Housing

Abstract

This housing provided to a vehicle comprises, in a portion formed by casting: first holes through which a first fluid flows; second holes different from the first holes; third holes through which a second fluid flows; and fourth holes different from the third holes. The first fluid is a refrigerant flowing through the first holes in one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both a gas and a liquid are mixed. The second fluid is a refrigerant flowing through the third holes only in the liquid state. The first holes, the second holes, the third holes, and the fourth holes are provided such that the minimum interval between the first holes and the second holes is longer than the minimum interval between the third holes and the fourth holes.

Description

housing

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a housing provided in a vehicle.

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving source (such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)) have become widespread. In these automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles"), the motor is driven by power supplied from a battery and is provided in a vehicle drive system. Technology related to such a vehicle drive system is described, for example, in Patent Document 1, the source of which is shown below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a motor in which a charger for charging a battery, a DC-DC converter for converting DC voltage from the battery into DC voltage suitable for driving the motor, and a DC-DC conversion inverter for converting the DC voltage from the DC-DC converter into AC voltage to be applied to the motor are housed in a housing, and the housing is formed with a cooling passage through which a refrigerant flows.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-170077

[0005] As described above, a refrigerant flows through the cooling channel described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 lists antifreeze, liquids other than antifreeze, and gases as refrigerants that flow through the cooling channel. Considering the cooling effect, such refrigerants include refrigerants used for heating and cooling the vehicle cabin. However, the pressure of such refrigerants can be much higher than the pressure of antifreeze. On the other hand, from the perspective of manufacturing cost, the housing can be formed by casting. For example, since a housing formed by extrusion molding does not (or has few) blowholes, a high-pressure refrigerant introduced into a cooling channel of a housing formed by extrusion molding will not leak. However, if a high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into a cooling channel of a housing formed by casting, the refrigerant may leak from the cooling channel through blowholes that form during casting.

[0006] Therefore, a housing that is less susceptible to refrigerant leakage is required.

[0007] A characteristic configuration of a housing according to the present disclosure is a housing provided in a vehicle, the housing comprising, in a portion formed by casting, a first hole portion through which a first fluid flows, a second hole portion different from the first hole portion, a third hole portion through which a second fluid flows, and a fourth hole portion different from the third hole portion, the first fluid being a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion in any one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, the second fluid being a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion only in a liquid state, and the first hole portion, the second hole portion, the third hole portion, and the fourth hole portion are arranged such that the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is longer than the minimum distance between the third hole portion and the fourth hole portion.

[0008] With this configuration, the first and second holes through which the first fluid (refrigerant) flows in any of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state (a mixture of both gas and liquid) can be spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the minimum distance between the third and fourth holes through which the second fluid in a liquid state flows, thereby preventing leakage of the first fluid from the first hole to the second hole even when the first fluid flows through the first hole. This makes it possible to reduce leakage of the first fluid (refrigerant) from the housing.

[0009] Another characteristic configuration of the housing according to the present disclosure is a housing provided in a vehicle, which includes a first hole portion through which a first fluid flows and a third hole portion through which a second fluid flows, in a portion formed by casting, wherein the first fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion in any one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, and the second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion only in a liquid state, and the length formed by the difference between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the first hole portion is set to be longer than the length formed by the difference between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the third hole portion.

[0010] With this characteristic configuration, the thickness of the first hole, through which the first fluid (refrigerant) flows in any one of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state (a mixture of both gas and liquid), (the length defined by the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the first hole) is longer than the thickness of the third hole, (the length defined by the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the third hole), thereby suppressing leakage of the first fluid from the first hole even when the first fluid flows through the first hole, thereby making it difficult for the first fluid (refrigerant) to leak from the housing.

[0011] is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device having a housing; is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of an air conditioning system; is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the housing and the refrigerant module; is a gear cover seen from the left side in the vehicle width direction; is a gear cover seen from the front side in the direction of travel; is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4; is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4; is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4; is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5; is a diagram showing the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion; is a diagram showing the relationship between the inlet and outlet ports and blowholes; is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device having a housing of another embodiment; is a diagram showing the relationship between the wall thicknesses of the first hole portion and the third hole portion of another embodiment; is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device having a housing of another embodiment.

[0012] The housing according to the present disclosure is configured to allow a refrigerant to flow therethrough and to prevent leakage of the refrigerant. The housing 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below. However, the housing 10 is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device 1 configured using a housing 10 of this embodiment. The vehicle drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle. Therefore, the housing 10 of this embodiment is provided on the vehicle. In FIG. 1, the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle is indicated by "F" and the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle is indicated by "B". Furthermore, when looking at the front side F in the traveling direction of the vehicle, the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is indicated by "L" and the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is indicated by "R". Furthermore, the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by "U" and the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by "D".

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle drive device 1 includes a housing 10 , a traveling drive unit 11 , a power supply module 12 , and a refrigerant module 14 .

[0015] The traveling drive unit 11 is provided at the lower part (vertical lower side D) of the vehicle drive device 1. The traveling drive unit 11 has a motor 11A and a gear mechanism 11B that output power that enables the vehicle to travel. The motor 11A and the gear mechanism 11B are provided side by side along the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the motor 11A is provided on the right side R in the vehicle width direction, and the gear mechanism 11B is provided on the left side L in the vehicle width direction. The motor 11A is driven by a power supply module 12. The motor 11A and the gear mechanism 11B are connected via a motor shaft, and the rotation of the motor 11A is input to the gear mechanism 11B via the motor shaft. The gear mechanism 11B reduces the rotation of the motor 11A and outputs it from the gear shaft. The vehicle travels using the output of the motor 11A via the gear mechanism 11B.

[0016] The power supply module 12 is provided at the upper part (vertical upper side U) of the vehicle drive device 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supply module 12 is provided vertically alongside the travel drive unit 11 in the vertical direction of the vehicle (side by side in the vertical direction).

