Heat pump module

Abstract

A heat pump module (100) comprises: a compressor (11) that compresses and discharges a refrigerant; and a heat pump function assembly (101) that integrates a plurality of constituent apparatuses (13, 14, 15, 18). The heat pump module also comprises: a fluid coupling part (103) that is formed from either metal or resin and couples the compressor and the heat pump function assembly such that refrigerant that has flowed out of one of the compressor and the heat pump function assembly flows into the other; and a mechanical coupling part (102) that fixes the compressor and the heat pump function assembly to each other. The fluid coupling part has a tolerance absorption part (103a) that deforms to suit the distance between the compressor and the heat pump function assembly.

Description

Heat pump module Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-049948 filed on March 25, 2025, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump module.

[0003] Conventionally, for reducing the size of a heat pump cycle (refrigeration cycle apparatus), a heat pump module in which components such as a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a liquid storage part and a compressor are integrated into a manifold is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] European Patent Application Publication No. 4144549

[0005] Generally, in a heat pump cycle, the heat pump module and the compressor are fluidly connected by a rubber hose. However, rubber hoses generally have the problem of low durability including tensile strength, chemical resistance and other properties. Further, when the heat pump module and the compressor are fluidly connected by routing a rubber hose, there is a possibility that the productivity of the heat pump cycle decreases. In addition, hoses made of materials other than rubber generally make it difficult to absorb tolerances during assembly, resulting in reduced productivity.

[0006] In view of the above points, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat pump module capable of achieving both improved durability and improved productivity.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heat pump module comprising: a compressor that compresses and discharges a refrigerant; and a heat pump functional assembly in which a plurality of components are integrated, the heat pump module comprising: a fluid coupling portion formed of either metal or resin, the fluid coupling portion coupling the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly so as to allow the refrigerant flowing out of one of the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly to flow into the other; and a mechanical coupling portion that fixes the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly to each other, wherein the fluid coupling portion has a tolerance absorbing portion that deforms to adapt to the distance between the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly.

[0008] According to this, durability such as tensile strength and chemical resistance can be improved by using metal or resin materials. Furthermore, even if the distance between the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly changes from product to product when the compressor and heat pump functional assembly are connected by a mechanical joint, the fluid coupling has a tolerance absorption section, making installation easier. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved productivity of the heat pump module and improved durability of the fluid coupling.

[0009] The above and other purposes, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system including a heat pump module according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an indoor air conditioning unit; Figure 3 is a schematic external perspective view of a heat pump function assembly; Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a heat pump function assembly; Figure 5 is a schematic external perspective view of a heat pump module; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a heat pump module; and Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the heat pump function assembly and compressor separated.

[0010] An embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 7. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, a heat pump module 100 equipped with a heat pump function assembly 101 is applied to a vehicle air conditioning system 1 installed in an electric vehicle. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 is a heat pump cycle device that provides air conditioning to the vehicle interior, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and also adjusts the temperature of on-board equipment. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 can be called an air conditioning system with an on-board equipment temperature adjustment function, or an on-board equipment temperature adjustment device with an air conditioning function.

[0011] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 controls the temperature of the battery 70 as an in-vehicle device. The battery 70 is a secondary battery that stores power supplied to multiple in-vehicle devices that operate electrically. The battery 70 is a battery pack formed by electrically connecting multiple stacked battery cells in series or parallel. The battery cells in this embodiment are lithium-ion batteries.

[0012] The battery 70 generates heat during operation (i.e., during charging and discharging). The battery 70 has the characteristic that its output tends to decrease at low temperatures and deteriorates easily at high temperatures. For this reason, the temperature of the battery 70 needs to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range (in this embodiment, 15°C or higher and 55°C or lower). Therefore, in the electric vehicle of this embodiment, the temperature of the battery 70 is controlled using the vehicle air conditioning system 1.

[0013] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a heat pump cycle 10, a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, an interior air conditioning unit 50, a control device 60, and the like.

[0014] The heat pump function assembly 101 is an assembly that integrates the components that make up the vehicle air conditioning system 1, which is a heat pump cycle device. More specifically, the heat pump function assembly 101 of this embodiment is an assembly that integrates the refrigerant passage, condenser 13, receiver 14, subcooler 15, chiller 18, and heat transfer medium passage, which are enclosed by the thin dashed lines in the overall configuration diagram of Figure 1.

[0015] The heat pump module 100 is a functional unit that integrates the components of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 to perform predetermined functions. More specifically, the heat pump module 100 in this embodiment is a functional unit that integrates a heat pump function assembly 101, a compressor 11, a cooling expansion valve 16a, a cooling expansion valve 16b, and an evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c.

[0016] The heat pump module 100 differs from the heat pump function assembly 101 in that it can perform predetermined functions by operating the integrated components. For example, the heat pump module 100 of this embodiment can generate heat in the condenser 13 and generate cold in the chiller 18 by operating the compressor 11, etc. The detailed configurations of the heat pump function assembly 101 and the heat pump module 100 will be described later.

[0017] First, the heat pump cycle 10 will be described. The heat pump cycle 10 is a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle that adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior, the high-temperature heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20, and the low-temperature heat transfer medium circulating in the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30. The heat pump cycle 10 is configured to allow switching of the refrigerant circuit according to various operating modes, which will be described later, for the purpose of air conditioning in the vehicle interior and temperature control of onboard equipment.

[0018] The heat pump cycle 10 uses an HFO-based refrigerant (specifically, R1234yf) as the refrigerant. The heat pump cycle 10 constitutes a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the pressure of the high-pressure side refrigerant does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. The refrigerant is mixed with refrigerant oil for lubricating the compressor 11. The refrigerant oil is PAG oil, which is compatible with the liquid phase refrigerant. A portion of the refrigerant oil circulates in the cycle together with the refrigerant.

[0019] The compressor 11 is a compression unit in the heat pump cycle 10 that draws in refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it. The compressor 11 is an electric compressor that drives a fixed-capacity compression mechanism with a fixed discharge capacity using an electric motor. The rotational speed (i.e., refrigerant discharge capacity) of the compressor 11 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60, which will be described later.

