Vehicular heat source unit

Abstract

To provide a vehicular heat source unit that has favorable mountability to a vehicle front compartment. A vehicular heat source unit (17) that can be disposed in a vehicle front compartment (BR) of a vehicle (11) includes : a hot water pump (31); a refrigerant condenser (22); a hot water heater (32); a hot water liquid tank (34); and an elongated structure (18) of an elongated shape. The refrigerant condenser (22) and the hot water heater (32) are supported by the elongated structure (18) and aligned along a longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18).

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Title of Invention] VEHICULAR HEAT SOURCE UNIT [Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicular heat source unit, which is a heat source of hot water for heating air in a vehicle cabin. [Background Art]

[0002] A vehicle is provided with an air conditioner, which has heating and cooling functions, for example, such that air in a vehicle cabin can be conditioned. Generally, the air conditioner includes an air heating heat exchanger capable of heating air blown into the vehicle cabin. The air heating heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the air blown into the vehicle cabin and hot water as a heat medium.

[0003] A hot water circuit where hot water flows includes: a hot water pump for delivering hot water; a refrigerant condenser for performing heat exchange between the hot water and a refrigerant; and a hot water heater capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser.

[0004] When the hot water pump, the refrigerant condenser, and the hot water heater are mounted in the vehicle, it is considered to unitize the hot water pump, the refrigerant condenser, and the hot water heater, for example, as a heat source unit configured to be a heat source of the hot water. PTL 1 discloses a technique concerning unitization of plural devices. [Citation List] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [PTL 1] US11,440,376B [Summary of Invention] [Technical Problem]

[0006] PTL 1 discloses a unit apparatus including a compressor, a refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant expansion device, and an evaporator, for example, which are assembled with one another. This unit apparatus as a whole is a block-shaped lump and has a predetermined size in vertical, fore-and-aft, and lateral directions. In order to dispose such a unit apparatus in a vehicle front compartment, a predetermined space is needed in the vehicle front compartment. Thus, there is room for improvement concerning mounting of theunit apparatus.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a vehicular heat source unit that has favorable mountability to a vehicle front compartment. [Solution to Problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) that can be disposed inside a vehicle front compartment (BR) in front of a vehicle cabin (CR) where passengers board in a vehicle (11), the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) including: a hot water device (30a) including: a hot water pump (31) configured to deliver hot water capable of heating air blown into the vehicle cabin (CR); a refrigerant condenser (22) configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and a refrigerant capable of cooling the air blown into the vehicle cabin (CR); a hot water heater (32) capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser (22); and a hot water liquid tank (34) configured to store part of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water; and an elongated structure (18, 120, 210) of an elongated shape,in which at least the refrigerant condenser (22) and the hot water heater (32) of the hot water device (30a) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) and aligned along a longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

[0009] According to a second aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to the first aspect, the hot water pump (31) and the hot water liquid tank (34) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), the hot water pump (31) is aligned with the refrigerant condenser (22), the hot water heater (32), and the hot water liquid tank (34) along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), and the hot water liquid tank (34) is interposed between the hot water heater (32) and the hot water pump (31).

[0010] According to a third aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to the first or second aspect, the hot water pump (31) and the hot water liquid tank (34) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), the hot water pump (31) is aligned with the refrigerant condenser (22), the hot water heater (32), and the hot waterliquid tank (34) along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), and the refrigerant condenser (22) is interposed between the hot water pump (31) and the hot water heater (32).

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to third aspects, the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) can be disposed in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) is a vehicle width direction, and the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) includes a first securing portion (56, 130) that can be secured to a right rigid portion (50) of the vehicle (11); and a second securing portion (66, 140) that can be secured to a left rigid portion (60) of the vehicle (11).

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first securing portion (56, 130) can be secured to a right front side panel (52) of the right rigid portion (50), andthe second securing portion (66, 140) can be secured to a left front side panel (62) of the left rigid portion (60).

[0013] According to a sixth aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first securing portion (56, 130) can be secured to a right suspension tower (53) of the right rigid portion (50), and the second securing portion (66, 140) can be secured to a left suspension tower (63) of the left rigid portion (60).

[0014] According to a seventh aspect, preferably, the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects includes a refrigerant liquid tank (27) configured to store part of the refrigerant and to separate the refrigerant in a gaseous state from the refrigerant in a liquid state, the refrigerant liquid tank (27) being supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

[0015] According to an eighth aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to anyone of the first to seventh aspects, capable of cooling a battery (49) configured to store traveling power of the vehicle (11) by cold water cooled by a refrigerant, the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) including: a cold water pump (41) configured to deliver the cold water; a cold-water cooling expansion device (24) capable of expanding the refrigerant; and a cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant that has been expanded by the cold-water cooling expansion device (24) and the cold water, the cold water pump (41), the cold-water cooling expansion device (24), and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), in a plan view, a dimension of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) in the longitudinal direction is longer than a dimension of each of the refrigerant liquid tank (27), the cold water pump (41), and the cold-water cooling expansion device (24) in the longitudinal direction, and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) is disposed in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the cold- water cooling heat exchanger (26) is along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

[0016] According to a ninth aspect, preferably, in the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the refrigerant condenser (22) and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) are aligned along a width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), the refrigerant condenser (22) is formed by stacking plural refrigerant condensation plates (28), a stacking direction of the plural refrigerant condensation plates (28) is along the width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) is formed by stacking plural cold-water cooling plates (29), and a stacking direction of the plural cold-water cooling plates (29) is along the width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210). [Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0017] The invention can provide the vehicular heat source unit that has favorable mountability to the vehicle front compartment. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0018] [FIG. 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicular thermal management system including a vehicular heat source unit in a first example. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle in which the vehicular thermal management system in FIG. 1 can be mounted. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a supporting portion of an elongated structure of the vehicular heat source unit in FIG. 1, and devices supported by the supporting portion. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the supporting portion of the elongated structure and a cover member that can be hung from the supporting portion. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5A is a plan view of the vehicular heat source unit secured to the vehicle. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a compressor relative to the vehicular heat source unit. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6A is a view of the vehicular heat source unit as viewed from the rear. FIG. 6B is a view of the vehicular heat source unit as viewed from the left. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicularheat source unit according to a second example. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the vehicular heat source unit according to the second example as viewed from the front. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram partially illustrating a vehicular heat source unit according to a third example. [Description of Embodiments]

