Vehicle refrigeration cycle unit

Abstract

Provided is refrigeration cycle unit for vehicles that is interposed between an vehicle-exterior heat exchanger and a vehicle-interior heat exchanger and that exchanges heat between respective secondary refrigerants flowing through the vehicle-exterior heat exchanger and the vehicle-interior heat exchanger, said refrigeration cycle unit for vehicles comprising: a refrigeration cycle that is provided in a device accommodation space inside a vehicle, and that has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which a combustible primary refrigerant having a higher specific gravity than air flows sequentially; and a leakage sensor that is positioned lower than the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator, and that is capable of detecting the concentration of the primary refrigerant contained in the atmosphere in the device accommodation space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle unit for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a compressor housed in a heat insulating case, a heat transfer medium cooler (evaporator ), and A refrigeration cycle that includes a device such as a heat medium heater (condenser) and that constitutes a thermal management system for a vehicle is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-201224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a refrigeration cycle that compresses and condenses a primary refrigerant, the primary refrigerant may leak from the device over time. The compressor, evaporator, and condenser of the refrigeration cycle described in Patent Document 1 are each housed in a space separated by a partition wall within the case. Therefore, if the primary refrigerant leaks from any of these components, it is difficult to determine whether or not there is a leak.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a refrigeration cycle unit for a vehicle that can detect whether or not there is a leakage of the primary refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit according to the present disclosure is a vehicle refrigeration cycle unit that is interposed between an exterior heat exchanger and an interior heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between secondary refrigerants that flow through the exterior heat exchanger and the interior heat exchanger, and includes a refrigeration cycle that is provided in an equipment accommodation space inside the vehicle and has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which a flammable primary refrigerant that has a specific gravity greater than that of air flows in sequence; a leakage sensor that is located below the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, and that is capable of detecting the concentration of the primary refrigerant contained in the atmosphere within the equipment accommodation space; a first scavenging port that communicates the equipment accommodating space with the atmosphere outside the vehicle; a fan that can exhaust the atmosphere in the equipment accommodating space to the atmosphere outside the vehicle through the first scavenging port; a casing that airtightly separates the equipment accommodating space into an outer first space and an inner second space and accommodates the compressor and the condenser in the second space; and a second scavenging port that communicates the second space with the atmosphere outside the vehicle without passing through the first space. Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle refrigeration cycle unit that is capable of detecting whether or not there is a leakage of the primary refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle air conditioner (during heating operation) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle refrigeration cycle unit according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle side control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigeration cycle side control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle air conditioner (during cooling operation) according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Vehicle air conditioning system) A vehicle air conditioner is a device mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, and conditions the air inside the vehicle body. The vehicle air conditioner adjusts the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle body. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the vehicle air conditioner operates in heating mode will be described as an example.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100, a vehicle interior heat medium circuit 20, and a vehicle exterior heat medium circuit 30. In the drawings, among the various lines (pipes) of the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100, the vehicle interior heat medium circuit 20, and the vehicle exterior heat medium circuit 30, lines in an open state through which refrigerant can flow are indicated by solid lines, and lines in a closed state through which refrigerant cannot flow are indicated by dashed lines. Also, various valves are indicated in a closed state by being painted black, and in an open state by being painted white.

[0012] 1 and 2, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is provided in an equipment accommodating space S inside a vehicle C. In this embodiment, the equipment accommodating space S is, for example, a front compartment located on the front side of the vehicle C. When the equipment accommodating space S is a front compartment, of the vehicle body inner wall 200 that constitutes the equipment accommodating space S, a bottom wall portion 201 having a bottom surface and a side wall portion 202 having a side surface are formed of metal or the like.

[0013] A metal hood 203 that can close off the equipment storage space S from above is provided above the equipment storage space S that is partitioned by the bottom wall 201 and the side wall 202. In other words, the hood 203 corresponds to the ceiling of the vehicle body inner wall 200 that closes the equipment storage space S. A hole 60 that connects the equipment storage space S to the atmosphere outside the vehicle C is formed in the side wall 202 of the vehicle body inner wall 200.

[0014] (Vehicle refrigeration cycle unit) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is a device that circulates a primary refrigerant R1 for heat exchange with a secondary refrigerant R2 used for air conditioning in a vehicle. In this embodiment, the primary refrigerant R1 is, for example, R290 refrigerant (propane), which is a highly flammable (combustible) hydrocarbon having a specific gravity greater than that of air.

[0015] The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 includes a base plate 11, a refrigeration cycle 10, various lines (suction line 124, discharge line 143, pre-expansion line 136, and post-expansion line 162), a casing 19, a leakage sensor 17, a first scavenging port 51, a fan 50, an intake port 53, a second scavenging port 52, and a refrigeration cycle side control device 18 (control device).

[0016] (base plate) The base plate 11 is a flat plate-shaped member provided in the equipment housing space S. The base plate 11 has a main surface 11a facing upward in the vertical direction Dv, which is the direction that coincides with the direction of gravity. In other words, the base plate 11 extends in the horizontal direction H, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv, so that the main surface 11a faces upward. The base plate 11 is made of a material such as metal or synthetic resin.

[0017] (refrigeration cycle) The refrigeration cycle 10 is composed of multiple devices that realize a thermodynamic cycle. The refrigeration cycle 10 is a refrigerant circuit in which a primary refrigerant R1 as a heat medium is repeatedly compressed, expanded, evaporated, and condensed while circulating and flowing through multiple devices in sequence to exchange heat between the primary refrigerant R1 and a secondary refrigerant R2.

