Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention uses existing components to store heat during charging to assist heating operation. A vehicle equipped with a battery (45) for supplying power to an electric motor (46) includes: a temperature control circuit (41) for circulating a temperature control heat medium for temperature control of the battery (45); and a refrigeration cycle circuit (12) for circulating an air conditioning heat medium for air conditioning in the vehicle cabin. The temperature control circuit (41) includes: a heater (43) for heating the temperature control heat medium; a heat exchanger (47) for exchanging heat with the air conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle circuit (12); a battery (45); an electric motor (46); and a pipe (51e) bypassing the battery (45). When the battery (45) is charged, the temperature regulating heat medium passes through the pipe (51e) and is heated by the heater (43) to store heat in the motor (46). When the battery (45) is not charged, heat is exchanged between the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the motor (46) and the air conditioning heat medium in response to a request for heating operation, thereby assisting the heating operation.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, in an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, heat is stored in a heat storage material by heating the interior of the vehicle when charging from an external power source, and the heat stored in the heat storage material is used for heating during driving.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-81427 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] Generally, a heat storage material is used to store heat during charging, but since new components need to be added, there is still room for improvement.

[0008] The present invention aims to assist heating operation by storing heat during charging using existing components.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] In a vehicle air conditioning device involved in one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle equipped with a battery for supplying power to an electric motor includes: a temperature control circuit that circulates a temperature control heat medium; and a refrigeration cycle circuit that circulates an air conditioning heat medium for air conditioning in order to perform air conditioning in a vehicle cabin, the temperature control circuit includes: a heater that heats the temperature control heat medium; a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with the air conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle circuit; an electric device that needs to be temperature controlled; an electric motor; and a bypass flow path that bypasses the electric device, and the temperature control circuit has a circuit switching control unit that switches the circuit based on the charge state of the battery, in which, when the battery is charged, the temperature control heat medium passes through the bypass flow path, and the temperature control heat medium heated by the heater is used to store heat in the electric motor, and when the battery is not charged, heat is exchanged between the temperature control heat medium heated by the electric motor and the air conditioning heat medium according to a request for heating operation to assist the heating operation.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when the battery is charged, the heater of the temperature control circuit is used to store heat in the motor, and the stored heat is used to assist the heating operation. Since the motor has a strong high temperature resistance and a large heat capacity, sufficient heat storage can be ensured. As a result, the heat storage during charging can be performed using existing components, and the heating operation can be assisted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 A vehicle air conditioning device is shown.

[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 is a flowchart showing an example of the heat storage control process.

[0020] Figure 8 is a graph used to set the threshold.

[0021] Fig. 9 : is a flowchart showing an example of the heating assist control process.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the heat storage operation.

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

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

[0025] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a battery cooling operation.

[0026] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the heating assist operation using the heater.

[0027] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing the cooling operation of the motor.

[0028] Fig.16 A diagram showing a modified example in which a battery and a motor are connected in parallel.

[0029] Fig.17 It is a block diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle air conditioning device.

[0030] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of performing heat storage in pre-air conditioning.

[0031] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of performing heat storage before pre-air conditioning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] 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 implementing 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 modified within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0033] Implementation Method 1

[0034] "structure"

[0035] Figure 1 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0036] 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 by the power charged in the battery 45. 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 each air conditioning operation of heating operation, dehumidification heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidification cooling operation by a heat pump using an air conditioning heat medium.

[0037] First, basic components of the refrigeration cycle 12 will be described.

[0038] 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 storage 27 .

[0039] The compressor 21 compresses the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium in the gas phase to increase its pressure to a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily liquefied, and is, for example, 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-supplied compressor 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 percent.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is arranged on the inner side of 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 there is not enough running wind, 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The storage 27 and the air-conditioning heat medium are separated into gas and liquid, and only the air-conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is supplied to the compressor 21 .

[0046] Next, the basic circuit structure of the refrigeration cycle 12 will be described.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 storage 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 storage 27 side, and blocks passage in the reverse direction.

[0049] There is a branch point 34 between the radiator 22 and the outdoor expansion valve 23 in the piping 31b, 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.