[0019] <First Example> A first example will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that left and right refer to left and right (vehicle width directions) with respect to a passenger in a vehicle, and front and rear refer to front and rear with respect to a traveling direction of the vehicle. In the drawings, Fr indicates the front, Rr indicates the rear, Le indicates the left as viewed from a passenger, Ri indicates the right as viewed from a passenger, Up indicates upward, and Dn indicates downward.

[0020] (Vehicular Thermal Management System) Refer to FIGs. 1 and 2. In a vehicle 11, it is possible to mount a vehicular thermal management system 10 capable of air-conditioning a vehicle cabin CR where passengers can board, and cooling a battery 49 configured to store travelingpower of the vehicle 11. For convenience of description, as for the vehicle 11 in FIG. 2, only a vehicle body 11a configured to be a framework in the vehicle 11 is illustrated.

[0021] The vehicular thermal management system 10 includes: a refrigerant circuit 20 where a refrigerant capable of cooling air in the vehicle cabin CR flows; a hot water circuit 30 where hot water capable of heating air in the vehicle cabin CR flows; and a cold water circuit 40 where cold water capable of cooling the battery 49 flows.

[0022] (Refrigerant Circuit) The refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with a compressor 21 configured to compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure, and a refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant and the hot water. The refrigerant condenser 22 is occasionally referred to as water condenser. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant condenser 22 branches into two flows.

[0023] One of the branch refrigerant flows runs into a refrigerant-for-air expansion device 23 capable of expanding the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has been expanded bythe refrigerant-for-air expansion device 23 runs into an air cooling heat exchanger 25 so as to cool air passing through the air cooling heat exchanger 25. The air that has been cooled by the air cooling heat exchanger 25 is supplied into the vehicle cabin CR as cold air for cooling. The air cooling heat exchanger 25 is occasionally referred to as evaporator.

[0024] The other of the branch refrigerant flows runs into a cold-water cooling expansion device 24 capable of expanding the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has been expanded by the cold-water cooling expansion device 24 runs into a cold- water cooling heat exchanger 26 capable of cooling cold water by heat exchange between the cold water and the refrigerant. The cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 is occasionally referred to as chiller.

[0025] The refrigerant that has passed through the air cooling heat exchanger 25 and the refrigerant that has passed through the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 join each other and are thereafter sucked by the compressor 21.

[0026] It is noted that the refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with a refrigerant liquid tank 27 configured to store part of the refrigerant and to separate the refrigerant in aliquid state and the refrigerant in a gaseous state from each other. The refrigerant in this example flows out of the refrigerant condenser 22 once, and passes through the refrigerant liquid tank 27, and only the liquid refrigerant flows into the refrigerant condenser 22 again. Because the refrigerant condenser 22 and the refrigerant liquid tank 27 are provided in this manner, the liquid refrigerant can be cooled at the refrigerant condenser 22 so that a supercooling degree can be increased, and that cooling capacities by the air cooling heat exchanger 25 (evaporator) and the cold- water cooling heat exchanger 26 (chiller) can be enhanced. It is noted that although not illustrated, the refrigerant liquid tank 27 may be interposed between the refrigerant condenser 22 and the refrigerant-for-air expansion device 23.

[0027] (Hot Water Circuit) The hot water circuit 30 is provided with: a hot water pump 31 configured to deliver hot water; the above-described refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and the refrigerant; a hot water heater 32 capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser 22; an air heating heat exchanger 33 into which the hot water that has been heated by the hot water heater 32 flows to heat the air flowingthrough the air heating heat exchanger 33; and a hot water liquid tank 34 configured to store part of the hot water that has passed through the air heating heat exchanger 33 and separate air bubbles from the hot water. The air that has been heated by the air heating heat exchanger 33 is supplied into the vehicle cabin CR as hot air for heating. The air heating heat exchanger 33 is occasionally referred to as hot water heater core. The hot water that has passed through the hot water liquid tank 34 flows into the hot water pump 31 again. Although not illustrated, the hot water circuit 30 may be provided with a radiator capable of cooling the hot water by outside air of the vehicle 11 as necessary.

[0028] (Cold Water Circuit) The cold water circuit 40 includes: a cold water pump 41 configured to deliver cold water; the above-described cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 configured to cool the cold water by the refrigerant; and a battery cooling device 42 inside which the cold water that has been cooled by the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 flows so that the battery 49 can be cooled. The battery cooling device 42 at least includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the battery 49.

[0029] (Vehicle)Refer to FIG. 2. The vehicle 11 (vehicle body 11a) includes: a dash panel 12 (partition wall) configured to partition the vehicle cabin CR and a vehicle front compartment BR in front of the vehicle cabin CR; a right front side member 13, which is a structure of the vehicle 11 and disposed in a right lower portion of the vehicle front compartment BR; and a left front side member 14, which is a structure of the vehicle 11 and disposed in a left lower portion of the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0030] (Left and Right Rigid Portions) The vehicle 11 further includes: a right rigid portion 50 having a predetermined rigidity and disposed in a right side portion of the vehicle front compartment BR; and a left rigid portion 60 having a predetermined rigidity and disposed in a left side portion of the vehicle front compartment BR. The right rigid portion 50 and the left rigid portion 60 are parts of the vehicle body 11a and, along with the dash panel 12, define a space of the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0031] (Right Front Side Panel) The right rigid portion 50 includes: a right upper member 51 extending forward from a right upper corner of the dash panel 12; and a right front side panel 52 disposed from the right upper member 51 to the right front side member 13.It is noted that the right upper member 51 and the right front side panel 52 may be bonded to each other or may be a single member integrally formed.

