Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

The vehicle air conditioner comprises: a refrigeration cycle for circulating a refrigerant; a high temperature cycle for circulating a first heat medium in a liquid state heated by the refrigeration cycle; a low temperature cycle for circulating a second heat medium in a liquid state cooled by the refrigeration cycle; and a seat provided in a vehicle interior and having a warm flow path and a cold flow path arranged close to each other. The warm flow path is provided in the middle of the high temperature cycle, and the cold flow path is provided in the middle of the low temperature cycle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner capable of adjusting the temperature of a seat provided in a vehicle cabin. Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a system capable of adjusting the temperature of seats in addition to adjusting the temperature of the interior of a vehicle.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 uses the latent heat of evaporation of combustible gas in a brine-refrigerant heat exchanger to cool the brine. Patent Document 1 circulates the low-temperature brine in a cooling heat exchanger including seats provided in the vehicle interior to improve the comfort of the vehicle interior. It should be noted that brine refers to water to which a component that lowers the freezing temperature is added.

[0004] In addition, Patent Document 2 improves the comfort of an occupant sitting on the seat by sending temperature-controlled air to an air chamber in the seat through a seat air supply duct and blowing air out from the air-permeable seat.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4677960

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6558490 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, in the proposal of Patent Document 1, since only a low-temperature brine circuit is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, it is impossible to perform required seat heating in winter or in cold weather.

[0011] Furthermore, in the proposal of Patent Document 2, the heat storage amount of the temperature-regulated air is insufficient, so the comfort is immediately lost when getting on or off the vehicle or when the device is stopped.

[0012] Based on the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning device that can cool and heat seats and that can easily maintain comfort when getting on or off the vehicle and when the device is stopped.

[0013] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0014] The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention comprises: a refrigeration cycle for circulating a refrigerant; a high-temperature cycle for circulating a first liquid heat medium heated by the refrigeration cycle; a low-temperature cycle for circulating a second liquid heat medium cooled by the refrigeration cycle; and a seat arranged in the vehicle interior and having a warm flow path and a cold flow path arranged close to each other.

[0015] In the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the warm flow path is provided in the middle of the high temperature cycle, and the cold flow path is provided in the middle of the low temperature cycle.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, a warm flow path and a cold flow path are arranged close to each other in the seat. By adjusting the amount of the first heat medium and the second heat medium flowing in the warm flow path and the cold flow path, respectively, the seat can be cooled and heated. In addition, the first heat medium and the second heat medium supplied to the warm flow path and the cold flow path of the seat are in liquid form, so it is easy to maintain comfort when getting on and off the vehicle and when the device is stopped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system with a seat temperature adjustment function added and heating operation in progress.

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system with a seat temperature adjustment function added and dehumidification and heating operation in progress.

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system with a seat temperature adjustment function added and cooling operation in progress.

[0022] Figure 5 It shows that Figures 2 to 4 The temperature regulation function of the seat shows the path of cold water as well as warm water.

[0023] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device having a temperature adjustment function for multiple seats.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system performing heating operation.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system performing dehumidification and heating operation.

[0026] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system performing cooling operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, a vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] The vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes: a refrigeration cycle 10, which constitutes a primary circulation loop; and a high temperature cycle HS and a low temperature cycle CS, which have a flow path independent of the refrigeration cycle 10 and constitute a secondary circulation loop. As a result, in addition to being able to cool and heat the seats, it is also easy to maintain comfort when getting on and off the vehicle and when the device is stopped. In addition to being used for heating and cooling the interior IN of the vehicle, the vehicle air conditioning device 1 is also used for heating and cooling the seats installed in the interior IN of the vehicle. In the refrigeration cycle 10, the refrigerant R circulates. The high temperature cycle HS and the low temperature cycle CS circulate the first liquid heat medium HW and the second liquid heat medium CW, respectively.

[0029] [Overall structure]

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes: a refrigeration cycle 10; a temperature control mechanism 30, which performs heating or cooling in the vehicle interior based on the refrigerant R cooled and heated by the refrigeration cycle 10, and is constituted by an HVAC unit (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Unit) as an example; and a heat release unit 50, which releases the heat of the first heat medium HW to the atmosphere. The vehicle air conditioning device 1 is connected to the refrigeration cycle 10, the temperature control mechanism 30 and the heat release unit 50 by piping, thereby forming a high temperature cycle HS and a low temperature cycle CS. The first heat medium HW flowing in the high temperature cycle HS and the second heat medium CW flowing in the low temperature cycle CS are supplied to the seat 60 provided in the vehicle interior IN.

