Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

The vehicle air conditioning device includes: a refrigeration cycle, which has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator through which a refrigerant circulates in sequence; a high-temperature heat medium circuit, which circulates a high-temperature heat medium for performing heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser; a low-temperature heat medium circuit, which circulates a low-temperature heat medium for performing heat exchange with the refrigerant in the evaporator; a connecting pipeline, which connects the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the low-temperature heat medium circuit; a plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, which can be used to introduce the heat medium; and a switching unit, which can switch, for the plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, respectively to a mode connected to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, a mode connected to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and a mode not connected to either the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0002] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-015526, filed in Japan on January 31, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] As an example of a vehicle air conditioning system installed in vehicles including automobiles and trucks, there is known a vehicle air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator (heat medium cooler), and a condenser (heat medium heater) and circulates a refrigerant; a heat medium-air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a heat medium and air; and a switching unit that changes the flow path of the heat medium.

[0004] However, during operation of the vehicle air conditioner as described above, moisture may condense on the surface of the heat exchanger disposed inside the vehicle, which may cause bacteria and mold to grow.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-106693 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] Harmful microorganisms that grow on the surfaces of heat exchangers in vehicles not only produce metabolites that cause odors and cause discomfort to users, but can also trigger allergies, bronchitis, and other illnesses. To prevent these problems, regular cleaning of heat exchangers and drain pans is required.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning device that can operate hygienically over a longer period of time.

[0011] Solutions to Problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention comprises: a refrigeration cycle, which has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator through which refrigerant circulates in sequence; a high-temperature heat medium circuit, which circulates a high-temperature heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser; a low-temperature heat medium circuit, which circulates a low-temperature heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator; a connecting pipeline, which connects the high-temperature heat medium circuit with the low-temperature heat medium circuit; a plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, which can be used to introduce the heat medium; and a switching unit, which can switch, for a plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, respectively to a mode connected to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, a mode connected to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and a mode not connected to either the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, hygienic operation can be achieved over a longer period of time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a system diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a state in which the second interior heat exchanger (heater core) is frozen.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a system diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the second interior heat exchanger (heater core) is defrosted and the first interior heat exchanger (cooler core) is frozen.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a system diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a state in which the first interior heat exchanger (cooler core) is defrosted.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a valve device as a switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view at line AA.

[0020] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the first communication passage in the first valve body.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the first valve body.

[0022] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the second communication passage in the second valve body.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the second valve body.

[0024] Figure 10 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the third communication passage in the third valve body.

[0025] Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the third valve body.

[0026] Figure 12 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the fourth communication passage in the fourth valve body.

[0027] Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the fourth valve body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] (Structure of Vehicle Air Conditioning Device)

[0029] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 13 The vehicle air conditioning device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle air conditioning device 100 is mounted on a transport machine (vehicle) such as an automobile or a truck. That is, the vehicle air conditioning device 100 is used to adjust the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air conditioner 100 includes a refrigeration cycle 1, a high-temperature heat medium circuit 2, a low-temperature heat medium circuit 3, a first connecting line 41, a second connecting line 42, a third connecting line 43, a fourth connecting line 44, and a switching unit 5. Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the pipes in the open state are indicated by solid lines, and the pipes in the closed state are indicated by dotted lines.

[0030] The refrigeration cycle 1 includes a refrigerant line 11, which is a pipe through which the refrigerant circulates, and a compressor 12, a condenser 13, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 15, which are arranged on the refrigerant line 11. The compressor 12, the condenser 13, the expansion valve 14, and the evaporator 15 are arranged in sequence on the refrigerant line 11. Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle 1 is in operation, the refrigerant also passes through each device in sequence.

[0031] Compressor 12 pumps the refrigerant in refrigerant line 11. As a result, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant after passing through compressor 12 increase compared to the refrigerant before passing through. Condenser 13 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing into condenser 13 and the cooling water (described later) flowing through high-temperature heat medium circuit 2. Expansion valve 14 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing through expansion valve 14, thereby rapidly lowering its temperature. Evaporator 15 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing into evaporator 15 and the heat medium (described later) flowing through low-temperature heat medium circuit 3.