[0032] (Right Suspension Tower) The right front side panel 52 includes a right suspension tower 53 disposed to partly surround a right front suspension (not illustrated). The right suspension tower 53 includes: a right tower portion 54 extending upward from the right front side member 13; and a right top portion 55 disposed on an upper end of the right tower portion 54 and capable of supporting an upper portion of the right front suspension. The right top portion 55 has a hole 55a coaxial with the right front suspension.

[0033] (Left Front Side Panel) The left rigid portion 60 includes: a left upper member 61 extending forward from a left upper corner of the dash panel 12; and a left front side panel 62 disposed from the left upper member 61 to the left front side member 14. It is noted that the left upper member 61 and the left front side panel 62 may be bonded to each other or may be a single member integrally formed.

[0034] (Left Suspension Tower)The left front side panel 62 includes a left suspension tower 63 disposed to partly surround a left front suspension (not illustrated). The left suspension tower 63 includes: a left tower portion 64 extending upward from the left front side member 14; and a left top portion 65 disposed on an upper end of the left tower portion 64 and capable of supporting an upper portion of the left front suspension. The left top portion 65 has a hole 65a coaxial with the left front suspension.

[0035] (Air Conditioning Unit, Heat Source Unit) Refer to FIGs. 1 and 2. Some of the devices that constitute the vehicular thermal management system 10 are in a unitized state and mountable in the vehicle 11. Specifically, the vehicular thermal management system 10 includes: an air conditioning unit 16 that can be disposed immediately behind the dash panel 12 in the vehicle cabin CR and is capable of air conditioning of the vehicle cabin CR; and a vehicular heat source unit 17 that can be disposed in the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0036] (Air Conditioning Unit) The air conditioning unit 16 includes a case 16a containing the air cooling heat exchanger 25 (evaporator), the air heating heat exchanger 33 (hot water heater core),and the refrigerant-for-air expansion device 23.

[0037] (Vehicular Heat Source Unit, Hot Water Device) See FIGs. 2 and 3. The vehicular heat source unit 17 includes: the hot water pump 31; the refrigerant condenser 22; the hot water heater 32; the hot water liquid tank 34; the refrigerant liquid tank 27; the cold-water cooling expansion device 24; the cold water pump 41; the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26; and an elongated structure 18 of an elongated shape in which these devices are disposed.

[0038] Hereinafter, the devices disposed in the elongated structure 18 will be referred to as supported devices 26 to 31. The elongated structure 18 includes: a support 70 configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31; and a cover member 80 configured to cover the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0039] (Hot Water Device) Refer to FIG. 1. The hot water pump 31, the refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water liquid tank 34 will be referred to as a hot water device 30a.

[0040] (Hot Water Heater)The hot water heater 32 is a device for further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser 22, and at least includes: a tank where the hot water flows; an electric heater disposed inside the tank and capable of heating the hot water; a tank hot-water inlet via which the hot water is introduced into the tank; and a tank hot-water outlet via which the hot water is discharged from the tank. The hot water heater 32 is occasionally referred to as electric hot water generator or liquid heater.

[0041] (Support) Refer to FIG. 3. The support 70 includes: a main portion 70a (supporting portion) configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31; a first securing member 56 (first securing portion) that is disposed on an end of the main portion 70a on one side with respect to a longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of the elongated structure 18 as a reference and that can be secured to the right rigid portion 50 of the vehicle 11; and a second securing member 66 (second securing portion) disposed on an end of the main portion 70a on the other side with respect to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 as a reference and that can be secured to the left rigid portion 60 of the vehicle 11.

[0042] (Frame Members) The main portion 70a includes two elongated frame members 71, 71 disposed substantially in parallel to each other. Each of the frame members 71 is, for example, a metallic member of a hollow cylindrical shape and has the same length. An interval between the frame members 71 is not strictly specified. However, it is natural to set the interval at a slightly larger value for one of the supported devices 26 to 31 that has the longest dimension in a fore- and-aft direction. Meanwhile, the interval between the frame members 71 may be set at such a value that the supported devices 26 to 31 protrude forward or rearward from the frame members 71.

[0043] (Bridge Members) Plural bridge members 72 bridge the two frame members 71. Each of the bridge members 72 is, for example, a metallic band-shaped plate. Both ends of each of the bridge members 72 are secured to the frame members 71. A securing method is, for example, welding or screw-fastening. The frame members 71 and the bridge members 72 form a ladder shape as a whole. The frame members 71 and the bridge members 72 may be made of any material as long as the material has a predetermined strength. As one example, preferably, the bridge members 72 are made of the same material as theframe members 71. This improves corrosion resistance of portions where the frame members 71 and the bridge members 72 contact each other. Alternatively, a highly insulative material, such as a resin, is preferably used for the bridge members 72. A local battery reaction in the portions where the frame members 71 and the bridge members 72 contact each other can be suppressed to improve the corrosion resistance.

[0044] (Supporting the Supported Devices by Bridge Members) A screw through hole 74 through which a male screw 73 can be inserted is formed in each of the bridge members 72. A female screw 79 in which the male screw 73 can be tightened is formed in an upper surface 31b of a case 31a of the hot water pump 31. The upper surface 31b of the case 31a of the hot water pump 31 is made to overlap a lower surface of the bridge member 72, and the male screw 73 inserted through the screw through hole 74 and the female screw 79 are tightened, so that the hot water pump 31 can be secured to the bridge member 72.