[0017] The power supply module 12 includes an OBC (On Board Charger) board 12A, a motor drive board 12B, and a control board 12C that controls the OBC board 12A and the motor drive board 12B. An inverter and a converter are mounted on the OBC board 12A. The inverter receives AC power consisting of AC voltage from a commercial power source and converts the AC power into DC power including DC voltage. The converter receives DC power generated by the inverter and boosts the DC voltage that constitutes the DC power supplied from the inverter to a DC voltage of a value required to charge the vehicle's battery. Therefore, the power supply module 12 can supply power to the vehicle's battery.

[0018] A drive inverter that controls the drive current that drives the motor 11A is mounted on the motor drive board 12B, and a control unit that controls the inverter and converter is mounted on the control board 12C. Therefore, the power supply module 12 can supply power to the motor 11A.

[0019] The housing 10 accommodates the driving unit 11 and the power supply module 12. The housing 10 has a first space on the vertical upper side U and a second space on the vertical lower side D, which is separated from the first space. As described above, the power supply module 12 and the driving unit 11 are arranged vertically (side by side in the vertical direction) along the vertical direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the power supply module 12 is arranged in the first space of the housing 10, and the driving unit 11 is arranged in the second space of the housing 10. The first space and the second space can be separated, for example, by a cooling plate having a cooling flow path through which a coolant flows. By placing the power supply module 12 on this cooling plate, heat exchange between the power supply module 12 and the coolant can occur, thereby cooling the power supply module 12.

[0020] The housing 10 has an opening on the upper side of the first space, and the OBC board 12A, the motor drive board 12B, and the control board 12C are housed in the first space through this opening. The opening is closed by a lid 80, making the first space a closed space.

[0021] The second space accommodates the motor 11A from the right side R in the vehicle width direction, and the opening on the right side R in the vehicle width direction is closed by a motor cover 96 (an example of a housing 10) fastened with a bolt (not shown). The second space accommodates the gear mechanism 11B from the left side L in the vehicle width direction, and the opening on the left side L in the vehicle width direction is closed by a gear cover 95 (an example of a housing 10) fastened with a bolt (not shown). This makes the second space a closed space.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of the air conditioning system 3. The air conditioning system 3 is mounted on a vehicle and includes a refrigerant module 14 and an air conditioning unit 2. The refrigerant module 14 includes a refrigerant flow path 14A through which a refrigerant (corresponding to a first fluid) flows. The refrigerant flow path 14A can be configured, for example, as a refrigerant manifold. The refrigerant manifold is a flow path housing formed by laminating and sealing a plate member on a housing main body having the refrigerant flow path 14A engraved thereon. The flow path housing can be formed from a metal material with high thermal conductivity, including aluminum. A refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) flows through the refrigerant flow path 14A. The air conditioning unit 2 can heat and cool the vehicle cabin. The air conditioning unit 2 may be provided integrally with the vehicle drive system 1 or separately.

[0023] 2, the refrigerant module 14 includes a compressor 21, a condenser 22, an expansion valve 23 (an example of a "valve"), and an evaporator 24. The refrigerant flow path 14A is configured to allow refrigerant to flow through the compressor 21, the condenser 22, the expansion valve 23, and the evaporator 24. The refrigerant flow path 14A of this embodiment is further provided with an accumulator 31 and a switching valve 32 (an example of a "valve").

[0024] A case where the air conditioning unit 2 cools the passenger compartment will be described. The accumulator 31 stores liquid refrigerant and separates the stored refrigerant into gas and liquid. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the accumulator 31 flows through the first refrigerant path B1 and is sent to the compressor 21.

[0025] The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant from the accumulator 31. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature compressed gas. The compressor 21 sends this high-temperature compressed gas to the condenser 22 via the second refrigerant path B2. Therefore, the compressor 21 pressure-feeds the refrigerant from the accumulator 31 to the condenser 22.

[0026] The condenser 22 condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21. The condensed and liquefied refrigerant is sent to the third refrigerant passage B3.

[0027] The refrigerant sent from the condenser 22 to the third refrigerant passage B3 is sent to the cooling expansion valve 23A that constitutes the valve 23. In the cooling expansion valve 23A, the refrigerant (liquefied refrigerant) flowing through the third refrigerant passage B3 during cooling of the passenger compartment is expanded and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure mist. The mist-like refrigerant is sent to the fourth refrigerant passage B4.

[0028] The evaporator 24 evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the cooling expansion valve 23A and sends it to the fifth refrigerant path B5. As described above, the refrigerant expanded in the cooling expansion valve 23A and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure atomized refrigerant flows through the evaporator 24, and this refrigerant is sent to the evaporator 24. In the evaporator 24, the atomized refrigerant absorbs heat from, for example, outside air and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant flows through the fifth refrigerant path B5 to the accumulator 31.

[0029] The air conditioning unit 2 includes a blower 51 as well as the evaporator 24. The blower 51 draws in outside air and sends the drawn outside air to the evaporator 24.

[0030] In the evaporator 24, heat is exchanged between the outside air sent from the blower 51 and the refrigerant supplied via the fourth refrigerant passage B4, and the air after the heat exchange is introduced into the passenger compartment. Specifically, the outside air is cooled in the evaporator 24, and cool air is introduced into the passenger compartment. This makes it possible to cool the passenger compartment.

[0031] During cooling of the passenger compartment, the switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow state in the refrigerant flow path 14A to a first state in which refrigerant flows during cooling. In this embodiment, the switching valve 32 is closed, and refrigerant delivered from the condenser 22 flows through the cooling expansion valve 23A. The heating expansion valve 23B, which constitutes the valve 23, is set to have a maximum valve diameter so that the refrigerant does not expand in the heating expansion valve 23B. Furthermore, the cabin condenser 52 of the air conditioning unit 2 is blocked from air flow and is configured not to perform heat exchange.