[0050] There is a branch point 36 between the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the on-off valve 32 in the pipe 31c, and there is a branch point 37 between the on-off valve 35 and the indoor expansion valve 25 in the pipe 31d. The branch point 36 is connected to the branch point 37 via the pipe 31e, and a check valve 38 is provided in the pipe 31e. The check valve 38 allows passage from the branch point 36 side to the branch point 37 side, and blocks passage in the opposite direction.

[0051] 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 .

[0052] Next, the basic structure of the HVAC unit 13 will be described.

[0053] 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 or 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 arranged. 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 on the downstream side of the heat absorber 26. The flow path 16 and the flow path 17 merge on the downstream side.

[0054] The air mixing damper 15 is rotatable 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.

[0055] Next, the additional structure will be described.

[0056] 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.

[0057] First, main components of the temperature control circuit 41 will be described.

[0058] The temperature regulating circuit 41 includes a main pump 42 , a heater 43 , a heater core 44 , a battery 45 , an electric motor 46 , a heat exchanger 47 , a radiator 48 , and a slave pump 49 .

[0059] 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.

[0060] The heater 43 is, for example, a water heater (ECH: Electric Coolant Heater) that heats the temperature adjustment heat medium.

[0061] The heater 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 adjustment heat medium (heating agent) passing through the tube. When the heated temperature adjustment heat medium is supplied, the heater core 44 heats the air around the radiating fins.

[0062] 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 flowing a heat medium for temperature regulation to a water jacket formed in the battery 45. The battery 45 is one of the electrical equipment that requires temperature regulation, but is not limited thereto. As an electrical equipment that requires temperature management, it can also be applied to a power supply system, a charger, an inverter, a high-voltage component, and the like.

[0063] The electric motor 46 is an electric motor for driving the vehicle. The temperature adjustment heat medium flows into a water jacket formed in the electric motor 46 to store heat in the electric motor 46 or to cool the electric motor 46.

[0064] 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 the air conditioning heat medium in a part of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 and the temperature adjustment heat medium in the temperature adjustment circuit 41 .

[0065] 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 inside and the outside air passing through the surroundings, so that the temperature regulating heat medium in the tube dissipates heat. The blower 28 is arranged on the upwind side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and even when the vehicle is stopped or running at a low speed, the blower 28 is driven to supply air to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the radiator 48.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Next, the circuit structure of the temperature adjustment circuit 41 will be described.

[0068] In the figure, the flow path of the temperature regulating heat medium is indicated by a dotted line. The outlet of the main pump 42 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 44 via the pipe 51a. The outlet of the heater core 44 is connected to the inlet of the main pump 42 via the pipe 51b. In the pipe 51a, the heater 43 and the three-way valve 61 are arranged in sequence from the main pump 42 side to the heater core 44 side. In the pipe 51b, the branch point 53 and the branch point 54 are arranged in sequence from the heater core 44 side to the main pump 42 side.

[0069] The inlet of the three-way valve 61 is communicated with the heater 43, one outlet is communicated with the inlet of the heater core 44, and the other outlet is communicated with 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 communicated with the branch point 54 via the pipe 51d. In the pipe 51c, from the three-way valve 61 side toward 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 provided in order. The three-way valve 67 is provided in the pipe 51d.

[0070] The inlet of the three-way valve 61 is connected to the three-way valve 61, one outlet is connected to the battery 45, and the other outlet is connected to the branch point 62 via the pipe 51e (bypass flow path). 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.

[0071] 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 provided in sequence from the three-way valve 65 side to the sub-pump 49 side. One inlet of the three-way valve 67 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.

[0072] Next, additional components of the refrigeration cycle 12 will be described.

[0073] The refrigeration cycle 12 includes an expansion valve 55 and a heat exchanger 47 .

[0074] 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.

[0075] Next, an additional circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Next, the basic operation of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.

[0078] The controller 71 is, for example, a microcomputer, and selectively performs each air-conditioning operation of 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 cabin. 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.

[0079] [Heating operation]

[0080] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the heating operation.