[0045] Similarly, the female screw 79 is formed in each of: an upper surface 34b of a case 34a of the hot water liquid tank 34; an upper surface 32b of a case 32a of the hot water heater 32; an upper surface 27b of a case 27a of the refrigerant liquid tank 27; an upper surface 24b of a case24a of the cold-water cooling expansion device 24; an upper surface 22b of a case 22a of the refrigerant condenser 22; an upper surface 26b of a case 26a of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26; and an upper surface 41b of a case 41a of the cold water pump 41. Each of the devices is secured to the bridge member 72 by the male screw 73.

[0046] It is noted that a plurality of the supported devices 26 to 31 may be secured to the single bridge member 72. Shapes of the cases of the supported devices 26 to 31 are not limited to block shapes or cylindrical shapes.

[0047] (First Securing Member) The first securing member 56 includes a first plate 57 having a rigidity. The first plate 57 includes: a plate- shaped first overlapping portion 57a that can overlap the right top portion 55 of the right suspension tower 53; a first base portion 57c extending from an edge of the first overlapping portion 57a toward the frame members 71; and two first arm portions 57b, 57b extending from both ends of the first base portion 57c in the fore-and-aft direction toward the frame members 71.

[0048] A first semi-cylindrical member 58 is bonded to each of the first arm portions 57b. The first arm portion 57band the first semi-cylindrical member 58 define a first insertion hole 59 in which an end portion of each of the frame members 71 on one side can be inserted.

[0049] (Second Securing Member) The second securing member 66 includes a second plate 67 having a rigidity. The second plate 67 includes: a plate- shaped second overlapping portion 67a that can overlap the left top portion 65 of the left suspension tower 63; a second base portion 67c extending from an edge of the second overlapping portion 67a toward the frame members 71; and two second arm portions 67b, 67b extending from both ends of the second base portion 67c in the fore-and-aft direction toward the frame members 71.

[0050] A second semi-cylindrical member 68 is bonded to each of the second arm portions 67b. The second arm portion 67b and the second semi-cylindrical member 68 define a second insertion hole 69 in which an end portion of each of the frame members 71 on one side can be inserted.

[0051] (Bending of Base Portion) Refer to FIGs. 3 and 6. The first base portion 57c is bent toward the first overlapping portion 57a. The second base portion 67c is bent toward the second overlappingportion 67a. However, the first base portion 57c and the second base portion 67c may not necessarily be bent.

[0052] (Dash Panel Securing Portion) The support 70 further includes a dash panel securing member 76 (dash panel securing portion) disposed between and behind the first securing member 56 and the second securing member 66 and securable to an intermediate securing portion 15 disposed on an upper end of a front surface of the dash panel 12 of the vehicle 11. A securing method is, for example, screw-fastening by a male screw and a female screw.

[0053] (Cover Member) Refer to FIG. 4. The cover member 80 is, for example, a box with a whole upper surface opened. Specifically, the cover member 80 includes: a plate-shaped bottom portion 81 capable of covering a lower side of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a peripheral wall 82 extending upward from an entire edge of the bottom portion 81 and capable of surrounding the supported devices 26 to 31 from sides.

[0054] The peripheral wall 82 includes: a front wall portion 83 extending upward from a front edge of the bottom portion 81 and capable of covering the front of the supported devices 26 to 31; a rear wall portion 84 extending upward from arear edge of the bottom portion 81 and capable of covering the rear of the supported devices 26 to 31; a left wall portion 86 extending upward from a left edge of the bottom portion 81 and capable of covering the left of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a right wall portion 85 extending upward from a right edge of the bottom portion 81 and capable of covering the right of the supported devices 26 to 31. It is noted that although the cover member 80 is a single member made of a resin, plural plates may be provided and bonded to one another into a box shape.

[0055] (Hanging of Cover Member with S-shaped Hooks) Plural hook holes 88 aligned along the longitudinal direction are formed in upper ends of the front wall portion 83 and the rear wall portion 84 of the cover member 80. A lower end of an S-shaped hook 75 is hooked on each of the hook holes 88, and an upper end of the S-shaped hook 75 is hooked on the frame member 71. With the above-described configuration, the cover member 80 can be hung on the frame members 71, thereby completing the vehicular heat source unit 17 illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the elongated structure 18 may include the support 70 alone without the cover member 80.

[0056] (Securing Method of Vehicular Heat Source Unit to VehicleBody) Refer to FIGs. 2 and 3. Plural screw through holes 56b through which male screws 78 can be inserted are formed in the first overlapping portion 57a of the first securing member 56. The first overlapping portion 57a is made to overlap the right top portion 55 of the right suspension tower 53 of the vehicle 11, and the male screws 78 are tightened in female screws 55b, so that the first securing member 56 can be secured.

[0057] Similarly, plural screw through holes 66b through which the male screws 78 can be inserted are formed in the second overlapping portion 67a of the second securing member 66. The second overlapping portion 67a is made to overlap the left top portion 65 of the left suspension tower 63 of the vehicle 11, and the male screws 78 are tightened in female screws 65b, so that the second securing member 66 can be secured.

[0058] (Arrangement of Vehicular Heat Source Unit) With the above-described configuration, the vehicular heat source unit 17 secured to the vehicle body 11a is arranged in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 (hereinafter simply referred to as "longitudinal direction") is a vehicle width direction.

[0059] (Arrangement of Supported Devices 26 to 31) Refer to FIG. 5A. A description will be given on arrangement of the supported devices 26 to 31 in a plan view of the vehicular heat source unit 17 from an upper side. The refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water liquid tank 34 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18.

[0060] In addition, the hot water pump 31 is aligned with the refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water liquid tank 34 along the longitudinal direction. The hot water liquid tank 34 is interposed between the hot water heater 32 and the hot water pump 31.

[0061] It is noted that the refrigerant condenser 22 may be interposed between the hot water pump 31 and the hot water heater 32. The supported devices 26 to 31 may be in contact with the cover member 80 although illustrated as components separate from (not in contact with) the peripheral wall 82 of the cover member 80.

