U.S. patent application number 11/810296 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for automotive air-conditioning system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sanden Corporation. Invention is credited to Yuuichi Matsumoto, Kenichi Suzuki, Masato Tsuboi.
Application Number | 20070277549 11/810296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38283906 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuboi; Masato ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
Automotive air-conditioning system
Abstract
An automotive air-conditioning system has a gas-liquid
separator, a compressor and a radiator, which are interposed in a
first flow channel of a refrigerant which extends within an engine
room in the order in the flowing direction of the refrigerant. The
system also includes a pressure reducer and an evaporator, which
are interposed in a second flow channel of the refrigerant which
extends within a vehicle interior in the order in the flowing
direction of the refrigerant. The system also has a connecting
device disposed near a partition wall that separates the engine
room from the vehicle interior. The connecting device circularly
connects the first to the second flow channel, and includes a first
connecting portion formed at the downstream end of the second flow
channel and a second connecting portion that is formed at the inlet
of the gas-liquid separator and is connected to the first
connecting portion.
Inventors: |
Tsuboi; Masato;
(Isesaki-shi, JP) ; Suzuki; Kenichi;
(Takasaki-shi, JP) ; Matsumoto; Yuuichi;
(Isesaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COHEN, PONTANI, LIEBERMAN & PAVANE
551 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 1210
NEW YORK
NY
10176
US
|
Assignee: |
Sanden Corporation
Isesaki-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
38283906 |
Appl. No.: |
11/810296 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/513 ;
62/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 40/00 20130101;
B60H 1/3229 20130101; F25B 2309/061 20130101; F25B 43/006 20130101;
F25B 9/008 20130101; B60H 1/00571 20130101; F25B 2500/18
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/513 ;
62/512 |
International
Class: |
F25B 43/00 20060101
F25B043/00; F25B 41/00 20060101 F25B041/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2006 |
JP |
2006-157307 |
Claims
1. An automotive air-conditioning system comprising: a gas-liquid
separator, a compressor and a radiator, the gas-liquid separator,
the compressor and the radiator being interposed in a first flow
channel of a refrigerant which extends within an engine room in the
order named in a flowing direction of the refrigerant; a pressure
reducer and an evaporator, the pressure reducer and the evaporator
being interposed in a second flow channel of the refrigerant which
extends within a vehicle interior in the order named in the flowing
direction of the refrigerant; and a connecting device disposed near
a partition wall that separates the engine room from the vehicle
interior, and circularly connects the first and second flow
channels to each other, the connecting device including a first
connecting portion that is formed at a downstream end of the second
flow channel and a second connecting portion that is formed at an
inlet of the gas-liquid separator and is connected to the first
connecting portion.
2. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 1,
further comprising: an internal heat exchanger that is interposed
in the first flow channel, wherein: the internal heat exchanger
includes a high-temperature portion that is disposed in a
high-pressure area of the first flow channel which extends between
the radiator and the pressure reducer; a low-temperature portion
that is disposed in a low-pressure area of the first flow channel
which extends between the gas-liquid separator and the compressor
and receives heat from the high-temperature portion; and a third
connecting portion that is formed at an inlet of the
low-temperature portion, and wherein: the gas-liquid separator
includes a fourth connecting portion that is formed at an outlet of
the gas-liquid separator and is connected to the third connecting
portion.
3. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 2,
wherein: the internal heat exchanger includes a fifth connecting
portion that is formed at the outlet of the high-temperature
portion, and the connecting device includes a sixth connecting
portion that is formed at an upstream end of the second flow
channel; and a bridge portion that is formed integrally with both
the second and fourth connecting portions of the gas-liquid
separator, the bridge portion being connected to both the fifth and
sixth connecting portions and having an internal flow channel that
communicates between the outlet of the high-temperature portion and
the upstream end of the second flow channel.
4. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 3,
further comprising: a supporting device for supporting the
gas-liquid separator by using the partition wall.
5. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 4,
wherein: the supporting device includes a bracket for holding the
gas-liquid separator, and an engaging member that is interposed
between the bracket and the partition wall and engages the bracket
and the partition wall with each other.
6. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 5,
wherein: the supporting device further includes a buffering member
having thermal insulating properties and elasticity, which is
interposed between the bracket and the partition wall.
7. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 6,
wherein: the first and second connecting portions of the connecting
device, the fourth connecting portion of the gas-liquid separator
and the third connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger are
arranged in one straight line; and the sixth connecting portion of
the connecting device, the bridge portion, and the fifth connecting
portion of the internal heat exchanger are arranged in another
straight line parallel to the one straight line.
8. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 7,
wherein: the first and sixth connecting portions of the connecting
device are integrally formed; the third and fifth connecting
portions of the internal heat exchanger are integrally formed; and
the connecting device includes a single bolt that couples the first
connecting portion with the second connecting portion, the bridge
portion with the fifth and sixth connecting portions, and the third
connecting portion with the fourth connecting portion.
9. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 8,
wherein: the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
10. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 3,
wherein: the first and second connecting portions of the connecting
device, the fourth connecting portion of the gas-liquid separator
and the third connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger are
arranged in one straight line; and the sixth connecting portion of
the connecting device, the bridge portion, and the fifth connecting
portion of the internal heat exchanger are arranged in another
straight line parallel to the one straight line.
11. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 10,
wherein: the first and sixth connecting portions of the connecting
device are integrally formed; the third and fifth connecting
portions of the internal heat exchanger are integrally formed; and
the connecting device includes a single bolt that couples the first
connecting portion with the second connecting portion, the bridge
portion with the fifth and sixth connecting portions, and the third
connecting portion with the fourth connecting portion.
12. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 11,
wherein: the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
13. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 1,
further comprising: a supporting device for supporting the
gas-liquid separator by using the partition wall.
14. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 13,
wherein: the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
15. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 2,
further comprising: a supporting device for supporting the
gas-liquid separator by using the partition wall.
16. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 15,
wherein: the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
17. The automotive air-conditioning system according to claim 1,
wherein: the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an automotive
air-conditioning system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A refrigeration circuit of an automotive air-conditioning
system has a circulation path through which a refrigerant
circulates. The circulation path includes a first flow channel
extending within an engine room and a second flow channel extending
within a vehicle interior. The first and second flow channels are
circularly connected to each other near a partition wall that
separates the engine room from the vehicle interior.
[0005] In general, a compressor, a radiator (condenser or gas
cooler), a pressure reducer (expansion valve) and an evaporator are
interposed in the circulation path in the order named in the
flowing direction of the refrigerant.
[0006] A gas-liquid separator for separating a gas-phase component
and a liquid-phase component contained in the refrigerant is also
interposed in the circulation path. The gas-liquid separator is
placed downstream of the radiator or of the evaporator.
[0007] In consideration of global environment, a refrigeration
circuit using a refrigerant with a small global warming potential
has been recently developed. Refrigerants of this type include
natural CO.sub.2 (carbon dioxide) as an example. In the
refrigeration circuit using CO.sub.2 as refrigerant, CO.sub.2 is
not condensed by the radiator, so that the gas-liquid separator is
disposed downstream from the evaporator.
[0008] In some cases, for the purpose of enhancing the coefficient
of performance, an internal heat exchanger is interposed in the
circulation path as seen in the refrigeration circuit using
CO.sub.2 which is disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent
Publication No. 2001-56188.
[0009] A conventional automotive air-conditioning system has a
compressor, a radiator, a pressure reducer, an evaporator and a
gas-liquid separator as primary devices composing the refrigeration
circuit, and also includes, as parts for connecting between the
inlets and outlets of the primary devices, pipes extending between
the primary devices and connecting members for connecting between
these devices and the pipes.
[0010] For that reason, there are a large number of parts composing
the automotive air-conditioning system, and this makes it
cumbersome and complicated to install the automotive
air-conditioning system in a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide an automotive
air-conditioning system that includes a reduced number of parts and
is easy to install in a vehicle.