[0081] 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 heating operation, 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.

[0082] 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 storage 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, and condenses and liquefies and becomes low temperature by heat dissipation by the radiator 22. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 and becomes low pressure, and absorbs heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, thereby evaporating and vaporizing, and becomes high temperature.

[0083] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 17 via the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22. Thus, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and the hot air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0084] 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. Except that the air supply fan 14 is stopped and the flow path 16 is blocked by the air mixing damper 15 during the defrosting operation, it is the same as the heating operation. As a result, since the heat dissipation in the radiator 22 is suppressed, the heat medium for air conditioning is kept at a high temperature and is directly supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to melt the frost.

[0085] [Dehumidification and heating operation]

[0086] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and heating operation.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 storage 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 with 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 by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, and condenses and liquefies by heat dissipation by the radiator 22 and becomes low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 and becomes low pressure, 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 by the indoor expansion valve 25 to become a low pressure, and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 26 to evaporate and vaporize to become a high temperature.

[0089] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 17 at the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22. Thus, after the introduced air is dehumidified by the heat absorber 26, it is heated by the radiator 22, and the dehumidified hot air is supplied to the vehicle cabin.

[0090] [Dehumidification and cooling operation]

[0091] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification and cooling operation.

[0092] 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 dashed 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 in a state where the outdoor expansion valve 23 is in an open state, the switch valve 32 is closed, the switch valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed.

[0093] 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 storage 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 and becomes medium pressure, and condenses and liquefies at the outdoor heat exchanger 24 by dissipating heat and becomes low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 and becomes low pressure, and absorbs heat by the heat absorber 26 to evaporate and vaporize and become high temperature.

[0094] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 16 via the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is dehumidified and cooled by the radiator 26, and the cool air is supplied to the vehicle cabin.

[0095] [Cooling operation]

[0096] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing cooling operation.

[0097] 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 high-pressure air conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick solid line, the switch valve after opening is indicated by a blank, and the switch valve after closing is indicated by a black color. 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 switch valve 32 is closed, the switch valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed.

[0098] 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 storage 27. In this circulation path, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, and dissipates heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to condense and liquefy to become low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 and becomes low pressure, and absorbs heat by the heat absorber 26 to evaporate and vaporize to become high temperature.

[0099] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 16 via the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. Thus, the introduced air is cooled by the radiator 26, and cool air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0100] Next, main control processing of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0102] The vehicle air conditioning device 11 includes an information acquisition unit 72 , a connection detection unit 73 , and a boarding time estimation unit 74 .

[0103] The information acquisition unit 72 acquires ambient environmental information including at least one of the external temperature, sunlight and humidity. For example, the information is acquired from an external temperature sensor, sunlight sensor and humidity sensor mounted on the vehicle. Alternatively, the information is acquired through Internet communication. The acquired ambient environmental conditions are input to the controller 71.

[0104] The connection detection unit 73 detects whether the battery 45 is connected to an external power source via a charging cable. For example, the connection detection circuit provided on the charging port detects whether the battery 45 is connected to an external power source. A signal indicating whether the battery 45 is connected to an external power source is input to the controller 71.

[0105] The boarding time estimation unit 74 estimates the predicted boarding time based on, for example, the history of past boarding times. If the boarding time can be input by the passenger, the input boarding time is used. The predicted boarding time is input to the controller 71.

[0106] The controller 71 performs heat storage control processing and heating auxiliary control processing, and drives and controls the refrigeration cycle 12, the HVAC unit 13, and the temperature control loop 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 67, and the three-way valve 68 of the temperature control loop 41.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the heat storage control process.

[0108] The heat storage control process is executed as a timer interrupt process at every predetermined time period.

[0109] In step S101, it is determined whether the battery 45 is connected to an external power source. Here, when the battery 45 is not connected to an external power source, it is determined that it is not being charged, and the process directly returns to the specified main program. On the other hand, when the battery 45 is connected to an external power source, it is determined that it is being charged, and the process transfers to step S102.