[0018] The refrigeration cycle 10 is provided in the equipment housing space S. The refrigeration cycle 10 has an evaporator 12, a compressor 14, a condenser 13, a receiver 15, and an expansion valve 16. These are connected in series by a pipe through which a primary refrigerant R1 flows.

[0019] (evaporator) The evaporator 12 is a plate-type heat exchanger that evaporates (vaporizes) the primary refrigerant R1 by exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant R1 sequentially flowing through the refrigeration cycle 10 and the secondary refrigerant R2 introduced from outside the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100. Inside the evaporator 12, the primary refrigerant R1 is heated by the secondary refrigerant R2 and simultaneously cools the secondary refrigerant R2. Although not shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, the evaporator 12 is fixed to the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0020] (Compressor) The compressor 14 is a device that compresses the primary refrigerant R1 that has been vaporized by passing through the evaporator 12. The pressure of the primary refrigerant R1 introduced into the compressor 14 is increased to a predetermined pressure that is higher than the pressure before compression by the compression of the compressor 14. As a result, the temperature of the primary refrigerant R1 becomes higher than the temperature before compression. Although not shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, the compressor 14 is fixed to the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0021] The compressor 14 and the evaporator 12 are connected by a suction line 124. That is, one end of the suction line 124 is connected to the primary refrigerant outlet 12b of the evaporator 12, and the other end of the suction line 124 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 14.

[0022] (condenser) The condenser 13 is a plate-type heat exchanger that condenses (liquefies) the primary refrigerant R1 by exchanging heat between the primary refrigerant R1, which has been made higher in temperature and pressure by passing through the compressor 14 than before compression, and the secondary refrigerant R2 introduced from outside the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100. Inside the condenser 13, the primary refrigerant R1 is cooled by the secondary refrigerant R2 and simultaneously warms the secondary refrigerant R2. Although not shown in FIG. 2 for convenience, the condenser 13 is fixed to the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0023] The condenser 13 and the compressor 14 are connected by a discharge line 143. That is, one end of the discharge line 143 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 14, and the other end of the discharge line 143 is connected to the primary refrigerant inlet portion 13a of the condenser 13.

[0024] (Receiver) The receiver 15 is a gas-liquid separator that receives the primary refrigerant R1, which has become a gas-liquid mixed fluid after passing through the condenser 13, separates the primary refrigerant R1 into a gas phase and a liquid phase, and temporarily stores them inside.

[0025] The receiver 15 and the condenser 13 are connected by a first line 135 of the pre-expansion line 136. That is, one end of the first line 135 is connected to the primary refrigerant outlet 13b of the condenser 13, and the other end of the first line 135 is connected to a refrigerant inlet located at the lower end of the receiver 15. The receiver 15 is supported by this first line 135 connected to the condenser 13, and is held, for example, at a position spaced apart from the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0026] The primary refrigerant R1 in a gas-liquid mixed state introduced into the receiver 15 flows into the liquid phase portion stored inside the receiver 15. The liquid portion of the primary refrigerant R1 that has flowed in is added to the liquid phase, and the remaining gas portion becomes gas bubbles that move upward inside the receiver 15 and are added to the gas phase. The primary refrigerant R1 stored in the liquid phase inside the receiver 15 is discharged to the outside of the receiver 15. As a result, the primary refrigerant R1 in a liquid state is always supplied from the receiver 15.

[0027] (Expansion valve) The expansion valve 16 is a device that receives the primary refrigerant R1 that has become liquid after passing through the receiver 15 and adiabatically expands this primary refrigerant R1. The expansion valve 16 and the receiver 15 are connected by a second line 156 of the pre-expansion line 136. That is, one end of the second line 156 is connected to the refrigerant outlet portion of the receiver 15, and the other end of the second line 156 is connected to the expansion valve 16.

[0028] The pressure of the primary refrigerant R1 introduced into the expansion valve 16 is reduced to a predetermined pressure lower than that before expansion by the expansion action of the expansion valve 16. As a result, the temperature of the primary refrigerant R1 becomes lower than that before expansion. Specifically, the primary refrigerant R1 that has passed through the expansion valve 16 becomes a two-phase fluid and drops to a temperature lower than that of the secondary refrigerant R2 with which it is heat exchanged.

[0029] The expansion valve 16 and the evaporator 12 are connected by a post-expansion line 162, and the primary refrigerant R1 that has passed through the expansion valve 16 is introduced into the evaporator 12 through this post-expansion line 162. That is, one end of the post-expansion line 162 is connected to the expansion valve 16, and the other end of the post-expansion line 162 is connected to the primary refrigerant inlet portion 12a of the evaporator 12. The expansion valve 16 is supported by this post-expansion line 162 that is connected to the evaporator 12, and is held, for example, at a position spaced apart from the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0030] (Casing) The casing 19 airtightly separates the equipment accommodating space S into an outer first space S1 and an inner second space S2, and accommodates the compressor 14 and the condenser 13 in the second space S2. That is, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are nested within each other by the casing 19. The casing 19 is fixed to the main surface 11a of the base plate 11.

[0031] The casing 19 is a heat insulating material provided in the equipment accommodation space S between the compressor 14 and the condenser 13 and other devices of the refrigeration cycle 10. The casing 19 is made of a material such as rubber or resin. The casing 19 suppresses the movement of atmosphere from the second space S2 to the first space S1 and the direct movement of heat (thermal conduction) from the second space S2 to the first space S1 via the atmosphere.