[0012] In order to achieve the object, the automotive
air-conditioning system according to the invention has a gas-liquid
separator, a compressor and a radiator. The gas-liquid separator,
the compressor and the radiator are interposed in a first flow
channel of a refrigerant which extends within an engine room in the
order named in a flowing direction of the refrigerant. The
automotive air-conditioning system also includes a pressure reducer
and an evaporator. The pressure reducer and the evaporator are
interposed in a second flow channel of the refrigerant which
extends within a vehicle interior in the order named in the flowing
direction of the refrigerant. The automotive air-conditioning
system also has a connecting device disposed near a partition wall
that separates the engine room from the vehicle interior. The
connecting device circularly connects the first and second flow
channels to each other. The connecting device includes a first
connecting portion that is formed at a downstream end of the second
flow channel and a second connecting portion that is formed at an
inlet of the gas-liquid separator and is connected to the first
connecting portion.
[0013] In the connecting device of the automotive air-conditioning
system of the invention, the first connecting portion that is
formed at the downstream end of the second flow channel and the
second connecting portion that is formed in the gas-liquid
separator are connected to each other. This eliminates the need for
a pipe for connecting between the first connecting portion and the
gas-liquid separator and a connecting member attached to the pipe,
and then reduces the number of parts.
[0014] Therefore, the automotive air-conditioning system is easy to
install in the vehicle and is low in price.
[0015] Preferably, the automotive air-conditioning system further
has an internal heat exchanger that is interposed in the first flow
channel. The internal heat exchanger includes a high-temperature
portion that is interposed in a high-pressure area of the first
flow channel which extends between the radiator and the pressure
reducer, a low-temperature portion that is interposed in a
low-pressure area of the first flow channel which extends between
the gas-liquid separator and the compressor, and receives heat from
the high-temperature portion, and a third connecting portion that
is formed at an inlet of the low-temperature portion. The
gas-liquid separator includes a fourth connecting portion that is
formed at an outlet of the gas-liquid separator and is connected to
the third connecting portion.
[0016] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, the
third connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger and the
fourth connecting portion of the gas-liquid separator are connected
to each other. This eliminates the need for a pipe for connecting
between the low-temperature portion of the internal heat exchanger
and the gas-liquid separator and a connecting member attached to
the pipe. Therefore, the number of parts is further reduced. This
makes it easier to install the automotive air-conditioning system
in the vehicle and allows for a low price of the system.
[0017] Preferably, the internal heat exchanger includes a fifth
connecting portion that is formed at the outlet of the
high-temperature portion. The connecting device includes a sixth
connecting portion that is formed at an upstream end of the second
flow channel and a bridge portion that is formed integrally with
both the second and fourth connecting portions of the gas-liquid
separator. The bridge portion is connected to both the fifth and
sixth connecting portions and has an internal flow channel that
communicates between the outlet of the high-temperature portion and
the upstream end of the second flow channel.
[0018] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, the
sixth connecting portion of the connecting device and the fifth
connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger are connected to
the bridge portion of the gas-liquid separator. This eliminates the
need for a pipe for connecting between the sixth connecting portion
of the connecting device and the high-temperature portion of the
internal heat exchanger and a connecting member attached to the
pipe. Therefore, the number of parts is further reduced. This makes
it easier to install the automotive air-conditioning system in the
vehicle and allows a low price of the system.
[0019] Preferably, the automotive air-conditioning system has a
supporting device for supporting the gas-liquid separator by using
the partition wall.
[0020] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system,
because of the supporting device for supporting the gas-liquid
separator by using the partition wall, the gas-liquid separator is
installed in the vehicle with less difficulty as compared to the
case in which the gas-liquid separator is supported by another
portion of the vehicle. This makes it easier to install the
automotive air-conditioning system in the vehicle.
[0021] Preferably, the supporting device includes a bracket for
holding the gas-liquid separator and an engaging member that is
interposed between the bracket and the partition wall and engages
the bracket with the partition wall.
[0022] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, the
gas-liquid separator is more easily installed in the vehicle by
using the partition wall to support the gas-liquid separator with
the bracket and the engaging member intervening therebetween.
[0023] Preferably, the supporting device further includes a
buffering member having thermal insulating properties and
elasticity, which is interposed between the bracket and the
partition wall.
