Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

Comprising: a heat dissipation section (12) that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (11); a pressure reduction section (16) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has been dissipated heat by the heat dissipation section; an evaporation section (17) that cools the heat medium by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the pressure reduction section and the heat medium; an outside air heat absorption section (45) that absorbs heat from the outside air by the heat medium that has been cooled by the evaporation section; a heat source (25, 82) that heats the heat medium by dissipating heat to the heat medium; a first circulation circuit (20, 80) that circulates the heat medium to the heat source; a second circulation circuit (30) that circulates the heat medium between the evaporation section and the outside air heat absorption section; and a flow path switching section (26, 60, 83) that determines whether defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required, and in the case where it is determined that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is not required, circulates the heat medium in the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit respectively, and in the case where it is determined that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required, switches the flow path of the heat medium so that the heat medium in the first circulation circuit circulates to the outside air heat absorption section.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-158031 filed on September 22, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle device that absorbs heat from outside air. Background art

[0004] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 describes a heat pump system including an LT radiator as an outside air heat absorber. In the LT radiator, cooling water cooled by a refrigerant in a chiller absorbs heat from outside air. The temperature of the cooling water when it is cooled in the chiller may be below 0°C. If the temperature of the cooling water is below 0°C, moisture in the outside air freezes and frost adheres to the surface of the LT radiator (so-called frosting).

[0005] In this conventional technology, the cooling water heated by a water-cooled condenser is supplied to the LT radiator, so that the frost adhering to the surface of the LT radiator melts and is removed (so-called defrosting).

[0006] Prior art documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6399060

[0009] In the above prior art, as a heat pump system (in other words, a refrigeration cycle device that absorbs heat from outside air), there is no mention of the view of when and how to perform defrosting most efficiently. Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to perform defrosting as efficiently as possible in a refrigeration cycle device that absorbs heat from outside air.

[0011] The refrigeration cycle device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a compressor, a heat dissipation unit, a decompression unit, an evaporation unit, an outside air heat absorption unit, a heat source, a first circulation circuit, a second circulation circuit, and a flow path switching unit.

[0012] The compressor sucks in and compresses and discharges a refrigerant. The heat dissipation unit dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The decompression unit decompresses the refrigerant that has been dissipated heat by the heat dissipation unit. The evaporation unit causes the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit to exchange heat with a heat medium to evaporate the refrigerant and cools the heat medium.

[0013] The outside-air heat absorption section causes the heat medium cooled by the evaporation section to absorb heat from the outside air. The heat source dissipates heat to the heat medium to heat the heat medium. The first circulation circuit circulates the heat medium to the heat source, and the second circulation circuit circulates the heat medium between the evaporation section and the outside-air heat absorption section.

[0014] The flow path switching section determines whether defrosting of the outside-air heat absorption section is required. When it is determined that defrosting of the outside-air heat absorption section is not required, the heat medium is circulated separately in the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit. When it is determined that defrosting of the outside-air heat absorption section is required, the flow path of the heat medium is switched so that the heat medium in the first circulation circuit circulates to the outside-air heat absorption section.

[0015] Thereby, defrosting can be reliably performed when defrosting of the outside-air heat absorption section is required, and thus defrosting can be performed efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is an overall structural diagram of the refrigeration cycle device in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical control section of the refrigeration cycle device in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 is an overall structural diagram showing the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device in the waste heat defrosting mode in the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 is an overall structural diagram showing the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device in the heating heat defrosting mode in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control process of the control program in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a determination diagram for determining frosting of the common radiator in the control process of the control program in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a timing chart showing an operating example of the refrigeration cycle device in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 is a timing chart showing another operating example of the refrigeration cycle device in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 is an overall structural diagram of the refrigeration cycle device in the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an overall structural diagram showing the operating state in the heating defrosting mode of the refrigeration cycle device in the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing the control process of the control program in the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a timing chart showing an operating example of the refrigeration cycle device in the third embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] Hereinafter, a plurality of manners for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to those described in the previous embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the structure is described in each embodiment, for other parts of the structure, other previously described embodiments can be applied. Not only the combinations of the parts that can be combined specifically shown in each embodiment, but also the embodiments can be partially combined with each other even if not explicitly shown as long as the combination does not cause any particular hindrance.

[0030] (First embodiment)

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described based on the drawings. Figure 1 The vehicle air conditioner 1 shown is an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the space inside the vehicle (in other words, the air conditioning target space) to an appropriate temperature. The vehicle air conditioner 1 has a refrigeration cycle device 10.

[0032] The refrigeration cycle device 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle or the like. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that obtains the driving force for vehicle travel from a driving electric motor. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that obtains the driving force for vehicle travel from an engine (in other words, an internal combustion engine) and a driving electric motor.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle device 10 is a vapor compression refrigerating machine including a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a first expansion valve 13, an air side evaporator 14, a constant pressure valve 15, a second expansion valve 16, and a cooling water side evaporator 17. In the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the present embodiment, a fluorocarbon refrigerant is used as the refrigerant, and a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant is constituted.

[0034] The second expansion valve 16 and the cooling water side evaporator 17 are arranged in parallel with respect to the first expansion valve 13, the air side evaporator 14, and the constant pressure valve 15 in the refrigerant flow.

[0035] In the refrigeration cycle device 10, a first refrigerant circuit and a second refrigerant circuit are formed. In the first refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the first expansion valve 13, the air-side evaporator 14, the constant pressure valve 15, and the compressor 11. In the second refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the second expansion valve 16, and the cooling water-side evaporator 17.

[0036] The compressor 11 is an electric compressor driven by electric power supplied from a battery, sucks in and compresses the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device 10, and then discharges it. The motor of the compressor 11 is controlled by the Figure 2 control device 60 shown. The compressor 11 may also be a variable capacity compressor driven by a belt.

[0037] The condenser 12 is a high-pressure side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the high-pressure side refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The condenser 12 is a heat dissipation part that dissipates heat from the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the cooling water, thereby heating the cooling water.

[0038] In the case of an electric vehicle, the compressor 11 and the condenser 12 are arranged in the motor room of the vehicle. The motor room is a space for housing the driving motor. In the case of a hybrid vehicle, the compressor 11 and the condenser 12 are arranged in the engine room of the vehicle. The engine room is a space for housing the engine.

[0039] The condenser 12 has a condensing part 12a, a receiver 12b, and a subcooling part 12c. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant flows in the order of the condensing part 12a, the receiver 12b, and the subcooling part 12c.

[0040] The condensing part 12a condenses the high-pressure side refrigerant by exchanging heat between the high-pressure side refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0041] The receiver 12b is a gas-liquid separation part as follows: after separating the gas and liquid of the high-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12, it allows the separated liquid-phase refrigerant to flow out to the downstream side and stores the remaining refrigerant in the cycle.