[0031] [Refrigeration cycle 10]

[0032] The refrigeration cycle 10 absorbs heat from the second heat medium CW circulating in the low-temperature cycle CS and releases heat to the first heat medium HW circulating in the high-temperature cycle HS by compressing and decompressing the circulating refrigerant R.

[0033] Refrigeration cycle 10 Figure 1As shown in the figure, a compressor 11, a condenser 13, a decompression unit 15 and an evaporator 17 are provided. The condenser 13 and the evaporator 17 are connected by a refrigerant flow path L1 and a refrigerant flow path L2. The compressor 11 is provided in the refrigerant flow path L1, and the decompression unit 15 is provided in the refrigerant flow path L2. The refrigeration cycle 10 is provided outside the vehicle OUT.

[0034] As the compressor 11 , an electric compressor 11 is applied as an example.

[0035] The compressor 11 sucks in the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant R discharged from the evaporator 17 , compresses the refrigerant, and discharges the refrigerant R as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas toward the condenser 13 .

[0036] The condenser 13 condenses the gaseous high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant R to form a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant R. The condenser 13 is a heat exchanger for heating, and heats the second heat medium CW flowing in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 23 constituting the high-temperature cycle HS using the heat of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant R. That is, the condenser 13 is a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that realizes heat exchange between the refrigeration cycle 10 and the high-temperature cycle HS.

[0037] The decompression unit 15 decompresses and expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant R coming out of the condenser 13 , and discharges the refrigerant toward the evaporator 17 .

[0038] The evaporator 17 evaporates the refrigerant R decompressed by the decompression unit 15 to form a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant R. The evaporator 17 is a heat exchanger for cooling, and cools the second heat medium CW flowing through the low-temperature side heat exchanger 21 constituting the low-temperature cycle CS by evaporation of the refrigerant R. That is, the evaporator 17 is a water-refrigerant heat exchanger that realizes heat exchange between the refrigeration cycle 10 and the low-temperature cycle CS, similarly to the condenser 13.

[0039] [Temperature adjustment mechanism 30 (indoor IN)]

[0040] Next, the temperature adjustment mechanism 30 will be described.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the temperature control mechanism 30 includes a blower 31, which switches the internal air or the external air from the vehicle interior by means of an internal and external air switching damper (not shown) to pressurize the introduced air (internal air or external air) to the downstream side. In addition, the temperature control mechanism 30 includes: a cooler 33, which is connected to the blower 31 and is provided in an air flow path 39 inside a duct 38; a heater 35, which is provided at a position downstream of the cooler 33, and a temperature control damper 37, which is provided between the cooler 33 and the heater 35.

[0042] The temperature control mechanism 30 is, for example, disposed in the dashboard in front of the interior IN of the vehicle, and blows the air regulated by the cooler 33 and the heater 35 into the interior IN in accordance with any one of the blowing modes including defrost blowing, face blowing, and foot blowing toward the opening of the interior of the vehicle, thereby adjusting the interior of the vehicle to the set temperature.

[0043] [Heat radiation section 50 (outside the vehicle body OUT)]

[0044] Next, the heat radiation unit 50 radiates the heat of the second heat medium CW flowing through the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 to the outside air. The heat radiation unit 50 includes a radiator 51 provided on the upstream side and a fan 53 provided on the downstream side of the radiator 51 .

[0045] The fan 53 generates airflow by driving the motor to rotate, and the airflow passes through the radiator 51, thereby promoting heat exchange in the radiator 51. Thus, in the radiator 51, the outside air exchanges heat with the second heat medium CW flowing inside, and releases heat to the outside air.

[0046] [High temperature cycle HS]

[0047] The vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes a high temperature cycle HS including a high temperature side heat exchanger 23 as an element for performing heat exchange with a condenser 13 through which a high temperature and high pressure refrigerant R flows. The high temperature cycle HS uses the first heat medium HW heated by the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 to adjust the temperature of the vehicle interior and to adjust the temperature of the seat 60 in the vehicle interior.

[0048] The high temperature cycle HS includes the heater 35 of the temperature adjustment mechanism 30 as an element and also includes the following elements.

[0049] First, as a flow path of the first heat medium HW, there are provided: a high temperature flow path HL1 connecting the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 and the heater 35; and a high temperature flow path HL2 connected to the heater 35 on the opposite side of the high temperature flow path HL1. A high temperature side pump 34 and a three-way valve 36 are provided in the high temperature flow path HL1 in order from the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 side. The high temperature side pump 34 sends the first heat medium HW that has passed through the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 toward the heater 35. The three-way valve 36 controls the direction of the first heat medium HW flowing in the high temperature flow path HL1.