[0020] The compressor-side inlet 211a of the heat pump function assembly 101 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 11 via a discharge-side connecting pipe 111a which is joined to the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0021] The compressor-side inlet 211a communicates with the inlet of the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a of the heat pump functional assembly 101 via a refrigerant passage formed inside the heat pump functional assembly 101. The first refrigerant three-way joint 12a is a part of a three-way joint structure formed by connecting multiple refrigerant passages together.

[0022] Furthermore, the heat pump function assembly 101 includes a second refrigerant three-way joint 12b, a third refrigerant three-way joint 12c, a first heat transfer medium three-way joint 22a, and a second heat transfer medium three-way joint 22b. The basic configuration of these three-way joints is the same as that of the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a.

[0023] These three-way joints, when one of the three inlets / outlets is used as an inlet and the other two as outlets, become a branching point that splits the flow of refrigerant or heat transfer fluid that flows in from one inlet. Also, when two of the three inlets / outlets are used as inlets and one as an outlet, they become a merging point that combines the flows of refrigerant or heat transfer fluid that flow in from the two inlets.

[0024] One outlet of the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage of the condenser 13 of the heat pump function assembly 101. The other outlet of the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a is connected to the hot gas outlet 235a of the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0025] The condenser 13 has a refrigerant passage for circulating the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and a heat transfer medium passage for circulating the high-temperature heat transfer medium. The condenser 13 is a condensation heat exchange unit that condenses the high-pressure refrigerant by exchanging heat between the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the high-temperature heat transfer medium. In the condenser 13, the heat contained in the high-pressure refrigerant is released to the high-temperature heat transfer medium, thereby heating the high-temperature heat transfer medium.

[0026] The outlet of the refrigerant passage of the condenser 13 is connected to the inlet of the receiver 14 of the heat pump function assembly 101. The receiver 14 is a reservoir that separates the gaseous and liquid phases of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser 13 and stores the separated liquid phase refrigerant as surplus refrigerant in the cycle.

[0027] The liquid-phase refrigerant outlet of the receiver 14 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage of the subcooler 15 of the heat pump functional assembly 101. The subcooler 15 has a refrigerant passage for circulating the liquid-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the receiver 14 and a heat transfer medium passage for circulating the high-temperature side heat transfer medium. The subcooler 15 is a supercooling heat exchange unit that supercools the liquid-phase refrigerant by exchanging heat between the liquid-phase refrigerant that has flowed out of the receiver 14 and the high-pressure side heat transfer medium.

[0028] The outlet of the refrigerant passage of the subcooler 15 is connected to the inlet of the second refrigerant three-way joint 12b. One outlet of the second refrigerant three-way joint 12b is connected to the cooling expansion valve side outlet 235b of the heat pump function assembly 101. The other outlet of the second refrigerant three-way joint 12b is connected to the cooling expansion valve side outlet 235d of the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0029] The outlet 235b on the cooling expansion valve side is connected to the inlet side of the cooling expansion valve 16a. The cooling expansion valve 16a is a pressure reducing unit for the evaporator that reduces the pressure of one of the refrigerants branched off at the second refrigerant three-way joint 12b. Furthermore, the cooling expansion valve 16a is an evaporator inlet side flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate (mass flow rate in this embodiment) of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor evaporator 17.

[0030] The cooling expansion valve 16a is an electrically operated variable throttle mechanism having a valve body that changes the throttle opening and an electric actuator (specifically, a stepping motor or a brushless DC motor) as a drive unit that displaces the valve body. The operation of the cooling expansion valve 16a is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0031] The cooling expansion valve 16a has a fully open function that allows it to function as a simple refrigerant passage with almost no pressure reduction effect by fully opening the throttling of the valve body. The cooling expansion valve 16a also has a fully closed function that closes the refrigerant passage by fully closing the throttling of the valve body.

[0032] Furthermore, the heat pump cycle 10 includes a cooling expansion valve 16b, an evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c, and a hot gas flow rate regulating valve 16d. The basic configuration of the cooling expansion valve 16b, the evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c, and the hot gas flow rate regulating valve 16d is the same as that of the cooling expansion valve 16a.

[0033] The cooling expansion valve 16a to the hot gas flow control valve 16d can switch the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump cycle 10 by exhibiting a fully closed function. Therefore, the cooling expansion valve 16a to the hot gas flow control valve 16d constitute the refrigerant circuit switching section.

[0034] Of course, the cooling expansion valve 16a to the hot gas flow control valve 16d may also be formed by combining a variable throttle mechanism that does not have a fully closing function with an on-off valve that opens and closes the throttle passage. In this case, each on-off valve becomes a refrigerant circuit switching section.

[0035] The outlet of the cooling expansion valve 16a is connected to the refrigerant inlet side of the indoor evaporator 17. The indoor evaporator 17 is located inside the air conditioning case 51 of the indoor air conditioning unit 50. The indoor evaporator 17 is an evaporation unit that evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant by exchanging heat between the low-pressure refrigerant, which has been reduced in pressure by the cooling expansion valve 16a, and the air being blown into the vehicle interior. The indoor evaporator 17 cools the blown air by evaporating the low-pressure refrigerant and exerting an endothermic effect.

[0036] The inlet side of the evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the indoor evaporator 17. The evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c is a pressure reducing unit for regulating evaporation pressure, which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor evaporator 17. Furthermore, the evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c is an evaporator outlet side flow rate adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of refrigerant flowing out of the indoor evaporator 17 so that the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the indoor evaporator 17 can be maintained at or above a predetermined set pressure (in this embodiment, the saturation pressure at 1°C).

[0037] The outlet of the evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c is connected to the evaporation pressure regulating valve side inlet 235c of the heat pump function assembly 101. The evaporation pressure regulating valve side inlet 235c is in communication with one of the inlets of the third refrigerant three-way joint 12c.