[0042] The subcooling part 12c subcools the liquid-phase refrigerant by exchanging heat between the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 12b and the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0043] The cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a fluid serving as a heat medium. The cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a high-temperature heat medium. In the present embodiment, as the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, a liquid or antifreeze liquid containing at least ethylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or nanofluid is used. The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a first circulation circuit in which the cooling water circulates. The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a high-temperature heat medium circuit in which the high-temperature heat medium circulates.

[0044] The first expansion valve 13 is a first pressure reduction unit that decompresses and expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out from the subcooling unit 12c. The first expansion valve 13 is an electric expansion valve. The electric expansion valve is an electric variable throttling mechanism including a valve element and an electric actuator, where the valve element is configured to be able to change the throttling opening degree, and the electric actuator changes the opening degree of the valve element.

[0045] The first expansion valve 13 is a refrigerant flow switching unit that switches between a state where the refrigerant flows to the air-side evaporator 14 and a state where it does not flow to the air-side evaporator 14. The first expansion valve 13 controls its operation according to the control signal output from the control device 60.

[0046] The first expansion valve 13 may also be a mechanical temperature expansion valve. In the case where the first expansion valve 13 is a mechanical temperature expansion valve, an opening / closing valve that opens and closes the refrigerant flow path on the first expansion valve 13 side needs to be provided separately from the first expansion valve 13.

[0047] The air-side evaporator 14 is an evaporator that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out from the first expansion valve 13 and the air blown into the vehicle interior to evaporate the refrigerant. In the air-side evaporator 14, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior. The air-side evaporator 14 is an air cooler that cools the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0048] The constant pressure valve 15 is a pressure adjustment unit that maintains the pressure of the refrigerant on the outlet side of the air-side evaporator 14 at a specified value. The constant pressure valve 15 is composed of a mechanical variable throttling mechanism. Specifically, when the pressure of the refrigerant on the outlet side of the air-side evaporator 14 is lower than the specified value, the constant pressure valve 15 reduces the passage area (i.e., the throttling opening degree) of the refrigerant passage, and when the pressure of the refrigerant on the outlet side of the air-side evaporator 14 exceeds the specified value, the constant pressure valve 15 increases the passage area (i.e., the throttling opening degree) of the refrigerant passage. The gaseous refrigerant whose pressure is adjusted by the constant pressure valve 15 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed.

[0049] When the variation in the circulating refrigerant flow rate during circulation is small, etc., a fixed throttling component composed of a throttle hole, a capillary tube, etc. may be used instead of the constant pressure valve 15.

[0050] The second expansion valve 16 is a second pressure reducing section that decompresses and expands the liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 12. The second expansion valve 16 is an electric expansion valve. An electric expansion valve is an electric variable throttling mechanism composed of a valve core and an electric actuator. The valve core is configured to be able to change the throttling opening degree, and the electric actuator changes the opening degree of the valve core. The second expansion valve 16 can fully close the refrigerant flow path.

[0051] The second expansion valve 16 is a refrigerant flow switching section that switches between a state where the refrigerant flows to the cooling water side evaporator 17 and a state where it does not flow to the cooling water side evaporator 17. The second expansion valve 16 controls its operation according to a control signal output from the control device 60.

[0052] The second expansion valve 16 can also be a mechanical temperature expansion valve. In the case where the second expansion valve 16 is a mechanical temperature expansion valve, an opening and closing valve for opening and closing the refrigerant flow path on the second expansion valve 16 side needs to be provided separately from the second expansion valve 16.

[0053] The cooling water side evaporator 17 is an evaporation section that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out from the second expansion valve 16 and the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 to evaporate the refrigerant. In the cooling water side evaporator 17, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. The cooling water side evaporator 17 is a heat medium cooler that cools the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. The gaseous refrigerant evaporated in the cooling water side evaporator 17 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed.

[0054] The cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is a fluid as a heat medium. The cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is a low-temperature heat medium. In the present embodiment, as the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, a liquid or antifreeze liquid containing at least ethylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or nanofluid is used. The low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is a low-temperature heat medium circuit for circulating the low-temperature heat medium. The low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is a second circulation circuit for circulating the cooling water.

[0055] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, a condenser 12, a high-temperature side pump 21, a heater core 22, a common radiator 45, a water storage tank 24, and an electric heater (HT) 25 are arranged.

[0056] The high-temperature side pump 21 is a heat medium pump that sucks and discharges the cooling water. The high-temperature side pump 21 is an electric pump. The high-temperature side pump 21 is an electric pump with a constant discharge flow rate, but the high-temperature side pump 21 can also be an electric pump with a variable discharge flow rate.

[0057] The heater core 22 is an air heating unit that heats the air blown into the vehicle interior by exchanging heat between the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the air blown into the vehicle interior. In the heater core 22, the cooling water dissipates heat to the air blown into the vehicle interior. The heater core 22 is a heat utilization unit that utilizes the heat of the cooling water heated by the condenser 12. The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a heating circuit that circulates the cooling water to the heater core 22.

[0058] The common radiator 45 is a radiator that exchanges heat between the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the outside air, and dissipates heat from the cooling water to the outside air. The common radiator 45 is a radiator shared by the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30.

[0059] The condenser 12 and the high-temperature side pump 21 are arranged in the condenser flow path 20a. The condenser flow path 20a is a flow path through which the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows.

[0060] The flow direction of the cooling water in the condenser 12 is opposite to the flow direction of the refrigerant in the condenser 12. That is, in the condenser 12, the cooling water flows in the order of the subcooling section 12c and the condensation section 12a.

[0061] The heater core 22 is arranged in the heater core flow path 20b. The heater core flow path 20b is a flow path through which the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows.

[0062] The common radiator 45 is arranged in the radiator flow path 20c. The radiator flow path 20c is a flow path through which the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows in parallel with the heater core 22.

[0063] A first three-way valve 26 is arranged at the branch portion 20d of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The branch portion 20d is a branch portion that branches from the condenser flow path 20a into the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c.

[0064] The first three-way valve 26 is a flow path switching unit that switches the flow path of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The first three-way valve 26 opens and closes the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c. The first three-way valve 26 adjusts the opening degree of the heater core flow path 20b and the opening degree of the radiator flow path 20c. The first three-way valve 26 adjusts the opening degree ratio between the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c. The first three-way valve 26 adjusts the flow rate ratio of the cooling water flowing in the heater core 22 and the cooling water flowing in the common radiator 45.

[0065] A water storage tank 24 is arranged at the confluence portion 20e of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The confluence portion 20e is a confluence portion where the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c merge into the condenser flow path 20a.