[0032] In this embodiment, the battery can be cooled by the battery cooler 61. When the battery cooler 61 cools the battery, the refrigerant from the condenser 22 flows through the battery expansion valve 62, and the refrigerant that has been cooled through the battery expansion valve 62 is supplied to the battery cooler 61. This makes it possible to cool the battery. The refrigerant used to cool the battery in the battery cooler 61 is sent to the accumulator 31.

[0033] Next, a description will be given of heating the passenger compartment using the air conditioning unit 2. The accumulator 31 stores liquid refrigerant and separates the stored refrigerant into gas and liquid. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the accumulator 31 flows through the first refrigerant path B1 and is sent to the compressor 21.

[0034] The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant from the accumulator 31. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature compressed gas. The compressor 21 sends the high-temperature compressed gas to the cabin condenser 52 via the second refrigerant path B2.

[0035] The cabin condenser 52 is a heat source during heating, and releases condensation heat generated by the compressor 21 to the passenger compartment. The cabin condenser 52 sends the refrigerant from which the condensation heat has been released to the second refrigerant path B2.

[0036] The refrigerant sent from the cabin condenser 52 is sent to the heating expansion valve 23B. When the vehicle cabin is heated, the valve diameter of the heating expansion valve 23B is narrowed. This causes the refrigerant to expand in the heating expansion valve 23B. The condenser 22 evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in the heating expansion valve 23B and sends it to the third refrigerant path B3 via the second refrigerant path B2.

[0037] The switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow state in the refrigerant flow path 14A to a second state in which refrigerant flows during heating. In this embodiment, the switching valve 32 is set to an open state, and refrigerant delivered from the condenser 22 flows to the accumulator 31 via the sixth refrigerant path B6. In this case, refrigerant is prevented from flowing through the cooling expansion valve 23A and the battery expansion valve 62. In other words, the valve diameters of the cooling expansion valve 23A and the battery expansion valve 62 are narrowed so that they are in a closed state.

[0038] As described above, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 function as valves 23, 32 that control the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 14A, and the refrigerant module 14 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow between it and the air conditioning unit 2 via the refrigerant flow path 14A.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows the relative positions of the housing 10 and the refrigerant module 14. The compressor 21 is provided on one side of the housing 10 in the vehicle width direction (the right side R in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 3 ), and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B are provided on the other side of the housing 10 in the vehicle width direction (the left side L in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 3 ). The accumulator 31 is provided on the forward side F of the compressor 21 in the traveling direction. The condenser 22 is provided on the forward side F of the housing 10 in the traveling direction. The evaporator 24 and the cabin condenser 52 are provided on the rear side B of the housing 10 in the traveling direction. The evaporator 24 and the cabin condenser 52 may be provided side by side in the vehicle width direction or vertically in the vehicle width direction. The switching valve 32 is provided on the forward side F of the housing 10 in the traveling direction.

[0040] The cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are each inserted into a boss 71 (see FIG. 1 ) and fixed to the housing 10. In this embodiment, the boss 71 is provided on the outer wall portion 13A of the housing 10 and is integrally formed with the housing 10. The housing 10 is formed by casting using a metal material with high thermal conductivity, including aluminum. The boss 71 can be formed by casting together with the housing 10. For ease of understanding, the boss 71 used to fix the cooling expansion valve 23A will be referred to as boss 71A, the boss 71 used to fix the heating expansion valve 23B will be referred to as boss 71B, and the boss 71 used to fix the switching valve 32 will be referred to as boss 71C below. Note that when there is no need to distinguish between these bosses 71A, 71B, and 71C, they will be collectively referred to as boss 71.

[0041] In this embodiment, bosses 71A and 71B are provided on a gear cover 95 that contacts the outer wall portion 13A of the housing 10, and boss 71C is provided on a surface of the outer wall portion 13A of the housing 10 on the front side F in the traveling direction. FIG. 4 shows the gear cover 95 as seen from the left side L in the vehicle width direction, and FIG. 5 shows the gear cover 95 as seen from the front side F in the traveling direction. Also, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. Furthermore, FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5. Also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B, respectively.

[0042] 4 and 5, the gear cover 95 is provided with two bosses 71 (boss 71A and boss 71B) along the vertical direction on the front side F in the traveling direction. Of the two bosses 71, the boss 71A on the upper vertical side U is used to fix the cooling expansion valve 23A, and the boss 71B on the lower vertical side D is used to fix the heating expansion valve 23B.

[0043] The housing 10 has a boss 71, which is a casting formed portion, and a first hole 41 through which the refrigerant flows. The first hole 41 has a valve body insertion hole 42, an inlet port 43, and an outlet port 44. As shown in FIG. 6 , the cylindrical valve body 25A of the air conditioning expansion valve 23A is inserted into the valve body insertion hole 42A (an example of the valve body insertion hole 42) of the boss 71A. The cylindrical valve body 25A has an inlet port 25B on its outer circumferential surface through which the refrigerant is introduced and an outlet port 25C at its tip through which the refrigerant is discharged. Thus, the refrigerant flows through the valve body insertion hole 42A. As described above, the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 14A. However, depending on the operating state of the air conditioning unit 2, the refrigerant may flow in a gaseous state, a liquid state, or a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed. Therefore, the refrigerant flows through the valve element insertion hole 42A in one of three states: a gas state, a liquid state, or a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, depending on the operating state of the air conditioning unit 2. A seal member 45A is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve element insertion hole 42A to prevent the inlet port 25B and the outlet port 25C from communicating with each other when the cylindrical valve element 25A is inserted. In this embodiment, the cooling expansion valve 23A introduces refrigerant from the front side in the insertion direction relative to the boss 71A and discharges refrigerant from the rear side in the insertion direction. Note that, although the outlet port 25C is provided on the axial end surface of the cylindrical valve element 25A in FIG. 6, the outlet port 25C may also be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical valve element 25A.