[0038] The outlet 235d on the cooling expansion valve side is connected to the inlet side of the cooling expansion valve 16b. The cooling expansion valve 16b is a pressure reducing unit for the chiller that reduces the pressure of the other refrigerant branched off at the second refrigerant three-way joint 12b. Furthermore, the cooling expansion valve 16b is a flow rate adjustment unit for the chiller that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the chiller 18.

[0039] One inlet side of the fourth refrigerant three-way joint 12d is connected to the outlet of the cooling expansion valve 16b. The fourth refrigerant three-way joint 12d is formed as a separate component from the heat pump functional assembly 101. The outlet of the fourth refrigerant three-way joint 12d is connected to the cooling expansion valve side inlet 235e of the heat pump functional assembly 101. The cooling expansion valve side inlet 235e is in communication with the inlet of the refrigerant passage of the chiller 18.

[0040] The chiller 18 has a refrigerant passage through which low-pressure refrigerant, reduced in pressure by the cooling expansion valve 16b, flows, and a heat transfer medium passage through which low-temperature heat transfer medium flows. The chiller 18 is an evaporation heat exchange unit that evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant by exchanging heat between the low-pressure refrigerant, reduced in pressure by the cooling expansion valve 16b, and the low-temperature heat transfer medium. In the chiller 18, the low-pressure refrigerant is evaporated and exerts an endothermic effect, thereby cooling the low-temperature heat transfer medium. The refrigerant outlet of the chiller 18 is connected to the other inlet of the third refrigerant three-way joint 12c.

[0041] The inlet side of the hot gas flow rate control valve 16d is connected to the hot gas outlet 235a, which communicates with the other outlet of the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a. The hot gas flow rate control valve 16d is a pressure reducing unit for hot gas that reduces the pressure of the other refrigerant branched off at the first refrigerant three-way joint 12a. Furthermore, the hot gas flow rate control valve 16d is a flow rate adjustment unit for hot gas that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the other inlet of the fourth refrigerant three-way joint 12d.

[0042] The other inlet of the fourth refrigerant three-way joint 12d is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the hot gas flow rate adjustment valve 16d. Further, the outlet of the third refrigerant three-way joint 12c communicates with the compressor-side outlet 211b of the heat pump function assembly 101. The suction port of the compressor 11 is connected to the compressor-side outlet 211b via a suction-side connection pipe 111b joined to the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0043] Next, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 will be described. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is a circuit that circulates a high-temperature side heat medium. In the present embodiment, an ethylene glycol aqueous solution is employed as the high-temperature side heat medium. In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, a high-temperature side pump 21, a heat medium passage of the condenser 13, a heat medium passage of the subcooler 15, a high-temperature side three-way valve 23, a high-temperature side radiator 24, and a heater core 25 are arranged.

[0044] The high-temperature side pump 21 is a high-temperature side heat medium pressure-feeding unit that sucks and pressure-feeds the high-temperature side heat medium flowing out from the third heat medium three-way joint 22c. The high-temperature side pump 21 is an electric pump whose rotation speed (that is, pressure-feeding capacity) is controlled by a control voltage output from a control device 60.

[0045] The high-temperature side heat medium inlet 431a of the heat pump function assembly 101 is connected to the discharge port of the high-temperature side pump 21 via a high-temperature side heat medium inflow pipe 112a joined to the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0046] The high-temperature side heat medium inlet 431a communicates with the inlet of the first heat medium three-way joint 22a. One outlet of the first heat medium three-way joint 22a communicates with the inlet of the heat medium passage of the condenser 13. The other outlet of the first heat medium three-way joint 22a communicates with the inlet of the heat medium passage of the subcooler 15.

[0047] The outlet of the heat medium passage of the condenser 13 communicates with one inlet of the second heat medium three-way joint 22b. The outlet of the heat medium passage of the subcooler 15 communicates with the other inlet of the second heat medium three-way joint 22b. The outlet of the second heat medium three-way joint 22b communicates with the high-temperature side heat medium outlet 431b of the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0048] The inlet of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is connected to the high-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 431b via the high-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet pipe 112b, which is joined to the heat pump functional assembly 101. The high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is an electrically operated three-way flow control valve having one inlet and two outlets, and capable of continuously adjusting the ratio of the passage areas of the two outlets. The operation of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0049] One outlet of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is connected to the heat transfer medium inlet side of the high-temperature side radiator 24. The other outlet of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is connected to the heat transfer medium inlet side of the heater core 25. Therefore, the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 is a high-temperature side heat transfer medium flow rate ratio adjustment unit that can continuously adjust the flow rate ratio between the flow rate of the high-temperature side heat transfer medium flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 24 and the flow rate of the high-temperature side heat transfer medium flowing into the heater core 25.

[0050] Furthermore, the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 can cause the entire flow rate of the high-temperature side heat transfer medium that has flowed out from the high-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 431b to flow out to either the high-temperature side radiator 24 side or the heater core 25 side. Therefore, the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 acts as a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit switching unit that switches the circuit configuration of the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20.

[0051] The high-temperature side radiator 24 is a high-temperature side outside air heat exchange section that exchanges heat between the high-temperature side heat transfer medium, which flows out from one outlet of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23, and the outside air. The high-temperature side radiator 24, along with the low-temperature side radiator 34 (described later), is located at the very front of the drive unit compartment at the front of the vehicle. This allows the airflow from the vehicle to reach both the high-temperature side radiator 24 and the low-temperature side radiator 34 when the vehicle is in motion.

[0052] The heater core 25 is located inside the air conditioning case 51 of the indoor air conditioning unit 50. The heater core 25 is a heating heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the high-temperature side heat transfer medium that flows in from the high-temperature side three-way valve 23 and the blown air. The heater core 25 heats the blown air by releasing the heat contained in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium into the blown air.

[0053] One inlet side of the third heat transfer medium three-way joint 22c is connected to the heat transfer medium outlet of the high-temperature side radiator 24. The other inlet side of the third heat transfer medium three-way joint 22c is connected to the heat transfer medium outlet of the heater core 25. The third heat transfer medium three-way joint 22c is formed as a separate component from the heat pump functional assembly 101. The inlet side of the high-temperature side pump 21 is connected to the outlet of the third heat transfer medium three-way joint 22c.

