3, respectively.

[0049] The first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50 are each equipped with a refrigerant inlet, refrigerant outlet, coolant inlet, and coolant outlet at their bottoms. In Figure 4, the reference numerals with "_R_IN" added to the reference numeral of the component in question (for example, the first heat exchanger 30) (e.g., "30_R_IN" in the previous example) indicate the location of the refrigerant inlet of the component in question (e.g., the first heat exchanger 30). Also in the same figure, the reference numerals with "_R_OUT", "_W_IN", and "_W_OUT" added to the reference numeral of the component in question indicate the locations of the refrigerant outlet, coolant inlet, and coolant outlet of the component in question.

[0050] The two expansion valves 24a and 24b also have a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet at their bottoms, respectively. The upper surface 102 of the plate 100 has holes (not shown) that connect the refrigerant inlet, refrigerant outlet, coolant inlet, and coolant outlet of the first to third heat exchangers 30, 40, and 50, and the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the two expansion valves 24a and 24b to the internal flow paths RP, C1P, C2P, and C3P of the plate 100.

[0051] The receiver 28 has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet at its top. The lower surface 104 of the plate 100 has holes that connect the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the receiver 28 to the flow path RP inside the plate 100.

[0052] The compressor 20 is positioned in contact with the manifold member 110. On the opposite side of the compressor 20 from the manifold member 110, the receiver 28 is positioned at a distance from the compressor 20. The compressor 20 has a refrigerant inlet (not shown) on the side facing the manifold member 110 and a refrigerant outlet (not shown) on the side facing the receiver 28.

[0053] The manifold member 110 comprises two pipes 112 and 114. The upper ends of the two pipes 112 and 114 are connected to the internal flow path RP of the plate 100 through holes provided in the lower surface 104 of the plate 100 (see reference numerals 112_R_IN and 114_R_IN in Figure 4). The refrigerant discharged from the second and third heat exchangers 40 and 50 (40_R_OUT and 50_R_OUT) flows into the two pipes 112 and 114 of the manifold member 110 via the plate 100. The manifold member 110 has an internal flow path that merges the refrigerants in the two pipes 112 and 114, and this internal flow path is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor 20.

[0054] A refrigerant discharge pipe (not shown) extending toward the lower surface 104 of the plate 100 is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the compressor 20. The upper part of this pipe communicates with the flow path RP inside the plate 100 through a hole provided in the lower surface 104 of the plate 100 (see reference numeral 20_R_OUT in Figure 4). The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 20 flows into the refrigerant inlet (30_R_IN) of the heat exchanger 30 via this pipe and the plate 100.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant module RM is equipped with connection ports P1 to P6. Connection ports P1 to P6 are located on the underside of one longitudinal end of the plate 100. Connection ports P1 and P2 communicate with the internal flow path C1P of the plate 100, and the piping of the first coolant circuit C1 is connected to them. Connection ports P3 and P4 communicate with the internal flow path C2P of the plate 100, and the piping of the second coolant circuit C2 is connected to them. Connection ports P5 and P6 communicate with the internal flow path C3P of the plate 100, and the piping of the third coolant circuit C3 is connected to them.

[0056] In the refrigerant module RM described above, the flow paths RP, C1P, C2P, and C3P were provided inside the plate 100. However, the flow paths may also be provided by installing piping on the upper side, lower side, or both sides of the plate 100. Furthermore, for example, at least one of the flow paths RP, C1P, C2P, and C3P may be provided in the fleshy part of the housing of the compressor 20.

[0057] The refrigerant module RM is located in the engine compartment 92, as shown in Figure 2. The refrigerant module RM may be held to a structure in the engine compartment 92, for example, via a bracket (not shown). The first coolant circuit C1 is located in front of the refrigerant module RM. The refrigerant module RM may be located behind the collision deformation region at the front of the vehicle. This reduces the collision load applied to the refrigerant module RM when the vehicle 10 is involved in a head-on collision.