[0044] Refrigerant introduced into the cooling expansion valve 23A flows through an inlet 43A (an example of an inlet 43) of the boss 71A. Refrigerant discharged from the cooling expansion valve 23A flows through an outlet 44A (an example of an outlet 44) of the boss 71A. In this embodiment, the inlet 43A is provided on the opening side of the valve body insertion hole 42A, and the outlet 44A is provided on the bottom side of the valve body insertion hole 42A. As a result, refrigerant is introduced into the cooling expansion valve 23A from the inlet 43A of the valve body insertion hole 42A through the inlet 25B, and refrigerant from the outlet 25C is discharged through the outlet 44A of the valve body insertion hole 42A.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the boss 71A has an inlet 43A provided on the front side F in the traveling direction on the surface on the left side L in the vehicle width direction, and an outlet 44A provided on the rear side B in the traveling direction on the surface on the left side L in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the boss 71A has a valve body insertion hole 42A provided on the surface on the front side F in the traveling direction.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7 , the cylindrical valve element 26A of the heating expansion valve 23B is inserted into the valve element insertion hole 42B (an example of the valve element insertion hole 42) of the boss 71B. The cylindrical valve element 26A has an inlet port 26B at the tip through which the refrigerant is introduced and an outlet port 26C at the outer circumferential surface through which the refrigerant is discharged. Therefore, the refrigerant flows through the valve element insertion hole 42B. A seal member 45B is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve element insertion hole 42B to prevent the inlet port 26B and the outlet port 26C from communicating with each other when the cylindrical valve element 26A is inserted. In this embodiment, the heating expansion valve 23B introduces refrigerant from the rear side in the insertion direction into the boss 71B and discharges refrigerant from the front side in the insertion direction. Note that, although the inlet port 26B is provided on the axial end surface of the cylindrical valve element 26A in FIG. 7 , the inlet port 26B may also be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical valve element 26A.

[0047] Refrigerant introduced into the heating expansion valve 23B flows through an inlet 43B (an example of an inlet 43) of the boss 71B. Refrigerant discharged from the heating expansion valve 23B flows through an outlet 44B (an example of an outlet 44) of the boss 71B. In this embodiment, the inlet 43B is provided on the bottom side of the valve body insertion hole 42B, and the outlet 44B is provided on the opening side of the valve body insertion hole 42B. As a result, refrigerant is introduced into the heating expansion valve 23B from the inlet 26B via the inlet 43B of the valve body insertion hole 42B, and refrigerant from the outlet 26C is discharged via the outlet 44B of the valve body insertion hole 42B.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, the boss 71B has an outlet 44B provided on the surface on the left side L in the vehicle width direction, on the front side F in the traveling direction, and an inlet 43B provided on the surface on the left side L in the vehicle width direction, on the rear side B in the traveling direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the boss 71B has a valve body insertion hole 42B provided on the surface on the front side F in the traveling direction.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical valve element 27A of the switching valve 32 is inserted into the valve element insertion hole 42C (an example of the valve element insertion hole 42) of the boss 71C. The cylindrical valve element 27A has an inlet port 27B on its outer circumferential surface through which the refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet port 27C at its tip through which the refrigerant is discharged. Therefore, the refrigerant flows through the valve element insertion hole 42C. A seal member (not shown) is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the valve element insertion hole 42C to prevent communication between the inlet port 27B and the outlet port 27C when the cylindrical valve element 27A is inserted. In this embodiment, the switching valve 32 receives the refrigerant from the front side in the insertion direction relative to the boss 71C and discharges the refrigerant from the rear side in the insertion direction.

[0050] Refrigerant introduced into the switching valve 32 flows through an inlet 43C (an example of an inlet 43) of the boss 71C. Refrigerant discharged from the switching valve 32 flows through an outlet 44C (an example of an outlet 44) of the boss 71C. In this embodiment, the inlet 43C is provided on the opening side of the valve body insertion hole 42C, and the outlet 44C is provided on the bottom side of the valve body insertion hole 42C. As a result, refrigerant is introduced into the switching valve 32 from the inlet 27B via the inlet 43C of the valve body insertion hole 42C, and the refrigerant from the outlet 27C is discharged via the outlet 44C of the valve body insertion hole 42C.

[0051] 1, the boss 71C has an inlet 43C and an outlet 44C provided along the vehicle width direction on a surface on the front side F in the traveling direction. The inlet 43C is provided on the right side R in the vehicle width direction, and the outlet 44C is provided on the left side L in the vehicle width direction. In addition, a valve body insertion hole 42C is provided on the surface of the boss 71C on the right side R in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] The boss 71 is provided with a second hole 81 different from the first hole 41. A third refrigerant path B3 communicating with the condenser 22 is connected to the inlet 43A of the boss 71A, and a fourth refrigerant path B4 communicating with the evaporator 24 is connected to the outlet 44A of the boss 71A. As shown in FIG. 8 , the third refrigerant path B3 is fixed (e.g., brazed) to a flange 98A, and an insertion portion 98B extending from the flange 98A on the side opposite the third refrigerant path B3 is inserted into the inlet 43A. The flange 98A is also provided with a hole 98C through which a screw 98D is inserted. A screw hole 83A (an example of a second hole 81) for fixing the third refrigerant path B3 to the boss 71A is formed on the vertically lower side D of the inlet 43A of the boss 71A, and a screw hole 84A (an example of a second hole 81) for fixing the fourth refrigerant path B4 to the boss 71A is formed on the vertically lower side D of the outlet 44A of the boss 71A. A screw 98D inserted through a hole 98C is fastened into the screw hole 83A. As a result, the third refrigerant path B3 is fastened to the boss 71A via the flange portion 98A with the screw 98D. While FIG. 8 illustrates the third refrigerant path B3 as an example, other refrigerant paths, such as the fourth refrigerant path B4, are similarly fixed.

