Refrigerant unit

Abstract

To provide a refrigerant unit capable of coping with a desired temperature request for a temperature controlled object while inhibiting heat exchangers having different functions from being thermally influenced on each other.SOLUTION: A refrigerant unit 10 includes the refrigerant circuit, and a single support member 12 intensively supporting structural elements of the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit including a first heat exchanger 30 and second heat exchangers 41, 42 having different functions, the first heat exchanger being arranged between the plurality of second heat exchangers in the state that a distance from one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger is longer than a distance from the other side of the plurality of the second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant unit.

Background Art

[0002] A heat management system for vehicles or the like performs heat management on temperature control targets such as in-vehicle air conditioning by utilizing heat absorption and release of a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit, which is the core of the heat management system, is required to compactly unitize its components in order to enable centralized management within a device such as a vehicle or to be arranged within the device with good space efficiency.

[0003] The unitized refrigerant circuit (refrigerant unit) aggregates and arranges components such as a compressor, a heat exchanger functioning as an evaporator or a condenser, a decompression device (expansion valve), and a gas-liquid separator (accumulator), which are components of the refrigerant circuit, with respect to a base support member, and forms a refrigerant flow path (manifold) in this support member to assemble the unit (see Patent Document No. 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When there are a plurality of temperature control targets in the heat management system, one or both of the heat exchangers functioning as an evaporator and the heat exchanger functioning as a condenser of the refrigerant unit are provided in plurality, and each heat exchanger is made to correspond to each of the plurality of temperature control targets. At this time, a flow path for diverting the refrigerant to the plurality of heat exchangers functioning as an evaporator or a condenser, or a flow path for merging the refrigerant from the plurality of heat exchangers is required to have as short a flow path length as possible.

[0006] Furthermore, in a refrigerant unit, when multiple heat exchangers with the same function are provided to correspond to multiple temperature-controlled objects, as mentioned above, in order to shorten the flow path length of the refrigerant flow path, it is preferable to place heat exchangers with different functions between multiple heat exchangers with the same function. However, this results in a heat exchanger with a heat absorption function being placed next to a heat exchanger with a heat dissipation function, causing heat exchangers with different functions to influence each other thermally, which leads to the problem of not being able to meet the desired temperature requirements of the temperature-controlled objects.

[0007] The present invention aims to address these problems. Specifically, in a refrigerant unit equipped with multiple heat exchangers corresponding to multiple temperature-controlled objects, the present invention aims to suppress the thermal influence between heat exchangers with different functions and enable the unit to meet the desired temperature requirements of the temperature-controlled objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve these problems, a refrigerant unit according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. A refrigerant unit comprising a refrigerant circuit and a single support member that comprehensively supports the components of the refrigerant circuit, wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger having different functions, the first heat exchanger is arranged between a plurality of the second heat exchangers, and the distance from one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger is greater than the distance from the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] A refrigerant unit having these characteristics, equipped with multiple heat exchangers corresponding to multiple temperature-controlled objects, can suppress the thermal influence between heat exchangers with different functions and respond to the desired temperature requirements of the temperature-controlled objects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member and each heat exchanger as seen from the second fixed surface side in a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a surface arranged on the same side as the first fixed surface of a first flow path module and a second flow path module applied to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of a surface arranged on the same side as the second fixed surface of the first flow path module and the second flow path module applied to a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a reference diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation in a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a reference diagram showing the flow of refrigerant during heating operation in a refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member and each heat exchanger as seen from the second fixed surface side in a modified example of the refrigerant unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant unit 10. The refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment is a unit formed by fixing each component constituting the refrigerant circuit to a support member 12, and is used, for example, in an air conditioning system or thermal management system mounted on a vehicle equipped with a traction battery to perform air conditioning in the vehicle interior and temperature control of in-vehicle equipment.

[0013] As shown in each figure, the refrigerant unit 10 comprises a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor 20, an accumulator 22, a first heat exchanger 30, second heat exchangers 41, 42, a first flow path module 51, a second flow path module 52, a four-way valve 60 as a means for switching the flow path direction, expansion valves 71, 72 as pressure reducing devices, and solenoid valves 81, 82 as flow path switching valves are connected by refrigerant piping 91 to 94, and a support member 12 that comprehensively supports these components.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the refrigerant unit 10, the compressor 20, accumulator 22, first heat exchanger 30, and second heat exchangers 41 and 42, which constitute the refrigerant circuit, are each fixed to the support member 12. Furthermore, as will be described later, the four-way valve 60 is fixed to the accumulator 22, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 are fixed to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, the expansion valves 71 and 72 are fixed to the first flow path module 51, and the solenoid valves 81 and 82 are fixed to the second flow path module 52, thereby indirectly fixing them to the support member 12.

