Manifold

Abstract

This manifold comprises: a manifold body having a high-temperature portion formed with a high-temperature flow path through which a high-temperature fluid having a temperature equal to or higher than a first temperature flows, and a low-temperature portion formed with a low-temperature flow path through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature equal to or lower than a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature flows; and a restraining portion that restrains the manifold body with respect to an object to be restrained. At least one restraining portion is disposed at an end of the low-temperature portion of the manifold body.

Description

manifold

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manifold.

[0002] Conventionally, a thermal management system that is installed in a vehicle for purposes such as air conditioning of the vehicle cabin has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a manifold (a thermal management system in Patent Document 1) that has a coolant reservoir, a flow path, a mounting portion, and a mounting bracket, and through which fluid (coolant and refrigerant) flows. The mounting portion mounts a plurality of water pumps, a plurality of valves, a plurality of heat exchangers, and the like. Furthermore, the mounting bracket has four restraining portions (mounting feet in Patent Document 1), and the manifold is fixed to the vehicle body by fixing the restraining portions to a vehicle body support frame.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114789636

[0004] The manifold disclosed in Patent Document 1 has multiple heat exchangers, allowing high-temperature and low-temperature fluids to flow through the interior of the manifold. Specifically, the manifold includes a high-temperature circuit through which high-temperature fluid flows and a low-temperature circuit through which low-temperature fluid flows. Generally, materials contract at low temperatures and expand at high temperatures, so the area of ​​the manifold where the high-temperature circuit is located expands and the area where the low-temperature circuit is located contracts. For example, if two or more of the four constraint sections are formed in the area where the low-temperature circuit is located, the constraint sections are fixed to the vehicle body support frame and are constrained. This causes contraction in the vicinity of the two or more constraint sections formed in the area where the low-temperature circuit is located, generating tensile stress between the two or more constraint sections. In the worst case scenario, the manifold may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for a manifold that is resistant to damage even when fixed and restrained to a vehicle body support frame or the like.

[0006] One embodiment of a manifold according to the present disclosure comprises a manifold body having a high-temperature section in which a high-temperature flow path is formed through which a high-temperature fluid having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low-temperature section in which a low-temperature flow path is formed through which a low-temperature fluid having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows, and a restraint section that restrains the manifold body against a restrained object, and at least one restraint section is arranged at an end of the low-temperature section of the manifold body.

[0007] According to this embodiment, at least one restraint portion is disposed at the end of the low-temperature portion of the manifold body, making the manifold less susceptible to damage. Also, because the restraint portion is disposed at the end of the low-temperature portion of the manifold body, the restraint portion does not interfere with the placement of the high-temperature flow path or the low-temperature flow path.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit according to this embodiment; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a manifold main body according to a first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a manifold main body according to a second embodiment; Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a manifold main body according to a third embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit] First, a refrigerant circuit C mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The refrigerant circuit C is configured with a refrigerant flow path L through which a refrigerant F for heating and cooling that adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle flows. The refrigerant F is, for example, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), or the like. The refrigerant flow path L is provided inside a manifold main body 11 of a manifold 10 (described later) (see Fig. 2).

[0011] 1 , the refrigerant circuit C includes a compressor 1, a cabin condenser 2 (heating condenser), a water-cooled condenser 3, an evaporator 4, a battery cooler 5, an accumulator 6, and a valve V. The compressor 1, the cabin condenser 2, the water-cooled condenser 3, the evaporator 4, the battery cooler 5, the accumulator 6, and the valve V are connected via a refrigerant flow path L.

[0012] The valve V includes an on-off valve V1 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. The valve V also includes a first expansion valve VE1 provided between the cabin condenser 2 and the water-cooled condenser 3, and a second expansion valve VE2 provided between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the evaporator 4.

[0013] The on-off valve V1 controls (allows or blocks) the flow of refrigerant F between the water-cooled condenser 3 and the accumulator 6. When the on-off valve V1 is open, the refrigerant F flows in the following order: compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, first expansion valve VE1, water-cooled condenser 3, on-off valve V1, accumulator 6, and compressor 1. Hereinafter, the refrigerant circuit C consisting of the compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, water-cooled condenser 3, on-off valve V1, and accumulator 6 will be referred to as the "main circuit Cm."