[0032] A portion of the outer surface of the casing 19 in this embodiment (the right side surface portion of the casing 19 shown in FIG. 2) is joined to the side surface of the side wall portion 202. A casing hole 19a is formed in the casing 19, penetrating from the inside toward this joined inner wall surface. This casing hole 19a has the same shape and size as a hole portion 60 formed in the vehicle body inner wall 200, and is positioned to correspond to (overlap) this hole portion 60.

[0033] (Leak sensor) The leakage sensor 17 is a gas sensor capable of detecting the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 contained in the atmosphere within the accommodation space. The leakage sensor 17 is provided within the equipment accommodation space S, and is located below the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12 of the refrigeration cycle 10 (below the vertical direction Dv). Specifically, the leakage sensor 17 is provided on the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 201. The leakage sensor 17 detects the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 contained in the atmosphere within the accommodation space at predetermined time intervals, and transmits a signal indicating this concentration to the outside via a cable (wire harness) or the like.

[0034] In this embodiment, a semiconductor gas sensor capable of detecting R290 refrigerant is used as the leakage sensor 17. Specifically, a TGS2610-D00 (LP gas sensor) manufactured by Figaro Giken Co., Ltd. is one example.

[0035] (First clean-up air) The first scavenging port 51 is an air flow path that connects the equipment accommodating space S with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C. The first scavenging port 51 is located below the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12 of the refrigeration cycle 10. In this embodiment, the first scavenging port 51 is a hole formed in a side wall portion 202 of the vehicle body inner wall 200.

[0036] (fan) The fan 50 is capable of discharging the atmosphere in the equipment accommodation space S to the atmosphere outside the vehicle C through the first scavenging port 51. fanThe fan 50 is provided in the first scavenging port 51. That is, the fan 50 in this embodiment sends the atmosphere in the first space S1 of the equipment housing space S to the outside of the vehicle C.

[0037] (Air intake) The intake port 53 is an air flow path that communicates the equipment accommodating space S with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C, independent of the first scavenging port 51. The intake port 53 is located above the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12 of the refrigeration cycle 10 (above the vertical direction Dv). The intake port 53 in this embodiment is, for example, a hole formed in the hood 203. Note that the intake port 53 may also be a gap defined by a gap between the hood 203 and the side wall portion 202.

[0038] When the fan 50 blows the atmosphere in the first space S1 toward the atmosphere through the first scavenging port 51, air (atmosphere) outside the vehicle C is introduced into the equipment housing space S through the intake port 53. This achieves ventilation of the atmosphere in the first space S1.

[0039] (Second scavenging port) The second scavenging port 52 is formed by a combination of a casing hole 19a formed in the casing 19 and a hole 60 formed in the vehicle body inner wall 200. In other words, the second scavenging port 52 is an air flow path that connects the second space S2 inside the casing 19 with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C without passing through the first space S1.

[0040] (Refrigeration cycle control device) The refrigeration cycle side control device 18 is a device that stops the operation of the compressor 14 of the refrigeration cycle 10 and drives the fan 50 based on the detection information of the leakage sensor 17.

[0041] The refrigeration cycle side control device 18 is connected to the leakage sensor 17, the compressor 14 of the refrigeration cycle 10, and the vehicle side control device 40 constituting an engine control unit provided inside the vehicle C by a cable (wire harness) or the like.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigeration cycle side control device 18 includes a refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18a, a refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b, a refrigeration cycle control unit 18c, and a warning signal transmission unit 18d.

[0043] The refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18a receives a signal transmitted from the leakage sensor 17, and acquires the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 contained in the atmosphere in the equipment housing space S from this signal. Based on the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 acquired by the refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18a, the refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines whether or not the primary refrigerant R1 is leaking within the equipment accommodation space S. Specifically, the refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines whether or not the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 acquired by the refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18a is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0044] The predetermined threshold value here refers to the upper limit of a safe concentration range in which the primary refrigerant R1 will not explode due to a fire or the like. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the safe concentration range is, for example, the lower explosion limit (LEL) of the primary refrigerant R1. When the primary refrigerant R1 is R290 refrigerant, the lower explosion limit is 2.1%. On the other hand, the lower limit of the safe concentration range is 0%. Therefore, the safe concentration range in this embodiment is equal to or greater than 0% and less than 2.1%.

[0045] When the refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines that the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle 10 and drives the fan 50. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c transmits a signal to the compressor 14 indicating an instruction to stop operation, and then transmits a signal to the fan 50 indicating an instruction to start driving.

[0046] The compressor 14 stops operation when it receives a signal indicating an instruction to stop operation from the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c. The fan 50 is driven when it receives a signal indicating an instruction to start driving from the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c. That is, the fan 50 starts blowing the atmosphere in the equipment housing space S through the first scavenging port 51 to the atmosphere.

[0047] When the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c transmits a signal indicating an instruction to stop operation to the compressor 14, the warning signal transmission unit 18d transmits a signal indicating a warning to the vehicle-side control device 40. When the vehicle-side control device 40 receives the signal indicating a warning from the warning signal transmission unit 18d, it transmits a signal instructing it to turn on to an interior warning light L provided in the driver's seat or the like inside the vehicle C. When the interior warning light L receives the signal instructing it to turn on from the vehicle-side control device 40, it starts turning on.

[0048] (Operation of the refrigeration cycle side control device) Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle side control device 18 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] The refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18a acquires the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1. The refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines whether or not the primary refrigerant R1 is leaking within the equipment housing space S (step S1). When the refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines that there is a leak (step S1; YES), the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c transmits a signal indicating an instruction to stop operation to the compressor 14. That is, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c stops the operation of the compressor 14 (step S2). On the other hand, if the refrigerant concentration determining unit 18b determines that there is no leakage (step S1; NO), the process returns to step S1.