[0050] The high temperature cycle HS comprises: a high temperature flow path HL4, one end of which is connected to the connection point P4 and the other end is connected to the three-way valve 24 which is an element of the low temperature cycle CS; and a high temperature flow path HL5, one end of which is connected to the three-way valve 36 and the other end is connected to the four-way valve 25 which is an element of the low temperature cycle CS.

[0051] The three-way valve 24 includes three flow paths, namely, a flow path 24A, a flow path 24B, and a flow path 24C, and the opening and closing of each of the three-way valves 24 is independently controlled. The same is true for the other three-way valves 32 and 36 .

[0052] The four-way valve 25 includes four flow paths, namely, a flow path 25A, a flow path 25B, a flow path 25C, and a flow path 25D, and the opening and closing of each of the four-way valves 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D are independently controlled.

[0053] [Cryogenic Cycle CS]

[0054] In addition, the vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes a low-temperature cycle CS including a low-temperature side heat exchanger 21 as an element for performing heat exchange with the evaporator 17 through which the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant R flows. The low-temperature cycle CS uses the second heat medium CW cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 21 to adjust the temperature of the vehicle interior and to adjust the temperature of the seats in the vehicle interior.

[0055] The low temperature cycle CS includes the heat sink 51 of the heat radiation unit 50 as an element, and further includes the following elements.

[0056] First, the low-temperature cycle CS includes, as a flow path of the second heat medium CW: a low-temperature flow path CL1 that connects the radiator 51 and the low-temperature side heat exchanger 21; a low-temperature flow path CL2, one end of which is connected to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 21 on the side opposite to the low-temperature flow path CL1, and the other end is connected to the radiator 51. A four-way valve 25 and a low-temperature side pump 27 are provided in sequence in the low-temperature flow path CL1 from the radiator 51 side. In addition, a three-way valve 24 is provided in the low-temperature flow path CL2. In addition, the low-temperature cycle CS includes: a low-temperature flow path CL3, one end of which is connected to the low-temperature flow path CL2 at a connection point P1, and the other end is connected to the cooler 33; and a low-temperature flow path CL5, one end of which is connected to the cooler 33, and the other end is connected to the four-way valve 25.

[0057] The high temperature cycle HS and the low temperature cycle CS circulate the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW of the same composition, respectively. The heat medium can be set to be a brine that does not undergo phase change within the pressure and temperature range of use, such as water with antifreeze solution added. The high temperature cycle HS (warm flow path 61) and the low temperature cycle CS (cold flow path 63) allow the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW to flow in separate independent flow paths.

[0058] The high temperature cycle HS is configured to include a high temperature side pump 34 and a heater 35. The high temperature side pump 34 circulates the first heat medium HW inside the high temperature cycle HS. The high temperature side pump 34 controls the water supply direction so that the refrigerant R flowing through the condenser 13 and the first heat medium HW flowing through the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 form countercurrents.

[0059] The first heat medium HW that has passed through the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 flows into the heater 35 under the action of the high temperature side pump 34. When passing through the high temperature side heat exchanger 23, the first heat medium HW is heated by the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant R flowing through the condenser 13. Therefore, the high temperature first heat medium HW flows into the heater 35.

[0060] The low temperature cycle CS is configured to include a radiator 51 and a low temperature side pump 27. The low temperature side pump 27 circulates the second heat medium CW in the low temperature cycle CS. The low temperature side pump 27 controls the water supply direction so that the refrigerant R flowing in the evaporator 17 and the second heat medium CW flowing in the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 form countercurrents.

[0061] The second heat medium CW having passed through the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 flows into the radiator 51 by the low temperature side pump 27. The second heat medium CW is cooled by the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant R flowing through the evaporator 17 while passing through the low temperature side heat exchanger 21.

[0062] [Seat temperature adjustment function]

[0063] Reference Figure 2 to Figure 5 To illustrate the use of this embodiment Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle air conditioning device 1 is an example in which the temperature of a seat 60 provided in the vehicle interior is adjusted.

[0064] First, refer to Figure 2 The vehicle air conditioner 1 having the temperature adjustment function of the seat 60 is described. Figure 1 Different structure. A three-way valve 32 is provided instead of the flow control valve 29, and a four-way valve 41 is provided instead of the three-way valve 36. In addition, the connection point P4 and the four-way valve 41 are connected by a high-temperature flow path HL6. In addition, the three-way valve 32 and the connection point P4 are connected by a low-temperature flow path CL4.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a seat 60 is provided in the vehicle interior, and a warm flow path 61 and a cold flow path 63 are provided inside the seat 60. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, only one seat is extracted for illustration. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The same is true in the case of the hot flow path 61. The hot flow path 61 is provided in the middle of the high temperature flow path HL6, and the cold flow path 63 is provided in the middle of the low temperature flow path CL4. In addition, the direction in which the first heat medium HW flows in the hot flow path 61 is opposite to the direction in which the second heat medium CW flows in the cold flow path 63.