[0032] The high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 includes a high-temperature heat medium line 23 that introduces coolant to the condenser 13; a cooler core 22 (first in-vehicle heat exchanger) and a heater core 21 (second in-vehicle heat exchanger) arranged in parallel on the high-temperature heat medium line 23; and a high-temperature heat medium pump 24 that pumps the coolant. Specifically, the heat medium flowing out of the condenser 13 can branch off and flow into the heater core 21 and the cooler core 22, respectively. The heater core 21 and the cooler core 22 are heat exchangers arranged on the interior side of the vehicle. The heater core 21 and the cooler core 22 perform heat exchange between the indoor air and the outdoor air and the coolant. It should be noted that during heating operation, the cooler core 22 first cools the air to remove moisture, and then the heater core 21 heats the air, thereby enabling operation that suppresses increases in indoor humidity and raises the room temperature.

[0033] The low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 includes a low-temperature heat medium line 33 that introduces cooling water to the evaporator 15; a first and second external heat exchangers 31, 32 that are arranged in parallel on the low-temperature heat medium line 33; and a low-temperature heat medium pump 34 that pumps the heat medium. Specifically, the cooling water flowing out of the evaporator 15 can branch off and flow into each of the first and second external heat exchangers 31, 32. These first and second external heat exchangers 31, 32 are located outside the vehicle. They exchange heat between the outdoor air and the heat medium.

[0034] The first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42 are pipes that connect the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3. That is, heat medium flows through these first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42. The first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42 are connected in parallel. That is, the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 can be connected via at least one of these first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42, depending on the operating state (operating mode) of the vehicle air conditioner 100.

[0035] The third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44 are also pipes that connect the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3. That is, heat medium flows through these third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44. The third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44 are connected in parallel. That is, the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 can be connected through at least one of these third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44, in addition to being connected through at least one of the first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42 described above, depending on the operating state (operating mode) of the vehicle air conditioner 100. In this embodiment, in-vehicle equipment 90, which serves as a vehicle auxiliary device, is disposed only on the third connecting line 43. A specific example of this in-vehicle equipment 90 is a battery.

[0036] The fifth connecting line 45 detours (bypasses) the third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44 to connect the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 .

[0037] The path of the cooling water flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3, the first connecting line 41, the second connecting line 42, the third connecting line 43, the fourth connecting line 44, and the fifth connecting line 45 can be switched by the switching unit 5. In other words, by switching the cooling water flow path, the operating state (operating mode) of the vehicle air conditioning system 100 is switched.

[0038] The switching unit 5 is a valve device (switching valve) that can switch the flow state of cooling water between the multiple flow paths connected to it. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, a switching unit 5 is provided at each of the eight connecting portions connecting the flow paths. Of the eight switching units 5, the switching unit 5 provided at the connection between the first connecting line 41 and the second connecting line 42, the one closer to the cooler core 22, is a first valve device 51.

[0039] The switching units 5 provided at the two branching points between the heater core 21 and the cooler core 22 in the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 are configured as a second valve device 52 and a third valve device 53, respectively. The third valve device 53 is provided between the heater core 21 and the condenser 13, and is located at the branching point on the side where the high-temperature heat medium pump 24 is located. The second valve device 52 is provided between the cooler core 22 and the condenser 13, and is located at the branching point on the side where the high-temperature heat medium pump 24 is not located.

[0040] The switching unit 5 provided at the connection portion on the side closer to the cooler core 22 among the two connection portions of the third connection line 43 and the fourth connection line 44 is configured as a fourth valve device 54 .

[0041] Likewise, the switching unit 5 provided at the connection portion on the side closer to the second exterior heat exchanger 32 among the two connection portions of the first connection line 41 and the second connection line 42 is configured as a fifth valve device 55 .