[0015] (Regarding the positional relationship of each component) Figure 1 is a perspective view from the compressor 20 and accumulator 22 side, Figure 2 is a perspective view from the first heat exchanger 30 and second heat exchangers 41 and 42 side, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view from the compressor 20 side.

[0016] The support member 12 has a bottom plate portion 15 which is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and a substantially rectangular frame portion 16 which is integrally formed with the bottom plate portion 15 and provided perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 15 at one end side of the bottom plate portion 15. The support member 12 has a sufficient width to accommodate the compressor 20 and the accumulator 22 and prevent interference between the refrigerant pipes and the components provided in the refrigerant unit 10.

[0017] The surface of the bottom plate portion 15 where the frame portion 16 is provided (the front surface) is a fixing surface for fixing the components of the refrigerant circuit, and the surface on the opposite side of the frame portion 16 (the back surface) is an attachment surface for attaching the refrigerant unit 10 to a vehicle body or the like. By fastening the four corners of the back surface of the bottom plate portion 15 to the fasteners 13 via the rubber bushes 11 respectively, the refrigerant unit 10 can be attached to an attachment object such as a vehicle body.

[0018] The frame portion 16 has a pair of horizontal side portions 161, 162 parallel to the bottom plate portion 15, a pair of vertical side portions 163, 164 perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 15, and a space portion 165 formed between the horizontal side portions 161, 162 and the vertical side portions 163, 164.

[0019] Both surfaces of the frame portion 16 are fixing surfaces for fixing the components of the refrigerant circuit. In particular, in the frame portion 16, the surface on the opposite side of the surface where the bottom plate portion 15 is provided (one side surface) is a first fixing surface for fixing the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42, and the surface on the same side as the surface where the bottom plate portion 15 is provided (the other side surface) is a second fixing surface for fixing the compressor 20 and the accumulator 22.

[0020] In the frame portion 16, fixing pieces 171, 172 for fixing the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are provided at one end side and the other end side of the horizontal side portion 161 located on the upper side in the vertical direction respectively, and a fixing piece 173 for fixing the first heat exchanger 30 is provided at the central portion of the horizontal side portion 162 located on the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0021] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the support member 12 and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 as seen from the second fixed surface side. As shown in Figure 4, in the frame portion 16, the first heat exchanger 30 is fixed to the first fixed surface by the horizontal side portion 161 and the fixing piece 173, the second heat exchanger 41 is fixed by the horizontal side portion 162 and the fixing piece 171, and the second heat exchanger 42 is fixed by the horizontal side portion 162 and the fixing piece 172.

[0022] As a result, on the first fixed surface, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are installed so as to span the horizontal side portion 161 and the horizontal side portion 162 with the space portion 165 in between. Also, on the first fixed surface, the second heat exchanger 41, the first heat exchanger 30, and the second heat exchanger 42 are installed parallel to each other and spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

[0023] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first heat exchanger 30 is positioned between the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are arranged at equal intervals. As described above, by fixing the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 so as to span the horizontal sides 161 and 162 and making them function as beams, the strength of the support member 12 can be improved while securing the space 165, thereby achieving both weight reduction and improved strength of the support member 12.

[0024] Furthermore, the fixing position of the first heat exchanger 30 relative to the first fixed surface is different in the vertical direction from the fixing position of the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 relative to the first fixed surface. In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 30 is fixed to the first fixed surface so as to be located slightly above the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 in the vertical direction.

[0025] The first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 are fixed to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42. The first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 are positioned within the space 165 of the frame 16 when the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are fixed to the second fixing surface. Within the space 165, the first flow path module 51 is positioned on the lower vertical side, and the second flow path module 52 is positioned on the upper vertical side.

[0026] Furthermore, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 can be fixed in various ways, not just by being fixed to the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42. For example, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 can be fixed to the frame 16 at least in part by fixing members such as brackets. Alternatively, flanges can be formed on the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52, and they can be directly fixed to the frame 16 by fastening the flange portions.

[0027] In this way, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 can be firmly fixed to the support member 12, preventing them from falling off the support member 12 and, consequently, the refrigerant unit 10. Furthermore, by forming the fixing member and flange with an insulating material, heat transfer from the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 to the fixing member and support member 12 can be prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, expansion valves 71 and 72, which are provided in the refrigerant flow path (described later) formed inside the first flow path module 51, are fixed to the first flow path module 51. Also, solenoid valves 81 and 82, which are provided in the refrigerant flow path (described later) formed inside the second flow path module 52, are fixed to the second flow path module 52. Within the space 165 of the frame portion 16, the expansion valve 71 and solenoid valve 81 are positioned between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, and the expansion valve 72 and solenoid valve 82 are positioned between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42.