[0066] The water storage tank 24 is a storage unit for storing the surplus cooling water. By storing the surplus cooling water in the water storage tank 24, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of the cooling water circulating in each flow path.

[0067] The water storage tank 24 is a closed water storage tank or an atmosphere-open water storage tank. The closed water storage tank is a water storage tank that makes the pressure of the liquid level of the stored cooling water a specified pressure. The atmosphere-open water storage tank is a water storage tank that makes the pressure of the liquid level of the stored cooling water the atmospheric pressure.

[0068] The water storage tank 24 has a gas-liquid separation function of separating the bubbles mixed in the cooling water from the cooling water.

[0069] The electric heater 25 is disposed on the downstream side of the branch portion 20d of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and on the upstream side of the heater core 22. The electric heater 25 is a heat source device that generates Joule heat by supplying electric power from the battery to heat the cooling water. The electric heater 25 is a second heat source. The electric heater 25 auxiliary heats the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The electric heater 25 is controlled by the control device 60.

[0070] In the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, a low-temperature side pump 31, a cooling water side evaporator 17, and a common radiator 45 are disposed.

[0071] The low-temperature side pump 31 is a heat medium pump that sucks in and discharges the cooling water. The low-temperature side pump 31 is an electric pump. The common radiator 45 is an outside air heat absorption unit that exchanges heat between the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and the outside air and makes the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 absorb heat from the outside air.

[0072] A part of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 merges with the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The common radiator 45 is disposed at the portion where the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 merges with the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Therefore, both the cooling water of the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 can flow through the common radiator 45.

[0073] The common radiator 45 and the outside air blower 40 are disposed at the foremost part of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the running wind can be blown onto the common radiator 45.

[0074] The outside air blower 40 is an outside air blowing unit that blows the outside air toward the common radiator 45. The outside air blower 40 is an electric blower that drives a fan using an electric motor. The operation of the outside air blower 40 is controlled by the control device 60.

[0075] The common radiator 45 and the outside air blower 40 are disposed at the foremost part of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the running wind can be blown onto the common radiator 45.

[0076] The air-side evaporator 14 and the heater core 22 are housed in an air-conditioning case 51 of an in-vehicle air conditioner unit 50. The in-vehicle air conditioner unit 50 is disposed inside an instrument panel (not shown) at the front part of the vehicle interior. The air-conditioning case 51 is an air passage forming member that forms an air passage.

[0077] The heater core 22 is disposed on the air flow downstream side of the air-side evaporator 14 in the air passage within the air-conditioning case 51. An inside / outside air switching box 52 and an in-vehicle blower 53 are disposed in the air-conditioning case 51.

[0078] The inside / outside air switching box 52 is an inside / outside air switching section that switches and introduces inside air and outside air into the air passage within the air-conditioning case 51. The in-vehicle blower 53 sucks and blows the inside air and outside air introduced into the air passage within the air-conditioning case 51 through the inside / outside air switching box 52. The operation of the in-vehicle blower 53 is controlled by a control device 60.

[0079] An air mixing door 54 is disposed between the air-side evaporator 14 and the heater core 22 in the air passage within the air-conditioning case 51. The air mixing door 54 adjusts the air volume ratio of the cold air flowing into the heater core 22 among the cold air passing through the air-side evaporator 14 and the cold air flowing in a cold air bypass passage 55.

[0080] The cold air bypass passage 55 is an air passage for the cold air passing through the air-side evaporator 14 to bypass the heater core 22 and flow.

[0081] The air mixing door 54 is a rotary door that has a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the air-conditioning case 51 and a door substrate portion coupled to the rotary shaft. By adjusting the opening position of the air mixing door 54, the temperature of the air conditioner air blown out from the air-conditioning case 51 into the vehicle interior can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0082] The rotary shaft of the air mixing door 54 is driven by a servo motor 56. The operation of the servo motor 56 for the air mixing door is controlled by the control device 60.

[0083] The air mixing door 54 may also be a sliding door that slides in a direction substantially orthogonal to the air flow. The sliding door may be a plate-shaped door formed of a rigid body or a film door formed of a flexible film material.

[0084] The air conditioner air whose temperature is adjusted by the air mixing door 54 is blown out from an air outlet 57 formed in the air-conditioning case 51 into the vehicle interior.

[0085] A heat storage pump 81, a waste heat device (INV) 82, a common radiator 45, and a second three-way valve 83 are disposed in a heat storage circuit 80.

[0086] The cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 is a fluid serving as a heat medium. The cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 is a high-temperature heat medium. In the present embodiment, as the cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80, a liquid containing at least ethylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or nanofluid, or an antifreeze liquid is used. The heat storage circuit 80 is a high-temperature heat medium circuit for circulating a high-temperature heat medium.

[0087] The heat storage pump 81 is a heat medium pump that sucks in and discharges the cooling water. The heat storage pump 81 is an electric pump.

[0088] The waste heat device 82 is a heat source device that generates waste heat during operation. The waste heat device 82 is the first heat source. For example, the waste heat device 82 is an inverter. The waste heat device 82 may also be an electric generator, a charger, or the like. The heat storage pump 81 and the waste heat device 82 are arranged in the waste heat device flow path 80a.

[0089] The common radiator 45 is arranged in the defrosting flow path 80b. The defrosting flow path 80b is a flow path through which the cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 flows. The circulation flow path 80c is a flow path through which the cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 flows in parallel with the defrosting flow path 80b.

[0090] A part of the defrosting flow path 80b merges with the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. The common radiator 45 is arranged in the part of the defrosting flow path 80b where it merges with the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. Therefore, the cooling water of the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, and the cooling water of the defrosting flow path 80b of the heat storage circuit 80 can flow through the common radiator 45.

[0091] A second three-way valve 83 is arranged at the branch portion 80d of the heat storage circuit 80. The branch portion 80d is a branch portion where the waste heat device flow path 80a branches into the defrosting flow path 80b and the circulation flow path 80c. The defrosting flow path 80b and the circulation flow path 80c merge with the waste heat device flow path 80a at the merging portion 80e.

[0092] The second three-way valve 83 is a flow path switching portion that switches the flow path of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80. The second three-way valve 83 opens and closes the defrosting flow path 80b and the circulation flow path 80c. The second three-way valve 83 adjusts the opening degree of the defrosting flow path 80b and the opening degree of the circulation flow path 80c. The second three-way valve 83 adjusts the opening degree ratio between the defrosting flow path 80b and the circulation flow path 80c. The second three-way valve 83 adjusts the flow rate ratio of the cooling water flowing in the defrosting flow path 80b to the cooling water flowing in the circulation flow path 80c.

[0093] Figure 2The control device 60 shown is composed of a well-known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and its peripheral circuits. The control device 60 performs various operations and processes based on a control program stored in the ROM. Various controlled devices are connected to the output side of the control device 60. The control device 60 is a control unit that controls the operations of various controlled devices.

