vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (C) includes: a heat exchanger (5, 6) for performing heat exchange with air introduced from a grille opening (2); an opening and closing device (8) capable of changing the air volume supplied to the heat exchanger; and a control unit (82) for controlling the opening and closing device. The opening and closing device includes a first opening and closing unit (512) and a second opening and closing unit (511) as opening and closing units. The first opening and closing unit opens and closes a first portion (A13, A14) of the opening and closing device, and the second opening and closing unit opens and closes a second portion (A11, A12) farther from the grille opening than the first portion. The control unit operates the first opening and closing unit and the second opening and closing unit so that the opening degree of the first portion becomes smaller than the opening degree of the second portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references between related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-153320, filed on September 11, 2020, and the entire contents of the patent application are incorporated into this specification by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] In electric vehicles, the motor, which serves as its power source, is cooled by circulating cooling water through it. Therefore, electric vehicles are equipped with a radiator to cool the motor's cooling water. On the other hand, when compared to engine vehicles, the motor, which serves as the power source of electric vehicles, generates less heat than the engine, which serves as the power source of engine vehicles. Therefore, the amount of air required to cool the motor's cooling water radiator is less than the amount required to cool the engine's cooling water radiator. Therefore, in conventional electric vehicles, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, the grille opening that directs air from the front of the vehicle into the radiator is set to a smaller opening than that of the grille opening in engine vehicles. Specifically, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the grille opening is formed so that it faces only the lower half of the radiator. A duct is formed in the vehicle to guide the air introduced from the grille opening to the radiator. The duct is formed so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path gradually increases from the grille opening toward the radiator. By reducing the grille opening as in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved, thereby making it possible to extend the cruising range of the vehicle.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: German Patent Application Publication No. 102018214105

[0008] In the duct described in Patent Document 1, the pressure in the vertically distal portion of the grille opening tends to be higher than the pressure in the vertically distal portion. As a result, the air volume flowing through the radiator distal to the grille opening decreases compared to the air volume flowing through the portion closer to the grille opening. This uneven air volume distribution reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the radiator and is undesirable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of improving the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

[0010] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air introduced through a grille opening; an opening and closing device that can change the volume of air supplied to the heat exchanger by opening and closing the opening and closing device; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing device. The opening area of the grille opening is smaller than the front surface projected area of the heat exchanger. The opening and closing device includes a first opening and closing device and a second opening and closing device as opening and closing devices. The first opening and closing device opens and closes a first portion of the opening and closing device, and the second opening and closing device opens and closes a second portion of the opening and closing device that is farther away from the grille opening than the first portion. The control unit operates the first and second opening and closing devices so that the opening degree of the first portion is smaller than the opening degree of the second portion.

[0011] By making the opening of the first portion of the opening and closing device smaller than the opening of the second portion of the opening and closing device as in this structure, air flows more easily to the second portion than to the first portion of the opening and closing device. This allows the pressure of the air in the portion of the heat exchanger located near the grille opening to increase, and the pressure of the air in the portion located away from the grille opening to decrease. By locally varying the air pressure through variations in the opening of the opening and closing device in this manner, variations in the air pressure caused by the position of the grille opening can be reduced. As a result, variations in the air volume supplied to the heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the general configuration of a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cooling circuit and a heat pump device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of the damper device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the thermal system ECU according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 (A) and (B) are views schematically showing the general configuration of vehicles according to the third and fourth embodiments.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram schematically showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to a fifth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a diagram schematically showing the front structure of a heat sink according to a fifth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a diagram schematically showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals in the accompanying drawings as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0023] <First embodiment>

[0024] Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle C is a so-called electric vehicle that uses an electric motor as its power source. A grille opening 2 is provided in front of the vehicle body 1. Grille opening 2 is configured to supply air in front of the vehicle body 1 to a radiator 5 and an outdoor heat exchanger 6. Air introduced through grille opening 2 is supplied to the radiator 5 and outdoor heat exchanger 6 via an air duct 4. The radiator 5 is a component of the cooling circuit for cooling the power unit of vehicle C. It releases heat from the cooling water circulating in the cooling circuit by exchanging heat with the air introduced through grille opening 2. The power unit includes the motor that serves as the power source of vehicle C, as well as a battery and an inverter device to drive the motor. The outdoor heat exchanger 6 is a component of the heat pump device installed in the air conditioning system of vehicle C. It operates as a condenser or a heat absorber by exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump device and the air introduced through grille opening 2. The radiator 5 is positioned forward of the vehicle relative to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. A blower 7 is provided downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in the direction of air flow. The blower 7 is provided to supply air to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 when, for example, the vehicle C is stopped. In the present embodiment, the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 correspond to heat exchangers.