[0054] In the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the high-temperature heat transfer medium are heated by heat exchange between the condenser 13 and the subcooler 15. Furthermore, the heater core 25 is heated by heat exchange between the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the condenser 13 and the subcooler 15 and the blown air.

[0055] Next, the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 will be described. The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 is a circuit that circulates the low-temperature side heat transfer medium. In this embodiment, the same type of heat transfer medium as the high-temperature side heat transfer medium is used as the low-temperature side heat transfer medium. The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 is equipped with a low-temperature side pump 31, a heat transfer medium passage for the chiller 18, a low-temperature side three-way valve 33, a low-temperature side radiator 34, and a cooling water passage 70a for the battery 70.

[0056] The low-temperature pump 31 is a low-temperature heat transfer fluid pumping unit that sucks in and pumps the low-temperature heat transfer fluid that has flowed out from the fourth heat transfer fluid three-way joint 32d. The basic configuration of the low-temperature pump 31 is the same as that of the high-temperature pump 21.

[0057] The discharge port of the low-temperature pump 31 is connected to the low-temperature heat transfer medium inlet 432a of the heat pump functional assembly 101 via a low-temperature heat transfer medium inlet pipe 113a which is joined to the heat pump functional assembly 101. The low-temperature heat transfer medium inlet 432a communicates with the inlet of the heat transfer medium passage of the chiller 18. The outlet of the heat transfer medium passage of the chiller 18 communicates with the low-temperature heat transfer medium outlet 432b of the heat pump functional assembly 101.

[0058] The inlet side of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 is connected to the low-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 432b via the low-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet pipe 113b, which is joined to the heat pump functional assembly 101. The basic configuration of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 is the same as that of the high-temperature side three-way valve 23.

[0059] One outlet of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 is connected to the heat transfer medium inlet side of the low-temperature side radiator 34. The other outlet of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 is connected to the inlet side of the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70. Therefore, the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 is a low-temperature side heat transfer medium flow rate ratio adjustment unit that can continuously adjust the flow rate ratio between the flow rate of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium flowing into the low-temperature side radiator 34 and the flow rate of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium flowing into the cooling water passage 70a.

[0060] Furthermore, the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 can cause the entire flow rate of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium that has flowed out from the low-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 432b to flow out to either the low-temperature side radiator 34 side or the cooling water passage 70a side. Therefore, the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 acts as a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit switching unit that switches the circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30.

[0061] The low-temperature side radiator 34 is a low-temperature side outside air heat exchange section that exchanges heat between the low-temperature side heat transfer medium that flows out from one outlet of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33 and the outside air. One inlet side of the fourth heat transfer medium three-way joint 32d is connected to the heat transfer medium outlet of the low-temperature side radiator 34.

[0062] The cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is a heat transfer medium passage that circulates the low-temperature heat transfer medium that has flowed out from one outlet of the low-temperature side three-way valve 33. The cooling water passage 70a is formed inside a battery-specific case that houses multiple battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration. In the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the battery 70 is cooled by circulating the low-temperature low-temperature side heat transfer medium through the cooling water passage 70a.

[0063] The cooling water passage 70a has a passage configuration in which multiple passages are connected in parallel inside the battery-dedicated case. This arrangement ensures that the cooling water passage 70a cools all battery cells evenly. The outlet of the cooling water passage 70a is connected to the other inlet side of the fourth heat transfer fluid three-way joint 32d. The outlet of the fourth heat transfer fluid three-way joint 32d is connected to the suction side of the low-temperature pump 31.

[0064] Next, the interior air conditioning unit 50 will be described. The interior air conditioning unit 50 is a unit that integrates multiple components to blow air adjusted to an appropriate temperature for air conditioning inside the vehicle into the appropriate location inside the vehicle. The interior air conditioning unit 50 is located inside the instrument panel at the very front of the vehicle interior.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is formed by housing an indoor blower 52, an indoor evaporator 17, a heater core 25, etc., within an air conditioning case 51 that forms an air passage for the supplied air. The air conditioning case 51 is molded from a resin (for example, polypropylene) that has a certain degree of elasticity and excellent strength.

[0066] An internal / external air switching device 53 is located at the upstream end of the airflow path of the air conditioning case 51. The internal / external air switching device 53 switches between introducing internal air (i.e., air from inside the vehicle) and external air (i.e., air from outside the vehicle) into the air conditioning case 51. The operation of the internal / external air switching device 53 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0067] An interior blower 52 is positioned downstream of the airflow from the interior / exterior air switching device 53. The interior blower 52 blows the air drawn in via the interior / exterior air switching device 53 into the vehicle interior. The rotational speed (i.e., the blowing capacity) of the interior blower 52 is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0068] An indoor evaporator 17 and a heater core 25 are located downstream of the airflow from the indoor blower 52. The indoor evaporator 17 is located upstream of the heater core 25. Inside the air conditioning case 51, a cold air bypass passage 55 is formed to allow the airflow that has passed through the indoor evaporator 17 to bypass the heater core 25.

[0069] An air mix door 54 is positioned downstream of the airflow of the indoor evaporator 17 inside the air conditioning case 51, and upstream of the airflow of the heater core 25 and the cold air bypass passage 55.

[0070] The air mix door 54 adjusts the ratio of the airflow volume of the air that passes through the heater core 25 side and the airflow volume of the air that passes through the cold air bypass passage 55, from the airflow volume of the air that has passed through the indoor evaporator 17. The operation of the actuator for driving the air mix door 54 is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0071] A mixing space 56 is located downstream of the airflow through the heater core 25 and the cold air bypass passage 55. The mixing space 56 is a space that mixes the air heated by the heater core 25 with the air that has passed through the cold air bypass passage 55 and has not been heated.

[0072] Therefore, the interior air conditioning unit 50 can adjust the temperature of the air (i.e., conditioned air) that is mixed in the mixing space 56 and blown into the vehicle interior by adjusting the opening of the air mix door 54.