[0014] The first expansion valve VE1 and the second expansion valve VE2 expand the refrigerant F to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant F. When the second expansion valve VE2 is open, the refrigerant F flows through the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4, and then flows into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. As shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant circuit C branching from the main circuit Cm and including the second expansion valve VE2 and the evaporator 4 is referred to as the "first branch circuit Cb1." For example, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is to be increased (during heating operation of the vehicle cabin), the on-off valve V1 is open and the second expansion valve VE2 is closed. On the other hand, when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is to be decreased (during cooling operation of the vehicle cabin), the on-off valve V1 is closed and the second expansion valve VE2 is open.

[0015] The battery cooler 5 includes an expansion valve that opens when the battery temperature is adjusted. When the expansion valve of the battery cooler 5 opens, the refrigerant F flows through the battery cooler 5 and then into the main circuit Cm between the on-off valve V1 and the accumulator 6. As shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant circuit C that branches off from the main circuit Cm and in which the battery cooler 5 is provided is referred to as a "second branch circuit Cb2."

[0016] The compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant F to turn it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. Hereinafter, the refrigerant F compressed by the compressor 1 will be referred to as a high-temperature fluid F1, and the temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 will be referred to as a first temperature. The first temperature is, for example, 80 to 90 degrees.

[0017] The high-temperature fluid F1 compressed by the compressor 1 is sent to the cabin condenser 2, where it exchanges heat with the air in the vehicle cabin during heating operation (removing heat and lowering its temperature), and is then sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 via the first expansion valve VE1. The water-cooled condenser 3 circulates a first heat transfer medium Fa circulating in a circuit separate from the refrigerant circuit C (e.g., a cooling circuit for cooling electronic circuits mounted on the vehicle). The first heat transfer medium Fa is a refrigerant such as a long-life coolant (LLC), a paraffin-based insulating oil, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The high-temperature fluid F1 sent to the water-cooled condenser 3 exchanges heat with the first heat transfer medium Fa circulating in the water-cooled condenser 3 (removing heat and lowering its temperature). Hereinafter, the refrigerant F after being cooled in the water-cooled condenser 3 is referred to as a second low-temperature fluid F3 (an example of a low-temperature fluid). The temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 is referred to as a third temperature. The third temperature is, for example, 15°C to 25°C.

[0018] The second low-temperature fluid F3 that flows out of the water-cooled condenser 3 and is sent to the second expansion valve VE2 is expanded to become a mixture of liquid and gas (atomized) and is sent to the evaporator 4. In the evaporator 4, the second low-temperature fluid F3 exchanges heat with air introduced from the outside (removing heat and increasing the temperature) and is vaporized.

[0019] The second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing out of the water-cooled condenser 3 and sent to the battery cooler 5 is expanded by the expansion valve of the battery cooler 5. A second heat medium Fb circulating in a circuit separate from the refrigerant circuit C (e.g., a cooling circuit for cooling a battery mounted on a vehicle) flows through the battery cooler 5. The second heat medium Fb is a refrigerant such as a cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), a paraffin-based insulating oil, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). The second low-temperature fluid F3 sent to the battery cooler 5 vaporizes through heat exchange (heat absorption and temperature increase) with the second heat medium Fb circulating through the battery cooler 5. Hereinafter, the refrigerant F after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 or the battery cooler 5 will be referred to as a first low-temperature fluid F2 (an example of a low-temperature fluid). The temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 will be referred to as a second temperature. The second temperature is, for example, 60 to 70 degrees Celsius. That is, the second temperature is less than the first temperature, and the third temperature is less than the second temperature.

[0020] The first cryogenic fluid F2 after heat exchange in the evaporator 4 is sent to the accumulator 6, where the liquid contained in the first cryogenic fluid F2 is separated. The first cryogenic fluid F2 from which the liquid has been separated returns to the compressor 1. The first cryogenic fluid F2 after heat exchange in the battery cooler 5 is also sent to the accumulator 6, where the liquid contained in the first cryogenic fluid F2 is separated. The gaseous first cryogenic fluid F2 from which the liquid has been separated returns to the compressor 1.