[0025] The damper device 8 is disposed in front of the vehicle, facing the radiator 5. The damper device 8 is configured to switch between an open state, which allows air introduced through the grille opening 2 to flow toward the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and a closed state, which blocks the flow of air toward the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. For example, when the vehicle C is traveling at high speed, the damper device 8 is closed, thereby improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle C. In this embodiment, the damper device 8 serves as an opening and closing device.

[0026] Next, the schematic configurations of the cooling circuit using the radiator 5 and the heat pump device using the outdoor heat exchanger 6 will be described.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling circuit 20 is equipped with a radiator 5, a pump 21, and a heating element 22. Cooling water circulates through these elements in the cooling circuit 20. The radiator 5 cools the cooling water by exchanging heat between the cooling water flowing inside it and the air flowing outside. The pump 21 draws in the cooling water cooled by the radiator 5 and discharges it to the heating element 22. The cooling water circulates in the cooling circuit 20 as the pump 21 is driven. The pump 21 is an electric pump driven by a supply of electricity. The heating element 22 includes a motor 220, an inverter 221, a battery 222, and other components that constitute the power unit of the vehicle C. The inverter 221 converts DC power charging the battery 222 into AC power and supplies it to the motor 220. It also converts AC power generated by the regenerative operation of the motor 220 into DC power to charge the battery 222. The cooling water discharged from the pump 21 flows through the motor 220, the inverter 221, and the battery 222. This cooling water absorbs heat from the motor 220 and other components, cooling them. The cooling water, whose temperature has risen due to absorbing heat from the motor 220 and the like, is supplied to the radiator 5 and is cooled again.

[0028] The heat pump device 30 is a component of the air conditioning system 40 of the vehicle C. The heat pump device 30 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 6, a water-cooled condenser 31, and an evaporator 32. Refrigerant circulates through these components in the heat pump device 30. The heat pump device 30 achieves cooling and heating of the vehicle interior by changing the flow state of the refrigerant between when the air conditioning system 40 is operating in cooling mode and when the air conditioning system 40 is operating in heating mode.

[0029] Specifically, when the air conditioner 40 is operating in cooling mode, the heat pump device 30 circulates refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger 6 and the evaporator 32. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 6 operates as a condenser. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 6 cools the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through it and the air flowing outside it. The high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant generated by cooling by the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is reduced in pressure by a pressure reducing valve provided in the heat pump device 30 and then transferred to a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant. The evaporator 32 cools the air within the air conditioning duct 41 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through it and the air flowing through the air conditioning duct 41 of the air conditioner 40. This air is blown into the vehicle interior through the air conditioning duct 41, thereby cooling the vehicle interior. In the evaporator 32, the low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant is converted to a low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant through heat exchange with the air. This low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is compressed by a pump provided in the heat pump device 30 and converted into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant. Thereafter, the low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 to be cooled again.

[0030] On the other hand, when the air conditioner 40 is operating in heating mode, the heat pump device 30 circulates refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger 6 and the water-cooled condenser 31. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 6 operates as a heat absorber. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 6 heats the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing within it and the air flowing outside. The low-pressure gas-phase refrigerant generated by heating in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is converted to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant by the pump provided in the heat pump device 30, and then supplied to the water-cooled condenser 31. In the water-cooled condenser 31, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant supplied from the heat pump device 30 exchanges heat with the coolant flowing in the cooling water circuit 42 of the air conditioner 40, thereby heating the coolant. In addition to the water-cooled condenser 31, the cooling water circuit 42 is also equipped with the air conditioner 40's heater core 43 and pump 44. The pump 44 circulates the coolant in the cooling water circuit 42. The heater core 43 heats the air flowing through the air conditioning duct 41 by exchanging heat between the cooling water flowing through it and the air flowing through the air conditioning duct 41. This air is blown into the vehicle interior through the air conditioning duct 41, thereby heating the vehicle interior. In the water-cooled condenser 31, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is converted into a high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant through heat exchange with the cooling water. This high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant is reduced in pressure by a pressure reducing valve provided in the heat pump device 30 and converted into a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant. It is then supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6, where it is heated again.