[0050] After the signal indicating an instruction to stop operation is transmitted to the compressor 14, the warning signal transmitting unit 18d transmits a signal indicating a warning to the vehicle-side control device 40 (step S3). After the signal indicating the warning is transmitted to the vehicle-side control device 40, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c transmits a signal indicating an instruction to start driving to the fan 50. That is, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c drives the fan 50 (step S4).

[0051] After a signal indicating an instruction to start driving is transmitted to fan 50, refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines whether the concentration of primary refrigerant R1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. That is, refrigerant concentration determination unit 18b determines whether the concentration of primary refrigerant R1 contained in the atmosphere in equipment housing space S is within a safe concentration range (step S5).

[0052] If it is determined that the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 is within the safe concentration range (step S5; YES), the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c transmits a signal indicating an instruction to stop driving to the fan 50. That is, the refrigeration cycle control unit 18c stops driving of the fan 50 (step S6).

[0053] When the driving of the fan 50 stops, the operation of the refrigeration cycle side control device 18 ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 is not within the safe concentration range (step S5; NO), the process returns to step S4.

[0054] (Inside vehicle heat transfer circuit) The vehicle interior heat transfer medium circuit 20 is a refrigerant circuit for circulating the secondary refrigerant R2 that has exchanged heat with the primary refrigerant R1 in the refrigeration cycle 10 and for conditioning the air inside the vehicle. In this embodiment, an antifreeze liquid such as ethylene glycol is used as the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle interior heat transfer circuit 20 includes a heater core 21a (vehicle interior heat exchanger 21), a cooler core 21b (vehicle interior heat exchanger 21), a first pump 22, a first valve 23, a second valve 24, and various lines (first heat transfer line 20a to seventh heat transfer line 20g).

[0056] The heater core 21a and the cooler core 21b are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the secondary refrigerant R2 and the room air inside the vehicle C and the outdoor air outside the vehicle C. The secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the condenser 13 of the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is introduced into the heater core 21a. In the process of introducing the secondary refrigerant R2 from the condenser 13 into the heater core 21a, the secondary refrigerant R2 passes through a first pump 22 and a first valve 23.

[0057] The first pump 22 is a pump that pressure-feeds the secondary refrigerant R2, which has been heated by the condenser 13, to the heater core 21a. A first heat medium line 20a, which serves as a flow path for sucking the secondary refrigerant R2 into the first pump 22, connects the condenser 13 and the first pump 22. That is, one end of the first heat medium line 20a is connected to a secondary refrigerant outlet 13d of the condenser 13, and the other end of the first heat medium line 20a is connected to a refrigerant suction port of the first pump 22.

[0058] A second heat medium line 20b, which serves as a flow path for discharging the secondary refrigerant R2 from the first pump 22 toward the heater core 21a, connects the first pump 22 and a first valve 23. That is, one end of the second heat medium line 20b is connected to a refrigerant discharge port of the first pump 22, and the other end of the second heat medium line 20b is connected to the first valve 23. The first valve 23 is a three-way valve that can change the flow path (destination) of the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0059] The first valve 23 and the heater core 21a are connected by a third heat medium line 20c. That is, one end of the third heat medium line 20c is connected to the first valve 23, and the other end of the third heat medium line 20c is connected to the heater core 21a.

[0060] The secondary refrigerant R2 introduced into the heater core 21a is cooled by heat exchange with the indoor air inside the vehicle C and the outdoor air introduced into the interior from outside the vehicle C, and at the same time, warms the indoor air and the outdoor air. This makes it possible to warm the air inside the vehicle body. Note that the outdoor air is, for example, the outdoor air outside the vehicle body introduced by a blower (not shown) arranged upstream of the cooler core 21b.

[0061] The secondary refrigerant R2 cooled in the heater core 21a is returned to the condenser 13 via the second valve 24. The second valve 24 is a three-way valve that can change the flow path (destination) of the secondary refrigerant R2. The second valve 24 and the heater core 21a are connected by a fourth heat medium line 20d. That is, one end of the fourth heat medium line 20d is connected to the refrigerant outlet portion of the heater core 21a, and the other end of the fourth heat medium line 20d is connected to the second valve 24.

[0062] The second valve 24 and the condenser 13 are connected by a fifth heat medium line 20e. That is, one end of the fifth heat medium line 20e is connected to the second valve 24, and the other end of the fifth heat medium line 20e is connected to the secondary refrigerant inlet 13c of the condenser 13.

[0063] With the above-described configuration, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows sequentially through the condenser 13, the first pump 22, and the heater core 21a, and then returns to the condenser 13. By repeating this circulation, heating operation is realized, and the temperature inside the vehicle can be continuously heated.

[0064] Here, the cooler core 21b is provided in the vehicle body independently of the heater core 21a. During cooling operation, the secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the evaporator 12 is introduced into the cooler core 21b, and heat is exchanged between the secondary refrigerant R2 and outside air. The flow of the secondary refrigerant R2 during cooling operation will be described later.

[0065] (Vehicle outside heat medium circuit) The vehicle-exterior heat medium circuit 30 is a refrigerant circuit for circulating the secondary refrigerant R2 that has exchanged heat with the primary refrigerant R1 in the refrigeration cycle 10, and for cooling the battery for driving the vehicle body. The outside heat transfer circuit 30 has an outside heat exchanger 31, a second pump 32, various valves (a third valve 33 and a fifth valve 35), a battery cooler 36, and various lines (an eighth heat transfer line 30a to a twelfth heat transfer line 30e, and a first connection line 30f to a fourth connection line 30i).