[0042] The switching units 5 provided at the two branching points between the first and second external heat exchangers 31 and 32 in the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 are configured as a sixth valve device 56 and a seventh valve device 57, respectively. The sixth valve device 56 is provided between the first and second external heat exchangers 31 and 32, at the branching point on the side where the low-temperature heat medium pump 34 is located. The seventh valve device 57 is provided between the first and second external heat exchangers 31 and 32, at the branching point on the side where the low-temperature heat medium pump 34 is not located.

[0043] The switching unit 5 provided at the connection portion on the side closer to the second exterior heat exchanger 32 among the two connection portions of the third connecting line 43 and the fourth connecting line 44 is configured as an eighth valve device 58 .

[0044] exist Figures 1 to 3 In FIG. 5 , the symbols marked near each switching portion 5 indicate the on-state of each switching portion 5. Figures 4 to 13 The specific structure of the switching unit 5 is described below, and the opening state represented by each symbol is referred to. Figures 1 to 3 An example of the operation mode of the vehicle air conditioner 100 will be described.

[0045] (Structure of Switching Section)

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the switching unit 5 includes a plurality (four) of valve elements 6 , a valve housing 7 that accommodates the valve elements 6 and forms a plurality (four) of flow paths 71 , 72 , 73 , and 74 , and an actuator 8 that drives the valve elements 6 .

[0047] Each valve core 6 is cylindrical and extends along the axis O. Within the valve housing 7, the four valve cores 6 are arranged along the axis O. Each valve core 6 is driven by an actuator 8 so as to be able to advance and retreat along the axis O within the valve housing 7 and to rotate about the axis O. In other words, by advancing and retreating the valve core 6 along the axis O, any one of the four valve cores 6 having different shapes can be selectively used. The detailed structure of each valve core 6 will be described later.

[0048] The valve housing 7 is in the shape of a cylinder that covers the four valve cores 6 from the outer peripheral side relative to the axis O. Figure 5As shown, the valve housing 7 is formed with four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 that communicate with at least one of the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3. Each flow path 71, 72, 73, and 74 extends radially about the axis O at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. The flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 are positioned identically in the direction of the axis O.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, one of the four valve cores 6 (the first valve core 61) is formed with four openings (first openings H1) that open in four directions at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O. Furthermore, among the four first openings H1, a pair of circumferentially adjacent first openings H1 communicate with each other via a first communication passage C1 formed within the first valve core 61. Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the first valve element 61, and Figures 1 to 3 For example, in the first valve device 51, the second valve core 62 is selected, and the posture of the second valve core 62 causes the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 to communicate with the first connecting pipeline 41 and the second connecting pipeline 42. In the following description, Figures 1 to 3 The symbols in represent the type and posture of the valve element 6 selected in this manner.

[0050] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, one of the four valve cores 6 (the second valve core 62) is provided with three openings (second openings H2) that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O and open in three directions. In addition, these three second openings H2 are interconnected through a second connecting passage C2 formed inside the second valve core 62. It should be noted that the circumferential spacing between the second openings H2 is uneven. That is, the second connecting passage C2 is T-shaped when viewed from the axis O. Therefore, only any three of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 are connected through the second valve core 62. Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the second valve core 62, and Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals in FIG. 7 correspond to those in FIG.

[0051] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, one of the four valve cores 6 (the third valve core 63) has two openings (third openings H3) formed therein, opening in two directions at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O. Furthermore, these third openings H3 communicate with each other via a third communication passage C3 formed within the third valve core 63. This results in a state where only any two of the four flow passages 71, 72, 73, and 74 communicate with each other through the third valve core 63. Figure 10 This is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the third valve core 63, and Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals in FIG. 7 correspond to those in FIG.

