Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention consumes the power of the battery through existing components to suppress overcharging. It includes a temperature regulating circuit (41) that circulates a temperature regulating heat medium and a refrigeration circulation circuit (12) that circulates an air conditioning heat medium. The temperature regulating circuit (41) includes a heater (43) that heats the temperature regulating heat medium; a heat exchanger (47) that performs heat exchange with the air conditioning heat medium; and a radiator (48) that performs heat exchange with the outside air. When the remaining capacity of the battery (45) regenerated and charged during vehicle driving is greater than a threshold value th, the heater (43) is operated, and the heated temperature regulating heat medium is circulated to either the heat exchanger (47) or the radiator (48) according to the operation of the refrigeration circulation circuit (12).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, the battery is charged by regeneration during driving, but the battery deteriorates if overcharged. Therefore, when the remaining capacity of the battery is high, a resistance circuit is used to consume power, or as shown in Patent Document 1, an electric load is operated to consume power.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-105405 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In order to prevent the battery from being overcharged, if a discharge unit such as a resistance circuit or an electric load is used, a new component must be added, so there is still room for improvement.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to suppress overcharging by consuming the power of a battery using existing components.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] A vehicle air conditioning device in one embodiment of the present invention is on a vehicle equipped with a battery for supplying power to an electric motor, and includes: a heating circuit for circulating a heating heat medium; and a refrigeration circulation circuit for circulating an air conditioning heat medium for air conditioning in order to perform air conditioning in a vehicle cabin, the heating circuit including: a heater for heating the heating heat medium; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with the air conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration circulation circuit; and a radiator which is arranged in parallel with the heat exchanger and performs heat exchange with the outside air, the vehicle air conditioning device including a circuit switching control unit, the circuit switching control unit switching the circuit according to the remaining capacity of a battery regenerated and charged while the vehicle is running, the circuit switching control unit operating the heater when the remaining capacity of the battery regenerated and charged while the vehicle is running reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and circulates the heated heating heat medium in either the heat exchanger or the radiator according to the operation of the refrigeration circulation circuit.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the battery is above a predetermined threshold, the heater of the heating circuit is operated to consume the power of the battery. The heater of the heating circuit is increasingly being installed in vehicles. Therefore, the power of the battery can be consumed by existing components, thereby suppressing overcharging of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the heating operation.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and heating operation.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and cooling operation.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing cooling operation.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the discharge control process.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing heating operation + heater operation.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing cooling operation + heater operation.

[0022] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing heating operation + heater operation (radiator heat dissipation).

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the battery heating operation.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a battery cooling operation.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a heating assist operation using a heater (heat core).

[0026] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the cooling operation of the motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, each of the drawings is schematic and sometimes different from the actual. In addition, the following embodiments illustrate the device and method for realizing the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and do not specifically define the structure as the following structure. In other words, the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be variously changed within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0028] 《One Implementation Method》

[0029] "structure"

[0030] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0031] The vehicle is an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, etc., which can charge a battery 45 by charging from an external power source, and drive a motor 46 using the power charged in the battery 45 to travel. The vehicle air conditioner 11 is mounted on the vehicle and driven by the power of the battery 45. The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a refrigeration cycle 12 and an HVAC unit 13, and performs air conditioning in the vehicle cabin by selectively performing various air conditioning operations such as heating operation, dehumidification heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidification cooling operation through a heat pump using an air conditioning heat medium.

[0032] First, basic components of the refrigeration cycle 12 will be described.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle 12 includes a compressor 21 , a radiator 22 , an outdoor expansion valve 23 , an outdoor heat exchanger 24 , an indoor expansion valve 25 , a heat absorber 26 , and a liquid storage tank 27 .

[0034] The compressor 21 compresses the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium in the gas phase and raises its pressure to a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily liquefied, such as a scroll compressor, a swash plate compressor, etc. The drive source of the compressor 21 is, for example, an electric motor. The compressor 21 is an oil-supply type lubricated by oil circulating with the air-conditioning heat medium, and the concentration of the oil relative to the air-conditioning heat medium is about several percentages.

[0035] The radiator 22 is disposed in the HVAC unit 13 and performs heat exchange between the air passing through the periphery of the radiating fins and the high-temperature and high-pressure air conditioning heat medium (heating agent) passing through the tubes. That is, the air conditioning heat medium in the tubes condenses and liquefies by heat dissipation, thereby heating the air around the radiating fins.

[0036] The outdoor expansion valve 23 converts the liquid high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium into a mist and blows it out, thereby reducing the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized. The opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 23 can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open.