[0062] (Position of Compressor) Refer to FIG. 5B. A region where the refrigerant condenser 22 is projected in a direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 (lateral direction in the example) as a reference will be referred to as projection region R. In other words, the projection region R is a region (space) between a first plane P1 including an end portion of the refrigerant condenser 22 on one side and a second plane P2 including an end portion of the refrigerant condenser 22 on the other side with respect to the longitudinal direction as a reference. The compressor 21 overlaps the projection region R (is located within the projection region R), and is disposed in front of the vehicular heat source unit 17.

[0063] It is noted that at least part of the compressor 21 may overlap the projection region R. The direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 (lateral direction in the example) is not limited to the fore-and-aft direction. The compressor 21 may be disposed above, below, or behind the vehicular heat source unit 17.

[0064] (Positions of Suction Port and Discharge Port of Compressor) The compressor 21 includes: a refrigerant suction port 21b for sucking the refrigerant; and a refrigerant discharge port 21a for discharging the refrigerant. The refrigerant suction port 21b and the refrigerant discharge port 21a aredisposed to overlap the projection region R. Although the refrigerant suction port 21b and the refrigerant discharge port 21a are oriented rearward and are aligned in the lateral direction, orientations and positions of the ports may be changed.

[0065] (Orientation of Refrigerant Condenser) The refrigerant condenser 22 is formed by stacking plural refrigerant condensation plates 28. At least two kinds of the refrigerant condensation plates 28 are provided and alternately stacked to form a passage where only the refrigerant passes and a passage where only the hot water passes although a specific description on the configuration will be omitted. A stacking direction of the refrigerant condensation plates 28 is along a width direction of the elongated structure 18 (fore-and-aft direction).

[0066] (Orientation of Cold-Water Cooling Heat Exchanger) The cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 is formed by stacking plural cold-water cooling plates 29. At least two kinds of the cold-water cooling plates 29 are provided and alternately stacked to form a passage where only the refrigerant passes and a passage where only cold water passes although a specific description on the configuration will be omitted. A stacking direction of the cold-water coolingplates 29 is along the width direction of the elongated structure 18 (fore-and-aft direction).

[0067] (Arrangement of Supported Devices in Height Direction) Refer to FIG. 6A. A plane including an uppermost portion 18a, which is a portion of the elongated structure 18 that is located at an uppermost position, with a vertical direction of the plane being a normal direction, will be referred to as upper reference plane P3. The supported devices 26 to 31 are located below the upper reference plane P3. In other words, the supported devices 26 to 31 do not protrude upward from the elongated structure 18. It is noted that the supported devices 26 to 31 may be in contact with the cover member 80 although illustrated as components separate from (not in contact with) the bottom portion 81 of the cover member 80.

[0068] (Arrangement of Bottom Portion of Cover Member) The bottom portion 81 of the cover member 80 is located below the first securing member 56 and the second securing member 66.

[0069] (Pipes) Refer to FIG. 1. The vehicular heat source unit 17 includes: inner coupling pipes (with no reference signs)configured to couple the supported devices 26 to 31 to one another; and outer coupling pipes 91 to 98 capable of coupling the supported devices 26 to 31 to outer devices (devices other than the supported devices 26 to 31). It is noted that the supported devices 26 to 31 are separate from one another (the cases of the supported devices 26 to 31 do not contact one another).

[0070] (Positions of Hot Water Pipes) The outer coupling pipes 91 to 98 include: a first hot water pipe 91 inside which hot water flows toward the air heating heat exchanger 33 of the vehicle cabin CR; and a second hot water pipe 92 inside which the hot water that has passed through the air heating heat exchanger 33 of the vehicle cabin CR flows. The first hot water pipe 91 is coupled to the hot water heater 32, for example. The second hot water pipe 92 is coupled to the hot water liquid tank 34, for example.

[0071] Refer to FIGs. 6A and 6B. The first hot water pipe 91 and the second hot water pipe 92 extend through pipe holes 89 formed in the rear wall portion 84 and are bent in a crank shape. An outlet 91a of the first hot water pipe 91 and an inlet 92a of the second hot water pipe 92 are both oriented rearward, are located below the bottom portion 81, andlocated behind the rear wall portion 84.

[0072] (Positions of Refrigerant Pipes) Refer to FIG. 1. The outer coupling pipes 91 to 98 include: a first refrigerant pipe 93 where the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant liquid tank 27 flows toward the air cooling heat exchanger 25; and a second refrigerant pipe 94 where the refrigerant that has passed through the air cooling heat exchanger 25 flows.

[0073] Refer to FIGs. 6A and 6B. The first refrigerant pipe 93 and the second refrigerant pipe 94 extend through the pipe holes 89 formed in the rear wall portion 84, and are bent in a crank shape. An outlet 93a of the first refrigerant pipe 93 and an inlet 94a of the second refrigerant pipe 94 are oriented rearward and are located below the bottom portion 81 and located behind the rear wall portion 84.

[0074] (Positions of Cold Water Pipes) Refer to FIG. 1. The outer coupling pipes 91 to 98 include: a first cold water pipe 95 where the cold water that has passed through the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 flows toward the battery 49; and a second cold water pipe 96 where the cold water that has passed through the batterycooling device 42 flows.

[0075] The first cold water pipe 95 and the second cold water pipe 96 extend through the pipe holes 89 formed in the bottom portion 81. Refer to FIGs. 6A and 6B. An outlet 95a of the first cold water pipe 95 and an inlet 96a of the second cold water pipe 96 are oriented downward and are located below the bottom portion 81.