[0110] In step S102, it is determined whether the outside air temperature Ta is less than a predetermined threshold value Tth. The threshold value Tth is the lower limit of the temperature at which heating operation is determined not to be required, for example, about 20°C. Here, when the outside air temperature Ta is above the threshold value Tth, it is determined that the possibility of requesting heating operation is low, and the program is directly restored to the predetermined main program. On the other hand, when the outside air temperature Ta is less than the threshold value Tth, it is determined that the possibility of requesting heating operation is high, and the program is transferred to step S103.

[0111] The threshold value Tth may be a fixed value, but is preferably variable according to the amount of sunlight or humidity. Specifically, the threshold value Tth is set according to the amount of sunlight or humidity with reference to the map.

[0112] Figure 8 is a map used to set the threshold.

[0113] (a) in the figure is a mapping for setting the threshold value Tth according to the amount of sunshine. Here, the threshold value Tth is set to be larger as the amount of sunshine is lower. Thus, it is easy to judge that even at the same outside air temperature, the lower the amount of sunshine, the higher the possibility of requesting heating operation. (b) in the figure is a mapping for setting the threshold value Tth according to humidity. Here, the threshold value Tth is set to be larger as the humidity is lower. Thus, it is easy to judge that even at the same outside air temperature, the lower the humidity, the higher the possibility of requesting heating operation.

[0114] In step S103, it is determined whether the predicted boarding time is within the prescribed time. The prescribed time is, for example, about 1 to 2 hours. It is preferred that the prescribed time be variable according to the outside temperature, so that the lower the outside temperature, the longer the prescribed time. Here, if the predicted boarding time exceeds the prescribed time, it is determined that it is too early to perform heat storage, and the process is directly restored to the prescribed main program. On the other hand, if the predicted boarding time is within the prescribed time, the process is transferred to step S104.

[0115] In step S104, the temperature regulating heat medium is passed through the pipe 51e, and the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater 43 is used to store heat in the motor 46, and the program returns to the specified main program. Specifically, the heater 43 is activated, 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 is circulated 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 branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, 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.

[0116] Fig. 9 : is a flowchart showing an example of the heating assist control process.

[0117] The heating assist control process is executed as a timer interrupt process at every predetermined time period.

[0118] In step S111, it is determined whether the charging of the battery 45 is completed. If the charging of the battery 45 is not completed, the process directly returns to the predetermined main routine. On the other hand, if the charging of the battery 45 is completed, the process moves to step S112.

[0119] In step S112, it is determined whether heating operation is requested. When heating operation is not requested, the process directly returns to the specified main program. On the other hand, when heating operation is requested, the process transfers to step S113. Here, in order to simplify the description, only whether heating operation is requested is determined. However, since heating operation and dehumidification heating operation are the same in heating the vehicle cabin, it also includes determining whether either heating operation or dehumidification heating operation is requested.

[0120] In step S113, the refrigeration cycle 12 performs heating operation, and heat exchange is performed between a part of the temperature adjustment heat medium heated by the motor 46 and the air conditioning heat medium, thereby assisting the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle 12, and returning to the prescribed 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 adjustment circuit 41, the heater 43 is stopped, the main pump 42 is driven, and the sub-pump 49 is stopped, so that the temperature adjustment heat medium circulates. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the heat medium for temperature regulation 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 branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, the branch point 66, the heat medium flow path 47A for temperature regulation of the heat exchanger 47, the three-way valve 67 and the branch point 54.

[0121] Next, the main operation of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.

[0122] [Heat storage operation]

[0123] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the heat storage operation.

[0124] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line. Here, the heat storage operation performed when the battery 45 is connected to the external power supply, the external air temperature Ta is less than the predetermined threshold value Tth, and the expected boarding time is within the prescribed time is described. The refrigeration cycle 12 is completely stopped. On the other hand, 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 piping 51e, the branch point 62, the three-way valve 63, the branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, 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. 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 motor 46. Then, the electric motor 46 having a large heat capacity is heated by the temperature adjustment heat medium to store heat.

[0125] [Heating assist operation using heat storage]

[0126] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the heating assist operation by heat storage.