[0037] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is provided inside the front grille of the vehicle body, and performs heat exchange between the outside air passing around the radiating fins and the air conditioning heat medium passing through the tube. The outside air is mainly the running wind, however, when the running wind is not sufficient, the outside air is blown to the radiating fins by driving the blower 28. When heating or dehumidifying and heating, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 acts as an evaporator, that is, acts as a heat absorber, and performs heat exchange between the outside air passing around the radiating fins and the low-temperature air conditioning heat medium (refrigerant) passing through the tube. That is, the air conditioning heat medium in the tube absorbs heat and evaporates. On the other hand, when dehumidifying and cooling or cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 acts as a condenser, that is, acts as a radiator, and performs heat exchange between the outside air passing around the radiating fins and the high-temperature air conditioning heat medium (heating agent) passing through the tube. That is, the air conditioning heat medium in the tube dissipates heat and condenses and liquefies.

[0038] The indoor expansion valve 25 converts the liquid high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium into a mist and blows it out, thereby reducing the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized. The opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 25 can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open.

[0039] The heat absorber 26 is provided in the HVAC unit 13, and performs heat exchange between the air passing through the periphery of the heat dissipation fins and the low-temperature air conditioning heat medium (refrigerant) passing through the tubes. That is, the air conditioning heat medium in the tubes evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat, cools the air around the heat dissipation fins, and generates condensation on the surface of the heat dissipation fins to perform dehumidification.

[0040] In the accumulator 27 , the air-conditioning heat medium is separated into gas and liquid, and only the gas-phase air-conditioning heat medium is supplied to the compressor 21 .

[0041] Next, the basic circuit structure of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.

[0042] In the figure, the flow path of the air conditioning heat medium is indicated by a solid line. The outlet of the compressor 21 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 22 via the pipe 31a. The outlet of the radiator 22 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 via the pipe 31b, and the outdoor expansion valve 23 is provided in the pipe 31b.

[0043] The outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 21 via the pipe 31c, and the switch valve 32, the check valve 33, and the accumulator 27 are sequentially provided on the pipe 31c from the outdoor heat exchanger 24 side toward the radiator 22 side. The switch valve 32 opens or closes the pipe 31c. The check valve 33 allows passage from the switch valve 32 side to the accumulator 27 side, and blocks passage in the reverse direction.

[0044] In the piping 31b, there is a branch point 34 between the radiator 22 and the outdoor expansion valve 23, and the branch point 34 is connected to the inlet of the heat absorber 26 via the piping 31d. In the piping 31d, a switch valve 35 and an indoor expansion valve 25 are sequentially provided from the branch point 34 side toward the heat absorber 26 side. The switch valve 35 opens or closes the piping 31d.

[0045] In the piping 31c, there is a branch point 36 between the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the on-off valve 32, and in the piping 31d, there is a branch point 37 between the on-off valve 35 and the indoor expansion valve 25. The branch point 36 is connected to the branch point 37 via the piping 31e, and a check valve 38 is provided in the piping 31e. The check valve 38 allows passage from the side of the branch point 36 to the side of the branch point 37, and prevents passage in the opposite direction.

[0046] In the pipe 31 c , a branch point 39 is present between the on-off valve 32 and the check valve 33 , and the outlet of the heat absorber 26 communicates with the branch point 39 via the pipe 31 f .

[0047] Next, the basic structure of the HVAC unit 13 will be described.

[0048] The HVAC unit 13 (HVAC: Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is arranged inside the instrument panel and is formed by a duct that introduces external air and internal air from one end side and supplies air to the vehicle cabin from the other end side. Inside the HVAC unit 13, a blower fan 14, a heat absorber 26, a radiator 22, and an air mixing damper 15 are provided. The blower fan 14 is arranged on one end side of the HVAC unit 13, and when driven, it sucks external air or internal air and discharges it to the other end side. The heat absorber 26 is arranged on the downstream side of the blower fan 14. All the air blown out from the blower fan 14 passes through the heat absorber 26. The flow path 16 passing through the radiator 22 and the flow path 17 bypassing the radiator 22 are formed inside the HVAC unit 13 and are located on the downstream side of the heat absorber 26. The flow path 16 and the flow path 17 merge on the downstream side.

[0049] The air mixing damper 15 can rotate between a position in which the flow path 16 is opened and the flow path 17 is closed, and a position in which the flow path 16 is closed and the flow path 17 is opened. When the air mixing damper 15 is in a position in which the flow path 16 is opened and the flow path 17 is closed, all the air passing through the heat absorber 26 passes through the radiator 22. When the air mixing damper 15 is in a position in which the flow path 16 is closed and the flow path 17 is opened, all the air passing through the heat absorber 26 bypasses the radiator 22. When the air mixing damper 15 is in a position in which both the flow path 16 and the flow path 17 are opened, part of the air passing through the heat absorber 26 passes through the radiator 22, and the remaining air bypasses the radiator 22, and the air passing through the radiator 22 and the air bypassing the radiator 22 are mixed on the downstream side of the HVAC unit 13.