[0021] As described above, the temperature of the refrigerant F circulating through the refrigerant circuit C changes. Specifically, the temperature of the refrigerant F is highest at the first temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 flowing from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, next highest at the second temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 flowing from the evaporator 4 and / or battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and lowest at the third temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or battery cooler 5. The temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the on-off valve V1 and merging with the main circuit Cm changes between the second temperature and the third temperature depending on the operating conditions, such as heating or cooling (the third temperature is the lowest and the second temperature is the highest).

[0022] First Embodiment Next, the configuration of a manifold 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a manifold body 11 included in the manifold 10. The manifold 10 has the manifold body 11 formed using, for example, a metal material such as aluminum, a resin, or the like, and the refrigerant flow path L described with reference to FIG. 1 is formed inside the manifold body 11. The manifold 10 is fixed to and restrained by a restrained object of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to a vehicle body support frame 14, which is an example of a restrained object. The manifold 10 includes the manifold body 11 and a restraining portion 13. By fixing the restraining portion 13 to the vehicle body support frame 14, the manifold 10 (manifold body 11) is fixed to and restrained by the vehicle body support frame 14. Note that the restrained object to which the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained is not limited to the vehicle body support frame 14, but may be any type of object, such as a power module case or a motor case (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, as long as the manifold 10 can be reliably fixed and restrained.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the compressor 1, cabin condenser 2, water-cooled condenser 3, evaporator 4, battery cooler 5, and accumulator 6 are provided outside the manifold body 11. The on-off valve V1, first expansion valve VE1, and second expansion valve VE2 are also provided outside the manifold body 11. In Fig. 2, although the on-off valve V1, first expansion valve VE1, and second expansion valve VE2 are provided outside the manifold body 11, they are shown by solid lines to indicate their respective positions.

[0024] In this embodiment, the manifold body 11 has a box-like shape having a rectangular flat surface (hereinafter referred to as the "main surface 11s"). The main surface 11s of the manifold body 11 is rectangular, and a refrigerant flow path L is formed on the main surface 11s. Hereinafter, the four ends constituting the manifold body 11 will be referred to as a "first end 12a" (the right end in FIG. 2), a "second end 12b" (the left end in FIG. 2; an example of an end), a "third end 12c" (the lower end in FIG. 2), and a "fourth end 12d" (the upper end in FIG. 2; an example of an end). Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the main surface 11s (the direction parallel to the third end 12c and the fourth end 12d) will be simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction," and the lateral direction of the main surface 11s (the direction parallel to the first end 12a and the second end 12b) will be simply referred to as the "lateral direction."

[0025] The on-off valve V1, the first expansion valve VE1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided so as to overlap with the manifold body 11 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface 11s. The first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2 are provided in this order from the first end 12a side along the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The manifold body 11 is formed with outlets through which the refrigerant F flows out of the manifold body 11 to the first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2. The manifold body 11 also is formed with inlet ports through which the refrigerant F flows into the manifold body 11 from the first expansion valve VE1, the on-off valve V1, and the second expansion valve VE2. Note that, hereinafter, of the outlets formed in the manifold body 11, the outlet through which the refrigerant F from the water-cooled condenser 3 flows out to the on-off valve V1 will be referred to as the "outlet H1," and of the inlet ports, the inlet through which the refrigerant F flows from the on-off valve V1 into the manifold body 11 will be referred to as the "inlet H2." The outlet H1 and the inlet H2 are provided to face the on-off valve V1.

[0027] 1 , the temperature of the refrigerant F is highest in the first temperature of the high-temperature fluid F1 flowing from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, next highest in the second temperature of the first low-temperature fluid F2 flowing from the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and lowest in the third temperature of the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5. In other words, the manifold body 11 includes, as refrigerant flow paths L (see FIG. 1 ), a high-temperature flow path LH through which the high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the compressor 1 to the water-cooled condenser 3, a medium-temperature flow path LM (an example of a low-temperature flow path) through which the medium-temperature first low-temperature fluid F2 flows from the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5 to the compressor 1, and a low-temperature flow path LL through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4 and / or the battery cooler 5.

[0028] In this embodiment, the manifold body 11 further includes, as the refrigerant flow path L, a medium-low temperature flow path LML (an example of a low-temperature flow path) through which a third low-temperature fluid F4 (an example of a low-temperature fluid) ranging from low to medium temperatures flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the on-off valve V1. Hereinafter, in the manifold body 11, the portion where the high-temperature flow path LH is located will be referred to as a high-temperature section 16. Furthermore, portions other than the high-temperature section 16 (for example, portions where the medium-temperature flow path LM, the low-temperature flow path LL, and the medium-low temperature flow path LML are located) will be referred to as a low-temperature section 18. In FIG. 2 , the high-temperature section 16 is the portion to the right of the dashed dotted line, and the low-temperature section 18 is the portion to the left of the dashed dotted line.