[0024] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, since
the supporting device further includes the buffering member having
the thermal insulating properties and the elasticity, the heat,
vibrations and noises in the engine room are prevented from being
transmitted to the vehicle interior. Consequently, the comfort of
vehicle occupants is maintained in the vehicle to which the
above-described automotive air-conditioning system is applied.
[0025] Preferably, the first and second connecting portions of the
connecting device, the fourth connecting portion of the gas-liquid
separator and the third connecting portion of the internal heat
exchanger are arranged in one straight line, and the sixth
connecting portion of the connecting device, the bridge portion and
the fifth connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger are
arranged in another straight line parallel to the one straight
line.
[0026] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, the
first and second connecting portions of the connecting device, the
third connecting portion of the internal heat exchanger and the
fourth connecting portion of the gas-liquid separator are arranged
in the one straight line, and the sixth connecting portion of the
connecting device, the bridge portion and the fifth connecting
portion of the internal heat exchanger are arranged in the another
straight line parallel to the one straight line. It is then
possible to connect between the first to sixth connecting portions
and the bridge portion in one connection direction without
difficulty. This makes it easier to install the automotive
air-conditioning system in the vehicle.
[0027] Preferably, the first and sixth connecting portions of the
connecting device are integrally formed. The third and fifth
connecting portions of the internal heat exchanger are integrally
formed. The connecting device includes a single bolt that couples
the first connecting portion with the second connecting portion,
the bridge portion with the fifth and sixth connecting portions,
and the third connecting portion with the fourth connecting
portion.
[0028] In the preferable automotive air-conditioning system, the
first and sixth connecting portions of the connecting device are
integrally formed, and the third and fifth connecting portions of
the internal heat exchanger are integrally formed. In this system,
the first connecting portion is coupled with the second connecting
portion, the bridge portion with the fifth and sixth connecting
portions, and the third connecting portion with the fourth
connecting portion with the single bolt. This further reduces the
number of parts of the automotive air-conditioning system and makes
it easier to install the system in the vehicle, which allows a low
price of the system.
[0029] Preferably, the refrigerant is CO.sub.2.
[0030] Since the preferable automotive air-conditioning system uses
CO.sub.2 as refrigerant, it is environmentally friendly. At the
same time, the automotive air-conditioning system separates the
liquid-phase component contained in the refrigerant by using the
gas-liquid separator, so that liquid compression in the compressor
is prevented, and the durability of the system is secured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are
not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration view of a refrigeration
circuit of an automotive air-conditioning system according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a top view showing partly in section a connecting
structure between first and second flow channels in a circulation
path of the refrigeration circuit of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along line III-III in FIG.
2; and
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the connecting
structure shown in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] FIG. 1 schematically shows a refrigeration circuit of an
automotive air-conditioning system according to one embodiment. The
refrigeration circuit is of a vapor compression type and is used
for refrigerating or dehumidifying an air flow that is introduced
into a vehicle interior 2.
[0037] The refrigeration circuit has a circulation path 4. CO.sub.2
refrigerant (R-744) that is a natural refrigerant circulates
through the circulation path 4 while containing a small amount of
lubricating oil serving as refrigerating machine oil. The
circulation path 4 extends from an engine room 6 through a
partition wall 8 to a front portion of the vehicle interior 2. The
front part of the vehicle interior 2 is partitioned by an
installment panel 10 and serves as an equipment space 12.
[0038] In the circulation path 4, there are interposed a compressor
14, a radiator (gas cooler) 16, a high-temperature portion 18a of
an internal heat exchanger 18, a pressure reducer (expansion valve)
20, an evaporator 22, a gas-liquid separator (liquid receiver) 24,
and a low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat exchanger 18
in the order named in a flowing direction of the refrigerant.
[0039] In this refrigeration circuit, the compressor 14 that has
been supplied with motive power from the engine sucks a
low-temperature and pressure gas-phase refrigerant from the
low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat exchanger 18. The
compressor 14 compresses the sucked refrigerant to bring it into a
high-temperature and pressure state, and then discharges the
refrigerant toward the radiator 16. In other words, the compressor
14 carries out the steps of sucking, compressing and discharging
the refrigerant. As a result, the refrigerant is circulated through
the circulation path 4, passing through the radiator 16, the
high-temperature portion 18a of the internal heat exchanger 18, the
pressure reducer 20, the evaporator 22, the gas-liquid separator
24, and the low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat
exchanger 18 in order.