[0066] [Heating operation]

[0067] Reference Figure 2 The flows of the refrigerant R, the first heat medium HW, and the second heat medium CW when the vehicle air conditioner 1 performs a heating operation will be described.

[0068] The heating operation in the vehicle air conditioner 1 heats the vehicle interior by circulating the first heat medium HW heated by the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 through the high temperature flow path HL1 and the high temperature flow path HL2, thereby continuously supplying the first heat medium HW to the heater 35. The second heat medium CW does not flow to the cooler 33, so the air pumped by the blower 31 reaches the heater 35 without being cooled by the cooler 33.

[0069] It should be noted that in Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , flow paths in which the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW flow are depicted in a thicker manner. Figure 3 The same will apply in the future.

[0070] In addition, during the heating operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 , the temperature of the seat 60 is adjusted as follows.

[0071] By circulating the first heat medium HW heated by the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 through the high temperature flow path HL1, the high temperature flow path HL2, and the high temperature flow path HL6, the heated first heat medium HW is continuously supplied to the warm flow path 61. In addition, by circulating the second heat medium CW cooled by the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 through the low temperature flow path CL3, the low temperature flow path CL4, the low temperature flow path CL5, and a part of the low temperature flow path CL1 and the low temperature flow path CL2, the cooled second heat medium CW is continuously supplied to the cold flow path 63. The vehicle air conditioner 1 performs heat exchange between the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63, thereby adjusting the temperature of the seat 60.

[0072] During the heating operation, the first heat medium HW having passed through the heater 35 flows into the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 via the high temperature flow path HL2 .

[0073] In addition, during the heating operation, the second heat medium CW that has passed through the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 branches into the low temperature flow path CL2 and the low temperature flow path CL3 and flows, the second heat medium CW that flows through the low temperature flow path CL2 reaches the radiator 51, and the second heat medium CW that flows through the low temperature flow path CL3 reaches the cold flow path 63. The second heat medium CW that has passed through the cold flow path 63 flows into the low temperature flow path CL1 through the four-way valve 25 and reaches the low temperature side heat exchanger 21.

[0074] The opening and closing states of the three-way valve 24, the four-way valve 25, the three-way valve 32, and the four-way valve 41 during the heating operation are as follows. Figure 2 In the diagram, the closed flow paths of these valves are colored black. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The same is true for etc.

[0075] Three-way valve 24: flow path 24A: open, flow path 24B: open, flow path 24C: closed

[0076] Four-way valve 25: Flow path 25A: open, flow path 25B: open, flow path 25C: open, flow path 25D: closed

[0077] Three-way valve 32: flow path 32A: open, flow path 32B: open, flow path 32C: closed

[0078] Four-way valve 41 Flow path 41A: open, flow path 41B: open, flow path 41C: open, flow path 41D: closed

[0079] [Dehumidification and heating]

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 3 The flow of the refrigerant R, the first heat medium HW, and the second heat medium CW when the vehicle air conditioner 1 performs the dehumidification and heating operation is described. Figure 2 Since the heating operation described above is common to the heating operation, the dehumidifying heating operation will be described below focusing on the differences from the heating operation.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, in the dehumidification and heating operation, the three-way flow paths of the three-way valve 32 are opened, and the second heat medium CW flows toward the cooler 33. The second heat medium CW that has passed through the cooler 33 reaches the four-way valve 25 through the low-temperature flow path CL5 and flows into the low-temperature side heat exchanger 21. In this way, by controlling the opening and closing of the flow path of the three-way valve 32, it is possible to switch between the heating operation and the dehumidification and heating operation.

[0082] Regarding the temperature adjustment of the seat 60 , in the heating operation, all of the second heat medium CW is supplied to the cold flow path 63 , whereas in the dehumidification heating operation, a part of the second heat medium CW is used for dehumidification.

[0083] The opening and closing states of the respective flow paths of the three-way valve 24, the four-way valve 25, the three-way valve 32, and the four-way valve 41 during the dehumidification and heating operation are as follows. Figure 2 The difference in the heating operation shown is the opening and closing of the flow path 32C of the three-way valve 32.