[0031] Next, the schematic structure of the damper device 8 will be described.

[0032] Figure 3As shown, the damper device 8 includes a frame 50 , a plurality of blades 51 , and a motor 52 .

[0033] The frame 50 has a frame main body 500 formed in a rectangular frame shape and a longitudinal frame reinforcement 501 and a transverse frame reinforcement 502 arranged in a cross shape inside the frame main body 500. Figure 1 The air introduced into the grille opening 2 shown flows in the direction indicated by the arrow Y.

[0034] Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction X of the frame body 500 is also referred to as the horizontal direction, and the transverse direction Z of the frame body 500 is also referred to as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the direction indicated by the arrow Y, which is orthogonal to both the horizontal direction X and the vertical direction Z, is also referred to as the "air flow direction Y."

[0035] The longitudinal frame reinforcement 501 is provided to reinforce the frame body 500. The transverse frame reinforcement 502 is provided to reinforce the frame body 500 and hold the blades 51. The longitudinal frame reinforcement 501 and the transverse frame reinforcement 502 divide the space inside the frame body 500 into four opening areas A11 to A14.

[0036] In addition, hereinafter, the two opening areas A11 and A12 arranged above the transverse frame reinforcement portion 502 among the four opening areas A11 to A14 are referred to as "upper opening areas A11 and A12", and the two opening areas A13 and A14 arranged below the transverse frame reinforcement portion 502 are referred to as "lower opening areas A13 and A14".

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower halves of the lower opening areas A13 and A14 are located opposite the grille opening 2. The opening area of the grille opening 2 is smaller than the projected front surface areas of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. In this embodiment, the lower opening areas A13 and A14 correspond to the first portion. Furthermore, the upper opening areas A11 and A12 correspond to the second portion, further away from the grille opening 2 than the first portion.

[0038] The upper portion 5a of the radiator 5 and the upper portion 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 are arranged so as to face the upper opening areas A11 and A12 of the damper device 8. The lower portion 5b of the radiator 5, which is a portion other than the upper portion 5a, and the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, which is a portion other than the upper portion 6a, are arranged so as to face the lower opening areas A13 and A14 of the damper device 8. Figure 1The two-dot chain line in the radiator 5 indicates the boundary between the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b of the radiator 5. Similarly, the two-dot chain line in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 indicates the boundary between the upper portion 6a and the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of blades 51 are respectively arranged in the four opening areas A11 to A14 of the frame 50. In the four opening areas A11 to A14, the plurality of blades 51 are arranged so as to have a longitudinal direction in the vertical direction Z and are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction X. Hereinafter, for convenience, the blades 51 arranged in the upper opening areas A11 and A12 of the frame main body 500 are referred to as "upper blades 511," and the blades 51 arranged in the lower opening areas A13 and A14 are referred to as "lower blades 512." In this embodiment, the blades 51 correspond to the opening and closing portion, the lower blades 512 correspond to the first opening and closing portion, and the upper blades 511 correspond to the second opening and closing portion.

[0040] The motor 52 is fixed to one end of the upper surface of the frame body 500 by screws or the like. The motor 52 applies a rotational force to the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 via a linkage mechanism (not shown), thereby rotating the blades 511 and 512. Furthermore, the damper device 8 of this embodiment can independently control the opening degree of each of the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512.

[0041] In the damper device 8, when the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512 are in the open state, gaps are formed between the upper blades 511 and gaps are formed between the lower blades 512, so that the air introduced from the grille opening 2 is supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 through these gaps. On the other hand, when the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512 are in the closed state, the gaps between the blades 511 and 512 are closed, so that the supply of air to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is cut off. In addition, by independently controlling the opening of each of the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512, it is possible to adjust the air flow to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 separately. Figure 1 The amounts of air supplied to the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b of the radiator 5 and the amounts of air supplied to the upper portion 6a and the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 are shown.

[0042] Next, the electrical configuration of the vehicle C will be described.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown, vehicle C is equipped with various sensors 60 for detecting its driving state, the state of the cooling circuit 20, the state of the heat pump device 30, and the environmental conditions inside and outside the vehicle C. The sensors 60 include an outside air temperature sensor 61, a vehicle speed sensor 62, a refrigerant pressure sensor 63, a water temperature sensor 64, and an inside air temperature sensor 65. The outside air temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature of the outside air, which is the air outside the vehicle C. The vehicle speed sensor 62 detects the vehicle speed, which is the driving speed of the vehicle C. The refrigerant pressure sensor 63 detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in the heat pump device 30. The water temperature sensor 64 detects the temperature of the cooling water flowing out of the heat generating element 22 in the cooling circuit 20. The inside air temperature sensor 65 detects the inside air temperature, which is the temperature inside the vehicle C. Each of the sensors 61 to 65 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected physical quantity.