[0127] 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 dotted line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0128] Here, the heating auxiliary operation mode performed by heat storage performed when the charging of the battery 45 is completed and the heating operation is requested 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 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 adjustment circuit 41, the heater 43 is stopped, the main pump 42 is driven, and the branch pump 49 is stopped, so that the temperature adjustment heat medium circulates. In addition, each three-way valve is controlled so that the temperature adjustment 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 branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, the branch point 66, the temperature adjustment heat medium flow path 47A of the heat exchanger 47, the three-way valve 67, and the branch point 54.

[0129] Thus, the air conditioning heat medium circulates sequentially through the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the on-off valve 32, the check valve 33, and the storage 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 by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, and condenses and liquefies by dissipating heat through the radiator 22 and becomes low temperature. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 and becomes low pressure, and evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and becomes high temperature. In addition, a part of the air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the expansion valve 55 and becomes low pressure, and evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat through the heat exchanger 47, and becomes high temperature.

[0130] Furthermore, the temperature adjustment 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 branch point 64, the motor 46, the three-way valve 65, the branch point 66, the temperature adjustment 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 adjustment heat medium absorbs heat at the motor 46 to become a high temperature, and dissipates heat at the heat exchanger 47 to become a low temperature.

[0131] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 17 via the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22. Thus, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and the hot air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0132] Next, other operations will be supplementally described.

[0133] [Battery heating operation]

[0134] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the battery heating operation.

[0135] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line. Here, the battery heating operation performed when the temperature of the battery 45 is lower than a predetermined threshold value is described. It is assumed that the refrigeration cycle 12 functions independently and its description is omitted. In the temperature regulating circuit 41, the heater 43 is activated, the main pump 42 is driven, and the sub-pump 49 is stopped to circulate the temperature regulating heat medium. 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.

[0136] [Battery cooling operation]

[0137] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing a battery cooling operation.

[0138] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line. Here, the battery cooling operation performed when the temperature of the battery 45 is higher than a predetermined threshold value is described. It is assumed that the refrigeration cycle 12 functions independently and its description is omitted. In the temperature regulating circuit 41, the heater 43 is stopped, the main pump 42 is driven, and the sub-pump 49 is stopped to circulate the temperature regulating heat medium. 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.

[0139] [Heating assist operation using heat storage]

[0140] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the heating assist operation performed by the heater.

[0141] 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 dotted line indicates the flow path through which the temperature control heat medium passes.

[0142] Here, the heating auxiliary operation of the heater 43 is described. When the heating operation is performed through 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 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 heater core 44, the branch point 53, and the branch point 54 in sequence.

[0143] 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 storage 27. In these circulation paths, the air conditioning heat medium in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 and becomes high pressure, and condenses and liquefies to become low temperature by dissipating heat through the radiator 22. The air conditioning heat medium in the liquid phase is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 and becomes low pressure, and evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and becomes high temperature.

[0144] Furthermore, the temperature regulating heat medium circulates sequentially through the main pump 42, the heater 43, the three-way valve 52, the heater 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 heater core 44 to become a low temperature.

[0145] On the other hand, the HVAC unit 13 drives the blower fan 14, closes the flow path 17 via the air mix damper 15, and adjusts the ratio of air passing through the radiator 22. Thus, the introduced air is heated at the radiator 22 and heated at the heater core 44, and the hot air is supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0146] [Motor cooling operation]

[0147] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing the cooling operation of the motor.

[0148] In the figure, the flow path through which the temperature regulating heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line. Here, the motor cooling operation performed when the temperature of the motor 46 is higher than a predetermined threshold value is described. It is assumed that the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 functions independently and 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.

[0149] As described above, the battery 45 corresponds to the "power device" and the "battery", the temperature control circuit 41 corresponds to the "temperature control circuit", the heater 43 corresponds to the "heater", and the motor 46 corresponds to the "motor". In addition, the refrigeration cycle 12 corresponds to the "refrigeration cycle", the heat exchanger 47 corresponds to the "heat exchanger", and the pipe 51e corresponds to the "bypass flow path". In addition, the processing of steps S101 to S104 and the processing of steps S111 to S113 correspond to the "circuit switching control unit".