[0029] The high-temperature flow path LH includes a first high-temperature flow path LH1 (an example of a high-temperature flow path) through which high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the compressor 1 to the cabin condenser 2, and a second high-temperature flow path LH2 (an example of a high-temperature flow path) through which high-temperature fluid F1 flows from the cabin condenser 2 to the water-cooled condenser 3.

[0030] The first high-temperature flow passage LH1 extends from the first end 12a of the manifold body 11 as a base end toward the second end 12b, bends toward the fourth end 12d, and reaches the fourth end 12d.

[0031] The second high-temperature flow path LH2 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c, passes through the first expansion valve VE1, bends toward the second end 12b, and reaches the third end 12c.

[0032] The second high-temperature flow path LH2 is provided so as to straddle the on-off valve V1. An outlet H1 for the refrigerant F to the on-off valve V1 is formed at a position facing the on-off valve V1, far from the second high-temperature flow path LH2. An inlet H2 is provided between the outlet H1 and the portion straddling the second high-temperature flow path LH2.

[0033] The medium temperature flow path LM includes a first medium temperature flow path LM1 through which the first low temperature fluid F2 flows from the evaporator 4 to the accumulator 6, a second medium temperature flow path LM2 through which the first low temperature fluid F2 flows from the battery cooler 5 to the accumulator 6, and a confluence medium temperature flow path LM3 through which the first medium temperature flow path LM1 and the second medium temperature flow path LM2 are connected (the first low temperature fluids F2 merge with each other).

[0034] The first medium-temperature flow path LM1 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c at an angle relative to the fourth end 12d, changes direction midway to become parallel (or substantially parallel, the same applies below) to the second end 12b, and extends to the first bending point P1. The first medium-temperature flow path LM1 bends at the first bending point P1 toward the first end 12a and reaches the merging medium-temperature flow path LM3.

[0035] The second medium temperature flow passage LM2 extends from the fourth end 12d toward the third end 12c in parallel with the first medium temperature flow passage LM1 to the merging medium temperature flow passage LM3.

[0036] The converging medium-temperature flow path LM3 extends in the longitudinal direction from the terminal end of the first medium-temperature flow path LM1 toward the first end 12a and connects at a confluence point P2 with the refrigerant flow path L that extends from the water-cooled condenser 3 through the on-off valve V1. The converging medium-temperature flow path LM3 bends toward the fourth end 12d at the confluence point P2 and extends in the short direction toward the fourth end 12d. The converging medium-temperature flow path LM3 further bends toward the first end 12a at a second bend point P3 and extends in the longitudinal direction to reach the first end 12a. The converging medium-temperature flow path LM3 is provided so as to straddle the high-temperature flow path LH between the second bend point P3 and the terminal end.

[0037] The medium-to-low temperature flow path LML is a refrigerant flow path L through which a third low-temperature fluid F4 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 via the on-off valve V1 toward the accumulator 6. The medium-to-low temperature flow path LML extends in the short direction from the third end 12c toward the fourth end 12d to a branch point P4. The branch point P4 is a position where the refrigerant F from the water-cooled condenser 3 branches into the third low-temperature fluid F4 flowing toward the on-off valve V1, the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing toward the evaporator 4, and the second low-temperature fluid F3 flowing toward the battery cooler 5.

[0038] The medium-temperature flow path LML bends toward the first end 12a at the branch point P4, extends longitudinally toward the first end 12a, passes through the on-off valve V1, and reaches the confluence point P2 with the confluent medium-temperature flow path LM3.

[0039] The low-temperature flow path LL includes a first low-temperature flow path LL1 (an example of a low-temperature flow path) through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the evaporator 4, and a second low-temperature flow path LL2 through which the second low-temperature fluid F3 flows from the water-cooled condenser 3 to the battery cooler 5. In this embodiment, the base ends of the first low-temperature flow path LL1 and the second low-temperature flow path LL2 are branched at a branch point P4.