[0044] The vehicle C is provided with a start switch 70 operated when starting the vehicle C and an operation unit 71 for operating the air conditioner 40. The operation unit 71 includes an A / C switch 710 operated when cooling or dehumidifying the vehicle interior.

[0045] Vehicle C is also equipped with a powertrain ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 80, an air conditioning ECU 81, and a thermal system ECU 82. Each ECU 80-82 is centered around a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other components. The ECUs 80-82 execute various control functions by executing programs pre-stored in the ROM. Each ECU 80-82 can communicate with each other using a communication network Nc, such as a CAN bus, provided in vehicle C.

[0046] The powertrain ECU 80 is responsible for overall control of the driving state of vehicle C. For example, upon detecting that the start switch 70 has been turned on, the powertrain ECU 80 sets the target output torque for motor 220 based on the accelerator position detected by the accelerator position sensor until the start switch 70 is turned off. Furthermore, the powertrain ECU 80 sets the target energization amount for motor 220 based on the target output torque and drives inverter device 221 so that the actual energization amount of motor 220 tracks the target energization amount. The powertrain ECU 80 controls the driving state of vehicle C through this energization control of motor 220.

[0047] The air conditioning ECU 81 is a unit that comprehensively controls the air conditioning device 40. For example, the output signals of the indoor air temperature sensor 65 and the operation unit 71 are input to the air conditioning ECU 81. When the A / C switch 710 is turned on, the air conditioning ECU 81 controls the air conditioning device 40. Figure 2The heat pump device 30 shown in FIG. 1 is operated in the cooling mode to cool or dehumidify the interior of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the interior temperature detected by the interior temperature sensor 65 is below the predetermined heating temperature determination value, the air conditioning ECU 81 controls the interior temperature of the vehicle to be cooled or dehumidified. Figure 2 The heat pump device 30 shown operates in a heating mode to heat the vehicle interior. The heating temperature determination value is a preset temperature, for example, set to "15° C."

[0048] The thermal system ECU 82 primarily controls the air volume supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 by driving the damper device 8 to open and close. Specifically, the output signals of the various sensors 60, the start switch 70, and the operating unit 71 are input to the thermal system ECU 82. The thermal system ECU 82 detects various state quantities based on the output signals of the sensors 60, and detects the operating states of the start switch 70 and the operating unit 71 based on their respective output signals. Based on the various state quantities detected by the sensors 60 and the respective operating states of the start switch 70 and the operating unit 71, the thermal system ECU 82 individually sets the target opening degrees of the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 of the damper device 8. Based on this, the thermal system ECU 82 drives the motor 52 of the damper device 8 so that the opening degrees of the blades 511 and 512 reach the target opening degrees. Thus, in this embodiment, the thermal system ECU 82 acts as a control unit for controlling the damper device 8.

[0049] Next, the drive control of the damper device 8 executed by the thermal system ECU 82 will be described in detail.

[0050] The thermal system ECU82 repeatedly executes the Figure 5 In addition, the thermal system ECU82 starts Figure 5 In the process shown, the positions of the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 of the damper device 8 are set to initial positions. The initial positions are, for example, positions corresponding to the fully closed state.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, first, as a process of step S10, the thermal system ECU 82 determines whether the start switch 70 is turned on. If the start switch 70 is not turned on, the thermal system ECU 82 makes a negative determination in the process of step S10 and temporarily ends the process. Figure 5 The processing shown.

[0052] When the start switch 70 is turned on, the thermal system ECU 82 makes an affirmative determination in step S10 and, in the subsequent step S11, determines whether air needs to be supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. For example, the thermal system ECU 82 determines that air does not need to be supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 based on the simultaneous satisfaction of the following conditions (a1) and (a2).

[0053] (a1) When the A / C switch 710 is not turned on and the indoor air temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 65 is higher than the heating temperature determination value, that is, when the heat pump device 30 does not need to operate in either the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0054] (a2) When the temperature of the cooling water detected by the water temperature sensor 64 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature judgment value. In other words, when there is no need to cool the heating element 22. The temperature judgment value is set in advance to a value that can determine whether the heating element 22 needs to be cooled.