[0050] Next, the additional structure will be described.

[0051] The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a temperature control circuit 41, and controls the temperature of the battery 45 by circulating a temperature control heat medium. Temperature control means adjusting or regulating the temperature. The temperature control heat medium is, for example, water, but other fluids such as refrigerant or coolant may also be used.

[0052] First, main components of the temperature control circuit 41 will be described.

[0053] The temperature regulating circuit 41 includes a main pump 42 , a heater 43 , a heating core 44 , a battery 45 , an electric motor 46 , a heat exchanger 47 , a radiator 48 , and a slave pump 49 .

[0054] The main pump 42 sucks the temperature adjustment heat medium of the temperature adjustment circuit 41 from one side and discharges it to the other side, thereby circulating the temperature adjustment heat medium.

[0055] The heater 43 is, for example, a water heater (ECH: Electric Coolant Heater) for heating the temperature adjustment heat medium.

[0056] The heating core 44 is disposed on the downstream side of the radiator 22 of the flow path 16, and performs heat exchange between the air passing around the radiating fins and the temperature regulating heat medium (heating agent) passing through the tube. When the heated temperature regulating heat medium is supplied, the heating core 44 heats the air around the radiating fins.

[0057] The battery 45 is a storage battery for supplying power to the motor 46, and is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The temperature of the battery 45 is regulated by passing a heat medium for temperature regulation through a water jacket formed on the battery 45. The battery 45 is one of the power devices that require temperature regulation, but is not limited thereto. As a power device that requires temperature management, it can also be applied to a power supply system, a charger, an inverter, a high-voltage component, etc.

[0058] The electric motor 46 is an electric motor for driving the vehicle. By allowing a temperature adjustment heat medium to flow through a water jacket formed on the electric motor 46 , heat is stored in the electric motor 46 or the electric motor 46 is cooled.

[0059] The heat exchanger 47 includes a temperature adjustment heat medium flow path 47A through which the temperature adjustment heat medium passes and an air conditioning heat medium flow path 47B through which the air conditioning heat medium passes, and performs heat exchange between a part of the air conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 and the temperature adjustment heat medium of the temperature adjustment circuit 41 .

[0060] The radiator 48 is arranged on the downwind side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and performs heat exchange between the temperature regulating heat medium passing through the interior and the outside air passing through the surroundings, and causes the temperature regulating heat medium in the tube to dissipate heat. The blower 28 is arranged on the upwind side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and air is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the radiator 48 by driving the blower 28 even when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed.

[0061] The sub-pump 49 draws the temperature adjustment heat medium of the temperature adjustment circuit 41 from one side and discharges it to the other side, thereby circulating the temperature adjustment heat medium.

[0062] Next, the circuit structure of the temperature adjustment circuit 41 will be described.

[0063] In the figure, the flow path of the heat medium for temperature regulation is indicated by a short dash line. The outlet of the main pump 42 is connected to the inlet of the heating core 44 via the pipe 51a. The outlet of the heating core 44 is connected to the inlet of the main pump 42 via the pipe 51b. In the pipe 51a, a heater 43 and a three-way valve 52 are arranged in sequence from the main pump 42 side to the heating core 44 side. In the pipe 51b, a branch point 53 and a branch point 54 are arranged in sequence from the heating core 44 side to the main pump 42 side.

[0064] The inlet of the three-way valve 52 is connected to the heater 43, one outlet is connected to the inlet of the heating core 44, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the temperature adjustment heat medium flow path 47A in the heat exchanger 47 via the pipe 51c. The outlet of the temperature adjustment heat medium flow path 47A in the heat exchanger 47 is connected to the branch point 54 via the pipe 51d. In the pipe 51c, from the three-way valve 52 side to the heat exchanger 47 side, the three-way valve 61, the battery 45, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, and the branch point 66 are sequentially provided. The three-way valve 68 is provided in the pipe 51d.

[0065] The inlet of the three-way valve 61 is connected to the three-way valve 52, one outlet is connected to the battery 45, and the other outlet is connected to the branch point 62 via the pipe 51e. The inlet of the three-way valve 63 is connected to the branch point 62, one outlet is connected to the branch point 64, and the other outlet is connected to the branch point 53 via the pipe 51f. The three-way valve 68 is provided in the pipe 51f. The inlet of the three-way valve 68 is connected to the three-way valve 63, one outlet is connected to the branch point 53, and the other outlet is connected to the branch point 66 via the pipe 51g.

[0066] The outlet of the sub-pump 49 is connected to the branch point 64 via the pipe 51h. The inlet of the three-way valve 65 is connected to the motor 46, one outlet is connected to the branch point 66, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the sub-pump 49 via the pipe 51i. In the pipe 51i, the radiator 48 and the branch point 69 are sequentially provided from the three-way valve 65 side to the sub-pump 49 side. One inlet of the three-way valve 68 is connected to the temperature adjustment heat medium flow path 47A in the heat exchanger 47, the other inlet is connected to the branch point 69 via the pipe 51j, and the outlet is connected to the branch point 54.