[0084] Three-way valve 24: flow path 24A: open, flow path 24B: open, flow path 24C: closed

[0085] Four-way valve 25: Flow path 25A: open, flow path 25B: open, flow path 25C: open, flow path 25D: closed

[0086] Three-way valve 32 Flow path 32A: open, flow path 32B: open, flow path 32C: open

[0087] Four-way valve 41 Flow path 41A: open, flow path 41B: open, flow path 41C: open, flow path 41D: closed

[0088] [Cooling and Heating]

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 4 The flow of the refrigerant R, the first heat medium HW, and the second heat medium CW during the cooling operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is described below. Figure 3 Since the above-described dehumidification and heating operations are common, the cooling operation will be described below focusing on the differences from the dehumidification and heating operation.

[0090] In cooling operation, part of the first heat medium HW heated by the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 flows into the high temperature flow path HL5 through the four-way valve 41, and is further supplied to the radiator 51 through the four-way valve 25. The first heat medium HW that has passed through the radiator 51 flows in the high temperature flow path HL4 through the three-way valve 24 and reaches the high temperature side heat exchanger 23.

[0091] As described above, in the cooling operation, a circulation path including the low temperature side heat exchanger 21 and the cooler 33 is formed for the cooled second heat medium CW. By forming this circulation path, the cooling operation is realized. In addition, a circulation path including the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 of the refrigeration cycle 10 and the warm flow path 61 of the seat 60 and a circulation path including the high temperature side heat exchanger 23 of the refrigeration cycle 10 and the radiator 51 of the heat radiation unit 50 are formed for the heated first heat medium HW.

[0092] The open and closed states of the respective flow paths of the three-way valve 24 , the four-way valve 25 , the three-way valve 32 , and the four-way valve 41 during the cooling operation are as follows.

[0093] Three-way valve 24: flow path 24A: open, flow path 24B: closed, flow path 24C: open

[0094] Four-way valve 25 Flow path 25A: open, flow path 25B: open, flow path 25C: open, flow path 25D: open

[0095] Three-way valve 32 Flow path 32A: open, flow path 32B: open, flow path 32C: open

[0096] Four-way valve 41 Flow path 41A: open, flow path 41B: closed, flow path 41C: open, flow path 41D: open

[0097] [Flow Path in Seat 60]

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 5 The following describes an example of the arrangement of the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 in the seat 60. The warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 in this example are made of flexible pipe members and are disposed close to each other. The closeness in the present invention may be contact or separation with a small gap.

[0099] The seat 60 includes a seat surface 60 a , a backrest 60 b rising from the seat surface 60 a , and a headrest 60 c attached to an upper portion of the backrest 60 b .

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the warm flow path 61 is provided with an inlet 61a for the heated first heat medium HW and an outlet 61b for the heated first heat medium HW on the seat surface 60a. The inlet 61a is provided with a pipe 61c between the inlet 61a and the outlet 61b, and the first heat medium HW supplied from the inlet 61a is discharged from the outlet 61b through the pipe 61c. The pipe 61c is provided to meander in the order of the seat surface 60a and the backrest 60b, and is turned downward as indicated by an arrow on the upper part of the backrest 60b, and meanders in the order of the backrest 60b and the seat surface 60a, and is connected to the outlet 61b on the seat surface 60a.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cold flow path 63 is provided with an inlet 63a for the cooled second heat medium CW and an outlet 63b for the cooled second heat medium CW on the seat surface 60a. The inlet 63a is provided with a pipe 63c between the inlet 63a and the outlet 63b, and the second heat medium CW supplied from the inlet 63a is discharged from the outlet 63b through the pipe 63c. The pipe 63c is provided in a winding manner in the order of the seat surface 60a and the backrest 60b, and is turned back downward as shown by an arrow on the upper part of the backrest 60b, and is winding in the order of the backrest 60b and the seat surface 60a, and is connected to the outlet 63b on the seat surface 60a.

[0102] The piping 61c of the warm flow path 61 and the piping 63c of the cold flow path 63 are arranged adjacent to each other while meandering in the seat surface 60a and the backrest 60b. Therefore, by adjusting the amounts of the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW flowing in the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63, respectively, the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 can perform heat exchange with each other and cool and heat the seat 60.

[0103] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0104] Next, the effects achieved by the vehicle air conditioning device 1 will be described.

[0105] [Effect 1]

[0106] According to the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present invention, the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 are arranged close to each other in the seat 60. The seat 60 can be cooled and heated by adjusting the amounts of the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW flowing in the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63, respectively.

[0107] [Effect 2]

[0108] In addition, according to the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the present invention, the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW supplied to the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 of the seat 60 are liquid, so liquid is used as the heat medium, so the heat storage capacity is higher than that of air, and comfort can be maintained even when getting on and off the vehicle or when the device is stopped.