[0073] At the downstream end of the airflow path of the air conditioning case 51, there are multiple openings (not shown) for blowing conditioned air to various locations inside the vehicle. Each of these openings is equipped with a blow-out mode door (not shown) that opens and closes it. The operation of the actuators for driving the blow-out mode doors is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0074] Therefore, the interior air conditioning unit 50 can blow conditioned air at the appropriate temperature to the appropriate location in the vehicle interior by switching the opening through which the air outlet mode door opens and closes.

[0075] Next, the detailed configuration of the heat pump functional assembly 101 will be described using Figures 3 and 4. The heat pump functional assembly 101 is formed by stacking multiple plate-shaped members. The X direction, indicated by the arrows in Figures 3 and 4, roughly coincides with the horizontal direction when the heat pump functional assembly 101 is mounted on a vehicle. The Y direction roughly coincides with the vertical direction. The Z direction is the stacking direction of the plate-shaped members.

[0076] The plate-shaped members in this embodiment are all made of aluminum alloy with a thickness of 1 mm. Through holes are formed in the plate-shaped members by press working, penetrating both the front and back surfaces of the flat surfaces. The size and shape of the through holes differ according to the function of each plate-shaped member. The heat pump functional assembly 101 is formed by brazing together the flat surfaces of multiple plate-shaped members while they are overlapping.

[0077] The heat pump functional assembly 101 has a refrigerant flow path section 200, a heat exchange section 300, and a heat transfer medium flow path section 400. The refrigerant flow path section 200, the heat exchange section 300, and the heat transfer medium flow path section 400 are arranged side by side in the stacking direction. The heat exchange section 300 is positioned between the refrigerant flow path section 200 and the heat transfer medium flow path section 400, so as to be sandwiched between them.

[0078] The refrigerant flow path section 200 is a part that forms multiple flow path-side refrigerant passages through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path section 200 is a part that forms the first refrigerant three-way joint section 12a to the third refrigerant three-way joint section 12c of the heat pump cycle 10. The refrigerant flow path section 200 also has a compressor-side inlet 211a, a compressor-side outlet 211b, a hot gas outlet 235a, a cooling expansion valve-side outlet 235b, an evaporation pressure regulating valve-side inlet 235c, a cooling expansion valve-side outlet 235d, and a cooling expansion valve-side inlet 235e.

[0079] The refrigerant flow path section 200 is formed in a flat plate shape by stacking and arranging three types of plate-shaped members: a refrigerant flow path outer wall plate 210, a refrigerant flow path forming plate 220, and a refrigerant flow path partition plate 230.

[0080] The refrigerant flow path outer wall plate 210 is a plate-shaped member on which mounting parts for fixing various components are formed.

[0081] The refrigerant flow path forming plate 220 is a plate-shaped member having various refrigerant flow path forming holes and the like that serve as refrigerant passages on the flow path side. The refrigerant passages on the flow path side can guide refrigerant flowing in from the stacking direction to other parts of the plane.

[0082] The refrigerant flow path partition plate 230 is a plate-shaped member on which mounting parts for fixing various components are formed, and which also has refrigerant connection holes that connect the refrigerant passage on the flow path side of the refrigerant flow path section 200 to the refrigerant passage on the heat exchange section side of the heat exchange section 300. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path partition plate 230 is a plate-shaped member that forms the refrigerant flow path section 200, but the surface of the refrigerant flow path partition plate 230 on the heat exchange section 300 side forms a heat transfer medium passage together with the heat exchange section 300.

[0083] The heat exchange section 300 is the part that exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed through the refrigerant passage on the flow side of the refrigerant flow path section 200 and the high-temperature side heat transfer medium or low-temperature side heat transfer medium that has flowed through the heat transfer medium passage on the flow side of the heat transfer medium flow path section 400. The heat exchange section 300 is the part that forms the condenser 13, subcooler 15, and chiller 18.

[0084] The heat exchange section 300 is formed by stacking three types of plate-shaped members: a heat exchange section refrigerant plate 310, a heat exchange section heat transfer medium plate 320, and a heat exchange section partition plate 330. The length in the X direction of the plate-shaped members forming the heat exchange section 300 is shorter than that of the plate-shaped members forming the refrigerant flow path section 200.

[0085] The heat exchange refrigerant plate 310 is a plate-shaped member in which refrigerant passage-forming holes and the like are formed, which serve as refrigerant passages on the heat exchange side. The refrigerant passages on the heat exchange side serve as refrigerant passages for various heat exchange sections.

[0086] The heat exchange section heat transfer medium plate 320 is a plate-shaped member having holes for forming heat transfer medium passages that serve as heat transfer medium passages on the heat exchange section side. The heat exchange section side heat transfer medium passages serve as heat transfer medium passages for various heat exchange sections.

[0087] The heat exchange section partition plate 330 is a plate-shaped member positioned between the heat exchange section refrigerant plate 310 and the heat exchange section heat transfer medium plate 320. The heat exchange section partition plate 330 prevents mixing of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange section side refrigerant passage formed in the heat exchange section refrigerant plate 310 and the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat exchange section side heat transfer medium passage formed in the heat exchange section heat transfer medium plate 320, while also facilitating heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium. Multiple communication holes are formed in the heat exchange section partition plate 330.

[0088] The heat transfer medium flow channel section 400 is the part that forms multiple flow channel-side heat transfer medium passages through which the high-temperature side heat transfer medium and the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circulate. The heat transfer medium flow channel section 400 is the part that forms the first heat transfer medium three-way joint section 22a and the second heat transfer medium three-way joint section 22b of the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20. The heat transfer medium flow channel section 400 also has a high-temperature side heat transfer medium inlet 431a, a high-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 431b, a low-temperature side heat transfer medium inlet 432a, and a low-temperature side heat transfer medium outlet 432b.

[0089] Next, the heat transfer medium channel section 400 is formed by stacking three types of plate-shaped members: a heat transfer medium channel partition plate 410, a heat transfer medium channel forming plate 420, and a heat transfer medium channel outer wall plate 430. The length in the X direction of the plate-shaped members forming the heat transfer medium channel section 400 is the same as the length in the X direction of the plate-shaped members forming the heat exchange section 300.