[0040] The first low-temperature flow path LL1 passes through the second expansion valve VE2, extends along the short direction toward the fourth end 12d, changes direction so as to be inclined with respect to the fourth end 12d, and reaches the second end 12b.

[0041] The second cold flow path LL2 extends in the short direction and changes direction in the short direction closer to the fourth end 12d than the bending point of the first cold flow path LL1, so as to be inclined with respect to the fourth end 12d, and reaches the corner between the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d.

[0042] [Manifold Restraint] As described above, the manifold body 11 of the manifold 10 is divided into a high-temperature section 16 (to the right of the dash-dotted line in FIG. 2 ) in which the high-temperature flow path LH is located, and a low-temperature section 18 (to the left of the dash-dotted line in FIG. 2 ) other than the high-temperature section 16. In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, only one restraint section 13 is located in the low-temperature section 18 of the manifold body 11, and the restraint section 13 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14. Specifically, the restraint section 13 is located at the point where the second end 12b and the fourth end 12d, which are adjacent to each other, of the manifold body 11 shown in FIG. 2 intersect. In other words, the restraint section 13 is located at the end of the low-temperature section 18 of the manifold body 11. By fixing the restraint section 13 to the vehicle body support frame 14, the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained relative to the vehicle body support frame 14. The location where one restraint portion 13 is disposed may be the center portion of the second end portion 12b, as long as it is provided at a location where the manifold 10 is stably fixed.

[0043] In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by a single restraint portion 13 disposed in the low-temperature portion 18 of the manifold body 11. Because the first, second, and third cryogenic fluids F2, F3, and F4 flow through the low-temperature portion 18, the temperature of the low-temperature portion 18 is low, and the manifold body 11, including the area near the restraint portion 13, contracts. However, because the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 at a single location (one restraint portion 13), no tensile stress is generated in the manifold body 11, and the manifold 10 is less likely to break. Note that it is also possible to configure the manifold 10 by disposing only one restraint portion 13 in the high-temperature portion 16 of the manifold body 11, instead of in the low-temperature portion 18.

[0044] Second Embodiment Next, a manifold 10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that two restraining portions 13 are provided to fix the manifold 10 to the vehicle body support frame 14. Other than that, the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, parts having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0045] In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, one restraint portion 13 is arranged in the low-temperature portion 18 of the manifold body 11, and one restraint portion 13 is also arranged in the high-temperature portion 16 of the manifold body 11. The restraint portion 13 in the low-temperature portion 18 is arranged in the same location as in the first embodiment. The restraint portion 13 in the high-temperature portion 16 is arranged at the location where the adjacent first end 12a and third end 12c of the manifold body 11 shown in Figure 3 intersect. By fixing the two restraint portions 13 to separate vehicle body support frames 14, the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained relative to the vehicle body support frame 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by the restraint portions 13, one each disposed in the high temperature portion 16 and the low temperature portion 18 of the manifold body 11. That is, the manifold 10 is fixed to and restrained by the vehicle body support frame 14 at two locations. Because the first, second, and third low temperature fluids F2, F3, and F4 flow through the low temperature portion 18, the temperature of the low temperature portion 18 is low, and the manifold body 11 contracts, including the vicinity of the restraint portion 13. However, because the high temperature fluid F1 flows through the high temperature portion 16, the temperature of the high temperature portion 16 is higher than that of the low temperature portion 18, and the manifold body 11 expands, including the vicinity of the restraint portion 13. Therefore, even if the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 at two locations, the low temperature portion 18 contracts near the restraint portion 13, and the high temperature portion 16 expands near the restraint portion 13. Therefore, the tensile stress due to the contraction and the compressive stress due to the expansion cancel each other out, and stress is reduced in the manifold 10 as a whole. That is, in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, a stress relief structure 20 is formed by the restraint portion 13 arranged in the high temperature portion 16 and the restraint portion 13 arranged in the low temperature portion 18. This stress relief structure 20 prevents excessive stress from occurring in the manifold body 11 even when the restraint portions 13 are arranged in multiple locations (two locations), making the manifold 10 less susceptible to damage.