[0052] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, one of the four valve cores 6 (the fourth valve core 64) is provided with four openings (fourth openings H4) that are open in four directions at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O. In addition, among the four fourth openings H4, a pair of fourth openings H4 located on both sides of the diameter direction relative to the axis O are connected to each other through a fourth connecting passage C4 formed inside the fourth valve core 64. The two fourth connecting passages C4 are bent inside the fourth valve core 64 in a manner that does not interfere with each other in the direction of the axis O. It should be noted that in Figure 13 In order to avoid complication in the diagram, only one fourth communication passage C4 is shown, and the other fourth communication passage C4 is omitted. Only any two of the four passages 71 , 72 , 73 , and 74 are connected through the fourth valve element 64 . Figure 12 This is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the fourth valve core 64, and Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals in FIG. 7 correspond to those in FIG.

[0053] (Freeze mode, defrost and dry mode)

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 1 The operation of the "freeze mode" and the "defrost and dry mode" as one of the operation modes of the vehicle air conditioner 100 will be described. It should be noted that the flow paths of the refrigerant and cooling water described below are controlled by setting each switching unit 5 to Figure 1 This is achieved by the state shown by the mark in.

[0055] These freezing mode and defrosting and drying mode are also executed for the purpose of cleaning the heat exchanger (heater core 21 and cooler core 22) inside the vehicle. When cleaning, first, the moisture in the air is condensed on the surface of the cooler core 22 (first interior heat exchanger) and frozen ( Figure 1Next, after the surface of the cooler core 22 is washed with water melted by heating the cooler core 22, a mode (defrost drying mode) is executed to dry the cooler core 22 by further heating, and a freezing mode ( Figure 2 After that, the defrost drying mode is executed by heating the heater core 21 ( Figure 3 ). The following describes the status of each figure.

[0056] exist Figure 1 In this state, only the low-temperature coolant flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 flows into the cooler core 22 through the second connecting line 42. As a result, the water generated on the surface of the cooler core 22 freezes. The heat medium flowing out of the cooler core 22 returns to the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 through the fourth connecting line 44.

[0057] exist Figure 2 In this state, the low-temperature heat medium circulating in the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 flows only into the heater core 21 through the second connecting pipeline 42. As a result, in the heater core 21, the moisture generated on the surface is frozen. On the other hand, at this time, the heat medium that has become high-temperature by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 13 flows into the cooler core 22. Therefore, the moisture frozen on the surface of the cooler core 22 is heated and melted (defrosted). Bacteria, dust and other attachments that were captured together with the moisture when frozen are washed away together with the moisture when melted. After that, the cooler core 22 is dried by further continuing the heating. That is, the surface of the heater core 21 is cleaned by this action, and the generation of bacteria and mold is suppressed by drying.

[0058] Next, in Figure 3 In this state, heat medium, which has reached a high temperature through heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 13, flows into the heater core 21. Therefore, the water frozen on the surface of the heater core 21 is heated and melted (defrosted). Bacteria, dust and other attachments that were captured along with the water when frozen are washed away along with the water when they melt. After that, the heater core 21 is dried by further heating. In other words, this action cleans the surface of the cooler core 22, and the drying suppresses the growth of bacteria and mold.

[0059] (Effect)

[0060] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the freeze mode, only the low-temperature heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 is supplied to the heater core 21 or cooler core 22, which serves as the in-vehicle heat exchanger. As a result, the moisture condensed on the surface of the heater core 21 or cooler core 22 is frozen. At this time, the bacteria and mold that grow on the surface are frozen together with the moisture. Thereafter, by executing the defrost and dry mode, high-temperature coolant that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 13 is supplied to the heater core 21 or cooler core 22. As a result, the frozen moisture is melted (defrosted). As a result, bacteria, dust, and other attachments that were captured during freezing can be washed away together with the moisture. Thereafter, the heater core 21 or cooler core 22 is dried by further heating. As a result, the generation of bacteria and mold is suppressed. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system 100 can be operated hygienically over a longer period of time.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the above structure, by moving the multiple valve cores 6 forward and backward along the axis O or rotating about the axis O within the valve housing 7, the connection states of the multiple flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be switched. In particular, the multiple necessary valve devices (switching unit 5) can be unified into a single structure, thereby reducing the number of components. Furthermore, the process of selecting and installing the appropriate valve device from multiple types during manufacturing can be omitted. As a result, manufacturing and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0062] With the above configuration, the first valve element 61 enables a pair of adjacent flow paths among the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to communicate with each other via the first communication path C1. Furthermore, by rotating the first valve element 61 about the axis O, two of each of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively communicated. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0063] With the above configuration, three of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be interconnected via the second communication path C2 via the second valve element 62. Furthermore, by rotating the second valve element 62 about the axis O, three of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0064] With the above configuration, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be interconnected via the third communication path C3 via the third valve element 63. Furthermore, by rotating the third valve element 63 about the axis O, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0065] With the above configuration, the fourth valve element 64 enables two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74, located on opposite sides in the radial direction, to communicate with each other via the fourth communication passage C4. Furthermore, by rotating the fourth valve element 64 about the axis O, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively communicated. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0066] (Other embodiments)