[0053] Furthermore, the inlet 43B of the boss 71B is connected to the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the cabin condenser 52, and the outlet 44B of the boss 71B is connected to the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the condenser 22. A screw hole 83B (an example of a second hole portion 81) for fixing the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the cabin condenser 52 to the boss 71B is formed on a vertically upper side U of the inlet 43B of the boss 71B, and a screw hole 84B (an example of a second hole portion 81) for fixing the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the condenser 22 to the boss 71B is formed on a vertically upper side U of the outlet 44B of the boss 71B. As a result, the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the cabin condenser 52 and the second refrigerant path B2 communicating with the condenser 22 are each fastened and fixed to the boss 71B with screws (not shown).

[0054] Furthermore, a third refrigerant passage B3 communicating with the condenser 22 is connected to the inlet 43C of the boss 71C, and a sixth refrigerant passage B6 communicating with the accumulator 31 is connected to the outlet 44C of the boss 71C. As shown in Fig. 1 , a screw hole 83C (an example of a second hole 81) for fixing the third refrigerant passage B3 to the boss 71C is formed on a vertically lower side D of the inlet 43C of the boss 71C, and a screw hole 84C (an example of a second hole 81) for fixing the sixth refrigerant passage B6 to the boss 71C is formed on a vertically lower side D of the outlet 44C of the boss 71C. As a result, the third refrigerant passage B3 and the sixth refrigerant passage B6 are each fastened and fixed to the boss 71C with screws (not shown).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5 , a screw hole 82A (an example of a second hole portion 81) for fixing the air conditioning expansion valve 23A to the boss 71A is formed on the vertically lower side D of the valve body insertion hole 42A in the boss 71A. The screw hole 82A is used as a positioning hole for positioning the air conditioning expansion valve 23A relative to the boss 71A. As shown in FIG. 9 , the air conditioning expansion valve 23A is inserted into the valve body insertion hole 42A of the boss 71A via a flange portion 99A. The flange portion 99A is provided with a hole portion 99B through which a screw 99C is inserted. The cap portion 23C of the air conditioning expansion valve 23A is provided with a protrusion 23D that protrudes radially outward. The protrusion 23D is provided with a hole portion 23E through which the screw 99C is inserted. The screw hole 82A is fastened to the screw 99C, which passes through the hole portion 23E and the hole portion 99B. This allows the cooling expansion valve 23A to be positioned on the boss 71A and then fastened and fixed via the screw 99C.

[0056] Furthermore, a screw hole 82B (an example of a second hole portion 81) for fixing the heating expansion valve 23B to the boss 71B is formed on the vertically upper side U of the valve body insertion hole 42B in the boss 71B. The screw hole 82B is used as a positioning hole for positioning the heating expansion valve 23B relative to the boss 71B. This makes it possible to position the heating expansion valve 23B on the boss 71B and then fasten and fix it with a screw (not shown). The heating expansion valve 23B is fixed in the same manner as the cooling expansion valve 23A described above.

[0057] 1, a screw hole 82C (an example of a second hole portion 81) for fixing the switching valve 32 to the boss 71C is formed on the vertically lower side D of the valve body insertion hole 42C in the boss 71C. The screw hole 82C is used as a positioning hole for positioning the switching valve 32 relative to the boss 71C. This makes it possible to position the switching valve 32 on the boss 71C and then fasten and fix it with a screw (not shown). The switching valve 32 is fixed in the same manner as the cooling expansion valve 23A described above.

[0058] In this embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with a third hole 101 through which the second fluid flows, and a fourth hole 91 different from the third hole 101 (see FIG. 1 ). The second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole 101 only in a liquid state, such as a coolant such as LLC used in a vehicle, oil, or ATF. A flow path through which the second fluid flows is connected to the third hole 101. Although not shown, the housing 10 is provided with a plurality of third holes 101, and a flow path is connected to each of the third holes 101. As a result, the second fluid is introduced into the housing 10 via the flow path, and further, the second fluid is discharged from the housing 10.

[0059] The fourth hole 91 is used as a hole for positioning the flow path. In this embodiment, the fourth hole 91 is provided on the vertically lower side D of the third hole 101. The third hole 101 functions as a screw hole, and a screw (not shown) is fastened through this screw hole and a screw hole (not shown) provided on the edge of the flow path. This makes it possible to fasten the flow path to the third hole 101 after positioning it.

[0060] In the housing 10, the first hole portion 41, the second hole portion 81, the third hole portion 101, and the fourth hole portion 91 are arranged so that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is longer than the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91.

[0061] In the boss 71A, the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 correspond to the valve body insertion hole 42A and the screw hole 82A (see FIG. 9), the inlet 43A and the screw hole 83A (see FIG. 8), and the outlet 44A and the screw hole 84A. In the boss 71B, the valve body insertion hole 42B and the screw hole 82B correspond, the inlet 43B and the screw hole 83B correspond, and the outlet 44B and the screw hole 84B correspond. In the boss 71C, the valve body insertion hole 42C and the screw hole 82C correspond, the inlet 43C and the screw hole 83C correspond, and the outlet 44C and the screw hole 84C correspond. The third hole 101 corresponds to a hole to which a flow path is connected, and the fourth hole 91 corresponds to a screw hole for positioning the third hole 101.

[0062] The minimum distance between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 refers to the distance between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 at the point where the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 are closest to each other. The minimum distance between the third hole 101 and the fourth hole 91 refers to the distance between the third hole 101 and the fourth hole 91 at the point where the third hole 101 and the fourth hole 91 are closest to each other. As described above, the second fluid flows through the third hole 101 only in a liquid state. Therefore, unlike refrigerants that may flow in a gaseous state, a liquid state, or a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, the second fluid does not undergo significant changes in pressure like coolants such as LLC, oil, or ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) used in vehicles. The minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 corresponds to the smallest value of the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 at which, when a first fluid is passed through the first hole portion 41, the first fluid can pass from the first hole portion 41 to the second hole portion 81 without leaking. The minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 corresponds to the smallest value of the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 at which, when a second fluid is passed through the third hole portion 101, the second fluid can pass from the third hole portion 101 to the fourth hole portion 91 without leaking.