[0055] Regarding (a2), for example, if the motor 220, inverter device 221, and battery 222 included in the heat generating element 22 are each provided with a water temperature sensor 64, a temperature determination value can be set independently for each cooling water temperature. In this case, the temperature determination value for the cooling water temperature of the motor 220 is set to, for example, "65°C," and the temperature determination value for the cooling water temperature of the battery 222 is set to, for example, "40°C."

[0056] When conditions (a1) and (a2) above are simultaneously met, the thermal system ECU 82 determines that it is not necessary to supply air to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and makes a negative judgment in the processing of step S11. In this case, as the processing of step S12, the thermal system ECU 82 performs a full-close control to fully close the upper opening areas A11 and A12 and the lower opening areas A13 and A14 of the damper device 8. Specifically, the thermal system ECU 82 drives the motor 52 to fully close both the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512. As a result, the introduction of air after passing through the grille opening 2 is cut off, which can improve the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle C. Therefore, the power economy of the vehicle C can be improved.

[0057] On the other hand, when at least one of the conditions (a1) and (a2) described above is not met, the thermal system ECU 82 determines that air needs to be supplied to at least one of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. For example, when the condition (a1) is not met, there are cases where the A / C switch 710 is not turned on and the indoor air temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 65 is below the heating temperature judgment value. In the former case, it is necessary to operate the heat pump device 30 in cooling mode, so air needs to be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. In the latter case, it is necessary to operate the heat pump device 30 in heating mode, so air needs to be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. Furthermore, when the condition (a2) is not met, that is, when the temperature of the cooling water of the heating element 22 exceeds the specified temperature judgment value, it is necessary to drive the cooling circuit 20 to cool the heating element 22, so air needs to be supplied to the radiator 5.

[0058] When it is determined that at least one of the conditions (a1) and (a2) above is not satisfied and air needs to be supplied to at least one of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6, the thermal system ECU 82 makes a positive judgment in the processing of step S11, and as the processing of the next step S13, performs the opening adjustment control of adjusting the opening of each of the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 of the damper device 8. Specifically, the thermal system ECU 82 sets both the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 to the open state and drives the motor 52 to Figure 1 As shown, the opening degree of the lower blade 512 is made smaller than the opening degree of the upper blade 511. By opening both the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512, air can be supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6, thereby driving the cooling circuit 20 and the heat pump device 30.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, when the processing of step S12 or step S13 is executed, as the processing of step S14, the thermal system ECU 82 determines whether the start switch 70 has been turned off. In the case that the start switch 70 has not been turned off, the thermal system ECU 82 makes a negative judgment in the processing of step S14 and returns to the processing of step S11. On the other hand, when the thermal system ECU 82 makes an affirmative judgment in the processing of step S14, that is, when the start switch 70 has been turned off, as the processing of step S15, after the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 are displaced to the initial position, the thermal system ECU 82 temporarily ends. Figure 5 The processing shown.

[0060] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects (1) to (5) can be obtained.

[0061] (1) By making the opening of the lower blades 512 smaller than the opening of the upper blades 511, air flows more easily into the upper opening areas A11 and A12 than into the lower opening areas A13 and A14 of the damper device 8. Consequently, the pressure of the air in the lower portions 5b and 6b of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can be increased, while the pressure of the air in the upper portions 5a and 6a can be decreased. In this way, by locally varying the air pressure due to variations in the opening of the damper device 8, variations in air pressure caused by the position of the grille opening 2 can be reduced. As a result, variations in the air volume supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can be reduced, thereby improving their heat exchange efficiency.

[0062] (2) The damper device 8 includes a single motor 52 for operating the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512. This configuration reduces the number of components compared to a configuration in which separate motors are provided for operating the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512.

[0063] (3) The damper device 8 is arranged in the air flow direction just in front of the radiator 5. According to this configuration, the damper device 8 can be installed by utilizing the space provided in front of the radiator 5.

[0064] (4) Figure 1 As shown, a width H11 of the grille opening 2 in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle C is shorter than a width H12 of the lower opening areas A13 and A14 of the damper device 8 in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle C. By shortening the width of the grille opening 2 in this configuration, the volume of air introduced into the air guide duct 4 can be reduced, thereby improving the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle C.