[0150] 《Effects》

[0151] Next, main effects of one embodiment will be described.

[0152] Generally, a heat storage material is used to store heat during charging, but since new components are added, there is still room for improvement.

[0153] Therefore, in the temperature regulating circuit 41 for regulating the temperature of the battery 45, the motor 46 is provided in series with the heater 43, the piping 51e bypassing the battery 45 is provided, and the heat exchanger 47 for performing heat exchange between the air conditioning heat medium and the temperature regulating heat medium is provided. First, when the battery 45 is connected to an external power source (the determination of step S101 is "yes"), the piping 51e is passed through the temperature regulating heat medium, and the temperature regulating heat medium heated at the heater 43 is used to store heat in the motor 46 (step S104). If the battery 45 is connected to an external power source, it can also be in a state where charging is completed. This is because, if the battery 45 is connected to an external power source, the power consumption of the heater 43 can be provided by the power supply from the external power source. Then, when the charging of the battery 45 is completed (the judgment of step S111 is "yes") and the heating operation is requested (the judgment of step S112 is "yes"), heat exchange is performed between the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the motor 46 and a part of the air-conditioning heat medium, thereby assisting the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12.

[0154] In this way, when the battery 45 is connected to an external power source, the heater 43 is used to store heat in the motor 46, and the heat storage is used to assist the heating operation. The motor 46 has a strong high temperature resistance and a large heat capacity, so it can ensure sufficient heat storage. As a result, the heating operation can be assisted by the heat storage when the existing components are charged. Therefore, compared with the structure of the newly prepared heat storage material, the increase in size, weight and cost of the vehicle air conditioner 11 can be suppressed. In addition, in the normal heating operation, heat is absorbed at the outdoor heat exchanger 24, but the greater the amount of heat absorbed by the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the easier it is to frost. However, when the motor 46 is stored and used to assist the heating operation, the amount of heat absorbed by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, there is an effect of delaying the frost of the outdoor heat exchanger 24.

[0155] Furthermore, the battery 45 is connected in series with the motor 46. This enables a simple circuit configuration.

[0156] Furthermore, the ambient environment information including the outside air temperature Ta is acquired, and when the outside air temperature Ta is lower than the threshold value Tth (“Yes” in step S102 ), heat is stored in the electric motor 46 .

[0157] Thereby, the possibility of a heating operation being requested can be easily and accurately determined.

[0158] In addition, the possibility of requesting the heating operation can be easily and accurately determined by acquiring ambient environment information including at least one of the amount of sunlight and the humidity and making the threshold value Tth variable according to at least one of the amount of sunlight and the humidity.

[0159] Furthermore, when the predetermined time is within the expected boarding time, heat is stored in the motor 46. Thus, heat can be stored in the motor 46 immediately before boarding. Therefore, the stored heat can be effectively used to assist the heating operation.

[0160] In addition, the surrounding environment information is obtained through sensors installed in the vehicle or Internet communication. Thus, the surrounding environment information can be easily and reliably obtained.

[0161] In addition, even if the temperature of the battery 45 is too low, the performance will be hindered, and even if the temperature is too high, it will cause degradation, so the battery 45 needs to maintain an appropriate temperature, especially lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat. Therefore, the temperature of the battery 45 is regulated by the temperature regulation circuit 41. In this way, the performance of the battery 45 can be maintained in an appropriate state and degradation can be suppressed.

[0162] 《Variant 1》

[0163] In the present embodiment, the battery 45 and the motor 46 are connected in series, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery 45 and the motor 46 may be connected in parallel by providing the motor 46 in the pipe 51 e.

[0164] Fig.16 A diagram showing a modified example in which a battery and a motor are connected in parallel.

[0165] In the piping 51e, a branching point 64 and a motor 46 are provided in order from the three-way valve 61 side toward the branching point 62 side. The outlet of the branch pump 49 is connected to the branching point 64 via the piping 51h. In this case, the three-way valve 68, the piping 51g, and the branching point 66 can be omitted, so a simpler circuit structure can be achieved.