[0058] According to the embodiment described above, since the refrigerant circuit R dissipates heat to the coolant of the first coolant circuit C1 and absorbs heat from the coolants of the second and third coolant circuits C2 and C3, the refrigerant circuit R can be concentrated in a relatively small area within the vehicle and modularized. By preparing the refrigerant module RM in advance, the vehicle factory can easily incorporate the refrigerant circuit R into the vehicle by installing the refrigerant module RM in the vehicle and connecting the piping of the first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3 to the connection ports P1 to P6 of the refrigerant module RM. Since it is not necessary to individually assemble the components of the refrigerant circuit R into the vehicle, the assembly work of the refrigerant circuit R into the vehicle can be made easier.

[0059] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the refrigerant module RM in a vehicle factory. According to the embodiment described above, a module manufacturer can pre-manufacture multiple types of refrigerant modules RM-1 to RM-4. In the vehicle factory, for example, according to the vehicle type or the region in which the vehicle 10 will be used, the desired refrigerant module can be selected from the multiple types of refrigerant modules RM-1 to RM-4 and assembled into the vehicle 10.

[0060] For example, refrigerant A can be injected into the refrigerant circuit of refrigerant module RM-1, and refrigerant B, a different refrigerant, can be injected into the refrigerant circuit of refrigerant module RM-2. Furthermore, multiple refrigerant modules RM-3, RM-4, with different performance characteristics can be prepared in advance. The performance of a refrigerant module can be changed, for example, by changing the type or amount of refrigerant injected into the module, or by changing the equipment used in the refrigerant module (such as the compressor 20).

[0061] According to the embodiments described above, the components of the air conditioning system 12 other than the refrigerant module RM, that is, the components constituting the first to third coolant circuits C1, C2, and C3, can be standardized across multiple vehicle models or multiple vehicles operating in different regions.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, a flow path RP through which the refrigerant flows is formed inside the plate 100 of the refrigerant module RM. Therefore, the refrigerant module RM can be made smaller. In addition, since the number of refrigerant pipes can be reduced, refrigerant leakage can be suppressed.

[0063] <Another embodiment> Next, another embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 12a of another embodiment. This air conditioning system 12a is configured by omitting the expansion valve 24b, the third heat exchanger 50, and the third coolant circuit C3 from the air conditioning system 12 of the above embodiment (see Figure 1).

[0064] In this alternative embodiment, the battery 54 (see Figure 1) is not cooled by the air conditioning unit 12a. The battery 54 may be cooled by a cooling device provided separately from the air conditioning unit 12a. Furthermore, vehicles such as engine-powered vehicles that do not have a battery 54 (a battery that supplies power to the motor) do not require a cooling device for the battery, and therefore this alternative embodiment can be adopted.

[0065] Figure 7 shows an example of a refrigerant module RMa corresponding to the air conditioning unit 12a in Figure 6. The refrigerant module RMa is a unit that integrates the equipment (components) of the air conditioning unit 12a located inside the dashed line in Figure 6. The refrigerant module RMa is constructed by omitting the expansion valve 24b, the third heat exchanger 50, the piping 114 of the manifold member 110, and the connection ports P5 and P6 from the refrigerant module RM of the above embodiment (see Figure 3). The plate 100a of the refrigerant module RMa has a configuration in which the internal flow path of the plate 100 of the above embodiment (see Figure 4) has been modified to accommodate the omitted equipment (components).