[0067] Next, additional components of the refrigeration cycle 12 will be described.

[0068] The refrigeration cycle 12 includes an expansion valve 55 and a heat exchanger 47 .

[0069] The expansion valve 55 converts the liquid high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium into a mist and blows it out, thereby reducing the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized. The opening degree of the expansion valve 55 can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open.

[0070] Next, an additional circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.

[0071] A branch point 56 is provided between the branch point 37 in the pipe 31d and the indoor expansion valve 25, and a branch point 57 is provided between the check valve 33 in the pipe 31c and the accumulator 27. The branch point 56 is communicated with the inlet of the air conditioning heat medium flow path 47B in the heat exchanger 47 via the pipe 31g, and the outlet of the air conditioning heat medium flow path 47B in the heat exchanger 47 is communicated with the branch point 57 via the pipe 31h. The expansion valve 55 is provided in the pipe 31g.

[0072] Next, the basic operation of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.

[0073] The controller 71 is, for example, a microcomputer, and selectively performs various air-conditioning operations such as heating operation, dehumidification heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidification cooling operation according to an operation request from a user, and performs air conditioning in the vehicle compartment. Here, in order to explain the basic operation, the operation of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the operation of the HVAC unit 13 are explained. That is, the controller 71 drives and controls the compressor 21, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the on-off valve 32, the on-off valve 35, the indoor expansion valve 25, the expansion valve 55, the blower 28, the blower fan 14, and the air mixing damper 15.

[0074] [Heating operation]

[0075] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the heating operation.

[0076] In the figure, the thick dotted line represents the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line represents the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes, the blank space represents the open switch valve, and the black space represents the closed switch valve.

[0077] When heating operation is performed through the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the compressor 21 is driven with the outdoor expansion valve 23 slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 opened, the on-off valve 35 closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 closed, and the expansion valve 55 closed.

[0078] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies to a low temperature by dissipating heat at the radiator 22. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24.

[0079] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22 while the air mixing damper 15 closes the flow path 17. Thus, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and the warm air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0080] In addition, during the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator. Therefore, since the surrounding of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is cooled, the moisture in the air sublimates, and frost sometimes forms on the heat dissipation fins. In addition, if the frost grows and the ventilation path of the heat dissipation fins is blocked, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is reduced. Therefore, when the occurrence of frost is detected from the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the defrosting operation is performed. When the defrosting operation is performed, it is the same as the heating operation except that the air supply fan 14 is stopped and the flow path 16 is blocked by the air mixing damper 15. As a result, the heat dissipation of the air conditioning heat medium at the radiator 22 is suppressed, so it is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 in a high temperature state, thereby melting the frost.

[0081] [Dehumidification and heating operation]

[0082] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and heating operation.

[0083] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the on-off valve after opening, and the black indicates the on-off valve after closing. When the dehumidification and heating operation is performed through the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in the state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is opened, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed.

[0084] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In addition, a part of the air conditioning heat medium passing through the radiator 22 is branched from the branch point 34, and merges at the branch point 39 through the on-off valve 35, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the indoor expansion valve 25, and the heat absorber 26. In these circulation paths, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed into high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies by heat dissipation at the radiator 22 and becomes low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands into low pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and evaporates and vaporizes by heat absorption at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and becomes high temperature. In addition, part of the air-conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded to a low pressure at the indoor expansion valve 25 , and absorbs heat at the heat absorber 26 to evaporate and vaporize to a high temperature.

[0085] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22 while the air mixing damper 15 closes the flow path 17. Thus, the introduced air is dehumidified by the heat absorber 26, heated by the radiator 22, and the dehumidified warm air is supplied to the vehicle cabin.

[0086] [Dehumidification and cooling operation]

[0087] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and cooling operation.

[0088] In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the medium-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick short dash line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick solid line, an open switch valve is indicated by a blank, and a closed switch valve is indicated by a black color. When dehumidification and cooling operation is performed through the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven with the outdoor expansion valve 23 in an open state, the switch valve 32 closed, the switch valve 35 closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 closed.

[0089] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the check valve 38, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the indoor expansion valve 25, the heat absorber 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to a high pressure by the compressor 21, expanded to a medium pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and condensed and liquefied to a low temperature by dissipating heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the indoor expansion valve 25, absorbs heat at the heat absorber 26, evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

[0090] Meanwhile, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22 while the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16. Thus, the introduced air is dehumidified and cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

[0091] [Cooling operation]

[0092] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing cooling operation.

[0093] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the on-off valve after opening, and the black indicates the on-off valve after closing. When the refrigeration cycle 12 is used for cooling operation, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed.