[0076] (Positions of Coupling Pipes) Refer to FIG. 5B. The outer coupling pipes 91 to 98 include: a suction-side coupling pipe 97 including an outlet 97a couplable to the refrigerant suction port 21b; and a discharge-side coupling pipe 98 including an inlet 98a couplable to the refrigerant discharge port 21a. The outlet 97a of the suction-side coupling pipe 97 and the inlet 98a of the discharge-side coupling pipe 98 are both oriented forward.

[0077] (First Effect) Refer to FIGs. 1 and 2. The vehicular thermal management system 10 includes the vehicular heat source unit 17, which can be disposed within the vehicle front compartment BR in front of the vehicle cabin CR where passengers board in the vehicle 11.

[0078] Refer to FIG. 5A. The vehicular heat source unit 17 is provided with the hot water device 30a including: the hot water pump 31 configured to deliver hot water capable of heating the air blown into the vehicle cabin CR; the refrigerant condenser 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and the refrigerant capable of cooling the air blown into the vehicle cabin CR; the hot water heater 32 capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser 22; and the hot water liquid tank 34 configured to store part of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water. Further, the vehicular heat source unit 17 includes the elongated structure 18 of an elongate shape. At least the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32 of the hot water device 30a are supported by the elongated structure 18 and aligned along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18.

[0079] That is, to unitize the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32 of the hot water device 30a, the elongated structure 18 of the elongated shape is employed. The refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32 have predetermined sizes and are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18. Thevehicular heat source unit 17 that has been unitized by employing the elongated structure 18 is disposed in the vehicle front compartment BR, so that, of the three directions, i.e., fore-and-aft, lateral, and vertical directions, dimensions of the vehicular heat source unit 17 in two directions other than the longitudinal direction (the fore-and-aft and vertical directions in the example) can be decreased. This can improve mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR. It is noted that the vehicular heat source unit 17 may be disposed in the vehicle front compartment BR in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 is the fore-and-aft direction or the vertical direction.

[0080] (Second Effect) Moreover, the hot water pump 31 and the hot water liquid tank 34 are also supported by the elongated structure 18. The hot water pump 31 is aligned with the refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water liquid tank 34 along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18. The hot water liquid tank 34 is interposed between the hot water heater 32 and the hot water pump 31. When the hot water pump 31 and the hot water liquid tank 34 in addition to the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32 are aligned along the longitudinaldirection, mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR can be improved.

[0081] (Third Effect) Although not illustrated, the hot water pump 31 may be aligned with the refrigerant condenser 22, the hot water heater 32, and the hot water liquid tank 34 along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18, and the refrigerant condenser 22 may be interposed between the hot water pump 31 and the hot water heater 32.

[0082] (Fourth Effect) Refer to FIG. 2. The elongated structure 18 is disposed in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 is the vehicle width direction. The elongated structure 18 includes: the first securing member 56 that can be secured to the right rigid portion 50 of the vehicle 11; and the second securing member 66 that can be secured to the left rigid portion 60 of the vehicle 11. Because the vehicular heat source unit 17 is to be disposed in the vicinity of the air conditioning unit 16, unintentional heat loss can be effectively prevented.

[0083] (Fifth Effect) The first securing member 56 can be secured to theright front side panel 52 of the right rigid portion 50. The second securing member 66 can be secured to the left front side panel 62 of the left rigid portion 60. The left and right front side panels 52, 62 have such a high rigidity that the vehicular heat source unit 17 can be reliably secured to the vehicle 11.

[0084] (Sixth Effect) The first securing member 56 can be secured to the right suspension tower 53 of the right rigid portion 50. The second securing member 66 can be secured to the left suspension tower 63 of the left rigid portion 60. The left and right suspension towers 53, 63 have such a high rigidity that the vehicular heat source unit 17 can be reliably secured to the vehicle 11.

[0085] (Seventh Effect) Refer to FIGs. 1 and 3. The vehicular heat source unit 17 includes the refrigerant liquid tank 27 configured to store part of the refrigerant and to separate the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid tank 27 is supported by the elongated structure 18. That is, the devices except the compressor 21 that generates vibration can be aggregated in the elongated structure 18 and unitized.

[0086] (Eighth Effect) Refer to FIGs. 1 and 2. The battery 49 configured to store traveling power of the vehicle 11 can be cooled by cold water cooled by the refrigerant. The vehicular heat source unit 17 includes: the cold water pump 41 configured to deliver cold water; the cold-water cooling expansion device 24 capable of expanding the refrigerant; and the cold- water cooling heat exchanger 26 configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant that has been expanded by the cold-water cooling expansion device 24 and the cold water.

[0087] Refer to FIG. 3. The cold water pump 41, the cold- water cooling expansion device 24, and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 are supported by the elongated structure 18. Component parts for battery cooling can be also aggregated in the elongated structure 18 and unitized. Dimensions of the vehicular heat source unit 17 in two of the fore-and-aft, lateral, and vertical directions can be decreased to improve mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0088] Refer to FIG. 5A. In a plan view (in a direction that allows all of the supported devices 26 to 31 to be visually confirmed or in a direction along a height direction of theelongated structure 18), a dimension of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 in the longitudinal direction is longer than a dimension of each of the refrigerant liquid tank 27, the cold water pump 41, and the cold-water cooling expansion device 24 in the longitudinal direction. The cold- water cooling heat exchanger 26 is disposed in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 is along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18. Even when the vehicular heat source unit 17 includes the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26, dimensions of the vehicular heat source unit 17 in two of the fore-and-aft, lateral, and vertical directions can be decreased to improve mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0089] (Ninth Effect) The refrigerant condenser 22 and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 are aligned along the width direction of the elongated structure 18 (a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; the fore-and-aft direction in the example). The elongated structure 18 can be prevented from increasing in a dimension in the longitudinal direction.

[0090] Furthermore, the refrigerant condenser 22 is formed bystacking plural refrigerant condensation plates 28. A stacking direction of the plural refrigerant condensation plates 28 is along the width direction of the elongated structure 18, 120, 210. The cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 is formed by stacking plural cold-water cooling plates 29. A stacking direction of the plural cold-water cooling plates 29 is along the width direction of the elongated structure 18, 120, 210.