[0047] Third Embodiment Next, a manifold 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the arrangement of the high-temperature section 16 and the low-temperature section 18 in the manifold 10 is different from that in the first and second embodiments, and accordingly, the arrangement of the restraint section 13 is also different. Other than that, the configuration is the same as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, parts having the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0048] In the manifold 10 of this embodiment, a high-temperature portion 16 is disposed in the center of the manifold body 11, with low-temperature portions 18 disposed on both sides of the high-temperature portion 16. One restraint portion 13 is disposed in each of the low-temperature portions 18 on both sides. The two restraint portions 13 disposed in the low-temperature portions 18 are disposed at the location where the adjacent second end portion 12b and fourth end portion 12d of the manifold body 11 intersect, and at the location where the adjacent first end portion 12a and fourth end portion 12d of the manifold body 11 intersect, as shown in FIG. 4 . By fixing the two restraint portions 13 to separate vehicle body support frames 14, the manifold 10 is fixed and restrained relative to the vehicle body support frame 14.

[0049] In this embodiment, the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 by the restraint portions 13, one of which is disposed in each of the two low temperature portions 18 of the manifold body 11. That is, the manifold 10 is fixed to and restrained by the vehicle body support frame 14 at the two low temperature portions 18. Because a low temperature fluid flows through each of the low temperature portions 18, the temperature of each of the low temperature portions 18 is low, and the manifold body 11, including the areas near the two restraint portions 13, contracts. However, in this embodiment, the high temperature portion 16, through which the high temperature fluid F1 flows, is disposed between the two low temperature portions 18, and therefore the temperature of the high temperature portion 16 is higher than that of the low temperature portion 18, causing the manifold body 11 to expand. Therefore, even if the manifold 10 is fixed to the vehicle body support frame 14 at two low temperature portions 18, the high temperature portion 16 disposed between the two low temperature portions 18 causes contraction near the restraint portion 13 of the low temperature portion 18 and expansion of the high temperature portion 16, so that the tensile stress due to contraction and the compressive stress due to expansion cancel each other out, thereby reducing stress in the manifold 10 as a whole. That is, in the manifold 10 of this embodiment, a stress relief structure 20 is formed by the high temperature portion 16, the two low temperature portions 18 disposed so as to sandwich the high temperature portion 16, and the restraint portion 13 disposed in each of the two low temperature portions 18. This stress relief structure 20 prevents excessive stress from occurring in the manifold body 11, even when the restraint portion 13 is disposed in multiple locations (two locations) in the low temperature portion 18, and the manifold 10 is less likely to break.

[0050] Other Alternative Embodiments The present disclosure may be configured as follows in addition to the above-described embodiments (components having the same functions as those in the embodiments are given the same numbers and symbols as those in the embodiments).

[0051] (1) In the manifold 10 of the third embodiment, the low temperature sections 18 are arranged on both sides of the high temperature section 16. However, two high temperature sections 16 and two low temperature sections 18 may be arranged alternately side by side. In this case, one restraint section 13 may be arranged in each of the high temperature sections 16 and the low temperature sections 18. Alternatively, two high temperature sections 16 and three low temperature sections 18 may be arranged alternately side by side. In this case, one restraint section 13 may be arranged in each of the low temperature sections 18 on both ends.

[0052] (2) The restraint portion 13 in each of the above embodiments is not limited to the location described in the embodiment. It can be disposed at any location as long as tensile stress is not generated. For example, in the first embodiment, the restraint portion 13 may be disposed at the intersection of the second end 12b and the third end 12c of the manifold body 11. The restraint portion 13 of the high-temperature portion 16 in the second embodiment may be disposed at the intersection of the first end 12a and the fourth end 12d of the manifold body 11. The restraint portion 13 of the high-temperature portion 16 in the third embodiment may be disposed at the intersection of the first end 12a and the third end 12c of the manifold body 11.

[0053] (3) In the manifold 10 of the second embodiment, one restraint portion 13 is disposed in each of the high temperature portion 16 and the low temperature portion 18, but this is not limited to this. The manifold 10 may be configured so that the same number of restraint portions 13 (for example, two each) are disposed in each of the high temperature portion 16 and the low temperature portion 18. Furthermore, the manifold 10 may be configured so that the number of restraint portions 13 disposed in the high temperature portion 16 is different from the number of restraint portions 13 disposed in the low temperature portion 18.

[0054] The following configurations are conceivable from the above-described embodiment.