[0094] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the check valve 38, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the indoor expansion valve 25, the heat absorber 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to a high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies to a low temperature by dissipating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the indoor expansion valve 25, absorbs heat at the heat absorber 26, evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

[0095] Meanwhile, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22 while the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16. Thus, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0096] Next, main control processing of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0098] The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a controller 71 , an SOC acquisition unit 72 , and a temperature sensor 73 .

[0099] The SOC acquisition unit 72 acquires the state of charge (SOC: State Of Charge) corresponding to the remaining capacity of the battery 45. For example, the state of charge of the battery 45 is acquired by measuring the charge and discharge current and the cell voltage in the battery 45. The temperature sensor 73 detects the temperature Tc of the temperature regulating heat medium at the outlet side of the temperature regulating heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47. Each signal is input to the controller 71.

[0100] The controller 71 performs discharge control processing and drives and controls the refrigeration cycle 12, the HVAC unit 13, and the temperature control circuit 41. That is, the controller 71 drives and controls the compressor 21, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the on-off valve 32, the on-off valve 35, the indoor expansion valve 25, the expansion valve 55, and the blower 28 of the refrigeration cycle 12. In addition, the controller 71 drives and controls the blower fan 14 and the air mixing damper 15 of the HVAC unit 13. In addition, the controller 71 drives and controls the main pump 42, the heater 43, the branch pump 49, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 65, the three-way valve 68, and the three-way valve 68 of the temperature control circuit 41.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the discharge control process.

[0102] The discharge control process is executed as a timer interrupt process at every predetermined time period.

[0103] In step S101, it is determined whether the remaining capacity of the battery 45 is greater than a predetermined threshold value th. The threshold value th is a value slightly lower than a fully charged state, for example, about 90%. Here, when the remaining capacity of the battery 45 is less than the threshold value th, it is determined that regeneration charging is still possible, and the program is directly restored to the specified main program. On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the battery 45 is greater than the threshold value th, it is determined that regeneration charging is no longer possible, and the program is transferred to step S102.

[0104] In step S102 , the heater 43 is activated.

[0105] Next, in step S103, it is determined whether the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is in heating operation. Here, when the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is in heating operation, the process is transferred to step S103. On the other hand, when the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is not in heating operation, that is, in cooling operation or air conditioning operation is stopped, the process is transferred to step S106. Here, in order to simplify the description, only whether the heating operation is in progress is determined, but since the heating operation and the dehumidification heating operation are the same in heating the vehicle cabin, the determination of whether either the heating operation or the dehumidification heating operation is in progress is also included.

[0106] In step S104, it is determined whether the temperature Tc of the temperature-adjusting heat medium at the outlet side of the temperature-adjusting heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47 is less than a predetermined threshold value T1. The threshold value T1 is, for example, about 40°C to 50°C. Here, when the temperature Tc of the temperature-adjusting heat medium is less than the threshold value T1, it is determined that the heat exchanger 47 has sufficiently dissipated heat, and the process moves to step S105. On the other hand, when the temperature Tc of the temperature-adjusting heat medium is greater than the threshold value T1, it is determined that the heat exchanger 47 has not sufficiently dissipated heat, and the process moves to step S106.

[0107] In step S105, the refrigeration cycle 12 performs heating operation, and the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater 43 is dissipated through the temperature regulating heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47, and the program returns to the specified main program. Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is opened, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is slightly opened. On the other hand, in the temperature regulating circuit 41, the main pump 42 is driven in a state where the heater 43 is operated, the sub-pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature regulating heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the temperature regulating heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54.

[0108] In step S106, regardless of whether the refrigeration cycle 12 is running, the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater 43 dissipates heat at the radiator 48, and returns to the predetermined main program. Specifically, in the temperature regulating loop 41, the main pump 42 is driven to stop the sub-pump 49, so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates in sequence through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the piping 51e, the bifurcation 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the bifurcation 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the bifurcation 69, the three-way valve 67 and the bifurcation 54.

[0109] Next, a main operation mode of one embodiment will be described.

[0110] [Heating operation + heater operation]

[0111] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing heating operation + heater operation.

[0112] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the switch valve after opening, and the black indicates the switch valve after closing. In addition, the thick short dash line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0113] Here, the operation of performing heating operation and operating the heater 43 is described. When the heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the switch valve 32 is opened, the switch valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. On the other hand, in the temperature control circuit 41, the heater 43 is operated, the main pump 42 is driven, the sub-pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature control heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature control heat medium circulates in sequence through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the temperature control heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54.