[0109] [Effect 3]

[0110] Furthermore, according to the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the present invention, the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 are independently formed.

[0111] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW are not mixed, and thus the volume required for mixing is not required.

[0112] In addition, since the functions as the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW can be maintained, heat management of other in-vehicle equipment can be performed.

[0113] [Second embodiment]

[0114] [Temperature adjustment for multiple seats]

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 6 to Figure 9 The second embodiment is described below. The second embodiment proposes a vehicle air conditioning device 2 that can individually adjust the temperature of a plurality of, specifically, four seats 60 (60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D).

[0116] [Circuit structure]

[0117] First, refer to Figure 6 The circuit structure of the vehicle air conditioner 2 is described below. It should be noted that the vehicle air conditioner 2 has a circuit structure common to the vehicle air conditioner 1, so the vehicle air conditioner 2 is described below with the focus on the parts that are different from the vehicle air conditioner 1. Figure 6 to Figure 9 In the figure, the same parts and components as those of the vehicle air conditioner 1 are marked with the same Figure 1 Same reference numerals.

[0118] [High temperature cycle HS]

[0119] The vehicle air conditioner 2 has a high temperature cycle HS in which the high temperature flow path HL6 is branched into four first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, and HL6D. The high temperature flow path HL6 is provided with a first total amount valve 43 for adjusting the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing into the first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, and HL6D. The first total amount valve 43 is provided between the four-way valve 41 and the portion where the high temperature flow path HL6 branches. The first total amount valve 43 is provided at a position upstream of the portion where the high temperature flow path HL6 branches, based on the direction in which the first heat medium HW flows. The upstream and downstream in the high temperature flow path HL6 are based on this reference.

[0120] In the first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, and HL6D, first individual valves 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D are provided on the upstream sides of the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D, respectively. The first individual valves 65A, 65B, 65C, and 65D adjust the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing into the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D provided in the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D, respectively. That is, the vehicle air conditioner 2 can adjust the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing in the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D individually.

[0121] [Cryogenic Cycle CS]

[0122] The vehicle air conditioning device 2 has a low-temperature cycle CS in which a low-temperature flow path CL4 is branched into four second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, and CL4D. The low-temperature flow path CL4 is provided with a second total amount valve 45 for adjusting the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing into the second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, and CL4D. The second total amount valve 45 is provided between the four-way valve 41 and the portion where the low-temperature flow path CL4 branches. The second total amount valve 45 is provided at a position upstream of the portion where the low-temperature flow path CL4 branches, based on the direction in which the second heat medium CW flows. The upstream and downstream in the low-temperature flow path CL4 are based on this reference.

[0123] In the second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, and CL4D, second individual valves 67A, 67B, 67C, and 67D are provided on the upstream sides of the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D, respectively. The second individual valves 67A, 67B, 67C, and 67D adjust the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing into the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D provided in the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D, respectively. That is, the vehicle air conditioner 2 can adjust the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing in the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D individually.

[0124] [Heating, dehumidifying and heating, cooling operation]

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 7 to Figure 9 The heating operation, the dehumidification heating, and the cooling operation in the vehicle air conditioner 2 will be described. In these operations, the differences from the vehicle air conditioner 1 will be mainly described.

[0126] The vehicle air conditioner 2 can operate the refrigeration cycle 10 in the same manner as the vehicle air conditioner 1 to perform a heating operation ( Figure 7 )、Dehumidification and heating operation( Figure 8 ) and refrigeration operation ( Fig. 9 In the high temperature cycle HS and the low temperature cycle CS in each operation, the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW flow as follows, thereby adjusting the temperature of the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, and 60D.

[0127] [High temperature cycle HS]

[0128] In the heating operation, the flow path 41A and the flow path 41C of the four-way valve 41 are opened, so the first heat medium HW flows to the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D through the first totalizing valve 43. At this time, the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing to the entire warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D is adjusted in the first totalizing valve 43. In addition, the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing to each of the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D is adjusted.

[0129] [Cryogenic Cycle CS]

[0130] In the heating operation, the flow path 32A and the flow path 32B of the three-way valve 32 are opened, so the second heat medium CW flows to the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D through the second totalizing valve 45. At this time, the amount of the second heat medium CW for the entire flow of the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D is adjusted in the second totalizing valve 45. In addition, the amount of the first heat medium HW flowing to the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, and 63D is adjusted.

[0131] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner 2 can adjust the temperature of the seats 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D by adjusting the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing through the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D and the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D while performing the heating operation, the dehumidification heating, or the cooling operation by the temperature adjustment mechanism 30. In particular, the vehicle air conditioner 2 can adjust the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing through the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D and the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D, respectively.