[0094] The controlled devices controlled by the control device 60 are the compressor 11, the first expansion valve 13, the second expansion valve 16, the first three-way valve 26, the outdoor blower 40, the indoor blower 53, the servo motor 56 for the air mix door, and the second three-way valve 83, etc.

[0095] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the motor of the compressor 11 are the refrigerant discharge capacity control unit. The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the first expansion valve 13 and the second expansion valve 16 are the throttling control unit.

[0096] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the first three-way valve 26 and the second three-way valve 83 are the three-way valve control unit. The control device 60, the first three-way valve 26, and the second three-way valve 83 are the flow path switching unit that switches the flow path of the cooling water.

[0097] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the outdoor blower 40 are the outside air supply capacity control unit.

[0098] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the indoor blower 53 are the air supply capacity control unit.

[0099] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that control the servo motor 56 for the air mix door are the air volume ratio control unit.

[0100] Various control sensor groups are connected to the input side of the control device 60. The various control sensor groups are the inside air temperature sensor 61, the outside air temperature sensor 62, the solar radiation amount sensor 63, the high-temperature cooling water temperature sensor 64, the radiator temperature sensor 65, the heat storage cooling water temperature sensor 66, etc.

[0101] The inside air temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature Tr inside the vehicle cabin. The outside air temperature sensor 62 detects the outside air temperature Tam. The solar radiation amount sensor 63 detects the solar radiation amount Ts inside the vehicle cabin.

[0102] The high-temperature cooling water temperature sensor 64 detects the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. For example, the high-temperature cooling water temperature sensor 64 detects the temperature of the cooling water flowing out of the electric heater 25.

[0103] The radiator temperature sensor 65 detects the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45. The heat storage cooling water temperature sensor 66 detects the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80. For example, the heat storage cooling water temperature sensor 66 detects the temperature of the cooling water flowing out of the waste heat device 82.

[0104] Various operation switches (not shown) are connected to the input side of the control device 60. The various operation switches are provided on the operation panel 70 and are operated by the occupant. The operation panel 70 is arranged near the instrument panel at the front of the vehicle interior. An operation signal from the various operation switches is input to the control device 60.

[0105] The various operation switches are an automatic switch, an air conditioner switch, a temperature setting switch, etc. The automatic switch is a switch for setting and canceling the automatic control operation of the vehicle air conditioner device 1. The air conditioner switch is a switch for setting whether to cool the air by the interior air conditioner unit 50. The temperature setting switch is a switch for setting the set temperature in the vehicle interior.

[0106] Next, the operation in the above structure will be described. Hereinafter, the operation when the automatic switch on the operation panel 70 is turned on by the occupant in the control device 60 will be described. When the air conditioner switch on the operation panel 70 is turned on by the occupant, the operation mode is switched based on the target blow-out temperature TAO, etc. and Figure 3 the control map shown. As the operation mode, there are at least a cooling mode and a dehumidifying and heating mode.

[0107] The target blow-out temperature TAO is the target temperature of the blow-out air blown into the vehicle interior. The control device 60 calculates the target blow-out temperature TAO based on the following mathematical formula.

[0108] TAO = Kset × Tset - Kr × Tr - Kam × Tam - Ks × Ts + C

[0109] In this mathematical formula, Tset is the set temperature in the vehicle interior set by the temperature setting switch on the operation panel 70, Tr is the inside air temperature detected by the inside air temperature sensor 61, Tam is the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 62, and Ts is the sunlight amount detected by the sunlight amount sensor 63. Kset, Kr, Kam, and Ks are control gains, and C is a constant for correction.

[0110] In the low temperature region of the target blow-out temperature TAO, the mode is switched to the cooling mode. In the high temperature region of the target blow-out temperature TAO, the mode is switched to the dehumidifying and heating mode.

[0111] In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14, and the air cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14 is heated by the heater core 22, thereby dehumidifying and heating the vehicle interior.

[0112] The control device 60 switches to the heating mode when the air-conditioning switch on the operation panel 70 is turned off by the occupant and the target blow-out temperature TAO is in the high-temperature region.

[0113] In the heating mode, the air blown into the vehicle interior is heated by the heater core 22 without being cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0114] Next, the operations in the refrigeration mode, the dehumidifying and heating mode, and the heating mode will be described. In the refrigeration mode, the dehumidifying and heating mode, and the heating mode, the control device 60 determines the operating states of various control devices connected to the control device 60 (in other words, the control signals output to various control devices) based on the target blow-out temperature TAO, the detection signals of the above sensor group, etc.

[0115] (1) Refrigeration mode

[0116] In the refrigeration mode, the control device 60 operates the compressor 11, the high-temperature side pump 21, and the heat storage pump 81, and stops the low-temperature side pump 31. In the refrigeration mode, the control device 60 opens the first expansion valve 13 with a throttling opening degree and closes the second expansion valve 16. In the refrigeration mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that both the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c are opened, and controls the second three-way valve 83 to close the defrosting flow path 80b and open the circulation flow path 80c.

[0117] Thus, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant flows in the following manner. That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. The refrigerant flowing into the condenser 12 dissipates heat to the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Thus, the refrigerant is cooled and condensed in the condenser 12.

[0118] The refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13 and is decompressed and expanded in the first expansion valve 13 to become a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the first expansion valve 13 flows into the air-side evaporator 14 and absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0119] Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the air-side evaporator 14 flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0120] In this way, in the refrigeration mode, the low-pressure refrigerant can absorb heat from the air by means of the air-side evaporator 14, and the cooled air is blown into the vehicle interior. Thereby, refrigeration in the vehicle interior can be achieved.

[0121] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 in the refrigeration mode, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the common radiator 45 and the common radiator 45 is used to dissipate heat from the cooling water to the outside air.

[0122] At this time, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the heater core 22, but the amount of heat dissipated from the cooling water to the air in the heater core 22 is adjusted by the air mix door 54.

[0123] The control signal output to the servo motor of the air mix door 54 is determined to be the target blow-out temperature TAO of the air conditioner air after temperature adjustment by the air mix door 54. Specifically, the opening degree of the air mix door 54 is determined based on the target blow-out temperature TAO, the temperature of the air-side evaporator 14, and the temperature TW of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, etc.

[0124] In the heat storage circuit 80 in the refrigeration mode, the cooling water circulates in the waste heat device 82 and stores the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 in the cooling water.

[0125] (2) Dehumidifying and heating mode

[0126] In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the control device 60 operates the compressor 11, the high-temperature side pump 21, the low-temperature side pump 31, and the heat storage pump 81. In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the control device 60 opens the first expansion valve 13 and the second expansion valve 16 with a throttling opening degree. In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that the heater core flow path 20b is opened and the radiator flow path 20c is closed, and controls the second three-way valve 83 to close the defrosting flow path 80b and open the circulation flow path 80c.