[0166] 《Variant 2》

[0167] In the present embodiment, heat is stored in the motor 46 within a predetermined time until the expected boarding time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a heating operation is scheduled as pre-air conditioning for air conditioning the cabin before boarding, heat may be stored in the motor 46 during the heating operation by the pre-air conditioning.

[0168] Fig.17 It is a block diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle air conditioning device.

[0169] Here, since the present invention is the same as the above-mentioned embodiment except that the pre-air conditioning reservation unit 75 is provided, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0170] The pre-air conditioning reservation unit 75 receives a pre-air conditioning reservation for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle before boarding. The pre-air conditioning reservation information is inputted via an air conditioning operation unit provided near the instrument panel or a user terminal such as a smartphone. The received reservation information is inputted into the controller 71.

[0171] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of performing heat storage in pre-air conditioning.

[0172] Here, instead of the above-mentioned step S103, the processing of new step S121 is executed.

[0173] In step S121, it is determined whether the heating operation by pre-air conditioning is being performed. Here, if the heating operation by pre-air conditioning is not being performed, the process directly returns to the prescribed main program. On the other hand, when the heating operation by pre-air conditioning is being performed, the process transfers to step S104 to store heat in the motor 46.

[0174] The process of step S121 is included in the "circuit switching control unit".

[0175] Thus, if heat is stored in the motor 46 during the heating operation by pre-air conditioning, heat can be stored in the motor 46 just before the passengers get on. Therefore, the stored heat can be effectively used to assist the heating operation.

[0176] 《Variant 3》

[0177] In the present embodiment, heat is stored in the motor 46 when the time until the expected boarding time is within a predetermined time, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a heating operation is scheduled as pre-air conditioning for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle before boarding, heat can be stored in the motor 46 when the time until the start of the heating operation by the pre-air conditioning is within a predetermined time. The block diagram of the vehicle air conditioning device 11 is the same as that of Modification 2.

[0178] Fig.19 This is a flowchart showing a modified example of performing heat storage before pre-air conditioning.

[0179] Here, instead of the above-mentioned step S103, the processing of new step S122 is executed.

[0180] In step S122, it is determined whether the time until the start of the heating operation by pre-air conditioning is within the prescribed time. The prescribed time is, for example, about 1 to 2 hours, and it is preferred that the prescribed time be variable according to the outside temperature, so that the lower the outside temperature, the longer the prescribed time. Here, when the time until the start of the heating operation by pre-air conditioning exceeds the prescribed time, it is determined that it is too early to perform heat storage, and the prescribed main program is directly restored. On the other hand, when the time until the start of the heating operation by pre-air conditioning is within the prescribed time, it is transferred to step S104.

[0181] The process of step S122 is included in the "circuit switching control unit".

[0182] Thus, if heat is stored in the motor 46 before pre-air conditioning is performed, heat can be stored in the motor 46 just before a passenger gets on. Therefore, the stored heat can be effectively used to assist the heating operation.

[0183] 《Other Variations》

[0184] In this embodiment, when the heating operation is requested, the heat storage of the motor 46 is used to assist the heating operation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the heating operation is the same as the dehumidification heating operation in that the interior of the vehicle is warmed, so when the dehumidification heating operation is requested, the heat storage of the motor 46 can be used to assist the dehumidification heating operation.

[0185] In the present embodiment, the heater 43 and the motor 46 are connected in series in the temperature adjustment circuit 41 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The heater 43 and the motor 46 may be connected in parallel in the temperature adjustment circuit 41 .