[0132] [Effects of the Second Embodiment]

[0133] The vehicle air conditioning device 2 of the second embodiment achieves the following effects 5 and 6 in addition to the effects 1 to 4 achieved by the vehicle air conditioning device 1 .

[0134] [Effect 5]

[0135] According to the vehicle air conditioner 2, the amount of the second heat medium CW flowing through the warm flow paths 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D and the cold flow paths 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D can be adjusted. Therefore, the temperature of each of the plurality of seats 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D can be adjusted individually according to the preferences of the occupants.

[0136] [Note]

[0137] The vehicle air conditioning device 1 described in the above embodiment can be understood as follows.

[0138] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the first aspect]

[0139] The vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the first scheme includes: a refrigeration cycle 10 for circulating a refrigerant; a high-temperature cycle HS for circulating a first heat medium HW heated by the refrigeration cycle 10; a low-temperature cycle CS for circulating a second heat medium CW cooled by the refrigeration cycle 10; and a seat 60, which is arranged in the vehicle interior and has a warm flow path 61 and a cold flow path 63 arranged close to each other.

[0140] In the vehicle air conditioning device 1 , the warm flow path 61 is provided in the middle of the high temperature cycle HS, and the cold flow path 63 is provided in the middle of the low temperature cycle CS.

[0141] [Effects of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the first aspect]

[0142] According to the first aspect of the vehicle air conditioner 1 , the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 are disposed close to each other in the seat 60 . The seat 60 can be cooled and heated by adjusting the amounts of the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW flowing in the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 , respectively.

[0143] In addition, according to the vehicle air conditioning device 1, the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW supplied to the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 of the seat 60 are liquid, so liquid is used as the heat medium, so the heat storage capacity is higher than that of air, and comfort can be maintained even when getting on and off the vehicle or when the device is stopped.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the vehicle air conditioning device 1, the warm flow path 61 and the cold flow path 63 are independently independent. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW are not mixed, so the volume required for mixing is not required. In addition, the functions as the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW can be maintained, so thermal management of other vehicle-mounted equipment can be performed.

[0145] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the second aspect]

[0146] The vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the second embodiment includes a temperature adjustment mechanism 30 that is installed in the vehicle interior IN and adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. The temperature adjustment mechanism 30 includes a heater 35 that heats the supplied air and a cooler 33 that cools the supplied air. The heater 35 is installed in parallel with the warm flow path 61 in the middle of the high temperature cycle HS, and the cooler 33 is installed in parallel with the cold flow path 63 in the middle of the low temperature cycle CS.

[0147] [Effects of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the second aspect]

[0148] According to the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the second aspect, the seat 60 can be cooled and heated while performing temperature adjustment such as heating or cooling of the vehicle interior IN.

[0149] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the third aspect]

[0150] The refrigeration cycle 10 in the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the third embodiment includes: a compressor 11 that compresses the refrigerant; a condenser 13 that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11; a decompression unit 15 that decompresses the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 13; and an evaporator 17 that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit 15.

[0151] The high temperature cycle HS includes a high temperature side heat exchanger 23 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 13 and the first heat medium, and the low temperature cycle CS includes a low temperature side heat exchanger 21 for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 17 and the second heat medium.

[0152] [Effects of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the third aspect]

[0153] According to the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the third aspect, the seat 60 can be cooled and heated while performing temperature adjustment such as heating or cooling of the vehicle interior IN.

[0154] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the fourth aspect]

[0155] In the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the fourth aspect, the direction in which the first heat medium HW flows in the warm flow path 61 is opposite to the direction in which the second heat medium CW flows in the cold flow path 63 .

[0156] [Effects of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the fourth aspect]

[0157] According to the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the fourth aspect, a fan for generating convection is not required.

[0158] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the fifth aspect]

[0159] In the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the sixth scheme, there are: a plurality of seats 60, which are arranged in the vehicle interior; a warm flow path 61 and a cold flow path 63, which are arranged in each seat 60; a first total amount valve 43, which adjusts the amount of the first heat medium HW supplied from the high temperature cycle HS to the plurality of seats 60; and a second total amount valve 45, which adjusts the amount of the second heat medium CW supplied from the low temperature cycle CS to the plurality of seats 60.

[0160] [Effects of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the fifth aspect]

[0161] According to the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the fifth aspect, by adjusting the balance of the flow rates of the first heat medium HW and the second heat medium CW in the plurality of seats 60 , it is possible to set the temperature to the preference of each person without depending on the blown air temperature from the temperature adjustment mechanism 30 .