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the specific configuration is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and encompasses design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the vehicle air conditioning system 100 described above, by appropriately switching the states of the switching units 5 , the system can operate not only in a strong heating mode and a heating-defrost mode, but also in other modes, including a cooling mode.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the freeze mode and the defrost and dry mode are sequentially executed in the pair of heater cores 21. However, these modes may be executed simultaneously in the pair of heater cores 21 or in the reverse order of the above embodiment.

[0069] [Note]

[0070] The vehicle air conditioning apparatus 100 according to each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0071] (1) A vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the first embodiment includes: a refrigeration cycle 1 having a compressor 12, a condenser 13, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 15 through which a refrigerant circulates in sequence; a high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 through which a high-temperature heat medium circulates for heat exchange with the refrigerant in the condenser 13; a low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 through which a low-temperature heat medium circulates for heat exchange with the refrigerant in the evaporator 15; connecting lines 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 connecting the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3; a plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers 21 and 22 through which the heat medium can be introduced; a plurality of out-vehicle heat exchangers 31 and 32 through which the heat medium can be introduced; and a switching unit 5 capable of switching, with respect to the plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, respectively, between a mode in which the in-vehicle heat exchangers are connected to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2, a mode in which the in-vehicle heat exchangers are connected to the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3, and a mode in which the in-vehicle heat exchangers are not connected to either the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 or the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3.

[0072] According to the above structure, in the freezing mode, only the low-temperature heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 is supplied to the heater core 21 or the cooler core 22 serving as the in-vehicle heat exchanger. As a result, the moisture condensed on the surface of the heater core 21 or the cooler core 22 is frozen. At this time, bacteria, dust and other attachments that have grown on the surface are frozen together with the moisture. Thereafter, by executing the defrost mode, the high-temperature heat medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 13 is supplied to the heater core 21 or the cooler core 22. As a result, the frozen moisture is melted (defrosted). As a result, bacteria, dust and other attachments that were captured during freezing are washed away together with the moisture, and the surface of the heater core 21 or the cooler core 22 is dried. That is, the surface of the heater core 21 or the cooler core 22 is cleaned by this action, and the generation of bacteria and mold is suppressed by drying.

[0073] (2) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the second embodiment, the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 includes a first in-vehicle heat exchanger and a second in-vehicle heat exchanger (a cooler core 22 and a heater core 21), and the switching unit 5 is configured to operate in a freezing mode, wherein the freezing mode freezes moisture generated on the surface of the in-vehicle heat exchanger by supplying only the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3 to at least one of the first in-vehicle heat exchanger and the second in-vehicle heat exchanger.

[0074] According to the above configuration, at least one of the first and second interior heat exchangers (cooler core 22 and heater core 21 ) can be operated in the freeze mode, and the one interior heat exchanger can be cleaned.

[0075] (3) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the third embodiment, the switching unit 5 is configured to operate in the defrost mode after operating in the freezing mode, and the defrost mode supplies the heat medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 13 to the in-vehicle heat exchanger on one side to heat the heat medium and melt the frozen water.

[0076] According to the above structure, attached matter such as bacteria and dust that were captured together with the water when frozen are washed away together with the water when thawed. By this action, the surface of the vehicle interior heat exchanger can be cleaned.