[0029] A beam-like member 18 is fixed to the frame portion 16 on the second fixed surface, bridging the horizontal side portions 161 and 162 with the space portion 165 in between. In addition, a bracket 19 for fixing the compressor 20 is fixed to one of the vertical side portions 164 of the second fixed surface. By providing the beam-like member 18, the strength of the support member 12 can be improved.

[0030] In the frame portion 16, the compressor 20 and the accumulator 22 are fixed to the second fixed surface. Specifically, the compressor 20 is fixed to the second fixed surface via a beam-like member 18 and a bracket 19, spaced apart from the bottom plate portion 15. The accumulator 22 is placed on the bottom plate portion 15 and fixed to the second fixed surface via a bracket (not shown).

[0031] (Regarding the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42) The first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are refrigerant-heat transfer medium heat exchangers that perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and a heat transfer medium (e.g., water). They supply the heat from the refrigerant to the temperature-controlled object via a heat transfer medium circuit (not shown) to perform air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and temperature control of in-vehicle equipment.

[0032] The first heat exchanger 30 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet sections 304 and 305, which serve as either a refrigerant inlet or a refrigerant outlet depending on the direction of refrigerant flow. Similarly, the second heat exchanger 41 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet sections 414 and 415, which serve as either a refrigerant inlet or an outlet depending on the direction of refrigerant flow, and the second heat exchanger 42 is provided with a pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet sections 424 and 425, which serve as either a refrigerant inlet or an outlet depending on the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0033] In the refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment, the direction of refrigerant flow can be switched by the four-way valve 60, and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 function as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the direction of refrigerant flow. In this case, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42 are configured to have different functions from each other.

[0034] In other words, the refrigerant unit 10 controls the four-way valve 60 to switch the direction of refrigerant flow, thereby circulating the refrigerant so that the first heat exchanger 30 functions as a condenser and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 function as evaporators, or so that the first heat exchanger 30 functions as an evaporator and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 function as condensers.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the first heat exchanger 30 is connected to heat transfer medium pipes 301 and 302 through which the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows in and out, the second heat exchanger 41 is connected to heat transfer medium pipes 411 and 412 through which the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows in and out, and the second heat exchanger 42 is connected to heat transfer medium pipes 421 and 422 through which the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows in and out.

[0036] In the first heat exchanger 30, the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows in from either the heat transfer medium piping 301 or the heat transfer medium piping 302, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 30, and flows out to the other of the heat transfer medium piping 302 or the heat transfer medium piping 301.

[0037] Similarly, the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows into the second heat exchanger 41 from either the heat transfer medium piping 411 or the heat transfer medium piping 412, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 41, and flows out to the other of the heat transfer medium piping 412 or the heat transfer medium piping 411.

[0038] In the second heat exchanger 42, the heat transfer medium circulating in the heat transfer medium circuit flows in from either the heat transfer medium piping 421 or the heat transfer medium piping 422, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 42, and flows out to the other of the heat transfer medium piping 422 or the heat transfer medium piping 421.

[0039] (Regarding the first channel module 51 and the second channel module 52) Next, the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 5 will be described. Figures 5 and 6 show plan views of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52. Figure 5 is a plan view of the surfaces of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 that are located on the same side as the first fixed surface, and Figure 6 is a plan view of the surfaces of the first flow channel module 51 and the second flow channel module 52 that are located on the same side as the second fixed surface.

[0040] The first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 have a manifold structure in which multiple refrigerant flow paths are integrally formed inside a block body made of metal such as aluminum, and at least a portion of the refrigerant flow paths in the refrigerant circuit are configured as an integrated component.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the first flow path module 51 is provided with connection parts 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B on the first fixed surface side, which are on the same plane and connect to other components to allow the refrigerant to flow between them. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the first flow path module 51 is provided with mounting parts 518 and 519 on the second fixed surface side, which are on the same plane and are for attaching detection devices S1 and S2 for detecting the state of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant unit 10.

[0042] Each connection point is provided corresponding to the position of the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the equipment to which the first flow path module 51 is connected. Specifically, connection point 511 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 415 of the second heat exchanger 41, connection point 512 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 425 of the second heat exchanger 42, and connection point 513 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 305 of the first heat exchanger 30.