[0055] <1> One aspect of the manifold (10) comprises a manifold body (11) having a high-temperature section (16) in which a high-temperature flow path (LH) is formed, through which a high-temperature fluid (F1) having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low-temperature section (18) in which low-temperature flow paths (LM, LL, LML) are formed, through which low-temperature fluids (F2, F3, F4) having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flow, and a restraint section (13) that restrains the manifold body (11) relative to a restrained object (14), and at least one restraint section (13) is arranged at an end (12b, 12d) of the low-temperature section (18) of the manifold body (11).

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one restraint portion (13) is disposed at the end (12b, 12d) of the low-temperature portion (18) of the manifold body (11), making it difficult for the manifold (10) to be damaged. Also, because the restraint portion (13) is disposed at the end (12b, 12d) of the low-temperature portion (18) of the manifold body (11), the restraint portion (13) does not interfere with the placement of the high-temperature flow path (LH) or the low-temperature flow paths (LM, LL, LML).

[0057] <2> In another embodiment of the manifold (10), the restraint section (13) is arranged only in the low-temperature section (18).

[0058] In this aspect, for example, in a case where low-temperature sections (18) are arranged on both sides of a high-temperature section (16) in the manifold body (11) of the manifold (10), and a restraining section (13) is arranged in each of the low-temperature sections (18) on both sides, even if the restraining sections (13) of the two low-temperature sections (18) contract, the high-temperature section (16) arranged between the low-temperature sections (18) expands to offset the contraction, so no tensile stress is generated in the low-temperature sections (18), and the manifold (10) is less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, in this case, the manifold (10) is fixed to the restrained object (14) by the restraining sections (13) arranged in the low-temperature sections (18) on both sides of the manifold body (11), so that the manifold (10) can be stably fixed to the restrained object (14).

[0059] <3> In another embodiment of the manifold (10), the restraint section (13) is also arranged in the high temperature section (16).

[0060] In this embodiment, the manifold (10) is restrained at least at two locations, the low-temperature portion (18) and the high-temperature portion (16), so that the manifold (10) can be stably fixed to the restrained object (14). Moreover, because the restraining portion (13) is disposed in the contracting low-temperature portion (18) and the expanding high-temperature portion (16), no tensile stress is generated in the manifold main body (11), and the manifold (10) is less likely to break.

[0061] <4> One aspect of the manifold (10) comprises a manifold body (11) having a high-temperature section (16) in which a high-temperature flow path (LH) is formed, through which a high-temperature fluid (F1) having a first temperature or higher flows, and a low-temperature section (18) in which a low-temperature flow path (LM, LL, LML) is formed, through which a low-temperature fluid (F2, F3, F4) having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows; and restraint sections (13) that are arranged in the high-temperature section (16) and the low-temperature section (18) and restrain the manifold body (11) relative to a restrained object (14), and the restraint section (13) arranged in the low-temperature section (18) and the restraint section (13) arranged in the high-temperature section (16) form a stress relief structure (20).

[0062] In this embodiment, the manifold (10) is restrained at least at two locations, the low-temperature portion (18) and the high-temperature portion (16), so that the manifold (10) can be stably fixed to the restrained object (14). Moreover, the restraint portions (13) are arranged in the contracting low-temperature portion (18) and the expanding high-temperature portion (16), so that a stress relief structure (20) is formed in which the tensile stress due to contraction and the compressive stress due to expansion are offset, so that the stress on the manifold (10) as a whole is reduced, making the manifold (10) less susceptible to damage.

[0063] <5> In one embodiment of the manifold (10), one restraint section (13) is arranged in each of the high temperature section (16) and the low temperature section (18).

[0064] In this embodiment, the manifold (10) is restrained at two locations, so that the manifold (10) can be stably restrained to the restrained object (14). Furthermore, even if the manifold (10) is fixed to the restrained object (14) at two locations, the low-temperature portion (18) contracts near the restrained portion (13) and the high-temperature portion (16) expands near the restrained portion (13), so that the tensile stress due to the contraction and the compressive stress due to the expansion cancel each other out, and stress is reduced in the manifold (10) as a whole.

[0065] <6> In one embodiment of the manifold (10), the same number of restraint sections (13) are arranged in the high temperature section (16) and the low temperature section (18).

[0066] In this embodiment, the same number of restraint sections (13) are arranged in the high temperature section (16) and the low temperature section (18), so that the tensile stress due to contraction and the compressive stress due to expansion can be effectively offset.