[0063] Therefore, the valve element insertion hole 42A and the threaded hole 82A of the boss 71A are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the valve element insertion hole 42A and the threaded hole 82A at the location where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. Furthermore, the inlet 43A and the threaded hole 83A of the boss 71A are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the inlet 43A and the threaded hole 83A at the location where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. Furthermore, the discharge port 44A and the threaded hole 84A of the boss 71A are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the discharge port 44A and the threaded hole 84A at the point where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow from the third hole portion 101 to the fourth hole portion 91 without leaking when the third hole portion 101 is configured to allow coolant, oil, or ATF to flow through it.

[0064] The valve element insertion hole 42B and the threaded hole 82B of the boss 71B are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the valve element insertion hole 42B and the threaded hole 82B at the closest point is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. The inlet 43B and the threaded hole 83B of the boss 71B are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the inlet 43B and the threaded hole 83B at the closest point is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. Furthermore, the discharge port 44B and the threaded hole 84B of the boss 71B are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the discharge port 44B and the threaded hole 84B at the point where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow from the third hole portion 101 to the fourth hole portion 91 without leaking when the third hole portion 101 is configured to allow coolant, oil, or ATF to flow through it.

[0065] Furthermore, the valve element insertion hole 42C and the threaded hole 82C of the boss 71C are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the valve element insertion hole 42C and the threaded hole 82C at the closest point is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. Furthermore, the inlet 43C and the threaded hole 83C of the boss 71C are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the inlet 43C and the threaded hole 83C at the closest point is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow without leakage from the third hole 101 to the fourth hole 91 when coolant, oil, or ATF is configured to flow through the third hole 101. Furthermore, the discharge port 44C and the threaded hole 84C of the boss 71C are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the discharge port 44C and the threaded hole 84C at the point where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow from the third hole portion 101 to the fourth hole portion 91 without leaking when the third hole portion 101 is configured to allow coolant, oil, or ATF to flow through it.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, if the distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 at their closest point is G1, and the distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 at their closest point is G2, the first hole portion 41, the second hole portion 81, the third hole portion 101, and the fourth hole portion 91 are configured so that the relationship G2 < G1 holds.

[0067] In this embodiment, both the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 formed along the vertical direction in each boss 71 correspond to cast holes formed by casting. In this case, as shown in Fig. 10A, the minimum distance between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 is set to a value D1 that is larger than a first value Q that is set according to the material used to cast the boss 71. In other words, it is set so as to satisfy the relationship Q<D1 (for example, approximately 10 mm).

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the distance X1 between the inlet 43A and the screw hole 83A of the boss 71A, which are aligned vertically, is configured to be equal to or greater than the above-mentioned value D1. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the distance X2 between the valve body insertion hole 42A and the screw hole 82A of the boss 71A, which are aligned vertically, is configured to be equal to or greater than the above-mentioned value D1.

[0069] Alternatively, one of the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 provided along the vertical direction in each boss 71 may be formed as a core hole formed by casting, and the other may be formed as a machined hole formed by drilling after casting (e.g., using a drill). In this case, the amount of blowholes generated between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 during casting is greater than when both the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 are core holes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B , the minimum distance between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 should be set to a value D2 greater than the minimum distance D1 between the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 required when both the first hole 41 and the second hole 81 are core holes formed by casting. That is, the minimum distance D2 is set so as to satisfy the relationship Q<D1<D2.

[0070] Furthermore, in each boss 71, both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 provided along the vertical direction can be formed as machined holes formed by post-casting drilling (e.g., drilling using a drill or the like). In this case, the amount of blowholes generated during casting between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is greater than when one of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is formed as a core hole formed by casting and the other is formed as a machined hole formed by post-casting drilling. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10C , the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 should be set to a value D3 greater than the minimum distance D2 between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 required when one of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is formed as a core hole formed by casting and the other is formed as a machined hole formed by post-casting drilling. That is, they are set so as to satisfy Q<D1<D2<D3.

[0071] With the above configuration, it is possible to set a minimum distance that prevents communication between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81, depending on the processing used to form each of them. Furthermore, by configuring the boss 71 to have such a minimum distance, it is possible to reduce the size of the boss 71.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inlet 43A and outlet 44A of the boss 71A are formed as cast holes by casting. Similarly, the inlet 43B and outlet 44B of the boss 71B are formed as cast holes by casting. Similarly, the inlet 43C and outlet 44C of the boss 71C are formed as cast holes by casting. In this case, the inlet 43 (inlet 43A, inlet 43B, and inlet 43C) and outlet 44 (outlet 44A, outlet 44B, and outlet 44C) are preferably arranged so that the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 is longer than the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 required when a second fluid that flows only in liquid form flows through the inlet 43 and outlet 44. The minimum distance between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 refers to the distance between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 at the point where the inlet 43 and outlet 44 are closest to each other. Furthermore, the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 required when the second fluid flows through the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 corresponds to the minimum value of the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 that allows the second fluid to flow without leaking from the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 when the second fluid is allowed to flow through the inlet 43 and the outlet 44. That is, the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 should be set to satisfy Q<D1 (for example, about 10-odd mm) as described above.

[0073] Therefore, the adjacent inlet 43 and outlet 44 are arranged so that the distance (minimum distance) between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 at the point where they are closest to each other is longer than the minimum distance at which the second fluid can flow between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 without leaking when the inlet 43 and outlet 44 are configured to allow coolant, oil, or ATF to flow through them.