[0043] Furthermore, in the first flow path module 51, the connection portion 751A between the refrigerant flow path 51A connected to the expansion valve 71 and the first heat exchanger 30 is positioned vertically offset from the connection portion 751B between the refrigerant flow path 51C connected to the expansion valve 71 and the second heat exchanger 41. The pair of connection portions 751A and 751B are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet portions (refrigerant inlet or refrigerant outlet) 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71.

[0044] Similarly, in the first flow path module 51, the connection portion 752A between the refrigerant flow path 51B connected to the expansion valve 72 and the first heat exchanger 30 is positioned vertically offset from the connection portion 752B between the refrigerant flow path 52D connected to the expansion valve 72 and the second heat exchanger 42. The pair of connection portions 752A and 752B are located at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 72A and 72B provided on the expansion valve 72. In this way, by providing connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B on the first flow path module 51 and connecting the expansion valves 71 and 72, the attachment and detachment of the expansion valves 71 and 72 becomes easier, improving maintainability.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71 are positioned at different heights along the vertical direction. Depending on the direction of refrigerant flow, one becomes the refrigerant inlet and the other becomes the refrigerant outlet. Similarly, the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 72A and 72B of the expansion valve 72 are positioned at different heights along the vertical direction, and depending on the direction of refrigerant flow, one becomes the refrigerant inlet and the other becomes the refrigerant outlet.

[0046] Inside the first flow path module 51, there is a refrigerant flow path 51A connecting connection part 513 and connection part 751A, a refrigerant flow path 51B connecting connection part 513 and connection part 752A, a refrigerant flow path 51C connecting connection part 751B and connection part 511, and a refrigerant flow path 51D connecting connection part 752B and connection part 512. Connection part 513 is the branching or merging point of the refrigerant flow paths 51A and 51B.

[0047] In the first flow channel module 51, the connection parts 513, 751A, and 752A are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the connection parts 511, 512, 751B, and 752B are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, and are located vertically below the connection parts 513, 751A, and 752A. Therefore, the refrigerant flow paths 51A to 51D are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the refrigerant flow paths 51A and 51B are located vertically above the refrigerant flow paths 51C and 51D.

[0048] Mounting portion 518 is located on the back side of connecting portion 513, and mounting portion 519 is located on the back side of connecting portion 751B. Therefore, detection devices S1 and S2 are mounted on the side of the first flow path module 51 opposite to the side to which the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are connected.

[0049] Furthermore, the detection device S1 attached to the mounting portion 518 is provided at the branching or merging point of the refrigerant flow path 51A and the refrigerant flow path 51B, and the detection device S2 attached to the mounting portion 519 is provided at the connection point between the refrigerant flow path 51C and the expansion valve 71. In other words, the detection device S1 is provided at the branching or merging point of the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41, 42, which are formed by the refrigerant flow path 51A and the refrigerant flow path 51B, and the detection device S2 is provided in the vicinity of this branching or merging point.

[0050] The detection device S1 or S2 can detect the temperature, pressure, and other conditions of the refrigerant just before it flows out of the first heat exchanger 30 and is diverted to the second heat exchangers 41 and 42. Therefore, there is no need to provide a detection device in each of the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and the number of detection devices in the refrigerant unit 10 can be reduced. In other words, by optimizing the placement of the detection device S1 or S2, the condition of the refrigerant can be detected efficiently. The detection results from the detection devices S1 and S2 are output to a control device (not shown), and the refrigerant circuit is controlled according to the detection results.

[0051] The second flow path module 52 is provided with connection parts 521, 522, 851A, 851B, 852A, and 852B on the first fixed surface side, which connect the second flow path module 52 with other components on the same plane to allow refrigerant to flow between them. The second flow path module 52 is also provided with a connection part 529 on the second fixed surface side, which connects to the refrigerant piping 93.

[0052] Each connection point is provided corresponding to the position of the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the equipment to which the second flow path module 52 is connected. Specifically, connection point 521 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 414 of the second heat exchanger 41, and connection point 522 is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 424 of the second heat exchanger 42.