[0040] When passing through the radiator 16, the refrigerant is
air-cooled and is decreased in temperature. Subsequently when
passing through the high-temperature portion 18a of the internal
heat exchanger 18, the refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat
with a refrigerant passing through the low-temperature portion 18b
of the internal heat exchanger 18, and is further decreased in
temperature. The high-pressure supercritical or liquid-phase
refrigerant thus reduced in temperature is expanded and decreased
in pressure and temperature when passing through the pressure
reducer 20, and turns into a low-temperature and pressure
refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixture (two-phase) state.
[0041] When the refrigerant, which is in the gas-liquid mixture
state, passes through the evaporator 22A, the liquid-phase
component contained therein evaporates while absorbing the heat of
vaporization from an ambient gas. As a result, an air flow running
outside the evaporator 22 turns into cold air. The cold air flows
into the vehicle interior 2, thereby air-conditioning or
dehumidifying the vehicle interior 2.
[0042] When the low-temperature and pressure refrigerant from which
the liquid-phase component is evaporated by the evaporator 22
passes through the gas-liquid separator 24, a residual liquid-phase
component is virtually completely removed from the refrigerant. The
low-temperature and pressure gas-phase refrigerant subsequently
passes through the low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat
exchanger 18. At this point, the refrigerant is heated by
exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the
high-temperature portion 18a of the internal heat exchanger 18,
thereby having a degree of superheat. The refrigerant having the
degree of superheat is sucked into the compressor 14, and the
above-described cycle is repeated.
[0043] The circulation path 4 is roughly divided into a first flow
channel 30 extending within the engine room and a second flow
channel 32 extending within the equipment space 12. The first and
second flow channels 30 and 32 are connected to each other near the
partition wall 8 so as to form the annular circulation path 4. A
connecting structure of the first and second flow channels 30 and
32 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0044] The gas-liquid separator 24 has a tubular body 34. The
tubular body 34 has a shape of a circular cylinder with a bottom
and an open upper end. A disc-like cover plate 36 is placed at the
open end of the tubular body 34, and an outer circumference of the
cover plate 36 is airtightly connected to the tubular body 34.
[0045] For example, a lower surface of a block 38 in a shape of a
rectangular parallelepiped is brought into airtight contact with an
upper surface of the cover plate 36. The block 38 has a pair of
faces (contacted surfaces) 40 and 41 that extend parallel to the
partition wall 8.
[0046] In the block 38, there are formed a supply path 42 for
supplying the refrigerant to the tubular body 34 and a discharge
path 43 for discharging the refrigerant from the tubular body 34.
The supply path 42 extends in the shape of letter L and has a
horizontal portion 44 and a vertical portion 46. The discharge path
43 also extends in the shape of letter L and has a horizontal
portion 45 and a vertical portion 47. The horizontal portions 44
and 45 extend along the same axis perpendicular to the partition
wall 8. An outer end of the horizontal portion 44 of the supply
path 42 opens in the contacted surface 40 located on the side of
the partition wall 8. An outer end of the horizontal portion 45 of
the discharge path 43 opens in the contacted surface 41 located
opposite to the partition wall 8.
[0047] The cover plate 36 is pierced by a straight supply pipe 50
and a J-shaped discharge pipe 51 in an airtight manner. Upper ends
of the supply pipe 50 and the discharge pipe 51 are connected to
lower ends of the vertical portions 46 and 47 of the supply path 42
and the discharge path 43, respectively.
[0048] There is also formed a horizontal hole 54 in the block 38.
The horizontal hole 54 runs through the block 38, extending
parallel to the horizontal portions 44 and 45 of the supply path 42
and the discharge path 43. Accordingly, both ends of the horizontal
hole 54 open in the contacted surfaces 40 and 41, respectively.
[0049] A first flange 56 is connected to the block 38 from the
partition wall 8 side. The first flange 56 is formed, for example,
into a rectangular parallelepiped, and has a contact surface 58 in
surface contact with the contacted surface 40 of the block 38 and a
back surface 60 located opposite to the contact surface 58.