[0114] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In addition, a part of the air conditioning heat medium passing through the radiator 22 is branched from the branch point 34, and passes through the on-off valve 35, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the expansion valve 55, and the air conditioning heat medium flow path 47B of the heat exchanger 47 to merge with the branch point 57. In these circulation paths, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to a high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies by heat dissipation at the radiator 22 and becomes low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and becomes high temperature. In addition, part of the air-conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded to a low pressure at the expansion valve 55 , and evaporates and gasifies by absorbing heat at the air-conditioning heat medium flow path 47B of the heat exchanger 47 , becoming a high temperature.

[0115] Furthermore, the temperature-adjusting heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the temperature-adjusting heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54. In this circulation path, the temperature-adjusting heat medium absorbs heat at the heater 43 to become high temperature, and dissipates heat at the temperature-adjusting heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47 to become low temperature.

[0116] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22 while the air mixing damper 15 closes the flow path 17. Thus, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and the warm air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0117] [Cooling operation + heater operation]

[0118] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing cooling operation + heater operation.

[0119] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the switch valve after opening, and the black indicates the switch valve after closing. In addition, the thick short dash line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0120] Here, as an operation other than heating, for example, cooling operation is performed, and the operation when power is consumed by the heater 43 and heat is dissipated at the radiator 48 is described. When cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. On the other hand, in the temperature adjustment circuit 41, the heater 43 is operated, the main pump 42 is driven, the branch pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature adjustment heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature adjustment heat medium circulates through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the branch point 69, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54 in sequence. Here, although the cooling operation is described as the operation other than heating, the operation other than heating also includes the case where the air-conditioning operation is stopped.

[0121] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the check valve 38, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the indoor expansion valve 25, the heat absorber 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to a high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies to a low temperature by dissipating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the indoor expansion valve 25, absorbs heat at the heat absorber 26, evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

[0122] Furthermore, the temperature-adjusting heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the branch point 69, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54. In this circulation path, the temperature-adjusting heat medium absorbs heat at the heater 43 to become a high temperature, and dissipates heat at the radiator 48 to become a low temperature.

[0123] Meanwhile, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22 while the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16. Thus, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0124] [Heating operation + heater operation (radiator cooling)]

[0125] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing heating operation + heater operation (radiator heat dissipation).

[0126] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the switch valve after opening, and the black indicates the switch valve after closing. In addition, the thick short dash line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0127] Here, the operation when heating operation is performed, power is consumed by the heater 43, and heat is dissipated at the radiator 48 is described. When heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. On the other hand, in the temperature adjustment circuit 41, the heater 43 is operated, the main pump 42 is driven, the branch pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature adjustment heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature adjustment heat medium circulates through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the branch point 69, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54 in sequence.

[0128] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies to a low temperature by dissipating heat at the radiator 22. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24.

[0129] Furthermore, the temperature-adjusting heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the pipe 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the branch point 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the branch point 69, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54. In this circulation path, the temperature-adjusting heat medium absorbs heat at the heater 43 to become a high temperature, and dissipates heat at the radiator 48 to become a low temperature.

[0130] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22 while the air mixing damper 15 closes the flow path 17. Thus, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and the warm air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0131] Next, other operations will be supplementally described.

[0132] [Battery heating operation]

[0133] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the battery heating operation.

[0134] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is represented by a thick short dash line. Here, the battery heating operation performed when the temperature of the battery 45 is lower than a predetermined threshold value is described. The refrigeration cycle 12 functions independently, so its description is omitted. In the temperature regulating circuit 41, the heater 43 is operated, the main pump 42 is driven, the sub-pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature regulating heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates in sequence through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the battery 45, the bifurcation 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the bifurcation 53 and the bifurcation 54. In this circulation path, the temperature regulating heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat at the heater 43, and becomes low temperature by dissipating heat at the battery 45. As a result, the battery 45 is heated by the temperature regulating heat medium.

[0135] [Battery cooling operation]

[0136] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a battery cooling operation.

[0137] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is indicated by a thick short dash line. Here, the battery cooling operation performed when the temperature of the battery 45 is higher than a predetermined threshold value is described. The refrigeration cycle 12 functions independently, so its description is omitted. In the temperature regulating circuit 41, the heater 43 is stopped, the main pump 42 is driven, the sub-pump 49 is stopped, and the temperature regulating heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates in sequence through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the three-way valve 61, the battery 45, the bifurcation 62, the three-way valve 63, the three-way valve 68, the bifurcation 66, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48, the bifurcation 69, the three-way valve 67 and the bifurcation 54. In this circulation path, the temperature regulating heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat at the battery 45, and becomes low temperature by dissipating heat at the radiator 48. As a result, the battery 45 is cooled by the temperature regulating heat medium.

[0138] [Heating assist operation by heater]

[0139] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the heating assist operation performed by the heater.