[0053] Furthermore, the pair of connecting parts 851A and 851B are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet (refrigerant inlet or refrigerant outlet) 81A and 81B of the solenoid valve 81, and the pair of connecting parts 852A and 852B are provided at positions corresponding to the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet (refrigerant inlet or refrigerant outlet) 82A and 82B of the solenoid valve 82. In this way, by providing the connecting parts 851A, 851B, 852A, and 852B in the second flow path module 52 and connecting the solenoid valves 81 and 82, the attachment and detachment of the solenoid valves 81 and 82 becomes easier, improving maintainability.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 81A and 81B of the solenoid valve 81 are positioned at different heights along the vertical direction, with one serving as the refrigerant inlet and the other as the refrigerant outlet, depending on the direction of refrigerant flow. Similarly, the pair of refrigerant inlet and outlet ports 82A and 82B of the solenoid valve 82 are positioned at different heights along the vertical direction, with one serving as the refrigerant inlet and the other as the refrigerant outlet, depending on the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0055] Inside the second flow path module 52, there is a refrigerant flow path 52A connecting connection part 529 and connection part 851B, a refrigerant flow path 52B connecting connection part 529 and connection part 852B, a refrigerant flow path 52C connecting connection part 851A and connection part 521, and a refrigerant flow path 52D connecting connection part 852A and connection part 522. Connection part 529 is the branching or merging point of the refrigerant flow paths 52A and 52B.

[0056] In the second flow channel module 52, the connection parts 529, 851B, and 852B are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. In addition, the connection parts 521, 522, 851A, and 852A are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction, and are located vertically above the connection parts 529, 851B, and 852B. Therefore, the refrigerant flow paths 52A to 52D are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and the refrigerant flow paths 52C and 52D are located vertically above the refrigerant flow paths 52A and 52B.

[0057] (Regarding the connection relationships of each component in the refrigerant circuit) In the refrigerant unit 10, the components of the refrigerant circuit are connected as follows (see Figures 7 and 8). The refrigerant inlet of the compressor 20 is connected to the accumulator 22 via a four-way valve 60 by refrigerant piping 94, and the refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 20 is connected to the four-way valve 60 by refrigerant piping 91. The four-way valve 60 is also connected to the first heat exchanger 30 by refrigerant piping 92 and to the connection part 529 of the second flow path module 52 by refrigerant piping 93. The connection of refrigerant piping 93 to the connection part 529 of the second flow path module 52 connects refrigerant piping 93 to refrigerant flow paths 52A and 52B, allowing refrigerant to flow between them.

[0058] In the first flow path module 51, connection part 511 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 415 of the second heat exchanger 41, connection part 512 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 425 of the second heat exchanger 42, and connection part 513 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 305 of the first heat exchanger 30. Also, connection parts 751A and 751B are connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 71A and 71B of the expansion valve 71, respectively. Similarly, connection parts 752A and 752B are connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 72A and 72B of the expansion valve 72, respectively.

[0059] As a result, within the first flow path module 51, the connection part 511 and the connection part 513 are connected by the refrigerant flow path 51A, the expansion valve 71, and the refrigerant flow path 51C, forming a refrigerant flow path that connects the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41. Also, within the first flow path module 51, the connection part 513 and the connection part 512 are connected by the refrigerant flow path 51B, the expansion valve 72, and the refrigerant flow path 51D, forming a refrigerant flow path that connects the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to suppress the difference in capacity between heat exchangers caused by flow resistance, it is preferable that the first heat exchanger 30 be positioned between the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, such that the distance between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, and the distance between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 are approximately equal, and that the length of the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 is equal to the length of the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42. By minimizing the difference in flow path length between the refrigerant flow path on one side and the refrigerant flow path on the other side, the difference in flow resistance between the two can be reduced, thereby suppressing the difference in capacity between the two second heat exchangers 41 and 42.

[0061] As described above, the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the expansion valves 71 and 72 are arranged vertically side by side. Therefore, the flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41 formed in the first flow path module 51 includes horizontally arranged refrigerant flow paths 51A and 51C, and a vertical flow path provided by the expansion valve 71 between them. In other words, a step is formed between the refrigerant flow path 51A and the refrigerant flow path 51C.

[0062] Similarly, the flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 formed in the first flow path module 51 includes a horizontally arranged refrigerant flow path 51B and refrigerant flow path 51D, and a vertical flow path between them provided by the expansion valve 72. In other words, a stepped portion is formed between the refrigerant flow path 51B and the refrigerant flow path 51D.

[0063] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 51A, the expansion valve 71, and the refrigerant passage 51C has its flow direction changed by the stepped section, and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 51B, the expansion valve 72, and the refrigerant passage 51D also has its flow direction changed by the stepped section.