[0066] The exterior heat exchanger 31 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between outside air and the secondary refrigerant R2. A portion of the secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the evaporator 12 of the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is introduced into the exterior heat exchanger 31 via a third valve 33. The remaining portion of the secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the evaporator 12 is introduced into the battery cooler 36 via a fourth valve 34.

[0067] The evaporator 12 is connected to the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 by an eighth heat medium line 30a. Specifically, one end of the eighth heat medium line 30a is connected to the secondary refrigerant outlet 12d of the evaporator 12, and the other end of the eighth heat medium line 30a branches into two directions midway through the eighth heat medium line 30a and is connected to the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34, respectively. The third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 are three-way valves that can change the flow path (destination) of the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0068] The third valve 33 and the exterior heat exchanger 31 are connected by a ninth heat medium line 30b. That is, one end of the ninth heat medium line 30b is connected to the third valve 33, and the other end of the ninth heat medium line 30b is connected to a refrigerant inlet of the exterior heat exchanger 31.

[0069] The secondary refrigerant R2 introduced into the exterior heat exchanger 31 through the eighth heat medium line 30a, the third valve 33, and the ninth heat medium line 30b is heated by exchanging heat with the outside air. As a result, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant R2 becomes higher than that of the primary refrigerant R1 introduced into the evaporator 12, and the secondary refrigerant R2 can heat the primary refrigerant R1 circulating through the refrigeration cycle 10 in the evaporator 12. The outside air that is the destination of heat exchange in the exterior heat exchanger 31 is drawn from outside the vehicle body through a front grille F by a blower B provided on the front side inside the vehicle C.

[0070] The second pump 32 is a pump that pressure-feeds the secondary refrigerant R2 that has been heated by the exterior heat exchanger 31 to the evaporator 12. The secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the exterior heat exchanger 31 passes through a fifth valve 35 in the process of being sucked into the second pump 32. The fifth valve 35 is a three-way valve that can change the flow path (destination) of the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0071] The fifth valve 35 and the exterior heat exchanger 31 are connected by a tenth heat medium line 30c. That is, one end of the tenth heat medium line 30c is connected to the exterior heat exchanger 31, and the other end of the tenth heat medium line 30c is connected to the fifth valve 35.

[0072] An eleventh heat medium line 30d, which serves as a flow path for sucking the secondary refrigerant R2 into the second pump 32, connects the fifth valve 35 and the second pump 32. That is, one end of the eleventh heat medium line 30d is connected to the fifth valve 35, and the other end of the eleventh heat medium line 30d is connected to the second pump 32.

[0073] The second pump 32 and the evaporator 12 are connected by a twelfth heat medium line 30e. That is, one end of the twelfth heat medium line 30e is connected to the second pump 32, and the other end of the twelfth heat medium line 30e is connected to the secondary refrigerant inlet 12c of the evaporator 12. As a result, the secondary refrigerant R2 pressure-fed by the second pump 32 is introduced into the evaporator 12.

[0074] With the configuration described above, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows sequentially through the evaporator 12, the exterior heat exchanger 31, and the second pump 32, and then returns to the evaporator 12. By repeating this circulation, the primary refrigerant R1 circulating through the refrigeration cycle 10 can be continuously heated by heat exchange in the evaporator 12.

[0075] Therefore, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is interposed between the exterior heat exchanger 31 and the heater core 21a (interior heat exchanger 21), and exchanges heat between the secondary refrigerant R2 circulating through the exterior heat exchanger 31 and the interior heat exchanger 21, respectively.

[0076] The battery cooler 36 is a heat exchanger for cooling the battery. The battery cooler 36 is provided inside the vehicle C. The remainder of the secondary refrigerant R2, which has been cooled by the evaporator 12 and flows through the eighth heat medium line 30a, is introduced into the battery cooler 36 via the fourth valve 34. The fourth valve 34 and the battery cooler 36 are connected by a first connection line 30f. That is, one end of the first connection line 30f is connected to the fourth valve 34, and the other end of the first connection line 30f is connected to a refrigerant inlet portion of the battery cooler 36.

[0077] The secondary refrigerant R2, which has been warmed by heat exchange with a battery (not shown) in the battery cooler 36, is returned to the evaporator 12. The battery cooler 36 and the eleventh heat medium line 30d are connected by a second connection line 30g. Specifically, one end of the second connection line 30g is connected to a refrigerant outlet port of the battery cooler 36, and the other end of the second connection line 30g is connected to a portion of the eleventh heat medium line 30d that is closer to the fifth valve 35 than the second pump 32. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the battery cooler 36 merges with the eleventh heat medium line 30d via the second connection line 30g, and is pumped again to the evaporator 12 by the second pump 32.

[0078] Here, the fourth valve 34 and the cooler core 21b are connected by a sixth heat medium line 20f. That is, one end of the sixth heat medium line 20f is connected to the fourth valve 34, and the other end of the sixth heat medium line 20f is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the cooler core 21b. Furthermore, the cooler core 21b and the second connection line 30g are connected by a seventh heat medium line 20g. That is, one end of the seventh heat medium line 20g is connected to the cooler core 21b, and the other end of the seventh heat medium line 20g is connected to the second connection line 30g. 。

[0079] During heating operation, the fourth valve 34 causes the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing from the eighth heat medium line 30a to flow only through the first connection line 30f, without flowing through the sixth heat medium line 20f. In other words, the fourth valve 34 supplies the secondary refrigerant R2 only to the battery cooler 36, without supplying it to the cooler core 21b.