[0065] (5) When the start switch 70 of the vehicle C is turned off, the thermal system ECU 82 moves the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 to the initial position. According to this structure, each position of the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 can be corrected every time the start switch 70 is turned off.

[0066] (6) The thermal system ECU 82 controls the opening degrees of the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512 according to the operating states of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. This configuration enables more appropriate air flow corresponding to the operating states of the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6.

[0067] <Second embodiment>

[0068] Next, a description will be given of a vehicle C according to a second embodiment. The following description will focus on differences from the vehicle C according to the first embodiment.

[0069] As one example of operating conditions for the heat pump device 30, consider a situation where the heat pump device 30 is operating in heating mode in an environment with low outside temperature. In such a situation, if water entering through the grille opening 2 adheres to the damper device 8, the adhering water may freeze, preventing the blades 511 and 512 of the damper device 8 from opening and closing. In such a situation, if an abnormality in the damper device 8 is detected due to the blades 511 and 512 being unable to open and close, the indicator on the vehicle C may illuminate, potentially confusing the driver.

[0070] On the other hand, in the damper device 8, while the lower blades 512 located near the grille opening 2 are easily stained with water, the upper blades 511 located away from the grille opening 2 are less susceptible to water. Taking this into account, in an environment where there is a possibility of adhering water freezing, if the lower blades 512 are maintained closed and only the upper blades 511 are opened and closed, even if the lower blades 512 freeze due to water, air can still be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 through the upper opening areas A11 and A12. Therefore, the heat pump device 30 can be operated in heating mode. Specifically, the thermal system ECU 82 controls the damper device 8 as follows.

[0071] The thermal system ECU 82 of this embodiment obtains information on the operating state of the heat pump device 30 from the air conditioning ECU 81. Figure 5 In the processing of step S13 shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal system ECU 82 determines whether the heat pump device 30 is operating in the heating mode and the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 61 is below the freezing determination temperature. The freezing determination temperature is a temperature determination value for determining whether the outside air temperature at which water may freeze when it adheres to the damper device 8, and is pre-set to, for example, "5°C." If it is determined that the heat pump device 30 is operating in the heating mode and the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 61 is below the freezing determination temperature, the thermal system ECU 82 drives the motor 52 so that Figure 6 As shown, the upper blade 511 is in the open state, and the lower blade 512 is in the closed state.

[0072] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects shown in (7) can be further obtained.

[0073] (7) According to the structure of the vehicle C of this embodiment, even in an environment where the damper device 8 is susceptible to freezing due to water, the heat pump device 30 can be operated in the heating mode. Therefore, heating of the vehicle interior can be continued, ensuring comfort in the vehicle interior.

[0074] <Third embodiment>

[0075] Next, a vehicle C according to a third embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the vehicle C according to the first embodiment.

[0076] The outdoor heat exchanger 6 is generally constructed to include a plurality of tubes and boxes connected to both ends of these tubes. In the outdoor heat exchanger 6, the refrigerant flowing inside each tube exchanges heat with the air flowing outside each tube. In the outdoor heat exchanger 6 having such a structure, when frost adheres to the surface of the tube, the heat transfer area relative to the air is substantially reduced, and thus the heat exchange efficiency may be significantly reduced. Therefore, the heat pump device 30 operates in a so-called defrost mode, which melts the frost when it adheres to the surface of the tube of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. In the defrost mode, for example, the refrigerant is circulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in a state where the air supply to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is cut off. As a result, the frost attached to the surface of the tube can be melted by the heat of the refrigerant.

[0077] On the other hand, in defrost mode, to cut off the air supply to the outdoor heat exchanger 6, both the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 of the damper device 8 can be closed. However, when both blades 511 and 512 are closed, air cannot be supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and thus the heat pump device 30 cannot operate in heating mode. In other words, heating of the vehicle interior cannot be performed, which may impair the comfort of the vehicle interior.

[0078] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the processing of step S13 shown, the thermal system ECU82 of this embodiment obtains information on the operating status of the heat pump device 30 from the air-conditioning ECU81, and judges that the heat pump device 30 is operating in the defrost mode, and alternately executes the following controls shown in (b1) and (b2) at specified time intervals.

[0079] (b1) The motor 52 is driven so that Figure 7 As shown in (A), the upper blade 511 is in an open state, and the lower blade 512 is in a closed state.