[0067] <7> In one aspect of the manifold (10), at least one restraint portion (13) is arranged at the end (12b, 12d) closer to the low-temperature flow path (LM, LL, LML) than the high-temperature flow path (LH).

[0068] In this embodiment, at least one restraint portion (13) is arranged at the end portion (12b, 12d) closer to the low-temperature flow path (LM, LL, LML) than the high-temperature flow path (LH), so that the manifold (10) is less likely to be damaged.

[0069] <8> In one aspect of the manifold (10), at least one restraint portion (13) is disposed at a location where two adjacent ends (12b, 12d) intersect.

[0070] In this embodiment, at least one restraint portion (13) is disposed at the point where two adjacent ends (12b, 12d) intersect, so that the manifold (10) can be stably fixed to the restrained object (14) against external forces from two directions.

[0071] <9> In one aspect of the manifold (10), the high-temperature flow path is at least one of a flow path (LH1) from the compressor (1) to the cabin condenser (2) and a flow path (LH2) from the cabin condenser (2) to the water-cooled condenser (3).

[0072] In this embodiment, a manifold (10) having at least one of a flow path (LH1) from the compressor (1) to the cabin condenser (2) and a high-temperature flow path (LH2) from the cabin condenser (2) to the water-cooled condenser (3) can be stably fixed to a restrained object (14).

[0073] <10> In one embodiment of the manifold (10), the low-temperature flow path is a flow path (LL1) from the water-cooled condenser (3) to the evaporator (4).

[0074] In this embodiment, the manifold (10) having the low-temperature flow path (LL1) leading from the water-cooled condenser (3) to the evaporator (4) can be stably fixed to the object to be restrained (14).

[0075] The present disclosure can be used in manifolds.

[0076] 1: Compressor, 2: Cabin condenser, 3: Water-cooled condenser, 4: Evaporator, 10: Manifold, 11: Manifold body, 12b: Second end (end), 12d: Fourth end (end), 13: Restraint portion, 14: Vehicle body support frame (restrained object), 16: High temperature portion, 18: Low temperature portion, 20: Stress relief structure, F1: High temperature fluid, F2: First low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), F3: Second low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), F4: Third low temperature fluid (low temperature fluid), LH: High temperature flow path, LH1: First high temperature flow path (high temperature flow path), LH2: Second high temperature flow path (high temperature flow path), LL: Low temperature flow path, LL1: First low temperature flow path (low temperature flow path), LM: Medium temperature flow path (low temperature flow path), LML: Medium / low temperature flow path (low temperature flow path)

Claims

1. A manifold comprising: a manifold body having a high temperature section in which a high temperature flow path is formed through which a high temperature fluid having a first temperature or higher flows; and a low temperature section in which a low temperature flow path is formed through which a low temperature fluid having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows; and a restraint section that restrains the manifold body to a restrained object, at least one of the restraint sections being disposed at an end of the low temperature section of the manifold body.

2. A manifold as set forth in claim 1, wherein said restraining portion is disposed only in said low temperature portion.

3. A manifold as claimed in claim 1, wherein the restraint portion is also disposed in the high temperature portion.

4. A manifold comprising: a high-temperature section in which a high-temperature flow path is formed through which a high-temperature fluid having a first temperature or higher flows; and a low-temperature section in which a low-temperature flow path is formed through which a low-temperature fluid having a second temperature or lower that is lower than the first temperature flows; and restraining sections arranged in the high-temperature section and the low-temperature section for restraining the manifold body against a restrained object, wherein the restraining section arranged in the low-temperature section and the restraining section arranged in the high-temperature section form a stress relief structure.

5. A manifold as set forth in claim 4, wherein said restraining portion is disposed in each of said high temperature portion and said low temperature portion.

6. A manifold as set forth in claim 4, wherein the same number of said restraining portions are arranged in each of said high temperature portion and said low temperature portion.

7. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said restraining portions is disposed at said end portion closer to said low temperature flow passage than to said high temperature flow passage.

8. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said restraining portions is disposed at a location where two adjacent ends intersect.

9. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the high temperature flow path is at least one of a flow path from a compressor to a cabin condenser and a flow path from the cabin condenser to a water-cooled condenser.

10. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the low temperature flow path is a flow path from a water-cooled condenser to an evaporator.

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