[0080] Furthermore, the first valve 23 and the fifth valve 35 are connected by a third connection line 30h. That is, one end of the third connection line 30h is connected to the first valve 23, and the other end of the third connection line 30h is connected to the fifth valve 35.

[0081] During heating operation, the first valve 23 allows the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing from the second heat medium line 20b to flow only through the third heat medium line 20c, but not through the third connecting line 30h. The fifth valve 35 allows the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing from the tenth heat medium line 30c to flow only through the eleventh heat medium line 30d, but not through the third connecting line 30h.

[0082] The second valve 24 and the third valve 33 are connected by a fourth connection line 30i. That is, one end of the fourth connection line 30i is connected to the second valve 24, and the other end of the fourth connection line 30i is connected to the third valve 33.

[0083] During heating operation, the second valve 24 allows the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing from the fourth heat medium line 20d to flow only through the fifth heat medium line 20e, but not through the fourth connecting line 30i. The third valve 33 allows the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing from the eighth heat medium line 30a to flow only through the ninth heat medium line 30b, but not through the fourth connecting line 30i.

[0084] (Action and effect) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the above embodiment includes a leak sensor 17 that is capable of detecting the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 in the atmosphere within the equipment housing space S, below the compressor 14, the condenser 13, the expansion valve 16, and the evaporator 12. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in any of the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12 and the primary refrigerant R1 leaks, the leaked primary refrigerant R1 drops, and the leak sensor 17 detects an increase in the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the primary refrigerant R1 is leaking based on the concentration detected by the leak sensor 17.

[0085] Moreover, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the above embodiment includes the first scavenging port 51 and the fan 50 that can exhaust the atmosphere in the equipment accommodating space S to the atmosphere outside the vehicle C through the first scavenging port 51. This allows the leaked, flammable primary refrigerant R1 to be actively exhausted to the atmosphere without being retained in the equipment accommodating space S. Therefore, the equipment accommodating space S can be kept safe.

[0086] Furthermore, in the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the above embodiment, the control device stops the operation of the compressor 14 and drives the fan 50 based on the detection information from the leakage sensor 17. This allows the primary refrigerant R1 in the equipment housing space S to be discharged to the atmosphere at the required timing, and because the control device stops the operation of the compressor 14, further leakage of the primary refrigerant R1 can be suppressed. Therefore, the equipment housing space S can be kept safer.

[0087] Furthermore, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the above embodiment includes an intake port 53 that connects the equipment housing space S with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C, independent of the first scavenging port 51. This allows air from the atmosphere to be introduced from the intake port 53 as the atmosphere in the equipment housing space S is discharged from the first scavenging port 51. Therefore, the atmosphere in the equipment housing space S can be entirely ventilated, and negative pressure in the equipment housing space S can be prevented.

[0088] Furthermore, in the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the above embodiment, even if the primary refrigerant R1 leaks from the compressor 14 and the condenser 13, the leaked primary refrigerant R1 can be contained in the second space S2 inside the casing 19. Furthermore, because the leaked primary refrigerant R1 creates a positive pressure in the second space S2, the primary refrigerant R1 in the second space S2 can be guided to the atmosphere through the second scavenging port 52. Therefore, even if the primary refrigerant R1 leaks from the compressor 14 and the condenser 13, the leaked primary refrigerant R1 can be prevented from spreading throughout the equipment accommodating space S. Furthermore, since the equipment accommodating space S is divided into the first space S1 and the second space S2 by the casing 19, it is possible to identify from which device of the refrigeration cycle 10 the primary refrigerant R1 has leaked.

[0089] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to those of the embodiments, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of the computer 1100 according to this embodiment. The computer 1100 includes a processor 1110 , a main memory 1120 , storage 1130 , and an interface 1140 .

[0091] The above-mentioned refrigeration cycle side control device 18 is implemented in a computer 1100. The operations of the above-mentioned processing units are stored in the form of a program in a storage 1130. The processor 1110 reads the program from the storage 1130, loads it into the main memory 1120, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The processor 1110 also allocates storage areas in the main memory 1120 corresponding to the above-mentioned storage units in accordance with the program.

[0092] The program may be for realizing some of the functions to be performed by the computer 1100. For example, the program may be combined with other programs already stored in the storage 1130 or other programs implemented in other devices to perform the functions. Furthermore, the computer 1100 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions to be performed by the processor 1110 may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0093] Examples of storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. Storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 1100, or an external medium connected to computer 1100 via interface 1140 or a communication line. Furthermore, when this program is distributed to computer 1100 via a communication line, computer 1100 that receives the program may load the program into main memory 1120 and execute the above-mentioned processing. In this embodiment, storage 1130 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0094] The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in storage 1130.

[0095] In addition, in the embodiment, the configuration when the vehicle air conditioner 1 is in heating operation is described as an example, but this is not limited to heating operation, and the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 can also adopt a configuration similar to that of the above embodiment even when performing cooling operation. Hereinafter, the configurations of the vehicle interior heat medium circuit 20 and the vehicle exterior heat medium circuit 30 during cooling operation will be described with reference to FIG.

[0096] The first pump 22 pressure-feeds the secondary refrigerant R2, whose temperature has been increased by the condenser 13, to the exterior heat exchanger 31. A first heat medium line 20a, which serves as a flow path for drawing the secondary refrigerant R2 into the first pump 22, connects the condenser 13 and the first pump 22.