[0090] The heat transfer medium channel partition plate 410 is a plate-shaped member in which heat transfer medium connection holes are formed to connect the heat transfer medium passage on the heat exchange section side of the heat exchange section 300 and the heat transfer medium passage on the channel side of the heat transfer medium channel section 400. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium channel partition plate 410 is a plate-shaped member that forms the heat transfer medium channel section 400, and the surface of the heat transfer medium channel partition plate 410 on the heat exchange section 300 side forms a heat transfer medium passage together with the heat exchange section 300.

[0091] The heat transfer medium channel forming plate 420 is a plate-shaped member having heat transfer medium channel forming holes and the like that form various heat transfer medium passages on the channel side. The heat transfer medium passages on the channel side can guide the heat transfer medium that flows in from the stacking direction to another part of the surface.

[0092] The heat transfer medium flow channel outer wall plate 430 is a plate-shaped member with through holes formed therein for connecting various components.

[0093] Next, the heat pump module 100 will be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the heat pump module 100 is formed by attaching a plurality of components that constitute the vehicle air conditioning system 1 to the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0094] Specifically, the compressor 11 and bracket 114 are mounted on the flat surface opposite to the side of the refrigerant flow path 200 where the heat exchange section 300 is located. The compressor 11 is fixed to the compressor boss section 240, which is joined to the refrigerant flow path 200, by bolting. In other words, the heat pump module 100 includes a mechanical coupling section 102 that fixes the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 to each other.

[0095] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the compressor boss portion 240 is provided in three locations on the heat pump function assembly 101. In other words, the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 are connected by three mechanical coupling portions 102. The compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 may be connected by four or more mechanical coupling portions 102.

[0096] A discharge-side connecting pipe 111a, which is connected to the refrigerant flow path section 200, is fixed to the discharge port of the compressor 11. A suction-side connecting pipe 111b, which is connected to the refrigerant flow path section 200, is fixed to the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0097] The discharge-side connecting pipe 111a fluidically connects the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 so that refrigerant flows from the compressor 11 to the heat pump function assembly 101. The suction-side connecting pipe 111b fluidically connects the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 so that refrigerant flows from the heat pump function assembly 101 to the compressor 11. Therefore, the discharge-side connecting pipe 111a and the suction-side connecting pipe 111b constitute a fluid coupling section 103 that connects the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 so that refrigerant flowing out from one side of the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 flows into the other side. Multiple such fluid coupling sections 103 are provided in the heat pump module 100.

[0098] The fluid coupling portion 103 has tolerance absorption portions 103a for each heat pump module 100 that absorb the difference in distance between the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101 when the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101 are coupled by the mechanical coupling portion 102. In other words, the tolerance absorption portion 103a is a part that deforms to match the distance between the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101.

[0099] The tolerance absorption portion 103a is a cylindrical metal member whose side surface 103b is formed in a bellows shape. In other words, the discharge-side connecting pipe 111a and the suction-side connecting pipe 111b are metal bellows made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0100] The fluid coupling portion 103 is integrated with the heat pump function assembly 101. When the constituent materials of the fluid coupling portion 103 and the constituent materials of the heat pump function assembly 101 are the same, there is an advantage in that the fluid coupling portion 103 can be easily brazed integrally with the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0101] Furthermore, other metal materials such as Al, spring steel, SUS, and brass may be used for the fluid coupling portion 103. The discharge-side connecting pipe 111a and the suction-side connecting pipe 111b may also be made of resin.

[0102] In this embodiment, the tolerance absorption portion 103a is provided over the entire fluid coupling portion 103, excluding the coupling portion. From the viewpoint of durability, it is desirable that the tolerance absorption portion 103a is provided over a length of at least 30% of the entire fluid coupling portion 103. As a result, the larger the proportion of the tolerance absorption portion 103a, the more the amount of deformation per unit area can be reduced, and the more stress on the fluid coupling portion 103 can be reduced.

[0103] For example, the tolerance absorption portion 103a may be provided for a length of more than half of the total length of the fluid coupling portion 103. Thus, the tolerance absorption portion 103a only needs to be provided for at least a part of the fluid coupling portion 103.

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, when viewing the compressor 11 from the direction of its rotation axis, the fluid coupling portion 103 is positioned closer to the heat pump functional assembly 101 than to the compressor 11. This eliminates the need to route the fluid coupling portion 103 to fluidly connect the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101, thus simplifying the installation process.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the fluid coupling portion 103 has a flange portion 103c on the compressor 11 side. As shown in Figure 5, the flange portion 103c is fastened to the compressor 11 with a plurality of bolts 103d. In this embodiment, the flange portion 103c is fastened to the compressor 11 with two bolts 103d. Of course, the flange portion 103c may be fastened to the compressor 11 with three or more bolts 103d. Between the flange portion 103c and the compressor 11, a sealing member such as a metal seal (not shown) or a soft metal with a rubber coating on the surface of a thin metal is placed to prevent refrigerant leakage.

[0106] A discharge refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62a is attached to the flange portion 103c of the discharge-side connecting pipe 111a to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11. An intake refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62b is attached to the flange portion 103c of the suction-side connecting pipe 111b to detect the pressure of the intake refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11. Note that the discharge refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62a and the intake refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62b are omitted in Figures 6 and 7. Also, the bracket 114 is omitted in Figure 7.

[0107] As described above, the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101 are connected by a plurality of mechanical couplings 102 and a plurality of fluid couplings 103. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the mechanical axis direction of the mechanical couplings 102 connected to the heat pump functional assembly 101 and the fluid axis direction of the tolerance absorption portion 103a of the fluid coupling 103 coincide. In this way, since the mechanical axis direction and the fluid axis direction are in the same direction, assembly can be made easier and productivity can be improved. In addition, one of the plurality of mechanical couplings 102 and plurality of fluid couplings 103 will not be subjected to a load and deform. That is, the load can be distributed and received by the plurality of mechanical couplings 102 and plurality of fluid couplings 103. Therefore, the durability of the heat pump module 100 can be increased. In other words, the lifespan of the mechanical couplings 102 and fluid couplings 103 can be extended.