[0127] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the dehumidifying and heating mode, the refrigerant flows in the following manner. That is, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12 and exchanges heat with the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to dissipate heat. Thereby, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is heated.

[0128] The refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13 and is decompressed and expanded in the first expansion valve 13 to become a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the first expansion valve 13 flows into the air-side evaporator 14 and absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thereby, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified.

[0129] Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the air-side evaporator 14 flows toward the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0130] Meanwhile, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 flows into the second expansion valve 16 and is decompressed and expanded in the second expansion valve 16 to become a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the second expansion valve 16 flows into the cooling water-side evaporator 17, absorbs heat from the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, and evaporates. Thus, the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is cooled.

[0131] Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the cooling water-side evaporator 17 flows toward the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0132] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 in the dehumidifying and heating mode, the cooling water circulates between the condenser 12 and the heater core 22, but the cooling water does not circulate to the common radiator 45.

[0133] The control signal output to the servo motor of the air mix door 54 is determined such that the air mix door 54 fully opens the air passage of the heater core 22, and all the flow rate of the supply air after passing through the air-side evaporator 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0134] Thus, in the heater core 22, heat is dissipated from the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the air blown into the vehicle interior. Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14 is heated in the heater core 22 and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0135] At this time, since the first three-way valve 26 closes the radiator flow path 20c, the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 does not circulate to the common radiator 45. Therefore, no heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the common radiator 45.

[0136] In the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 in the dehumidifying and heating mode, the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 circulates in the common radiator 45 and uses the common radiator 45 to absorb heat from the outside air into the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30.

[0137] In this way, in the dehumidifying and heating mode, it is possible to use the condenser 12 to dissipate the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, and use the heater core 22 to dissipate the heat of the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the air, and blow the air heated by the heater core 22 into the vehicle interior.

[0138] In the heater core 22, the air cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14 is heated. Thus, dehumidifying and heating in the vehicle interior can be achieved.

[0139] In the heat storage circuit 80 in the dehumidifying and heating mode, the cooling water circulates in the waste heat device 82 to store the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 in the cooling water.

[0140] (3) Heating mode

[0141] In the heating mode, the control device 60 operates the compressor 11, the high-temperature side pump 21, the low-temperature side pump 31, and the heat storage pump 81. In the heating mode, the control device 60 closes the first expansion valve 13 and opens the second expansion valve 16 with a throttling opening degree. In the heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that the heater core flow path 20b is opened and the radiator flow path 20c is closed, and controls the second three-way valve 83 to close the defrosting flow path 80b and open the circulation flow path 80c.

[0142] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the heating mode, the refrigerant flows in the following manner. That is, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 flows into the second expansion valve 16 and is decompressed and expanded in the second expansion valve 16 to become a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the second expansion valve 16 flows into the cooling water side evaporator 17 and absorbs heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 to evaporate. Thus, the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is cooled.

[0143] At this time, since the first expansion valve 13 is closed, the refrigerant does not flow to the air side evaporator 14. Therefore, the air in the air side evaporator 14 is not cooled and dehumidified.

[0144] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 in the heating mode, the cooling water circulates between the condenser 12 and the heater core 22, but the cooling water does not circulate to the common radiator 45.

[0145] The control signal output to the servo motor of the air mix door 54 is determined such that the air mix door 54 fully opens the air passage of the heater core 22, and all the flow rate of the supply air after passing through the air side evaporator 14 passes through the heater core 22.

[0146] Thus, heat is dissipated from the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the air blown into the vehicle interior in the heater core 22. Therefore, the air after passing through the air side evaporator 14 (i.e., the air not cooled and dehumidified by the air side evaporator 14) is heated in the heater core 22 and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0147] At this time, since the first three-way valve 26 closes the radiator flow path 20c, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 does not circulate to the common radiator 45. Therefore, heat is not dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the common radiator 45.

[0148] In the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 in the heating mode, the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 circulates in the common radiator 45, and the common radiator 45 absorbs heat from the outside air into the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30.

[0149] In this way, in the heating mode, the condenser 12 can dissipate the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, and the heater core 22 can dissipate the heat of the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the air, and blow the air heated by the heater core 22 into the vehicle interior.

[0150] In the heater core 22, the air that has passed through the air-side evaporator 14 without being cooled and dehumidified by the air-side evaporator 14 is heated. Thus, heating in the vehicle interior can be achieved.

[0151] In the heat storage circuit 80 in the heating mode, the cooling water circulates in the waste heat device 82, and stores the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 in the cooling water.

[0152] (4) Defrosting mode

[0153] In the defrosting mode, defrosting of the common radiator 45 is performed after the dehumidifying heating mode or the heating mode. In the dehumidifying heating mode or the heating mode, the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 in the common radiator 45 absorbs heat from the outside air. Therefore, when the temperature of the common radiator 45 is below the freezing point, frosting occurs in the common radiator 45. Therefore, when frosting occurs in the common radiator 45, the defrosting mode is executed to defrost the common radiator 45.

[0154] The defrosting mode has a waste heat defrosting mode and a heating defrosting mode. In the waste heat defrosting mode, the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 is used to defrost the common radiator 45. In the heating defrosting mode, the heat generated for heating is used to defrost the common radiator 45.

[0155] (4-1) Waste heat defrosting mode

[0156] In the waste heat defrosting mode, the control device 60 operates the heat storage pump 81, and stops the compressor 11, the low-temperature side pump 31, the outdoor blower 40, and the indoor blower 53. In the dehumidifying heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 to open the heater core flow path 20b and close the radiator flow path 20c, and controls the second three-way valve 83 to open the defrosting flow path 80b and close the circulation flow path 80c.

[0157] Since the compressor 11 is stopped, no refrigerant flows in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the defrosting mode. Since the low-temperature side pump 31 is stopped, the cooling water does not circulate in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 in the defrosting mode.

[0158] In the heat storage circuit 80 during the waste heat defrosting mode, as Figure 3 indicated by the thick solid line in, the cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 circulates between the waste heat device 82 and the common radiator 45.

[0159] Specifically, the cooling water discharged from the heat storage pump 81 flows through the waste heat device 82, then flows in the common radiator 45 and is sucked into the high-temperature side pump 21. Thus, the high-temperature cooling water heated by the waste heat device 82 flows into the common radiator 45.

[0160] Since the outdoor blower 40 is stopped, air does not flow to the common radiator 45. Therefore, in the common radiator 45, the cooling water is not cooled by the outside air.