[0074] As a result, if the minimum distance between adjacent inlets 43 and outlets 44 (corresponding to X3 in FIG. 11 ) is shorter than the first value Q, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), a blow hole 90 formed between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 in the boss 71 will cause the inlet 43 and outlet 44 to communicate with each other, resulting in refrigerant leaking from the inlet 43 to the outlet 44. However, by making the minimum distance between the inlet 43 and outlet 44 (corresponding to X3 in FIG. 11 ) longer than the first value Q, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), communication between the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 can be prevented even if a blow hole 90 is formed between the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 in the boss 71. Therefore, refrigerant leakage from the inlet 43 to the outlet 44 can be prevented. Furthermore, although not shown, by making the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 (valve body insertion hole 42, inlet port 43, and outlet port 44) and the second hole portion 81 (screw holes 82A, 82B, 82C, 83A, 83B, 83C, 84A, 84B, 84C) longer than the above-mentioned first value Q, it is possible to prevent communication between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 even if a blowhole is formed between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81. Therefore, it is possible to prevent refrigerant leakage from the first hole portion 41 to the second hole portion 81.

[0075] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the housing 10 will be described.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the boss 71 is described as being provided on the outer wall portion 13A of the housing 10, but the boss 71 may also be provided on the lid 80.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the boss 71 is described as being formed integrally with the outer wall portion 13A. However, as shown in Fig. 12, the boss 71 may be formed separately from the outer wall portion 13A by casting and fastened to the outer wall portion 13A using a screw (not shown).

[0078] In the above embodiment, the second hole portion 81 is described as a positioning hole for positioning the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B, but the second hole portion 81 may also be a bolt hole through which a fastening bolt used to fasten a flow path or a device is inserted.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the fourth hole portion 91 is described as a positioning hole for positioning the flow path through which the second fluid flows, but the fourth hole portion 91 may also be a bolt hole through which a fastening bolt used to fasten a flow path or a device is inserted.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the relationship between the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 and the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 has been described. The housing 10 may include, in a portion formed by casting, the first hole portion 41 through which the first fluid flows and the third hole portion 101 through which the second fluid flows, the first fluid being a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion 41 in any one of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both the gas and the liquid are mixed, the second fluid being a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion 101 only in a liquid state, and the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter 49C and the outer diameter 49B of the first hole portion 41 may be longer than the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter 101C and the outer diameter 101B of the third hole portion 101.

[0081] In addition to the first hole 41 and the second hole 81, the housing 10 is provided with a third hole 101 (see FIG. 1 ) through which a second fluid flows. The second fluid flows through the third hole 101 only in a liquid state, such as a coolant such as LLC, oil, or automatic transmission fluid (ATF) used in a vehicle. FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the thicknesses of the first hole 41 and the third hole 101. As shown in FIG. 13A, the thickness 49A of the first hole 41 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter 49B of the first hole 41 and the inner diameter 49C of the first hole 41. As shown in FIG. 13B, the thickness 101A of the third hole 101 corresponds to the difference between the outer diameter 101B of the third hole 101 and the inner diameter 101C of the third hole 101. The thickness 49A of the first hole 41 is configured to be larger (thicker) than the thickness 101A of the third hole 101. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of the first fluid from the first hole 41 even when the first fluid is circulated through the first hole 41. Therefore, it becomes possible to make it difficult for the first fluid (refrigerant) to leak from the housing 10. Note that although the third hole 101 is shown to be circular in FIG. 13 , the thickness 101A can be configured similarly even when the third hole 101 is shaped like an elongated hole.

[0082] Furthermore, the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter 49C and the outer diameter 49B of the first hole portion 41 may be the length between the first hole portion 41 and the third hole portion 101.

[0083] In this case, even when the first fluid is passed through the first hole portion 41 , leakage of the first fluid from the first hole portion 41 to the third hole portion 101 can be suppressed.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the housing 10 has been described as including the first hole 41, the second hole 81, the third hole 101, and the fourth hole 91. However, as shown in Fig. 14, the housing 10 can also be configured to include the first hole 41, the second hole 81, and the third hole 101, without including the fourth hole 91. In this case, the flow path through which the second fluid flows may be configured to be, for example, fitted and connected to the third hole 101.

[0085] [Outline of the above embodiment] The housing 10 described above will now be outlined.

[0086] (1) The housing 10 is a housing 10 provided in a vehicle, and has a first hole portion 41 through which a first fluid flows, a second hole portion 81 different from the first hole portion 41, a third hole portion 101 through which a second fluid flows, and a fourth hole portion 91 different from the third hole portion 101, in a portion formed by casting. The first fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion 41 in any one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed. The second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion 101 only in a liquid state. The first hole portion 41, the second hole portion 81, the third hole portion 101, and the fourth hole portion 91 are arranged so that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is longer than the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91.

[0087] According to this configuration, the first hole 41 and the second hole 81, through which the first fluid (refrigerant) flows in any one of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, can be disposed farther apart than the minimum distance between the third hole 101 and the fourth hole 91, through which the second fluid in a liquid state flows, so that leakage of the first fluid from the first hole 41 to the second hole 81 can be suppressed even when the first fluid flows through the first hole 41. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the first fluid (refrigerant) to leak from the housing 10.

[0088] (2) In the housing 10 described in (1), when both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are cast holes formed by casting, it is preferable that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 be set to a value D1 greater than the first value Q set according to the material used for casting.

[0089] According to this configuration, when both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are cast holes formed by casting, it is possible to make it less likely for the first fluid to leak between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81.

[0090] (3) In the housing 10 described in (1), when one of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is a cast hole formed by casting and the other is a machined hole formed by hole machining after casting, it is preferable that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 be larger than the minimum distance D2 between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 required when both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are cast holes.

[0091] According to this configuration, when one of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is a cast hole formed by casting, and the other is a machined hole formed by hole machining after casting, it is possible to make it less likely for the first fluid to leak between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81.

[0092] (4) In the housing 10 described in (1), when both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are machined holes formed by hole machining after casting, it is preferable that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 be larger than the minimum distance D2 between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 required when one of the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is a cast hole formed by casting and the other is a machined hole.

[0093] According to this configuration, when both the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are machined holes formed by hole processing after casting, it is possible to make it less likely for the first fluid to leak between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81.