[0050] In the first flange 56, there are formed two through holes
62 and 64 parallel to each other. Both ends of the through holes 62
and 64 open in the contact surface 58 and the back surface 60,
respectively. The open ends of the through holes 64 and 62 in the
contact surface 58 are positioned to coincide with the open ends of
the horizontal portion 44 and the horizontal hole 54 in the
contacted surface 40, respectively.
[0051] Therefore, the through hole 62 leads to the horizontal hole
54, and the through hole 64 to the supply path 42. In order to
maintain airtightness between the through hole 62 and the
horizontal hole 54 and that between the through hole 64 and the
supply path 42, tubular portions 66 and 68 are protruding from open
edges of the through holes 62 and 64. The tubular portions 66 and
68 are inserted into the horizontal hole 54 and the horizontal
portion 44, respectively. Gaskets 70 and 71 are fitted in a gap
between a tip end of the tubular portion 66 and an inner surface of
the horizontal hole 54 and a gap between a tip end of the tubular
portion 68 and an inner surface of the horizontal portion 44,
respectively.
[0052] In the back surface 60 of the first flange 56, one ends of
pipes 72 and 73 are connected to the open ends of the through holes
62 and 64, respectively. The other end of the pipe 73 is coupled to
an outlet of the evaporator 22. The other end of the pipe 72 is
coupled to an inlet of the pressure reducer 20. An outlet of the
pressure reducer 20 and an inlet of the evaporator 22 are connected
to each other through a pipe 74.
[0053] The first flange 56 runs through a piping hole 76 formed in
the partition wall 8. Disposed in between an outer circumferential
surface of the first flange 56 and an inner circumferential surface
of the piping hole 76 is, for example, a rubber diaphragm 78.
[0054] The first flange 56 is fastened to the block 38, for
example, with a single connecting bolt 80 that is a tap bolt. An
insertion hole in which a shaft of the connecting bolt 80 is
inserted is formed in the block 38 parallel to the horizontal hole
54. A thread portion formed at a tip end of the connecting bolt 80
is screwed into a screw hole that opens in the contact surface 58
of the first flange 56.
[0055] In the above-described manner, the first and second flow
channels 30 and 32 of the circulation path 4 are connected to each
other near the partition wall 8 by fastening the first flange 56 to
the block 38.
[0056] Not only the first flange 56 but the internal heat exchanger
18 is fastened to the block 38 with the connecting bolt 80.
[0057] To be more specific, the high-temperature portion 18a and
the low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat exchanger 18
are formed of pipes (heat exchange pipes) arranged to contact each
other. Both ends of the high-temperature portion 18a and those of
the low-temperature portion 18b are connected to a second flange 82
and a third flange 84, respectively.
[0058] The second flange 82 has a configuration that is virtually
identical to that of the first flange 56. Parts of the second
flange 82 which are identical to those of the first flange 56 will
be provided with the same reference marks, and descriptions thereof
will be omitted. The second flange 82 differs from the first flange
56 in that, instead of a screw hole, an insertion hole penetrated
by a connecting bolt 80 is formed.
[0059] In a back surface 60 of the second flange 82, the outlet of
the high-temperature portion 18a and the inlet of the
low-temperature portion 18b are connected to open ends of through
holes 62 and 64, respectively. Accordingly, the through hole 62
leads to the outlet of the high-temperature portion 18a, and the
through hole 64 of the second flange 82 to the low-temperature
portion 18b.
[0060] A contact surface 58 of the second flange 82 is in surface
contact with the contacted surface 41 of the block 38. The open
ends of the through holes 62 and 64 in the contact surface 58 of
the second flange 82 are positioned to coincide with the open ends
of the horizontal hole 54 and the horizontal portion 45 in the
contacted surface 41, respectively.
[0061] Therefore, the through hole 62 of the second flange 82 leads
to the horizontal hole 54, and the through hole 64 of the second
flange 82 to the discharge path 43. Airtightness between the
through hole 62 and the horizontal hole 54 and that between the
through hole 64 and the discharge path 43 are secured by gaskets 70
and 71, respectively, which are fitted in a gap between a tip end
of a tubular portion 66 of the second flange 82 and the inner
surface of the horizontal hole 54 and a gap between a tip end of a
tubular portion 68 of the second flange 82 and an inner surface of
the horizontal portion 45 of the discharge path 43.