[0161] In this way, by the heat of the cooling water of the heat storage circuit 80 flowing in the common radiator 45, the frost adhering to the surface of the common radiator 45 can be melted. That is, the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 can be effectively utilized for defrosting.

[0162] (4-2) Heating heat defrosting mode

[0163] In the heating heat defrosting mode, the control device 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 21 and the heat storage pump 81, and stops the compressor 11, the low-temperature side pump 31, the outdoor blower 40, and the indoor blower 53. In the dehumidifying heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 to open both the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c, and controls the second three-way valve 83 to close the defrosting flow path 80b and open the circulation flow path 80c.

[0164] Since the compressor 11 is stopped, no refrigerant flows in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the defrosting mode. Since the low-temperature side pump 31 is stopped, the cooling water does not circulate in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 during the defrosting mode.

[0165] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during the heating heat defrosting mode, as Figure 4 indicated by the thick solid line in, the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates between the condenser 12, the heater core 22, the electric heater 25, and the common radiator 45.

[0166] Specifically, the cooling water discharged from the high-temperature side pump 21 passes through the condenser 12 and branches into the heater core 22 side and the common radiator 45 side at the branch portion 20d, flows in parallel in the heater core 22, the electric heater 25, and the common radiator 45, and merges at the merging portion 20e, and is sucked into the high-temperature side pump 21. Thus, the high-temperature cooling water in the condenser 12 flows into the common radiator 45.

[0167] Since the indoor blower 53 is stopped, air does not flow toward the heater core 22. Therefore, the high-temperature cooling water in the heater core 22 is not cooled by air and flows into the common radiator 45.

[0168] Since the outdoor blower 40 is stopped, air does not flow toward the common radiator 45. Therefore, in the common radiator 45, the cooling water is not cooled by outside air.

[0169] In this way, the heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flowing through the common radiator 45 can melt the frost adhering to the surface of the common radiator 45.

[0170] The cooling water cooled by the common radiator 45 merges with the cooling water flowing out of the heater core 22 at the confluence part 20e and then flows into the condenser 12.

[0171] By circulating the cooling water in this way, the heat of the cooling water heated by the condenser 12 can be effectively utilized for defrosting. When the heat of the cooling water heated by the condenser 12 is insufficient for the heat required for defrosting, the heat generated by the electric heater 25 can be used for defrosting.

[0172] In the heat storage circuit 80 in the heating heat defrosting mode, as Figure 4 shown by the thick solid line, the cooling water circulates in the waste heat device 82 and stores the waste heat of the waste heat device 82 in the cooling water.

[0173] The control device 60 switches to the waste heat defrosting mode and the heating heat defrosting mode by executing the control process shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 .

[0174] In step S100, it is determined whether the ignition switch (IG) (i.e., the start switch of the vehicle system) is turned on and whether the air conditioner is turned on. For example, when the auto switch or the air conditioner switch on the operation panel 70 is turned on, it is determined that the air conditioner is turned on.

[0175] When it is determined in step S100 that the ignition switch is turned on and the air conditioner is turned on, it proceeds to step S110. When it is not determined in step S100 that the ignition switch is turned on and the air conditioner is turned on, it proceeds to step S200.

[0176] In step S110, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 has exceeded the waste heat defrosting temperature α1. For example, based on the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45 and the outside air temperature Tam and using the control characteristic diagram shown in Figure 6 , it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted.

[0177] That is, when the difference between the outside air temperature Tam and the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45 is large, it is determined that the common radiator 45 has frosted. When the common radiator 45 has frosted, the performance of the common radiator 45 decreases. Therefore, in order to ensure the necessary heat absorption amount, the control device 60 increases the rotational speed of the compressor 11 to reduce the low pressure of the cycle. When the low pressure of the cycle decreases, the temperature of the cooling water cooled by the cooling water side evaporator 17 (i.e., the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45) decreases. Therefore, when the difference between the outside air temperature Tam and the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45 is large, it can be presumed that the common radiator 45 has frosted.

[0178] The waste heat defrosting temperature α1 is the temperature (specified temperature) of the cooling water that can melt the frost adhering to the surface of the common radiator 45 and is pre-stored in the control device 60.

[0179] When it is not determined in step S110 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrosting temperature α1, step S120 is entered. When it is determined in step S110 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrosting temperature α1, step S130 is entered.

[0180] In step S120, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 has frosted and whether the ignition switch is off. When it is determined in step S120 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the ignition switch is off, step S130 is entered. When it is not determined in step S120 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the ignition switch is off, the process returns to step S100.

[0181] In step S130, the waste heat defrosting mode is switched and step S140 is entered.

[0182] In step S140, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 has frosted and whether the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating heat defrosting temperature α2. The heating heat defrosting temperature α2 is the temperature (specified temperature) of the cooling water that can melt the frost adhering to the surface of the common radiator 45 and is pre-stored in the control device 60.

[0183] When it is not determined in step S140 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating heat defrosting temperature α2, step S150 is entered. When it is determined in step S140 that the common radiator 45 has frosted and the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating heat defrosting temperature α2, step S160 is entered.

[0184] In step S150, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the ignition switch is off. When it is determined in step S150 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the ignition switch is off, the process proceeds to step S160. When it is not determined in step S150 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the ignition switch is off, the process returns to step S100. In step S160, the heating defrost mode is switched and the process returns to step S100.

[0185] In step S200, it is determined whether the pre-air conditioning is turned on. The pre-air conditioning is the air-conditioning operation that starts before the occupant gets in (in other words, when the ignition switch is off). The pre-air conditioning is executed when the occupant uses the operation panel 70 or the remote control terminal to cause the control device 60 to store the target temperature Tset in the vehicle interior, the pre-air conditioning start time, etc.

[0186] When it is determined in step S200 that the pre-air conditioning is turned on, the process proceeds to step S210. When it is not determined in step S200 that the pre-air conditioning is turned on, the process returns to step S100.

[0187] In step S210, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrost temperature α1. For example, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted by comparing the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing into the common radiator 45 with the outside air temperature Tam.

[0188] When it is not determined in step S210 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrost temperature α1, the process proceeds to step S220. When it is determined in step S210 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrost temperature α1, the process proceeds to step S230.

[0189] In step S220, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the pre-air conditioning is turned off. When it is determined in step S220 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the pre-air conditioning is turned off, the process proceeds to step S230. When it is not determined in step S120 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the pre-air conditioning is turned off, the process returns to step S100.

[0190] In step S230, the waste heat defrost mode is switched and the process proceeds to step S240.

[0191] In step S240, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating defrost temperature α2.

[0192] When it is not determined in step S240 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating defrost temperature α2, the process proceeds to step S250. When it is determined in step S240 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating defrost temperature α2, the process proceeds to step S260.