[0140] In the figure, the thick dotted line indicates the flow path through which the low-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the thick solid line indicates the flow path through which the high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes, the blank indicates the switch valve after opening, and the black indicates the switch valve after closing. In addition, the thick short dash line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0141] Here, the heating auxiliary operation performed by the heater 43 is described. When the heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle 12, the compressor 21 is driven in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the switch valve 32 is opened, the switch valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. On the other hand, in the temperature control circuit 41, the heater 43 is operated, the main pump 42 is driven, the branch pump 49 is stopped, and the heat medium for temperature control is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the heat medium for temperature control circulates through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the heating core 44, the branch point 53, and the branch point 54 in sequence.

[0142] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27. In these circulation paths, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed to high pressure by the compressor 21, and condenses and liquefies to a low temperature by dissipating heat at the radiator 22. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase expands to a low pressure at the outdoor expansion valve 23, and evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24.

[0143] Furthermore, the temperature regulating heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the heating core 44, the branch point 53, and the branch point 54. In this circulation path, the temperature regulating heat medium absorbs heat at the heater 43 to become a high temperature, and dissipates heat at the heating core 44 to become a low temperature.

[0144] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14 and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22 while the air mixing damper 15 closes the flow path 17. As a result, the introduced air is heated at the radiator 22 and heated at the heating core 44, and the warm air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0145] [Motor cooling operation]

[0146] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the cooling operation of the motor.

[0147] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is represented by a thick short dash line. Here, the motor cooling operation performed when the temperature of the motor 46 is higher than a predetermined threshold value is described. The refrigeration cycle 12 functions independently, so its description is omitted. In the temperature regulating circuit 41, the heater 43 is stopped, the main pump 42 is stopped, the sub-pump 49 is driven, and the temperature regulating heat medium is circulated. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature regulating heat medium circulates in sequence through the sub-pump 49, the branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, the radiator 48 and the branch point 69. In this circulation path, the temperature regulating heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat at the motor 46, and becomes low temperature by dissipating heat at the radiator 48. As a result, the motor 46 is cooled by the temperature regulating heat medium.

[0148] As described above, the temperature adjustment circuit 41 corresponds to the "heating circuit", the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 corresponds to the "refrigeration cycle", the heater 43 corresponds to the "heater", the heat exchanger 47 corresponds to the "heat exchanger", and the radiator 48 corresponds to the "radiator". The processing of steps S101 to S106 corresponds to the "circuit switching control unit". The battery 45 corresponds to the "power device" and the "battery". The temperature adjustment heat medium corresponds to the "heat medium for heating".

[0149] "effect"

[0150] Next, main effects of one embodiment will be described.

[0151] The battery 45 is charged by regeneration during driving, but since the battery 45 deteriorates when overcharged, regeneration cannot be performed when the battery 45 is fully charged. In order to prevent the battery 45 from being overcharged, a discharge unit such as a resistance circuit or an electric load is generally used, but this requires the addition of new components, so there is room for improvement.

[0152] Therefore, the heater 43 of the temperature regulating circuit 41 for regulating the temperature of the battery 45 is used. That is, when the remaining capacity of the battery 45 is above the threshold value th (the judgment of step S101 is "yes"), the heater 43 is operated (step S102). In this way, when the remaining capacity in the battery 45 is above the threshold value th, the heater 43 of the temperature regulating circuit 41 is operated to consume the power of the battery 45. The heater 43 of the temperature regulating circuit 41 is usually installed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the power of the battery 45 can be consumed by existing components, and overcharging of the battery 45 can be suppressed. In addition, the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater 43 dissipates heat at the heat exchanger 47, or dissipates heat at the radiator 48. The heat exchanger 47 and the radiator 48 are usually attached to the temperature regulating circuit 41, so the heat can still be reliably dissipated by the existing components.

[0153] When heating is performed by the refrigeration cycle 12 (YES in step S103 ), the temperature adjustment heat medium heated by the heater 43 is caused to dissipate heat in the temperature adjustment flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47 (step S105 ).

[0154] On the other hand, when the refrigeration cycle 12 is stopped or in cooling operation (the determination of step S103 is "No"), the temperature adjustment heat medium heated by the heater 43 is dissipated at the radiator 48 (step S106). Thus, the circulation path of the temperature adjustment heat medium can be switched according to the operation of the refrigeration cycle 12, so that the temperature adjustment heat medium can be appropriately dissipated.

[0155] In addition, in normal heating operation, heat is absorbed at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, but the greater the amount of heat absorbed at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the more likely frosting occurs. However, if the heater 43 is used to assist the heating operation, the amount of heat absorbed at the outdoor heat exchanger 24 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, there is an effect of delaying frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 24.

[0156] In addition, even when the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is performing heating operation (the judgment of step S103 is "Yes"), when the temperature Tc of the temperature regulating heat medium on the outlet side of the temperature regulating heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47 is greater than the threshold value T1 (the judgment of step S104 is "No"), the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater 43 also dissipates heat at the radiator 48 (step S106).