[0162] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the sixth aspect]

[0163] The vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the sixth aspect comprises: first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, HL6D, each of which is provided with a plurality of warm flow paths 61; and second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, CL4D, each of which is provided with a plurality of cold flow paths 63. In addition, the vehicle air conditioner 1 comprises: first individual valves 65A, 65B, 65C, 65D, each of which is provided in the first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, HL6D, and adjusts the flow rate of the first heat medium HW supplied to the plurality of first branch flow paths HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, HL6D; and second individual valves 67A, 67B, 67C, 67D, each of which is provided in the second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, CL4D, and adjusts the flow rate of the second heat medium CW supplied to the plurality of second branch flow paths CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, CL4D.

[0164] [Structure of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the sixth aspect]

[0165] According to the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the sixth aspect, the total flow rate of the heat medium required for individual temperature control is adjusted by the opening degree of the first total volume valve 43 and the second total volume valve 45. As a result, the influence of the change in flow balance caused by the change in the temperature of the seat caused by one passenger on the temperature control of other seats can be suppressed to a minimum. In addition, energy is consumed only at the seat with the passenger, so energy saving effect can be expected.

[0166] In addition to the above, the structures described in the above embodiments can be selected or eliminated, or can be appropriately changed to other structures.

[0167] Description of Reference Numerals

[0168] 1.2 Vehicle air conditioning device

[0169] L1 refrigerant flow path

[0170] L2 refrigerant flow path

[0171] HS high temperature cycle

[0172] HL1, HL2, HL4, HL5, HL6 high temperature flow path

[0173] HL6A, HL6B, HL6C, HL6D first branch flow path

[0174] CS low temperature cycle

[0175] CL1, CL2, CL3, CL4, CL5 low temperature flow path

[0176] CL4A, CL4B, CL4C, CL4D Second branch flow path

[0177] R refrigerant

[0178] HW first heat medium

[0179] CW second heat medium

[0180] 10 Refrigeration cycle

[0181] 21 Low temperature side heat exchanger

[0182] 23 High temperature side heat exchanger

[0183] 24, 32, 36 three-way valve

[0184] 25, 41 four-way valve

[0185] 27 Low temperature side pump

[0186] 30 Temperature adjustment mechanism

[0187] 31 Blower

[0188] 43 The first total valve

[0189] 45 Second total volume valve

[0190] 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D seats

[0191] 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D warm flow path

[0192] 63, 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D cold flow path

[0193] 65A, 65B, 65C, 65D first individual valve

[0194] 67A, 67B, 67C, 67D second individual valve.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device comprises: Refrigeration cycle, which circulates refrigerant; a high temperature cycle in which a first heat medium in a liquid state heated by the refrigeration cycle circulates; a low temperature cycle in which a second heat medium in a liquid state cooled by the refrigeration cycle circulates; as well as A seat is provided in a vehicle interior and has a warm flow path and a cold flow path arranged close to each other. The warm flow path is provided in the middle of the high temperature cycle. The cold flow path is provided in the middle of the low temperature cycle.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle air conditioner includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that is provided in the vehicle interior and adjusts the temperature of air supplied to the vehicle interior. The temperature adjustment mechanism includes a heater for heating the supplied air and a cooler for cooling the supplied air. The heater is provided in parallel with the warm flow path in the middle of the high temperature cycle. The cooler is provided in parallel with the cold flow path in the middle of the low temperature cycle.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigeration cycle comprises: A compressor that compresses the refrigerant; a condenser that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor; a decompression unit that decompresses the refrigerant condensed by the condenser; and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit, The high temperature cycle includes a high temperature side heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the condenser and the first heat medium. The low-temperature cycle includes a low-temperature side heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator and the second heat medium.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The direction in which the first heat medium flows in the warm flow path is opposite to the direction in which the second heat medium flows in the cold flow path.

5. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device comprises: A plurality of seats are arranged in the vehicle interior; The warm flow path and the cold flow path are provided in each of the seats; a first total amount valve that adjusts the amount of the first heat medium supplied from the high temperature cycle to the plurality of seats; as well as A second total amount valve adjusts an amount of the second heat medium supplied from the low temperature cycle to the plurality of seats.

6. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device comprises: A plurality of first branch flow paths, which are respectively provided for the plurality of warm flow paths; A plurality of second branch flow paths, which are respectively provided for a plurality of the cold flow paths; a first individual valve provided in each of the first branch flow paths and regulating a flow rate of the first heat medium supplied to the plurality of the first branch flow paths; as well as The second individual valve is provided in each of the second branch flow paths and adjusts the flow rate of the second heat medium supplied to the plurality of second branch flow paths.

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