[0064] In other words, the first flow path module 51 includes horizontal refrigerant flow paths 51A and 51C, and a vertical refrigerant flow path inside the expansion valve 71, and is configured to change the flow direction of horizontally flowing refrigerant to flow vertically, and then change the flow direction again to flow horizontally. Furthermore, the first flow path module 51 includes horizontal refrigerant flow paths 51B and 51D, and a vertical refrigerant flow path inside the expansion valve 72, and is configured to change the flow direction of horizontally flowing refrigerant to flow vertically, and then change the flow direction again to flow horizontally.

[0065] Thus, in the first flow path module 51, the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, and the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42, are both configured so that the flow direction is changed twice. By making the number of changes in the flow direction in the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 41, and the refrigerant flow path connecting the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 42 equal, it is possible to suppress the difference in capacity between the heat exchangers caused by flow resistance.

[0066] In the second flow path module 52, connection part 521 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 414 of the second heat exchanger 41, and connection part 522 is connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 424 of the second heat exchanger 42. Also, connection parts 851A and 851B are connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 81A and 81B of the solenoid valve 81, respectively. Similarly, connection parts 852A and 852B are connected to the refrigerant inlet and outlet 82A and 82B of the solenoid valve 82, respectively.

[0067] As a result, within the second flow path module 52, the connection part 521 and the connection part 529 are connected by the refrigerant flow path 52C, the solenoid valve 81, and the refrigerant flow path 52A, and these, along with the refrigerant piping 93, form a refrigerant flow path connecting the second heat exchanger 41 and the four-way valve 60. Also, within the second flow path module 52, the connection part 522 and the connection part 529 are connected by the refrigerant flow path 52D, the solenoid valve 82, and the refrigerant flow path 52B, and these, along with the refrigerant piping 93, form a refrigerant flow path connecting the second heat exchanger 42 and the four-way valve 60.

[0068] (Regarding the flow of refrigerant) Next, the circulation of the refrigerant in such a refrigerant unit 10 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. In the refrigerant unit 10, for example, the direction of refrigerant circulation can be switched by the four-way valve 60 depending on the air conditioning purpose or the temperature control target.

[0069] (1) Refrigerant flow during cooling operation For example, when cooling operation is performed in an air conditioning system using the refrigerant unit 10, the refrigerant circulates as follows (see Figure 7). That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 20 to become high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then discharged, flows through the refrigerant piping 91, and flows into the four-way valve 60. The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows from the four-way valve through the refrigerant piping 92 and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0070] The refrigerant that flows into the first heat exchanger 30 dissipates heat by exchanging heat with other heat transfer fluids in the first heat exchanger 30, then flows out of the first heat exchanger 30 and into the first flow path module 51, where it branches at the connection part 513 and is divided almost equally into the refrigerant flow path 51A and the refrigerant flow path 51B.

[0071] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 51A is depressurized and expands in the expansion valve 71, becoming low-pressure refrigerant and flowing into the second heat exchanger 41. On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 51B is depressurized and expands in the expansion valve 72, becoming low-pressure refrigerant and flowing into the second heat exchanger 42.

[0072] The low-pressure refrigerant that flows into the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 absorbs heat by exchanging heat with other heat transfer fluids in the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and then flows out from the second heat exchangers 41 and 42. The refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 41 passes through the solenoid valve 81 as it flows through the refrigerant flow path 52A of the second flow path module 52, merges with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 52B at the connection part 529, and flows into the refrigerant piping 93.

[0073] Similarly, the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 42 passes through the solenoid valve 82 as it flows through the refrigerant flow path 52B of the second flow path module 52, merges with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 52A at the connection point 529, and flows into the refrigerant piping 93. The refrigerant that flows from the second flow path module 52 into the refrigerant piping 93 enters the four-way valve 60 again, flows through the four-way valve 60 into the accumulator 22, and returns from the accumulator 22 to the compressor 20 through the four-way valve 60. The refrigerant that flows into the compressor 20 is compressed again, and the above circulation is repeated.

[0074] (2) Refrigerant flow during heating operation For example, when heating operation is performed in an air conditioning system using a refrigerant unit 10, the refrigerant circulates as follows (see Figure 8). That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 20 to become high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then discharged, flows through the refrigerant piping 91, and flows into the four-way valve 60. The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows from the four-way valve through the refrigerant piping 93, branches at the connection part 529 of the second flow path module 52, and is divided almost equally into the refrigerant flow path 52A and the refrigerant flow path 52B.