[0097] The second heat medium line 20b, which serves as a flow path for discharging the secondary refrigerant R2 from the first pump 22 toward the exterior heat exchanger 31, connects the first pump 22 to the first valve 23. The first valve 23 prevents the secondary refrigerant R2 discharged from the first pump 22 from flowing to the third heat medium line 20c. Third connecting line 30h Drain. Third connecting line 30h The secondary refrigerant R2 that flows into Fifth Valve 35 flows into

[0098] where: Fifth Valve 35 teeth, Third connecting line 30h The secondary refrigerant R2 flowing in from the eleventh heat medium line 30d flows into the tenth heat medium line 30c, not into the eleventh heat medium line 30d. The secondary refrigerant R2 flowing in the tenth heat medium line 30c flows into the exterior heat exchanger 31.

[0099] The secondary refrigerant R2 that has passed through the exterior heat exchanger 31 is returned to the vehicle through the ninth heat medium line 30b. Third valve 33 Therefore, the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant R2 flowing through the tenth heat medium line 30c, the exterior heat exchanger 31, and the ninth heat medium line 30b during cooling operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is opposite to the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant R2 during heating operation.

[0100] where: Third valve 33 The secondary refrigerant R2 flowing in from the ninth heat transfer medium line 30b does not flow into the eighth heat transfer medium line 30a. Fourth connecting line 30iDrain. Fourth connecting line 30i The secondary refrigerant R2 flows into the second valve 24.

[0101] Here, the second valve 24 is Fourth connecting line 30i The secondary refrigerant R2 flowing in from the fourth heat medium line 20d flows into the fifth heat medium line 20e without flowing into the fourth heat medium line 20d. The secondary refrigerant R2 flowing in the fifth heat medium line 20e flows into the condenser 13.

[0102] With the configuration described above, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows sequentially through the condenser 13, the first pump 22, and the exterior heat exchanger 31, and then returns to the condenser 13. By repeating this circulation, the primary refrigerant R1 circulating through the refrigeration cycle 10 can be continuously cooled by heat exchange in the condenser 13.

[0103] The second pump 32 pumps the secondary refrigerant R2 cooled by the evaporator 12 to the cooler core 21b. The secondary refrigerant R2 passes through the evaporator 12 by the suction force of the pump and flows into the eighth heat medium line 30a. Fourth Valve 34 where, Fourth Valve 34 The secondary refrigerant R2 that has flowed in from the eighth heat medium line 30a flows into both the sixth heat medium line 20f and the first connection line 30f.

[0104] The secondary refrigerant R2 that flows into the sixth heat medium line 20f flows into the cooler core 21b. After completing heat exchange in the cooler core 21b, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows into the seventh heat medium line 20g and then into the second connection line 30g. The secondary refrigerant R2 that flows into the second connection line 30g flows into the eleventh heat medium line 30d and returns to the evaporator 12 via the second pump 32 and the twelfth heat medium line 30e.

[0105] The secondary refrigerant R2 that flows into the first connection line 30f flows into the battery cooler 36. Therefore, whether the vehicle air conditioner 1 is in heating operation or cooling operation, the battery cooler 36 exchanges heat with (is cooled by) the secondary refrigerant R2. After completing heat exchange in the battery cooler 36, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows into the second connection line 30g. The secondary refrigerant R2 that flows into the second connection line 30g flows into the eleventh heat medium line 30d and returns to the evaporator 12 via the second pump 32 and the twelfth heat medium line 30e.

[0106] With the above-described configuration, the secondary refrigerant R2 flows sequentially through the evaporator 12, the cooler core 21b, and the second pump 32, and then returns to the evaporator 12. By repeating this circulation, cooling operation is realized, and the temperature inside the vehicle can be continuously cooled.

[0107] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the primary refrigerant R1 is exemplified as R290 refrigerant, and the secondary refrigerant R2 is exemplified as ethylene glycol, but other refrigerants may be used as the primary refrigerant R1 and the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0108] In the embodiment, the base plate 11 extends in the horizontal direction H, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the base plate 11 in the equipment housing space S may extend in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction H, and the main surface 11a of the base plate 11 may face the horizontal direction H.

[0109] Furthermore, the casing 19 in the embodiment may be integrally formed with the vehicle body inner wall 200 and may be a part of the vehicle body inner wall 200. Furthermore, although the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 includes the casing 19 and the second scavenging port 52, it may be configured not to include these.

[0110] Moreover, the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 in the embodiment may further include a leakage sensor 17 provided below the compressor 14 and the condenser 13 in the second space S2 inside the casing 19.

[0111] In addition, in the embodiment, the first scavenging port 51 is a hole formed in the side wall portion 202 of the vehicle body inner wall 200, but this configuration is not limited to this, and the first scavenging port 51 may also be a hole formed in the bottom wall portion 201 of the vehicle body inner wall 200.

[0112] [Note] The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit described in the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0113] (1) The first aspect of the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 is interposed between an exterior heat exchanger 31 and an interior heat exchanger 21, and performs heat exchange between the secondary refrigerant R2 circulating through the exterior heat exchanger 31 and the interior heat exchanger 21, and includes a refrigeration cycle 10 provided in an equipment storage space S inside the vehicle C, the refrigeration cycle 10 having a compressor 14, a condenser 13, an expansion valve 16, and an evaporator 12 through which a flammable primary refrigerant R1 having a specific gravity greater than that of air flows in sequence, and a leakage sensor 17 located below the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12, and capable of detecting the concentration of the primary refrigerant R1 contained in the atmosphere within the equipment storage space S.

[0114] As a result, when an abnormality occurs in any of the compressor 14, the condenser 13, and the evaporator 12 and the primary refrigerant R1 leaks, the leaked primary refrigerant R1 decreases. At this time, the leakage sensor 17 detects the increase in concentration of the primary refrigerant R1.