[0157] If the temperature Tc of the temperature regulating heat medium at the outlet side of the temperature regulating heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47 is high, it means that the heat cannot be sufficiently radiated. In this case, by allowing the temperature regulating heat medium to radiate heat at the radiator 48, the temperature of the temperature regulating heat medium can be reliably lowered.

[0158] In addition, the temperature control circuit 41 is a circuit for circulating a temperature control heat medium to assist the heating of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12. Such a temperature control circuit 41 is usually mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the power of the battery 45 can be consumed by existing components, and overcharging of the battery 45 can be suppressed.

[0159] In addition, the temperature control circuit 41 is also a circuit for circulating the temperature control heat medium in order to heat the battery 45. Such a temperature control circuit 41 is usually mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the power of the battery 45 can be consumed by the existing components, and overcharging of the battery 45 can be suppressed.

[0160] 《Variation Example》

[0161] In this embodiment, the structure for heating or cooling the battery 45 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in this embodiment, as long as the battery 45 can be at least heated, the structure for cooling the battery 45 may be omitted.

[0162] In this embodiment, the flow of the temperature regulating heat medium is switched by a three-way valve in the temperature regulating circuit 41, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a two-way valve that can be opened and closed may be provided on each flow path of each flow path, and when one side is opened, the other side is closed, and when one side is closed, the other side is opened, instead of providing a three-way valve.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the structure in which the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened during cooling is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a bypass flow path that bypasses the outdoor expansion valve 23 may be provided, and the bypass flow path may be configured to be openable and closable. Thus, if the outdoor expansion valve 23 is closed during cooling and the bypass flow path is opened, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0164] The above description is based on a limited number of embodiments, but the scope of the rights is not limited to these, and changes based on the above disclosed embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0165] Description of symbols

[0166] 11…vehicle air conditioning device, 12…refrigeration cycle, 13…HVAC unit, 14…air blower, 15…air mix damper, 16…flow path, 17…flow path, 21…compressor, 22…radiator, 23…outdoor expansion valve, 24…outdoor heat exchanger, 25…indoor expansion valve, 26…heat absorber, 27…accumulator, 28…air blower, 31a…pipe, 31b…pipe, 31c…pipe, 31d…pipe, 31e…pipe, 31f…pipe, 31g…pipe, 31h…pipe, 32…on / off valve, 33…check valve, 34…branch point, 35…on / off valve, 36…branch point, 37…branch point, 38…check valve, 39…branch point, 41…temperature control circuit, 42…main pump, 43…heater, 44…heating core, 45...battery, 46...motor, 47...heat exchanger, 47A...heat medium flow path for temperature adjustment, 47B...heat medium flow path for air conditioning, 48...radiator, 49...sub-pump, 51a...pipe, 51b...pipe, 51c...pipe, 51d...pipe, 51e...pipe, 51f...pipe, 51g...pipe, 51h...pipe, 51i...pipe, 51j...pipe , 52…three-way valve, 53…bifurcating point, 54…bifurcating point, 55…expansion valve, 56…bifurcating point, 57…bifurcating point, 61…three-way valve, 62…bifurcating point, 63…three-way valve, 64…bifurcating point, 65…three-way valve, 66…bifurcating point, 67…three-way valve, 68…three-way valve, 69…bifurcating point, 71…controller, 72…SOC acquisition unit, 73…temperature sensor.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, On vehicles equipped with batteries that power electric motors, including: A heating circuit for circulating a heating medium; as well as A refrigeration cycle that circulates heat medium for air conditioning in order to perform air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The vehicle air conditioning device is characterized in that: The heating circuit comprises: A heater for heating the heating medium; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with the air-conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle; and A radiator is arranged in parallel with the heat exchanger and performs heat exchange with the external air, The vehicle air conditioner includes a circuit switching control unit that switches the circuit according to the remaining capacity of the battery that is regeneratively charged while the vehicle is running. When the remaining capacity of the battery regenerated and charged during vehicle running is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the circuit switching control unit operates the heater to consume the power of the battery, and circulates the heated heating medium to either the heat exchanger or the radiator according to the operation of the refrigeration cycle circuit. When the refrigeration cycle circuit is used for heating, the circuit switching control unit circulates the heated heat medium for heating to the heat exchanger, and when the refrigeration cycle circuit is used for cooling, the circuit switching control unit circulates the heated heat medium for heating to the radiator.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein: When the operation of the refrigeration cycle is heating and the temperature of the heating medium after passing through the heat exchanger is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the circuit switching control unit circulates the heated heating medium to the radiator.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating circuit is a circuit that circulates the heating medium to assist heating of the refrigeration cycle circuit.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Including electrical equipment mounted on vehicles that requires heating, The heating circuit is a circuit that circulates the heating medium to heat the electric power equipment.

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