[0108] The bracket 114 is fixed to the refrigerant flow path section 200 by bolting into bracket mounting holes formed therein. The bracket 114 is formed in a bent shape when viewed from the Y direction and has a portion that widens in the X direction and a portion that widens in the Z direction. The bracket 114 is attached to the vehicle via a vibration-damping member 114a.

[0109] Furthermore, on the flat surface of the refrigerant flow path section 200 on the side where the heat exchange section 300 is located, expansion valve units 16e and 16f are fixed by bolting to expansion valve bosses joined to the refrigerant flow path section 200. The expansion valve unit 16e houses a cooling expansion valve 16a and an evaporation pressure regulating valve 16c in a single housing. The expansion valve unit 16f houses a cooling expansion valve 16b and a hot gas flow rate regulating valve 16d in a single housing.

[0110] Between each expansion valve unit 16e, 16f and the flat surface of the refrigerant flow path 200 on the side where the heat exchange section 300 is located, a sealing member (not shown) is placed to prevent refrigerant leakage.

[0111] Next, the electrical control unit of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 will be described. The control unit 60 has a well-known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and its peripheral circuits. The control unit 60 performs various calculations and processes based on the control program stored in the ROM. Then, based on the calculation and processing results, the control unit 60 controls the operation of various controlled devices connected to the output side.

[0112] Various control sensors are connected to the input side of the control device 60. The control sensors include a discharge refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62a, an intake refrigerant temperature and pressure sensor 62b, an evaporator temperature sensor, a chiller refrigerant temperature sensor, a high-temperature side heat transfer medium temperature sensor, a low-temperature side heat transfer medium temperature sensor, a battery temperature sensor, and an air conditioning air temperature sensor. Detection signals from these control sensors are input to the control device 60.

[0113] The control device 60 is configured with an integrated control unit that controls various controlled devices connected to the output side. Therefore, the configuration (hardware and software) that controls the operation of each controlled device constitutes the control unit that controls the operation of each controlled device. For example, the configuration of the control device 60 that controls the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor 11 constitutes the discharge capacity control unit.

[0114] In Figure 1, for clarity of illustration, some of the power lines electrically connecting the control device 60 to the controlled device, and the signal lines electrically connecting the control device 60 to the control sensor group, have been omitted.

[0115] Next, the operation of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment in the above configuration will be described. In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, various operating modes are switched in order to control the air conditioning inside the vehicle and the temperature of the battery 70. Specifically, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can perform cooling mode, heating mode, dehumidifying heating mode, cooling mode, standalone cooling mode, hot gas heating mode, etc.

[0116] In cooling mode, the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor evaporator 17 of the heat pump cycle 10. Then, the indoor air conditioning unit 50 blows the cooled air from the indoor evaporator 17 into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving cooling of the vehicle interior.

[0117] In heating mode, the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated by the condenser 13 and subcooler 15 of the heat pump cycle 10 is flowed into the heater core 25 of the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20. Then, the interior air conditioning unit 50 blows the heated air from the heater core 25 into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0118] In dehumidifying heating mode, the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor evaporator 17 of the heat pump cycle 10. Furthermore, the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the condenser 13 and subcooler 15 of the heat pump cycle 10 is flowed into the heater core 25 of the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20. Then, the indoor air conditioning unit 50 reheats the air that has been cooled and dehumidified in the indoor evaporator 17 in the heater core 25 and blows it into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving dehumidifying heating in the vehicle interior.

[0119] In cooling mode, the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor evaporator 17 and chiller 18 of the heat pump cycle 10. Then, the indoor air conditioning unit 50 blows the cooled air from the indoor evaporator 17 into the vehicle interior, thereby achieving cooling of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the chiller 18 is flowed into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 in the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20, thereby achieving cooling of the battery 70.

[0120] In standalone cooling mode, the chiller 18 of the heat pump cycle 10 evaporates the refrigerant. The low-temperature heat transfer medium cooled by the chiller 18 is then flowed into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 in the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20, thereby cooling the battery 70.

[0121] The hot gas heating mode is selected when the outside temperature is extremely low (for example, below -10°C). In hot gas heating mode, the high-temperature heat transfer medium heated in the condenser 13 and subcooler 15 of the heat pump cycle 10 is flowed into the heater core 25 of the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20. Furthermore, the refrigerant that has flowed out from the subcooler 15 and the refrigerant that has flowed out from the hot gas flow control valve 16d are mixed and drawn into the compressor 11.

[0122] Then, the interior air conditioning unit 50 blows air heated by the heater core 25 into the vehicle interior, thereby heating the vehicle interior even when the outside temperature is extremely low.

[0123] As described above, in this embodiment, the fluid coupling portion 103 of the heat pump module 100 has a deformable tolerance absorption portion 103a. As a result, even if the distance between the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101 changes from product to product, the tolerance absorption portion 103a absorbs the difference in distance from product to product, making installation work easier. In addition, since the tolerance absorption portion 103a deforms according to the distance, the stress on the fluid coupling portion 103 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved productivity of the heat pump module 100 and improved durability of the fluid coupling portion 103.

[0124] For example, if the refrigerant is propane and the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101 are connected by a rubber hose, low-molecular-weight propane tends to leak out little by little from the high-molecular-weight rubber due to the deterioration of the rubber hose over time. However, in this embodiment, the fluid coupling part 103 is made of a metal bellows. Therefore, there is an advantage that flammable propane refrigerant does not leak from the metal fluid coupling part 103. In addition, because the fluid coupling part 103 is made of metal, the durability of the fluid coupling part 103 can be further improved.

[0125] Furthermore, because the fluid coupling portion 103 is made of metal, swelling or foaming of the rubber used in the rubber hose will not occur due to future diversification of refrigerants. In addition, there will be no cost increase associated with the adoption of compatible rubber. Moreover, since the mechanical axis and the fluid axis are aligned, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the heat pump module 100 due to the fluid coupling portion 103 becoming longer or the need for brackets being added.