[0062] A third flange 84 also has a configuration that is virtually
identical to that of the first flange 56. The inlet of the
high-temperature portion 18a and the outlet of the low-temperature
portion 18b are connected to a back surface 60 of the third flange
84.
[0063] As described above, the block 38 of the gas-liquid separator
24, the first flange 56, and the second flange 82 are arranged on
the same axis perpendicular to the partition wall 8. The block 38
is sandwiched between the first and second flanges 56 and 82.
Therefore, the gas-liquid separator 24 is located near the
partition wall 8 and is supported by the partition wall 8.
[0064] To be more concrete, the tubular body 34 of the gas-liquid
separator 24 is placed on a bottom wall 88 of an L-shaped bracket
86. A lateral wall 90 of the bracket 86, which is vertically set,
is located between the tubular body 34 and the partition wall 8 and
in line contact with an outer circumferential surface of the
tubular body 34. Both ends of a metal band 92 are fixed in the
virtual center of the lateral wall 90 as viewed in a vertical
direction. The band 92 is curved along the outer circumference of
the tubular body 34. The bracket 86 holds the gas-liquid separator
24 in consort with the band 92.
[0065] The lateral wall 90 of the bracket 86 is located away from
the partition wall 8. In the lateral wall 90, there are formed two
pin holes 94 arranged vertically away from each other. Fitted
respectively in the pin holes 94 are two pins 96 protruding
integrally from the partition wall 8. Accordingly, the bracket 86
and the gas-liquid separator 24 are supported by the partition wall
8 through the pins 96. Since the block 38 is fastened to the first
flange 56 with the connecting bolt 80, the pins 96 are prevented
from coming off from the pin holes 94.
[0066] Each of the pins 96 is fitted with a buffering member 98.
The buffering member 98 is, for example, made of rubber and has
thermal insulating properties and elasticity. The buffering member
98 has a tubular portion sandwiched between an outer
circumferential surface of the corresponding pin 96 and an inner
circumferential surface of the corresponding pin hole 94, and a
stopper portion sandwiched between the lateral wall 90 of the
bracket 86 and the partition wall 8.
[0067] According to a connecting structure of the first and the
second flow channels 30 and 32, the first flange 56 formed at a
downstream end of the second flow channel 32 and the block 38
formed in the gas-liquid separator 24 are connected to each other.
This eliminates the need for a pipe for connecting between the
first flange 56 and the gas-liquid separator 24 and a connecting
member attached to the pipe, thereby reducing the number of parts.
Consequently, the automotive air-conditioning system is easy to
install in the vehicle and is low in price.
[0068] In the automotive air-conditioning system, the second flange
82 of the internal heat exchanger 18 and the block 38 of the
gas-liquid separator 24 are connected to each other. This
eliminates the need for a pipe for connecting between the
low-temperature portion 18b of the internal heat exchanger 18 and
the gas-liquid separator 24 and a connecting member attached to the
pipe, thereby further reducing the number of parts. This makes it
easier to install the automotive air-conditioning system in the
vehicle and allows for a low price of the system.
[0069] In the automotive air-conditioning system, the first and
second flanges 56 and 82 are connected to the block 38 of the
gas-liquid separator 24, and the high-temperature portion 18a of
the internal heat exchanger 18 and the pressure reducer 20 are
communicated with each other through the horizontal hole 54 of the
block 38. This eliminates the need for a pipe for connecting
between the high-temperature portion 18a of the internal heat
exchanger 18 and the pressure reducer 20 and a connecting member
attached to the pipe, thereby further reducing the number of parts.
Consequently, the automotive air-conditioning system is more easily
installed in the vehicle and is low in price.
[0070] Since the gas-liquid separator 24 is supported by the
partition wall 8 in the automotive air-conditioning system, the
gas-liquid separator 24 is easy to install in the vehicle, as
compared to the case in which the gas-liquid separator 24 is
supported by another portion of the vehicle. Therefore, the
automotive air-conditioning system is more easily installed in the
vehicle.