[0066] <Differential modification of refrigerant module> Next, a modified version of the refrigerant module will be described. Figure 8(A) shows yet another refrigerant module RMb. In this refrigerant module RMb, multiple devices (components) are fixed only to the upper surface 102 of plate 100b. Also, plate 100b does not have internal flow paths, and the multiple devices are connected to each other by piping. The configuration of the refrigerant circuit is the same as the refrigerant circuit R shown in Figure 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in the refrigerant module RMb of Figure 8(A), the refrigerant circuit Ra shown in Figure 6 may be used. Also, multiple devices may be fixed only to the lower surface 104 of plate 100b, or to both the upper surface 102 and the lower surface 104.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, multiple devices were fixed to plates 100, 100a, and 100b, which served as fixed members. However, the fixed members may be other than plates. For example, as shown in Figure 8(B), the fixed member 100c may be a structure with an L-shaped cross-section. In this case, multiple devices may be fixed to at least one of the two inner surfaces 106 and two outer surfaces 108 of the fixed member 100c. The fixed member 100c may also have a flow path inside. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 8(C), the fixed member 100d may be a rectangular tubular structure. In this case, multiple devices may be fixed to at least one of the four inner surfaces 106 and four outer surfaces 108 of the fixed member 100d. The fixed member 100d may also have a flow path inside. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10 Vehicle, 12,12a Air conditioning system, 20 Compressor, 22 Condenser, 24a Expansion valve (Air conditioning expansion valve), 24b Expansion valve (Battery expansion valve), 26a Evaporator (Air conditioning evaporator), 26b Evaporator (Battery evaporator), 28 Receiver, 30 Heat exchanger (First heat exchanger), 32 Water pump, 34 Radiator, 40 Heat exchanger (Second heat exchanger, Air conditioning heat exchanger), 42 Water pump, 50 Heat exchanger (Third heat exchanger, Battery heat exchanger), 52 Water pump, 54 Battery, 70 Air conditioning unit, 72 Cooler core, 74 Heater core, 75 Air passage, 80 Blower, 82 Air mix door, 90 Passenger compartment, 92 Engine room, 94 Dashboard, 96 Floor panel, 100, 100a, 100b Plate (fixed member), 100c, 100d Fixed member, 102 Top surface, 104 Bottom surface, 106 Inner surface, 108 Outer surface, 110 Manifold member, 112, 114 Piping, C1P, C2P, C3P, RP Flow path, P1~P6 Connection port, R, Ra Refrigerant circuit, RM, RM-1, RM-2, RM-3, RM-4, RMa, RMb Refrigerant module, C1 First coolant circuit, C2 Second coolant circuit (Air conditioning coolant circuit), C3 Third coolant circuit (Battery coolant circuit), Wtr Driving airflow, Wac Air conditioning airflow.

Claims

1. In-vehicle air conditioning system, A refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates has a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, A first heat exchanger, which is integrated with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the first coolant, A first coolant circuit having a radiator through which the first coolant circulates, A second heat exchanger, which is integrated with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, cools the second coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator, A second coolant circuit having a cooler core through which the second coolant circulates, The cooler core has an air passage located inside, and the air conditioning unit cools the air passing through the air passage and blows it into the passenger compartment. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are fixed to a common fixing member, thereby forming an integrated refrigerant module of the refrigerant circuit. In-vehicle air conditioner.

2. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, The fixed member includes a plate, The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are fixed to the upper surface, lower surface, or both of the plate. In-vehicle air conditioner.

3. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2, The plate has a passage inside through which the refrigerant flows, The flow path of the plate serves as a refrigerant flow path between at least two of the following components: the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger. In-vehicle air conditioner.

4. An in-vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned evaporator and second heat exchanger are, respectively, an evaporator for air conditioning and an air conditioning heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit further includes a battery evaporator, The aforementioned in-vehicle air conditioning system is, A battery heat exchanger is integrated with the battery evaporator of the refrigerant circuit and cools the battery coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator, The system further includes a battery coolant circuit through which the aforementioned battery coolant circulates to cool the battery mounted in the vehicle, The aforementioned heat exchanger for the battery is fixed to the fixed member. In-vehicle air conditioner.

5. A refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates has a compressor, a condenser for heat dissipation, an expansion valve, and an evaporator for heat absorption, A first heat exchanger, which is integrated with the condenser of the refrigerant circuit and transfers heat from the refrigerant in the condenser to the first coolant, A first coolant circuit having a radiator through which the first coolant circulates, A second heat exchanger, which is integrated with the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit, cools the second coolant with the refrigerant in the evaporator, A second coolant circuit having a cooler core through which the second coolant circulates, A refrigerant module applied to an in-vehicle air conditioning system comprising an air conditioning unit having an air passage located inside the cooler core, which cools the air passing through the air passage and blows it into the vehicle interior, The aforementioned refrigerant circuit, The first and second heat exchangers, The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger are fixed to a fixed member that integrates the refrigerant circuit, Refrigerant module.

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