[0126] As another example, the tolerance-absorbing portion 103a of the fluid coupling portion 103 may not be a bellows-shaped cylindrical member on its side surface 103b, but rather the material itself may have spring properties. For example, copper piping can be used as such a fluid coupling portion 103. In this case, a bent portion serving as the tolerance-absorbing portion 103a is provided in a part of the piping. Since copper piping is easily bendable, the bent portion of the tolerance-absorbing portion 103a bends to match the distance between the compressor 11 and the heat pump functional assembly 101. In this way, tolerances can also be absorbed by the properties of the material.

[0127] As another example, the fluid coupling portion 103 may be coupled to the compressor 11 by a shaft seal instead of a flange portion 103c. That is, the fluid coupling portion 103 is inserted into an insertion hole provided in the compressor 11. A sealing member such as an O-ring is placed inside the insertion hole. The same applies when the fluid coupling portion 103 is coupled to the heat pump functional assembly 101.

[0128] As another example, the fluid coupling section 103 is not limited to being coupled to the compressor 11 at two locations. For example, there may be three fluid coupling sections 103: one for the low-pressure inlet of the refrigerant, one for the intermediate-pressure inlet, and one for the high-pressure discharge port. In the case of gas injection, there are three fluid coupling sections 103.

[0129] As another example, if multiple fluid couplings 103 are provided in the heat pump module 100, some fluid couplings 103 may not have tolerance absorption sections 103a. Only those of the multiple fluid couplings 103 that have tolerance absorption sections 103a need to absorb the tolerance. In other words, it is sufficient for the number of fluid couplings 103 minus 1 to have tolerance absorption sections 103a among the multiple fluid couplings 103. For example, if there are three fluid couplings 103, two of the fluid couplings 103 may have tolerance absorption sections 103a.

[0130] The fluid coupling portion 103 is not limited to having a flange portion 103c only on the compressor 11 side. For example, the fluid coupling portion 103 may have a flange portion 103c on the heat pump functional assembly 101 side. In this case, the flange portion 103c is fastened to the heat pump functional assembly 101 with a plurality of bolts 103d. Thus, the fluid coupling portion 103 has a flange portion 103c on at least one of the compressor 11 side and the heat pump functional assembly 101 side.

[0131] Furthermore, the mechanical axis direction of the mechanical coupling portion 102 and the fluid axis direction of the tolerance absorption portion 103a of the fluid coupling portion 103 do not necessarily have to coincide. In other words, the mechanical axis direction and the fluid axis direction may be non-parallel.

[0132] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, as follows.

[0133] For example, the fluid coupling portion 103 may be integrated with the compressor 11. Alternatively, the fluid coupling portion 103 may be separate from the compressor 11 and the heat pump function assembly 101.

[0134] Furthermore, the mechanical axis direction of the mechanical coupling portion 102 and the fluid axis direction of the tolerance absorption portion 103a of the fluid coupling portion 103 do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0135] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalence. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or fewer of those elements, fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure.

[0136] The technical features of the heat pump module 100 disclosed herein are as follows: (Item 1) A heat pump module comprising: a compressor (11) for compressing and discharging a refrigerant; and a heat pump function assembly (101) in which a plurality of components (13, 14, 15, 18) are integrated, wherein the heat pump module comprises: a fluid coupling portion (103) formed of either metal or resin, which connects the compressor and the heat pump function assembly so as to allow the refrigerant flowing out from one of the compressor and the heat pump function assembly to flow into the other; and a mechanical coupling portion (102) which fixes the compressor and the heat pump function assembly to each other, wherein the fluid coupling portion has a tolerance absorbing portion (103a) that deforms to conform to the distance between the compressor and the heat pump function assembly. (Item 2) The heat pump module according to Item 1, wherein the tolerance absorbing portion is a metal cylindrical member with a bellows-shaped side surface (103b). (Item 3) The heat pump module according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical axis direction of the mechanical coupling portion connected to the heat pump functional assembly coincides with the fluid axis direction of the tolerance absorption portion of the fluid coupling portion. (Item 4) The heat pump module according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the mechanical coupling portion and the fluid coupling portion are provided. (Item 5) The heat pump module according to any one of Items 1 to 4, wherein the fluid coupling portion has a flange portion (103c) on at least one of the sides of the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly. (Item 6) The heat pump module according to Item 5, wherein the flange portion is fastened to at least one of the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly by a plurality of bolts (103d). (Item 7) The heat pump module according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein, when the compressor is viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the compressor, the fluid coupling portion is located closer to the heat pump functional assembly than to the compressor.

Claims

1. A heat pump module comprising a compressor (11) that compresses and discharges a refrigerant, and a heat pump function assembly (101) in which a plurality of components (13, 14, 15, 18) are integrated, wherein the heat pump module comprises a fluid coupling portion (103) formed of either metal or resin, which connects the compressor and the heat pump function assembly so as to allow the refrigerant flowing out from one of the compressor and the heat pump function assembly to flow into the other, and a mechanical coupling portion (102) which fixes the compressor and the heat pump function assembly to each other, wherein the fluid coupling portion has a tolerance absorption portion (103a) that deforms to conform to the distance between the compressor and the heat pump function assembly.

2. The heat pump module according to claim 1, wherein the tolerance absorption portion is a cylindrical metal member whose side surface (103b) is formed in a bellows shape.

3. The heat pump module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical axis direction of the mechanical coupling portion connected to the heat pump functional assembly and the fluid axis direction of the tolerance absorption portion of the fluid coupling portion coincide.

4. The heat pump module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the mechanical couplings and the fluid couplings are provided.

5. The heat pump module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid coupling portion has a flange portion (103c) on at least one of the sides of the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly.

6. The heat pump module according to claim 5, wherein the flange portion is fastened to at least one of the compressor and the heat pump functional assembly by a plurality of bolts (103d).

7. The heat pump module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the compressor, the fluid coupling portion is positioned closer to the heat pump functional assembly than to the compressor.

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