[0075] The refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow path 52A passes through the solenoid valve 81 and flows into the second heat exchanger 41. After dissipating heat by exchanging heat with other heat transfer fluids in the second heat exchanger 41, it flows out of the second heat exchanger 41 and into the refrigerant flow path 51A of the first flow path module 51. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51A is depressurized and expanded in the expansion valve 71, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant. At the connection part 513 of the first flow path module 51, it merges with the refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow path 51B and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0076] The refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow path 52B passes through the solenoid valve 82 and flows into the second heat exchanger 42. After dissipating heat by exchanging heat with other heat transfer fluids in the second heat exchanger 42, it flows out of the second heat exchanger 42 and into the refrigerant flow path 51B of the first flow path module 51. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51B is depressurized and expanded in the expansion valve 72, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant. At the connection part 513 of the first flow path module 51, it merges with the refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant flow path 51A and flows into the first heat exchanger 30.

[0077] The refrigerant that flows into the first heat exchanger 30 absorbs heat by exchanging heat with other heat transfer fluids in the first heat exchanger 30, then flows out of the first heat exchanger 30, through the refrigerant piping 92, through the four-way valve 60, into the accumulator 22, and returns to the compressor 20 via the four-way valve 60. The refrigerant that flows into the compressor 20 is compressed again, and the above circulation is repeated.

[0078] (modified version) In the thermal management system to which the refrigerant unit 10 is applied, temperature control is performed for various temperature-controlled objects, such as the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and multiple in-vehicle devices, according to their respective temperature requirements. As described above, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 have different functions, so when they are placed in close proximity, they will influence each other.

[0079] Furthermore, as in the refrigerant unit 10 according to the embodiment described above, if the heat exchange amounts of the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are equal, and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are arranged at equal intervals relative to the first heat exchanger 30, then the influence that the first heat exchanger 30 receives from the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 will be approximately equal, and similarly, the influence that the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 receive from the first heat exchanger 30 will be approximately equal.

[0080] Therefore, in the modified refrigerant unit 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are arranged at different intervals from the first heat exchanger 30. Specifically, the first heat exchanger 30 is placed between the second heat exchangers 41 and 42, and is positioned at a distance greater than the distance from the first heat exchanger 30 to the second heat exchanger 41 and greater than the distance from the first heat exchanger 30 to the second heat exchanger 42.

[0081] In this way, the influence of the first heat exchanger 30 on the second heat exchanger 42 can be suppressed more than the influence of the first heat exchanger 30 on the second heat exchanger 41. Therefore, even if the heat exchange amounts of the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are all equal, the second heat exchanger 42 can be used for temperature-controlled objects with higher temperature requirements than the second heat exchanger 41. Thus, the refrigerant unit 10 can respond to the desired temperature requirements according to the temperature-controlled object. Furthermore, by making the heat exchange amounts of the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 equal, that is, by using common components (parts), manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0082] As described above, in the refrigerant unit 10 according to this embodiment and its modified form, each component of the refrigerant circuit is unitized by being directly or indirectly fixed to the support member 12. Therefore, the distance between each component of the refrigerant unit 10 is close to each other, and the length of the refrigerant pipes 91 to 94 can be kept to a minimum, thereby reducing heat loss and refrigerant pressure loss in the refrigerant pipes 91 to 94.

[0083] Furthermore, since the support member 12, the first flow path module 51, and the second flow path module 52, which are components of the refrigerant circuit, are each made up of separate and independent parts, it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat caused by the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through either the first flow path module 51 or the second flow path module 52 to the support member 12 or to the other of the first flow path module 51 or the second flow path module 52.

[0084] More specifically, even if the circulation direction of the refrigerant is changed, refrigerants at different temperature ranges flow through the first flow module 51 and the second flow module 52, and high-pressure refrigerant circulates through one of them. Therefore, heat transfer occurs when the first flow module 51, the second flow module 52, and the support member 12 are integrally configured.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first flow path module 51, the second flow path module 52, and the support member 12 are each made as separate components and are arranged spaced apart from each other. This suppresses heat transfer between each component, thereby reducing heat loss caused by heat transfer. In other words, it is possible to suppress the temperature drop of the high-temperature refrigerant and the temperature rise of the low-temperature refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant unit 10, thereby maintaining the performance of the thermal management system to which the refrigerant unit 10 is applied.

[0086] Furthermore, as described above, in the first flow channel module 51, the connection parts 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B are provided on the same plane on the first fixed surface side, and the mounting parts 518 and 519 are provided on the same plane on the second fixed surface side. In addition, in the second flow channel module 52, the connection parts 521, 522, 851A, 851B, 852A, and 852B are provided on the same plane on the first fixed surface side.