[0115] (2) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the second aspect may be the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 of (1), further including a first scavenging port 51 that connects the equipment accommodating space S with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C, and a fan 50 that can exhaust the atmosphere in the equipment accommodating space S to the atmosphere outside the vehicle C through the first scavenging port 51.

[0116] This prevents the leaked primary refrigerant R1 from accumulating in the equipment housing space S, and allows the primary refrigerant R1 to be actively discharged to the atmosphere.

[0117] (3) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the third aspect may be the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 of (2), further comprising a control device that stops operation of the compressor 14 and drives the fan 50 based on detection information from the leakage sensor 17.

[0118] This allows the primary refrigerant R1 in the equipment housing space S to be discharged to the atmosphere at the required timing, and also stops the operation of the compressor 14, thereby preventing further leakage of the primary refrigerant R1.

[0119] (4) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the fourth aspect is the vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to (2) or (3), and may further include an intake port 53 that connects the equipment accommodating space S with the atmosphere outside the vehicle C, independent of the first scavenging port 51.

[0120] This allows air from the atmosphere to be introduced through the intake port 53 as the atmosphere in the equipment housing space S is discharged through the first scavenging port 51 .

[0121] (5) The vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 100 according to the fifth aspect may be any one of the vehicle refrigeration cycle units 100 according to (2) to (4), and may further include a casing 19 that airtightly separates the equipment accommodating space S into an outer first space S1 and an inner second space S2, and accommodates the compressor 14 and the condenser 13 in the second space S2, and a second scavenging port 52 that connects the second space S2 to the atmosphere outside the vehicle C without passing through the first space S1.

[0122] As a result, when the primary refrigerant R1 leaks from the compressor 14 and the condenser 13, the leaked primary refrigerant R1 can be contained in the second space S2 inside the casing 19, and the primary refrigerant R1 in the second space S2 can be led to the atmosphere through the second scavenging port 52. In addition, it is possible to identify from which device in the refrigeration cycle 10 the primary refrigerant R1 has leaked. [Industrial Applicability]

[0123] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle refrigeration cycle unit that is capable of detecting whether or not there is a leakage of the primary refrigerant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Vehicle air conditioning device 10...Refrigeration cycle 11...Base plate 11a...Main surface 12...Evaporator 12a, 13a...Primary refrigerant inlet portion 12b, 13b...Primary refrigerant outlet portion 12c, 13c...Secondary refrigerant inlet portion 12d, 13d...Secondary refrigerant outlet portion 13...Condenser 14...Compressor 15...Receiver 16...Expansion valve 17...Leakage sensor 18...Refrigeration cycle side control device 18a...Refrigerant concentration acquisition unit 18b...Refrigerant concentration determination unit 18c...Refrigeration cycle control unit 18d...Warning signal transmission unit 19...Casing 19a...Casing hole 20...Inside vehicle heat medium circuit 20a...First heat medium line 20b...Second heat medium line 20c...Third heat medium line 20d...Fourth heat medium line 20e...Fifth heat medium line 20f...Sixth heat medium line 20g...seventh heat medium line 21...interior heat exchanger 21a...heater core 21b...cooler core 22...first pump 23...first valve 24...second valve 30...exterior heat medium circuit 30a...eighth heat medium line 30b...ninth heat medium line 30c...tenth heat medium line 30d...eleventh heat medium line 30e...twelfth heat medium line 30f...first connecting line 30g...second connecting line 30h...third connecting line 30i...fourth connecting line 31...exterior heat exchanger 32...second pump 33...third valve 34...fourth valve 35...fifth valve 36...battery cooler 40...vehicle-side control device 50...fan 51...first scavenging port 52...second scavenging port 53...intake port 60...hole 100...vehicle refrigeration cycle unit 124 …suction line 135...First line 136...Pre-expansion line 143...Discharge line 156...Second line 162...Post-expansion line 200...Interior wall of vehicle 201...Bottom wall 202...Side wall 203...Hood 1100...Computer 1110...Processor 1120...Main memory 1130...Storage 1140...Interface B...Blower C...Vehicle Dv...Vertical direction F...Front grille H...Horizontal direction L...Interior warning light R1...Primary refrigerant R2...Second refrigerant S...Equipment accommodating space S1...First space S2...Second space

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle unit for a vehicle is interposed between an exterior heat exchanger and an interior heat exchanger, and performs heat exchange between secondary refrigerants flowing through the exterior heat exchanger and the interior heat exchanger, a refrigeration cycle provided in an equipment accommodation space inside the vehicle, the refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which a flammable primary refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air flows in sequence; a leakage sensor located below the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator, the leakage sensor being capable of detecting a concentration of the primary refrigerant contained in the atmosphere in the equipment accommodating space; a first scavenging port that communicates the equipment accommodating space with the atmosphere outside the vehicle; a fan capable of discharging the atmosphere in the equipment accommodation space to the atmosphere outside the vehicle through the first scavenging port; a casing that airtightly separates the equipment accommodating space into an outer first space and an inner second space and accommodates the compressor and the condenser in the second space; a second scavenging port that communicates the second space with the atmosphere outside the vehicle without passing through the first space; A refrigeration cycle unit for a vehicle.

2. The vehicular refrigeration cycle unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control device that stops operation of the compressor and drives the fan based on detection information from the leakage sensor.

3. The vehicular refrigeration cycle unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an intake port, independent of the first scavenging port, that connects the equipment accommodating space with the atmosphere outside the vehicle.

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