[0193] In step S250, it is determined whether the common radiator 45 is frosted and whether the pre-air conditioning is turned off. When it is determined in step S250 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the pre-air conditioning is turned off, the process proceeds to step S260. When it is not determined in step S250 that the common radiator 45 is frosted and the pre-air conditioning is turned off, the process returns to step S100. In step S260, the heating defrost mode is switched and the process returns to step S100.

[0194] Figure 7 It is a timing chart showing an example of the control result of the present embodiment. Figure 7 It shows the time change of the coefficient of performance (so-called COP) or performance of the refrigeration cycle device 10 when the waste heat defrost mode is executed during driving, parking, and pre-air conditioning. Although the coefficient of performance or performance decreases due to frosting on the common radiator 45, by executing the waste heat defrost mode, the common radiator 45 is defrosted, and thus the coefficient of performance or performance is restored.

[0195] Figure 8 It represents the time change of the coefficient of performance (so-called COP) or performance of the refrigeration cycle device 10 when switching from the waste heat defrost mode to the heating defrost mode. Even if the defrosting cannot be completed in the waste heat defrost mode, the defrosting can be continued by the heating defrost mode. Therefore, the coefficient of performance or performance can be restored to a higher level compared to the case where only the waste heat defrost mode is executed.

[0196] In the present embodiment, the control device 60 determines whether defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required. When it is determined that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is not required, the cooling water is circulated in the heat storage circuit 80, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, respectively. When it is determined that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required, the first three-way valve 26 or the second three-way valve is controlled so that the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 or the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is circulated to the common radiator 45.

[0197] Thereby, defrosting can be reliably performed when defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required, and thus defrosting can be efficiently performed.

[0198] In the present embodiment, in the heat storage circuit 80, waste heat of the waste heat device 82 is stored in the cooling water by circulating the cooling water through the waste heat device 82. Thereby, the waste heat can be effectively utilized for defrosting, and thus defrosting can be performed in an energy-saving manner.

[0199] In the present embodiment, when the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 or the second three-way valve so that the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows in parallel to the heater core 22 and the common radiator 45. Thereby, a part of the heating heat can be utilized for defrosting, and thus defrosting can be reliably performed.

[0200] In the present embodiment, when the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 or the second three-way valve so that the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 circulates to the common radiator 45. When the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required after causing the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 to circulate to the common radiator 45, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 or the second three-way valve so that the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows in parallel to the heater core 22 and the common radiator 45.

[0201] Thereby, when defrosting cannot be completely performed using waste heat, heating heat is used for defrosting, and thus defrosting can be performed in an energy-saving and reliable manner.

[0202] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle is running, when the common radiator 45 is in a frosted state and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrosting temperature α1, or the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating heat defrosting temperature α2, the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required.

[0203] Thereby, the situation where defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required can be appropriately determined, and thus defrosting can be efficiently performed.

[0204] In the present embodiment, when pre-air conditioning is being performed, when the common radiator 45 is in a frosted state and the temperature TWW of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 exceeds the waste heat defrosting temperature α1, or the temperature TWH of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 exceeds the heating heat defrosting temperature α2, the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required. Thereby, defrosting can be performed with as little damage as possible to the air conditioning comfort of the occupants.

[0205] In the present embodiment, when the vehicle changes from a traveling state to a stopped state and the common radiator 45 is in a frosting state, the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required. Thus, the surplus heat generated during vehicle travel can be effectively utilized for defrosting, and therefore defrosting can be performed in an energy-saving manner.

[0206] In the present embodiment, when pre-air conditioning ends and the common radiator 45 is in a frosting state, the control device 60 determines that defrosting of the common radiator 45 is required. Thus, the surplus heat generated for air conditioning before the occupants enter the vehicle can be effectively utilized for defrosting, and therefore defrosting can be performed in an energy-saving manner.

[0207] In the present embodiment, the control device 60 determines whether the common radiator 45 is in a frosting state based on the temperature TWR of the cooling water flowing through the common radiator 45 and the temperature Tam of the outside air. Thus, the frosting state can be accurately determined with simple control.

[0208] (Second Embodiment)

[0209] In the above-described first embodiment, the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30, and the defrosting flow path 80b of the heat storage circuit 80 merge, and the common radiator 45 is disposed at this merging portion. In the present embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 does not merge with the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and the defrosting flow path 80b of the heat storage circuit 80, and the common radiator 45 includes: a high-temperature side radiator 23 disposed in the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20; and a low-temperature side radiator 32 disposed at the merging portion of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and the defrosting flow path 80b.

[0210] The low-temperature side radiator 32 is the first heat medium flow-through portion of the common radiator 45, and the high-temperature side radiator 23 is the second heat medium flow-through portion of the common radiator 45.

[0211] The high-temperature side radiator 23 is a radiator that exchanges heat between the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the outside air and dissipates heat from the cooling water to the outside air. The low-temperature side radiator 32 is an outside air heat absorption portion that exchanges heat between the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and the outside air and absorbs heat from the outside air into the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. The high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 are joined to each other by a common fin 37.

[0212] The shared fin 37 is a heat exchange promoting component that promotes the heat exchange between the cooling water and the air. The shared fin 37 is a component made of metal (such as aluminum). The shared fin 37 is a joint part that enables heat to move from the high-temperature radiator 23 to the low-temperature radiator 32 by connecting the high-temperature radiator 23 and the low-temperature radiator 32 with metal. The shared fin 37 is a heat transfer component that connects the high-temperature radiator 23 and the low-temperature radiator 32 in a manner that allows heat transfer.

[0213] The high-temperature radiator 23 and the low-temperature radiator 32 are arranged in series in this order in the flow direction of the outside air. The outside air is blown to the high-temperature radiator 23 and the low-temperature radiator 32 by the outdoor blower 40.

[0214] In the refrigeration mode, the controller 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that both the heater core flow path 20b and the radiator flow path 20c are opened. Thus, in the refrigeration mode, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates through the high-temperature radiator 23, and the high-temperature radiator 23 dissipates heat from the cooling water to the outside air.

[0215] In the dehumidifying heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that the heater core flow path 20b is opened and the radiator flow path 20c is closed. Thus, in the dehumidifying heating mode, the low-temperature radiator 32 absorbs heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 from the outside air.

[0216] In the heating mode, the control device 60 controls the first three-way valve 26 so that the heater core flow path 20b is opened and the radiator flow path 20c is closed. Thus, in the heating mode, the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 absorbs heat from the outside air in the low-temperature radiator 32.

[0217] In the waste heat defrosting mode, the control device 60 stops the low-temperature side pump 31 and controls the second three-way valve 83 so that the cooling water in the waste heat equipment flow path 80a of the heat storage circuit 80 flows to the low-temperature radiator 32. Thus, the frost adhering to the surface of the low-temperature radiator 32 can be melted by the heat of the cooling water in the heat storage circuit 80 flowing through the low-temperature radiator 32.