[0087] In this way, by providing each connection point on a predetermined flat surface without any irregularities, the first flow path module 51 and the second flow path module 52 and the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 connected thereto can be connected in such a way that the refrigerant flow path is shortened, and each piece of equipment can be arranged compactly.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first flow path module 51, among the connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B with the expansion valves 71 and 72, the connection parts 751B and 752B located vertically downward and the connection parts 511 and 512 with the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are positioned at the same vertical height. This makes it possible to shorten the flow path length of the refrigerant flow path 51C between the second heat exchanger 41 and the expansion valve 71, and the refrigerant flow path 51D between the second heat exchanger 42 and the expansion valve 72.

[0089] Furthermore, in the first flow path module 51, among the connection parts 751A, 751B, 752A, and 752B with the expansion valves 71 and 72, the connection parts 751A and 752A located vertically above and the connection part 513 with the first heat exchanger 30 are positioned at the same vertical height. This makes it possible to shorten the flow path length of the refrigerant flow path 51A between the first heat exchanger 30 and the expansion valve 71 and the refrigerant flow path 51B between the first heat exchanger and the expansion valve 72.

[0090] Similarly, in the second flow path module 52, among the connection parts 851A, 851B, 852A, and 852B with the solenoid valves 81 and 82, the connection parts 851A and 852A located vertically above and the connection parts 521 and 522 with the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are positioned at the same vertical height. This makes it possible to shorten the flow path lengths of the refrigerant flow path 52C from the second heat exchanger 41 to the solenoid valve 81 and the refrigerant flow path 52D from the second heat exchanger 42 to the solenoid valve 82.

[0091] In this way, the flow lengths of the refrigerant flow paths 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D formed in the first flow path module 51, and the refrigerant flow paths 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D formed in the second flow path module 52 can be shortened. That is, the flow lengths of the flow paths that divide or merge the refrigerant between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 can be shortened, thereby improving the performance of the refrigerant unit 10.

[0092] In the support member 12, the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchangers 41 and 42 are fixed on the first fixed surface so as to span the horizontal sides 161 and 162, thereby functioning as a beam, and a beam-like member 18 is provided on the second fixed surface so as to span the horizontal sides 161 and 162. This improves the strength of the support member 12, allowing it to stably support the components of the refrigerant circuit, and also allows for a wider space 165, thereby reducing the weight of the support member 12.

[0093] Thus, according to this embodiment, in a refrigerant unit equipped with multiple heat exchangers corresponding to multiple temperature-controlled objects, it is possible to suppress the thermal influence between heat exchangers with different functions and respond to the desired temperature requirements of the temperature-controlled objects.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10: Refrigerant unit, 11: Rubber bushing, 12: Support member, 13: Fastener 15: Base plate section, 16: Frame section, 18: Beam-like member, 19: Bracket 20: Compressor, 22: Accumulator, 30: First heat exchanger, 41, 42: Second heat exchanger 51: First channel module, 52: Second channel module 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D: Refrigerant flow path 60: Four-way valve, 71, 72: Expansion valve, 71A, 71B, 72A, 72B: Refrigerant inlet / outlet 81, 82: Solenoid valves, 81A, 81B, 82A, 82B: Refrigerant inlet and outlet 91-94: Refrigerant piping, 161, 162: Horizontal sides, 163, 164: Vertical sides 165: Space, 171,172,173: Fixed piece 301,302,411,412,421,422: Heat medium piping 304,305,414,415,424,425: Refrigerant inlet / outlet 511, 512, 513, 751A, 751B, 752A, 752B: Connection part 518, 519: Mounting part 521, 522, 529, 851A, 851B, 852A, 852B: Connection part S1, S2: Detection device

Claims

1. A refrigerant unit comprising a refrigerant circuit and a single support member that comprehensively supports the components of the refrigerant circuit, The refrigerant circuit comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger with different functions. On one side of the support member, the compressor and gas-liquid separator, which are components of the refrigerant circuit, are arranged, and on the other side of the support member, the first heat exchanger and a plurality of the second heat exchangers are arranged. The first heat exchanger is positioned between a plurality of the second heat exchangers. A refrigerant unit characterized in that the distance from one side of the plurality of second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger is greater than the distance from the other side of the plurality of second heat exchangers to the first heat exchanger.

2. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a pressure reducing device for the refrigerant circuit is provided in each of the multiple refrigerant flow paths connecting one of the first heat exchangers and a plurality of the second heat exchangers.

3. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member has a width necessary and sufficient for the arrangement of the compressor and the gas-liquid separator, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are distributed with respect to the width.

4. The refrigerant unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first heat exchanger and the plurality of second heat exchangers are heat exchangers with equal heat exchange capacity.

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