[0077] (4) In the vehicle air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the fourth aspect, the switching unit 5 is configured to operate in a drying mode after operating in the defrost mode, wherein the drying mode dries the surface of the interior heat exchanger by further continuing heating.

[0078] With this configuration, bacteria, dust, and other debris trapped on the interior heat exchanger's surface during operation in freeze mode are washed away along with moisture during operation in defrost mode. Furthermore, continued heating in dry mode dries the interior heat exchanger's surface. This drying of the surface can suppress the growth of bacteria and mold.

[0079] (5) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the fifth embodiment, the switching unit 5 is a plurality of valve devices capable of changing the flow states of the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3, and comprises: a plurality of valve cores 6, which are cylindrical with an axis O as the center, are arranged along the axis O, and are capable of rotating around the axis O; a valve housing 7, which covers the plurality of valve cores 6 and forms four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 connected to at least one of the high-temperature heat medium circuit 2 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 3; and an actuator 8, which causes the plurality of valve cores 6 to advance and retreat along the axis O and rotate around the axis O in the valve housing 7.

[0080] According to the above structure, by moving the multiple valve cores 6 forward and backward along the axis O or rotating about the axis O within the valve housing 7, the connection state of the multiple flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be switched. In particular, the required multiple valve devices can be unified into a single structure. Furthermore, the number of connection points can be easily increased, thereby ensuring the scalability of the device. In addition, the process of selecting the appropriate type of valve device from multiple types and installing it during manufacturing can be omitted. As a result, manufacturing costs and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0081] (6) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the sixth embodiment, one of the multiple valve cores 6 is a first valve core 61, which is formed with first opening portions H1 that are open in four directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O, and is formed with a first connecting path C1 that connects a pair of first opening portions H1 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction inside the valve core 6.

[0082] With the above configuration, a pair of adjacent flow paths among the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be connected via the first communication path C1. Furthermore, by rotating the first valve element 61 about the axis O, two of each of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0083] (7) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the seventh embodiment, one of the multiple valve cores 6 is a second valve core 62, which is formed with second opening portions H2 that are open in three directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O, and is formed with a second connecting path C2 that connects the three second opening portions H2 inside the valve core 6.

[0084] With the above configuration, three of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be interconnected via the second communication path C2. Furthermore, by rotating the second valve element 62 about the axis O, three of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0085] (8) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the eighth embodiment, one of the multiple valve cores 6 is a third valve core 63, and the third valve core 63 is formed with a third opening portion H3 that is open in two directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O, and is formed with a third connecting path C3 that connects the two third opening portions H3 inside the valve core 6.

[0086] With the above configuration, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be interconnected via the third communication path C3. Furthermore, by rotating the third valve element 63 about the axis O, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0087] (9) In the vehicle air conditioning device 100 of the ninth embodiment, one of the plurality of valve cores 6 is a fourth valve core 64, and the fourth valve core 64 is formed with a fourth opening portion H4 that is open in four directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis O, and is formed with a fourth connecting passage C4 that connects a pair of the fourth opening portions H4 located on both sides of the diameter direction relative to the axis O within the interior of the valve core 6.

[0088] With the above configuration, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74, located on opposite sides in the radial direction, can be interconnected via the fourth communication passage C4. Furthermore, by rotating the fourth valve element 64 about the axis O, two of the four flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 can be selectively connected. This allows the communication states of the flow paths 71, 72, 73, and 74 to be switched with a high degree of freedom.