[0091] Normally, the stacking direction of each kind of the plates 28 and 29 is a short-side direction (shortest-side direction among the three directions) of the refrigerant condenser 22 and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26. That is, the short-side directions of the refrigerant condenser 22 and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 are made to be along the width direction of the elongated structure 18, so that when the refrigerant condenser 22 and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26 are aligned along the width direction, the dimensions in the width direction can be shortened.

[0092] <Second Example> Refer to FIGs. 7 and 8. A vehicular heat source unit 17A in a second example will be described. As for the configuration in common with the vehicular heat source unit17 in the first example, the same reference signs as those of the first example are given and their description will be omitted.

[0093] (Elongated Structure) The vehicular heat source unit 17A includes an elongated structure 120 of an elongate shape provided with the supported devices 26 to 31. The elongated structure 120, which has an elongated box shape with a whole upper surface opened, is provided with a supporting portion 120a configured to support the supported devices 26 to 31, and a first securing portion 130 and a second securing portion 140 disposed on both ends of the supporting portion 120a in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] (Supporting Portion) The supporting portion 120a includes: a plate-shaped bottom section 121 extending in the longitudinal direction and capable of covering a lower side of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a peripheral wall 122 extending upward from an entire edge of the bottom section 121 and surrounding the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0095] The peripheral wall 122 includes: a front wall section 123 extending upward from a front edge of the bottom section121 and capable of covering the front of the supported devices 26 to 31; a rear wall section 124 extending upward from a rear edge of the bottom section 121 and capable of covering the rear of the supported devices 26 to 31; a left wall section 126 extending upward from a left edge of the bottom section 121 and capable of covering the left of the supported devices 26 to 31; and a right wall section 125 extending upward from a right edge of the bottom section 121 and capable of covering the right of the supported devices 26 to 31.

[0096] (First Securing Portion) The first securing portion 130 is a plate-shaped portion including: a first overlapping section 131 that can overlap the right top portion 55 (see FIG. 2); and a first base section 132 configured to couple an edge of the first overlapping section 131 and an upper edge of the right wall section 125 to each other. The first base section 132 is bent toward the first overlapping section 131.

[0097] (Second Securing Portion) The second securing portion 140 is a plate-shaped portion including: a second overlapping section 141 that can overlap the left top portion 65 (see FIG. 2); and a second base section 142 configured to couple an edge of the secondoverlapping section 141 and an upper edge of the left wall section 126 to each other. The second base section 142 is bent toward the second overlapping section 141.

[0098] All of the above-described sections 121 to 126, 130 to 132, and 140 to 142 are continuously made of an identical material (such as a resin). The elongated structure 120 is a single member. Thus, the elongated structure 120 can be manufactured by injection molding so as to facilitate its production. Alternatively, when manufacture by injection molding is possible, the elongated structure 120 may be made of layers of plural members. The elongated structure 120 is made of a material that can improve strength and by injection molding in layers, so that the whole elongated structure 120 can be reinforced. Alternatively, the elongated structure 120 may be formed by coupling plural different members using a known two-color molding method. The first base section 132 and the second base section 142 are formed of a material more flexible than that of the supporting portion 120a so as to perform two-color molding such that the influence on the rigidity of the vehicle 11 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0099] (Supporting Method of Supported Devices) Refer to FIGs. 7 and 8. In a similar manner to the first example, the supported devices 26 to 31 are supportedby the elongated structure 120 by screw-fastening. Screw through holes through which male screws 101 can be inserted are formed in the bottom section 121. Female screws in which the male screw 101 can be tightened are formed in a lower surface 31c of the hot water pump 31. The lower surface 31c of the hot water pump 31 is placed on an upper surface 121a of the bottom section 121, and the male screws 101 extending through the screw through holes are tightened, so that the hot water pump 31 can be secured to the bottom section 121.

[0100] Similarly, a female screw (not illustrated) is formed in each of a lower surface 34c of the hot water liquid tank 34, a lower surface 32c of the hot water heater 32, a lower surface 27c of the refrigerant liquid tank 27, a lower surface 22c of the refrigerant condenser 22, a lower surface 26c of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26, and a lower surface 41c of the cold water pump 41, and secured by the male screw 101.

[0101] (Arrangement of Supported Devices) The supported devices 26 to 31 are all contained in the elongated structure 120. In other words, the supported devices 26 to 31 do not protrude upward from an edge of an opening of the box. However, the supported devices 26 to 31 may protrude from the opening of the box.

[0102] Preferably, the elongated structure 120 is provided with drainage holes (not illustrated) in desired positions of the plate-shaped bottom section 121. When water or other liquid component is unintentionally accumulated within the elongated structure 120, the water or other liquid component can be effectively drained.

[0103] <Third Example> Refer to FIG. 9. A vehicular heat source unit 17B in a third example will be described. As for the configuration in common with the vehicular heat source unit 17A in the second example, the same reference signs as those of the second example are given and their description will be omitted.

[0104] An elongated structure 210 of the vehicular heat source unit 17B includes a bottom extension section 212 extending forward from part of a front edge 211a of a bottom section 211 of a main portion 210a. The bottom extension section 212 supports the compressor 21 by the male screws 101 tightened in female screws formed in a lower surface of the compressor 21. The bottom extension section 212 includes an extension side wall 213 extending upward from an edge of the bottom extension section 212. The extension side wall 213surrounds the compressor 21 except the rear, and is continuous to the front wall section 123. It is noted that the portion configured to support the compressor 21 is not limited to the bottom extension section 212.