[0218] In the heating heat defrosting mode, the control device 60 stops the low-temperature side pump 31 and controls the first three-way valve 26 so that, as shown by the thick line arrow in Figure 10 , the cooling water in the radiator flow path 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flows to the high-temperature radiator 23.

[0219] The high-temperature radiator 23 and the low-temperature radiator 32 are connected by the shared fin 37 in a manner that allows mutual heat transfer. Therefore, the heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 flowing through the high-temperature radiator 23 moves to the low-temperature radiator 32 via the fin 37.

[0220] By supplying heat to the low-temperature side radiator 32 like this, the frost adhering to the surface of the low-temperature side radiator 32 can be melted.

[0221] In the present embodiment, the common radiator 45 has: a low-temperature side radiator 32 through which the cooling water cooled by the cooling water side evaporator 17 flows; a high-temperature side radiator 23 through which the cooling water heated by the electric heater 25 flows; and fins 37 that connect the low-temperature side radiator 32 and the high-temperature side radiator 23 so as to enable heat transfer.

[0222] As a result, defrosting can be performed without mixing the cooling water cooled by the cooling water side evaporator 17 and the cooling water heated by the electric heater 25, so that the cooling water with different temperature ranges can be efficiently managed.

[0223] (Third Embodiment)

[0224] In the above embodiment, when defrosting cannot be completed in the waste heat defrosting mode, the defrosting ability is improved by shifting from the waste heat defrosting mode to the heating defrosting mode. However, in the present embodiment, as Figure 11 shown, the waste heat defrosting mode is not executed, and defrosting is performed only in the heating defrosting mode.

[0225] In Figure 11 the flowchart of the present embodiment shown, with respect to Figure 5 the flowchart of the above first embodiment shown, the steps related to the waste heat heating mode are deleted.

[0226] Figure 12 It shows the time course of the coefficient of performance (so-called COP) or performance of the refrigeration cycle device 10 when the heating defrosting mode is executed during driving, parking, and pre-air conditioning. Since a part of the heating heat is consumed for defrosting instead of heating, the coefficient of performance or performance temporarily decreases, but by defrosting the common radiator 45, the coefficient of performance or performance recovers.

[0227] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made as follows without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0228] In the above embodiment, cooling water is used as the heat medium, but various media such as oil can also be used as the heat medium. As the heat medium, nanofluid can also be used. Nanofluid refers to a fluid in which nanoparticles with a particle size in the nanometer range are mixed.

[0229] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the above-described embodiment, a chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant is used as the refrigerant. However, the type of refrigerant is not limited thereto, and natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon refrigerants, etc. may also be used.

[0230] In addition, the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the above-described embodiment constitutes a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant, but may also constitute a supercritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0231] In the above-described second embodiment, the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 are separate radiators, and the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 are joined to each other by a common fin 37. However, the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 may also be constituted by a single radiator.

[0232] For example, the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 may be constituted by a single radiator by integrating the cooling water tanks of the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 with each other.

[0233] In the above-described embodiment, the electric heater 25 is disposed on the downstream side of the branch portion 20d of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and on the upstream side of the heater core 22. However, the position of the electric heater 25 in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is not limited thereto.

[0234] For example, the electric heater 25 may also be disposed on the downstream side of the condenser 12 of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and on the upstream side of the branch portion 20d. In this case, it is also possible to stop the flow of cooling water in the heater core flow path 20b by closing the heater core flow path 20b using the first three-way valve 26 in the heating defrost mode.

[0235] The present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and configurations. The present invention also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations, modes, and other combinations and modes that include only one element, one or more elements, or less than one element thereof are also included in the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that, Comprising: A compressor that sucks in and compresses and discharges a refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; A pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has been dissipated heat by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that causes the refrigerant that has been pressure-reduced by the pressure reducing section to exchange heat with a heat medium to evaporate the refrigerant and cools the heat medium; An outside air heat absorption section that causes the heat medium cooled by the evaporation section to absorb heat from the outside air; A heat source that dissipates heat to the heat medium to heat the heat medium; A first circulation circuit that circulates the heat medium to the heat source; A second circulation circuit that circulates the heat medium between the evaporation section and the outside air heat absorption section; A flow path switching section that determines whether defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required, and in the case where it is determined that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is not required, causes the heat medium to circulate in the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit respectively, and in the case where it is determined that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required, switches the flow path of the heat medium so that the heat medium in the first circulation circuit circulates to the outside air heat absorption section; And An air heating section that causes the heat medium to dissipate heat to the air blown into the vehicle interior to heat the air, The heat dissipation section dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the heat medium, The heat source includes: a first heat source that dissipates waste heat generated during operation to the heat medium; and a second heat source that generates heat for heating the air, The first circulation circuit includes: a heat storage circuit that stores the waste heat of the first heat source in the heat medium by circulating the heat medium to the first heat source; and a heating use circuit that circulates the heat medium to the heat dissipation section, the second heat source, and the air heating section, When the flow path switching section determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required, it switches the flow path of the heat medium so that the heat medium in the heat storage circuit does not circulate to the second heat source and the air heating section but circulates to the outside air heat absorption section. When the flow path switching section determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required after causing the heat medium in the heat storage circuit to circulate to the outside air heat absorption section, it switches the flow path of the heat medium so that the heat medium in the heating use circuit does not circulate to the first heat source but flows side by side to the air heating section and the outside air heat absorption section.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vehicle is running, when the outside air heat absorption section is in a frosting state and the temperature of the heat medium in the first circulation circuit exceeds a specified temperature, the flow path switching section determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption section is required.

3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case of air conditioning before the occupant enters the vehicle, when the outside air heat absorption part is in a frosting state and the temperature of the heat medium in the first circulation circuit exceeds a specified temperature, the flow path switching part determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption part is required.

4. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case where the vehicle changes from a traveling state to a stopped state, when the outside air heat absorption part is in a frosting state, the flow path switching part determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption part is required.

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case where air conditioning before the occupant enters the vehicle ends, when the outside air heat absorption part is in a frosting state, the flow path switching part determines that defrosting of the outside air heat absorption part is required.

6. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow path switching part determines whether the outside air heat absorption part is in a frosting state based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the outside air heat absorption part and the temperature of the outside air.

7. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outside air heat absorption part has: a first heat medium flow-through part in which the heat medium cooled by the evaporation part flows; and a second heat medium flow-through part in which the heat medium heated by the heat source flows. And a heat transfer member that connects the first heat medium flow-through part and the second heat medium flow-through part so as to enable heat transfer.

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