[0089] Industrial Applicability

[0090] According to the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, hygienic operation can be achieved over a longer period of time.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 100 Vehicle air conditioning system

[0093] 1 Refrigeration cycle

[0094] 2 High-temperature heat medium circuit

[0095] 3 Low-temperature heat medium circuit

[0096] 5 Switching unit

[0097] 6 valve core

[0098] 7 valve housing

[0099] 8 Actuator

[0100] 11 Refrigerant pipelines

[0101] 12 compressor

[0102] 13 Condenser

[0103] 14 Expansion valve

[0104] 15 Evaporator

[0105] 21 Heater core

[0106] 22 cooler core

[0107] 23 High-temperature heat medium pipeline

[0108] 24 High-temperature heat medium pump

[0109] 31 First off-board heat exchanger

[0110] 32 Second external heat exchanger

[0111] 33 Low-temperature heat medium pipeline

[0112] 34 Low-temperature heat medium pump

[0113] 41 First connecting pipeline

[0114] 42 Second connecting pipeline

[0115] 43 Third connecting pipeline

[0116] 44 Fourth connecting pipeline

[0117] 45 Fifth connecting pipeline

[0118] 51 First valve device

[0119] 52 Second valve device

[0120] 53 Third valve device

[0121] 54 Fourth valve device

[0122] 55 Fifth valve device

[0123] 56 Sixth valve device

[0124] 57 Seventh valve device

[0125] 58 Eighth valve device

[0126] 61 First valve core

[0127] 62 Second valve core

[0128] 63 Third valve core

[0129] 64 Fourth valve core

[0130] 71, 72, 73, 74 flow path

[0131] 90 Vehicle-mounted equipment

[0132] C1 First connecting path

[0133] C2 Second connecting path

[0134] C3 Third connecting road

[0135] C4 Fourth connecting road

[0136] H1 First opening

[0137] H2 Second opening

[0138] H3 Third opening

[0139] H4 Fourth opening

[0140] O axis.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device comprises: A refrigeration cycle having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which refrigerant flows in sequence; a high-temperature heat medium circuit for circulating a high-temperature heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser; a low-temperature heat medium circuit for circulating a low-temperature heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator; a connecting pipeline connecting the high-temperature heat medium circuit with the low-temperature heat medium circuit; a plurality of in-vehicle heat exchangers, which are capable of introducing the heat medium; and a switching unit capable of switching, for a plurality of the in-vehicle heat exchangers, respectively, between a mode connected to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, a mode connected to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and a mode not connected to either the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit; The switching unit is a plurality of valve devices capable of changing the flow states of the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and includes: A plurality of valve cores, which are cylindrical with an axis as the center, are arranged along the axis, and are capable of rotating around the axis; a valve housing covering the plurality of valve cores and forming four flow paths communicating with at least one of the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the low-temperature heat medium circuit; as well as An actuator causes the plurality of valve cores to advance and retreat along the axis and rotate about the axis within the valve housing.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein The high-temperature heat medium circuit includes a first in-vehicle heat exchanger and a second in-vehicle heat exchanger, wherein the first in-vehicle heat exchanger and the second in-vehicle heat exchanger are the in-vehicle heat exchangers. The switching unit is configured to operate in a freezing mode that freezes moisture generated on surfaces of the first and second indoor heat exchangers by supplying only the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit to at least one of the first and second indoor heat exchangers.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein: The switching unit is configured to operate in a defrost mode after operating in the freezing mode. The defrost mode supplies a heat medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the condenser to the one interior heat exchanger to heat the heat medium and melt the frozen water.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein: The switching unit is configured to operate in a drying mode after operating in the defrost mode, wherein the drying mode dries the surface of the in-vehicle heat exchanger by further continuing heating.

5. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One of the multiple valve cores is a first valve core, which is formed with a first opening portion that is open in four directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis, and is formed with a first connecting path that connects a pair of the first opening portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction inside the valve core.

6. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One of the plurality of valve cores is a second valve core having second openings opened in three directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis, and a second communication path connecting the three second openings inside the valve core.

7. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One of the plurality of valve cores is a third valve core having third openings opened in two directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis, and a third communication path communicating the two third openings inside the valve core.

8. The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One of the multiple valve cores is a fourth valve core, which is formed with a fourth opening portion that is open to four directions at intervals in the circumferential direction relative to the axis, and is formed with a fourth connecting path that connects a pair of the fourth opening portions located on both sides of the diameter direction relative to the axis inside the valve core.

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