[0105] It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the examples as long as operations and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

[0106] For example, in the above description of the refrigerant circuit 20, the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant condenser 22 branches into two flows. However, without branching, the refrigerant may flow into the air cooling heat exchanger 25. In this case, the vehicular heat source unit 17 does not include the cold- water cooling expansion device 24, the cold-water cooling heat exchanger 26, and the cold water pump 41. This vehicular heat source unit 17 does not have a function of cooling the battery 49. However, the vehicular heat source unit 17 still has a function of supplying the refrigerant to the air cooling heat exchanger 25 and a function of supplying the hot water to the air heating heat exchanger 33, and has favorable mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR.

[0107] In the above-described example of the vehicular heatsource unit 17, the two devices, i.e., the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32 are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18. However, the hot water liquid tank 34 may be further disposed along the longitudinal direction.

[0108] The hot water liquid tank 34 may have a shape relatively freely settable as long as the shape satisfies limiting conditions, such as manufacture of the hot water liquid tank 34 itself, mounting to the vehicle 11, and securing a hot water amount planned for storage. Consequently, there may be other cases in which the hot water liquid tank 34 is not necessarily disposed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 with the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32. However, because the stored hot water varies in volume in accordance with a temperature change, it is necessary for the hot water liquid tank 34 to secure a predetermined amount of volume, which makes the hot water liquid tank 34 likely to increase in size. Moreover, the hot water liquid tank 34 is a device desirably disposed in the vicinity of the air heating heat exchanger 33. Therefore, preferably, the hot water liquid tank 34 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure 18 with the refrigerant condenser 22 and the hot water heater 32. This can furtherimprove mountability to the vehicle front compartment BR. [Reference Signs List]

[0109] 10: vehicular thermal management system 11: vehicle, 11a: vehicle body 12: dash panel 17, 17A, 17B: vehicular heat source unit 18, 120, 210: elongated structure 24: cold-water cooling expansion device 26: cold-water cooling heat exchanger 27: refrigerant liquid tank 28: refrigerant condensation plate 29: cold-water cooling plate 30a: hot water device 31: hot water pump 32: hot water heater 41: cold water pump 49: battery 50: right rigid portion 52: right front side panel 53: right suspension tower 56, 130: first securing member (first securing portion) 60: left rigid portion 62: left front side panel63: left suspension tower 66, 140: second securing member (second securing portion) BR: vehicle front compartment

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. A vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) that can be disposed inside a vehicle front compartment (BR) in front of a vehicle cabin (CR) where passengers board in a vehicle (11), the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising: a hot water device (30a) comprising: a hot water pump (31) configured to deliver hot water capable of heating air blown into the vehicle cabin (CR); a refrigerant condenser (22) configured to perform heat exchange between the hot water and a refrigerant capable of cooling the air blown into the vehicle cabin (CR); a hot water heater (32) capable of further heating the hot water that has been heated by the refrigerant condenser (22); and a hot water liquid tank (34) configured to store part of the hot water and separate air bubbles from the hot water; and an elongated structure (18, 120, 210) of an elongated shape, wherein at least the refrigerant condenser (22) and the hot water heater (32) of the hot water device (30a) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) andaligned along a longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

2. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein the hot water pump (31) and the hot water liquid tank (34) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), wherein the hot water pump (31) is aligned with the refrigerant condenser (22), the hot water heater (32), and the hot water liquid tank (34) along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), and wherein the hot water liquid tank (34) is interposed between the hot water heater (32) and the hot water pump (31).

3. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein the hot water pump (31) and the hot water liquid tank (34) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), wherein the hot water pump (31) is aligned with the refrigerant condenser (22), the hot water heater (32), and the hot water liquid tank (34) along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), andwherein the refrigerant condenser (22) is interposed between the hot water pump (31) and the hot water heater (32).

4. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 1, wherein the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) can be disposed in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) is a vehicle width direction, and wherein the elongated structure (18, 120, 210) comprises a first securing portion (56, 130) that can be secured to a right rigid portion (50) of the vehicle (11); and a second securing portion (66, 140) that can be secured to a left rigid portion (60) of the vehicle (11).

5. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 4, wherein the first securing portion (56, 130) can be secured to a right front side panel (52) of the right rigid portion (50), and wherein the second securing portion (66, 140) can be secured to a left front side panel (62) of the left rigidportion (60).

6. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 4, wherein the first securing portion (56, 130) can be secured to a right suspension tower (53) of the right rigid portion (50), and wherein the second securing portion (66, 140) can be secured to a left suspension tower (63) of the left rigid portion (60).

7. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a refrigerant liquid tank (27) configured to store part of the refrigerant and to separate the refrigerant in a gaseous state from the refrigerant in a liquid state, wherein the refrigerant liquid tank (27) is supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

8. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 7, capable of cooling a battery (49) configured to store traveling power of the vehicle (11) by cold water cooled by a refrigerant, the vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) comprising: a cold water pump (41) configured to deliver the coldwater; a cold-water cooling expansion device (24) capable of expanding the refrigerant; and a cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant that has been expanded by the cold-water cooling expansion device (24) and the cold water, wherein the cold water pump (41), the cold-water cooling expansion device (24), and the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) are supported by the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), wherein in a plan view, a dimension of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) in the longitudinal direction is longer than a dimension of each of the refrigerant liquid tank (27), the cold water pump (41), and the cold-water cooling expansion device (24) in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) is disposed in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) is along the longitudinal direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

9. The vehicular heat source unit (17, 17A, 17B) according to claim 8,wherein the refrigerant condenser (22) and the cold- water cooling heat exchanger (26) are aligned along a width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), wherein the refrigerant condenser (22) is formed by stacking plural refrigerant condensation plates (28), wherein a stacking direction of the plural refrigerant condensation plates (28) is along the width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210), wherein the cold-water cooling heat exchanger (26) is formed by stacking plural cold-water cooling plates (29), and wherein a stacking direction of the plural cold-water cooling plates (29) is along the width direction of the elongated structure (18, 120, 210).

Images