[0094] (5) In the housing 10 described in any one of (1) to (4), it is preferable that the first hole portion 41 is inserted with an expansion valve 23 (valve) or a switching valve 32 (valve) that controls the flow of the first fluid, the second hole portion 81 is at least one of screw holes 83A, 83B, 83C, 84A, 84B, 84C (bolt holes) through which bolts for fastening the expansion valve 23 or the switching valve 32 are inserted and screw holes 82A, 82B, 82C (positioning holes) that position the expansion valve 23 or the switching valve 32, the third hole portion 101 is connected to a flow path through which the second fluid flows, and the fourth hole portion 91 is at least one of bolt holes through which bolts for fastening the flow path are inserted and positioning holes that position the flow path.

[0095] According to this configuration, the first hole portion 41 through which the first fluid flows can be prevented from leaking into the bolt hole or the positioning hole.

[0096] (6) In the housing 10 described in any one of (1) to (4), it is preferable that the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 is the distance at the point where the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 are closest to each other, and that the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 is the distance at the point where the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91 are closest to each other.

[0097] According to this configuration, it is easy to position the first hole portion 41, the second hole portion 81, the third hole portion 101, and the fourth hole portion 91 based on the minimum distance between the first hole portion 41 and the second hole portion 81 and the minimum distance between the third hole portion 101 and the fourth hole portion 91.

[0098] (7) The housing 10 described in any one of (1) to (4) preferably accommodates a driving unit 11 having a motor 11A that outputs power to enable the vehicle to run, and a power supply module 12 that supplies power to the motor 11A.

[0099] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first fluid and the second fluid from being introduced into the traveling drive unit 11 and the power supply module 12 .

[0100] (8) The housing 10 is a housing 10 provided in a vehicle, and has a first hole portion 41 through which a first fluid flows and a third hole portion 101 through which a second fluid flows, in a portion formed by casting. The first fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion 41 in any one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed. The second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion 101 only in a liquid state. The length formed by the difference between the inner diameter 49C and the outer diameter 49B of the first hole portion 41 is longer than the length formed by the difference between the inner diameter 101C and the outer diameter 101B of the third hole portion 101.

[0101] According to this configuration, the thickness 49A (the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter 49C and the outer diameter 49B of the first hole 41) of the first hole 41, through which the first fluid (refrigerant) flows in any one of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, is configured to be longer than the thickness 101A (the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter 101C and the outer diameter 101B of the third hole 101), thereby suppressing leakage of the first fluid from the first hole 41 even when the first fluid flows through the first hole 41. This makes it possible to make it less likely for the first fluid (refrigerant) to leak from the housing 10.

[0102] (9) In the housing 10 described in (8), it is preferable that the length formed by the difference between the inner diameter 49C and the outer diameter 49B of the first hole portion 41 is the length between the first hole portion 41 and the third hole portion 101.

[0103] According to this configuration, even when the first fluid is circulated through the first hole 41, leakage of the first fluid from the first hole 41 to the third hole 101 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the first fluid (refrigerant) to leak from the housing 10.

[0104] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in a housing provided in a vehicle.

[0105] 10: Housing, 11: Travel drive unit, 11A: Motor, 12: Power supply module, 23: Expansion valve (valve), 32: Switching valve (valve), 41: First hole portion, 49B: Outer diameter, 49C: Inner diameter, 71: Boss, 81: Second hole portion, 91: Fourth hole portion, 101: Third hole portion, 101B: Outer diameter, 101, C: Inner diameter, Q: First value

Claims

1. A housing provided in a vehicle, comprising, in a portion formed by casting, a first hole through which a first fluid flows, a second hole different from the first hole, a third hole through which a second fluid flows, and a fourth hole different from the third hole, wherein the first fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the first hole in any one of a gas state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, and the second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole only in a liquid state, and the first hole, the second hole, the third hole, and the fourth hole are arranged so that the minimum distance between the first hole and the second hole is longer than the minimum distance between the third hole and the fourth hole.

2. A housing as described in claim 1, wherein when both the first hole portion and the second hole portion are cast holes formed by casting, the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is set to a value greater than a first value set according to the material used in the casting.

3. A housing as described in claim 1, wherein when one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is a cast hole formed by casting and the other is a machined hole formed by hole machining after casting, the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is larger than the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion required when both the first hole portion and the second hole portion are cast holes.

4. A housing as described in claim 1, wherein the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion when both the first hole portion and the second hole portion are machined holes formed by hole machining after casting is greater than the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion required when one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is a cast hole formed by casting and the other is a machined hole.

5. A housing as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first hole portion has a valve inserted therein that controls the flow of the first fluid, the second hole portion is at least one of a bolt hole through which a bolt for fastening and fixing the valve is inserted and a positioning hole for positioning the valve, the third hole portion is connected to a flow path through which the second fluid flows, and the fourth hole portion is at least one of a bolt hole through which a bolt for fastening and fixing the flow path is inserted and a positioning hole for positioning the flow path.

6. A housing as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the minimum distance between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is the distance at the point where the first hole portion and the second hole portion are closest to each other, and the minimum distance between the third hole portion and the fourth hole portion is the distance at the point where the third hole portion and the fourth hole portion are closest to each other.

7. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which houses a driving unit having a motor that outputs power to enable the vehicle to travel, and a power supply module that supplies power to the motor.

8. A housing to be provided in a vehicle, comprising a first hole portion through which a first fluid flows and a third hole portion through which a second fluid flows, in a portion formed by casting, wherein the first fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the first hole portion in any one of a gaseous state, a liquid state, and a gas-liquid state in which both gas and liquid are mixed, and the second fluid is a refrigerant that flows through the third hole portion only in a liquid state, and wherein the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the first hole portion is longer than the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the third hole portion.

9. The housing according to claim 8, wherein the length defined by the difference between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of said first hole portion is the length between said first hole portion and said third hole portion.

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