[0071] More specifically, since the gas-liquid separator 24 is
supported by the partition wall 8 through the bracket 86, the pin
holes 94 formed in the bracket 86, and the pins 96 fitted in the
pin holes 94 as a supporting device, the gas-liquid separator 24 is
more easily installed in the vehicle.
[0072] According to the automotive air-conditioning system, since
the supporting device of the gas-liquid separator 24 further
includes the buffering member 98 with the thermal insulating
properties and the elasticity, it is possible to prevent the heat,
vibration and noises in the engine room 6 from being transmitted to
the vehicle interior 2. For that reason, the comfort of vehicle
occupants is maintained in the vehicle to which the above-described
automotive air-conditioning system is applied.
[0073] Furthermore in the automotive air-conditioning system, the
block 38 and the first and second flanges 56 and 82 are arranged in
series. The block 38 and the first and second flanges 56 and 82 are
therefore connected to each other in one connection direction
without difficulty. As a result, the automotive air-conditioning
system is more easily installed in the vehicle.
[0074] The automotive air-conditioning system uses CO.sub.2 as
refrigerant, and it is then environmentally friendly. Moreover, in
the automotive air-conditioning system, the gas-liquid separator 24
separates a liquid-phase component contained in the refrigerant, so
that liquid compression in the compressor 14 is prevented from
taking place, and the durability of the system is maintained.
[0075] The invention is not limited to the above-described one
embodiment and can be modified in various ways.
[0076] Although in the one embodiment, the cover plate 36 of the
gas-liquid separator 24 and the block 38 are independent from each
other, they may be formed integral with each other.
[0077] According to the one embodiment, the high-temperature
portion 18a and the low-temperature portion 18b of the internal
heat exchanger 18 are formed of the pipes (heat exchange pipes)
arranged to contact each other. However, a pipe of a double-pipe
structure type may be utilized as an internal heat exchanger.
[0078] In the one embodiment, the supply path 42, the discharge
path 43 and the horizontal hole 54 are formed in the single block
38. However, a plurality of blocks may be disposed on the cover
plate 36 instead. In other words, the horizontal hole 54, the
supply path 42 and the discharge path 43 may be formed in three
discrete blocks, respectively. In this case, one block serves as
the portion of the block 38 in which the horizontal hole 54 is
formed (bridge portion). Another block serves as the portion of the
block 38 in which the supply path 42 is formed (second connecting
portion). The other block serves as the portion of the block 38 in
which the discharge path 43 is formed (fourth connecting
portion).
[0079] The portion of the first flange 56 in which the through hole
62 is formed (sixth connecting portion) and the portion of the
first flange 56 in which the through hole 64 is formed (first
connecting portion) may also be formed into two discrete flanges,
respectively.
[0080] The portion of the second flange 82 in which the through
hole 62 is formed (fifth connecting portion) and the portion of the
second flange 82 in which the through hole 64 is formed (third
connecting portion) may also be formed into two discrete flanges,
respectively.
[0081] From the standpoint of reducing the number of parts,
however, it is preferable that the supply path 42, the discharge
path 43 and the horizontal hole 54 be formed in the single block
38, and that the block 38 be connected with the first and second
flanges 56 and 82, as in the one embodiment.
[0082] Although in the one embodiment, the first and second flanges
56 and 82 are fastened to the block 38 with the single connecting
bolt 80, a plurality of connecting bolts may be used instead. From
the standpoint of reducing the number of parts, however, it is
preferable that the first and second flanges 56 and 82 be fastened
to the block 38 with the single connecting bolt 80 as in the one
embodiment.
[0083] According to the one embodiment, the shape of the bracket 86
is not particularly limited. In addition, the pin holes 94 and the
pins 96 are formed in the bracket 86 and the partition wall 8,
respectively. However, the partition wall 8 may be provided with
pin holes, and the bracket 86 with pins. The engaging members
between the bracket 86 and the partition wall 8 are not limited to
the pins and the pin holes, and the shape of the buffering member
98 is not particularly limited, either.
[0084] The invention thus described, it will be obvious that the
same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
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