[0186] In this embodiment, the flow of the temperature regulating heat medium is switched by the 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 of the pipes, and when one is opened, the other is closed, and when one is closed, the other is opened, instead of providing the three-way valve.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] Description of symbols

[0190] 11…vehicle air conditioning device, 12…refrigeration cycle, 13…HVAC unit, 14…supply fan, 15…air mixing 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…storage, 28…supply fan, 31a…pipe, 31b…pipe, 31c…pipe, 31d…pipe, 31e…pipe, 31f…pipe, 31g…pipe, 31h…pipe, 32…open / close valve, 33…check valve, 34…fork point, 35…open / close valve, 36…fork point, 37…fork point, 38…check valve, 39…fork point, 41…temperature control circuit, 42…main pump, 43…heater, 44…heater 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...branch point, 5 4…branch point, 55…expansion valve, 56…branch point, 57…branch point, 61…three-way valve, 62…branch point, 63…three-way valve, 64…branch point, 65…three-way valve, 66…branch point, 67…three-way valve, 68…three-way valve, 69…branch point, 71…controller, 72…information acquisition unit, 73…connection detection unit, 74…boarding time estimation unit, 75…pre-air conditioning reservation unit.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, mounted on a vehicle with a battery for supplying power to an electric motor, comprising: A temperature regulating circuit for circulating a heat medium for temperature regulation; as well as The vehicle air conditioning device is characterized by a refrigeration cycle circuit that circulates a heat medium for air conditioning in order to perform air conditioning in a vehicle cabin. The temperature regulating circuit comprises: A heater, which heats the temperature regulating heat medium; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with the air-conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle; Electrical equipment that requires temperature regulation; the electric motor; and a bypass flow path, the bypass flow path bypassing the electric device, Furthermore, the temperature control circuit includes a circuit switching control unit that switches the circuit based on the charging state of the battery. In the loop switching control unit, When the battery is charged, the temperature regulating heat medium passes through the bypass flow path, and the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater is used to store heat in the electric motor. When the battery is not charged, heat is exchanged between the temperature adjustment heat medium heated by the motor and the air conditioning heat medium in response to a request for heating operation, thereby assisting the heating operation. In the temperature regulating circuit, the electric power device is connected in series with the electric motor.

2. A vehicle air conditioning device, mounted on a vehicle with a battery for supplying power to an electric motor, comprising: A temperature regulating circuit for circulating a heat medium for temperature regulation; as well as The vehicle air conditioning device is characterized by a refrigeration cycle circuit that circulates a heat medium for air conditioning in order to perform air conditioning in a vehicle cabin. The temperature regulating circuit comprises: A heater, which heats the temperature regulating heat medium; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange with the air-conditioning heat medium of the refrigeration cycle; Electrical equipment that requires temperature regulation; the electric motor; and a bypass flow path, the bypass flow path bypassing the electric device, Furthermore, the temperature control circuit includes a circuit switching control unit that switches the circuit based on the charging state of the battery. In the loop switching control unit, When the battery is charged, the temperature regulating heat medium passes through the bypass flow path, and the temperature regulating heat medium heated by the heater is used to store heat in the electric motor. When the battery is not charged, heat is exchanged between the temperature adjustment heat medium heated by the motor and the air conditioning heat medium in response to a request for heating operation, thereby assisting the heating operation. In the temperature adjustment circuit, the electric motor is disposed on the bypass flow path, and the electric power device is connected in parallel with the electric motor.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The device comprises an information acquisition unit, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires surrounding environment information including an external temperature, The circuit switching control unit stores heat in the electric motor when the outside air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires surrounding environment information via a sensor mounted on the vehicle or Internet communication.

5. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires ambient environment information including at least one of sunlight amount and humidity. The threshold value may be variable according to at least one of the amount of sunlight and the humidity acquired by the information acquisition unit.

6. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 5, wherein: The information acquisition unit acquires surrounding environment information via a sensor mounted on the vehicle or Internet communication.

7. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The circuit switching control unit stores heat in the electric motor when the time until the expected boarding time is within a predetermined time.

8. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the heating operation is scheduled as pre-air conditioning for air-conditioning the interior of the vehicle before boarding, the circuit switching control unit stores heat in the electric motor when the heating operation is performed by the pre-air conditioning.

9. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The circuit switching control unit stores heat in the electric motor when the time until the start of the heating operation by the pre-air conditioning is within a predetermined time when the heating operation is scheduled as pre-air conditioning for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle before boarding.

10. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electric power device is the battery.

11. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 10, wherein: The battery is a lithium-ion battery.

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