[0080] (b2) Driving the motor 52 so that Figure 7 As shown in (B), the upper blade 511 is in a closed state, and the lower blade 512 is in an open state.

[0081] Thus, in the vehicle C, the first state corresponding to (b1) and the second state corresponding to (b2) are alternately switched.

[0082] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects shown in (8) can be obtained.

[0083] (8) When the control of (b1) described above is executed, air is supplied to the upper portion 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, allowing this portion to be used as a heat absorber. Furthermore, since air is not supplied to the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, frost adhering thereto can be melted by the heat of the refrigerant. In other words, the upper portion 6a functions as a heat absorption area, while the lower portion 6b functions as a defrost area. On the other hand, when the control of (b2) described above is executed, air is supplied to the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, allowing this portion to be used as a heat absorber. Furthermore, since air is not supplied to the upper portion 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, frost adhering thereto can be melted by the heat of the refrigerant. In other words, the upper portion 6a functions as a defrost area, while the lower portion 6b functions as a heat absorption area. This configuration allows frost adhering to both the upper portion 6a and the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 to be removed simultaneously, thereby preventing degradation of the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 due to frost adhesion. Furthermore, since the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can continue to be used as a heat absorber, continuous heating of the vehicle interior is possible.

[0084] <Fourth embodiment>

[0085] Next, a vehicle C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the vehicle C according to the third embodiment.

[0086] When the heat pump device 30 is driven in the defrost mode, water generated by melting frost accumulates on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. If this water freezes, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 may be significantly reduced, or freeze cracking may occur in the outdoor heat exchanger 6. Therefore, it is desirable to remove the water accumulated on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 as much as possible.

[0087] Therefore, the thermal system ECU 82 of the present embodiment further executes a water drainage mode for removing water from the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 after the heat pump device 30 operates in the defrost mode.

[0088] Specifically, as a drainage mode, the thermal system ECU 82 alternately executes the controls shown in (b1) and (b2) at predetermined time intervals. Thus, for example, when switching from the control of (b1) to the control of (b2), the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 switches from a state where no air flows to a state where air flows. Therefore, the air volume flowing in the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can be changed rapidly. By this rapid change in the air volume, the water accumulated in the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is blown away. In addition, when switching from the control of (b2) to the control of (b1), the water accumulated in the upper portion 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is blown away. As a result, the water accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can be removed.

[0089] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects shown in (9) can be obtained.

[0090] (9) After the heat pump device 30 operates in the defrost mode, the thermal system ECU 82 executes a water drainage mode that rapidly changes the air volume passing through the upper portion 6a and the lower portion 6b of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, thereby removing water accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 6. Thus, water accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 6 due to the execution of the defrost mode can be removed, thereby preventing a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, freeze cracking, and the like.

[0091] <Fifth embodiment>

[0092] Next, a vehicle C according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the vehicle C according to the first embodiment.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, in the vehicle C of this embodiment, the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 are thermally coupled via the external fins 9. Specifically, heat exchange can be performed between the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the external fins 9. Consequently, when the outdoor heat exchanger 6 operates as a heat absorber, for example, waste heat from the radiator 5 can be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the external fins 9, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the vehicle C as a whole. Consequently, the power economy of the vehicle C can be improved.

[0094] On the other hand, when transferring waste heat from the radiator 5 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6, it is effective to close both the upper blades 511 and the lower blades 512 of the damper device 8. This prevents the radiator 5 from being cooled by the air, allowing efficient transfer of waste heat from the radiator 5 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. However, simply transferring waste heat from the radiator 5 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in this manner may not meet the heating requirements of the air conditioner 40.

[0095] Specifically, if Figure 9 As shown, the radiator 5 is constructed so that the cooling water flows in a U-shape from the lower portion 5b to the upper portion 5a. In this case, as a result of the heat of the radiator 5 being transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the outer fins 9, the temperature of the cooling water flowing inside the radiator 5 decreases as it moves downstream. That is, the temperature of the upper portion 5a becomes lower than the temperature of the lower portion 5b of the radiator 5. Therefore, the outdoor heat exchanger 6 can absorb the required heat from the lower portion 5b of the radiator 5, but at the same time may not be able to absorb the required heat from the upper portion 5a of the radiator 5. As a result, the heat absorption capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 as a whole is insufficient, and the air blown into the vehicle interior cannot be sufficiently heated by the air conditioning unit 40, making it difficult to properly perform heating of the vehicle interior, which may impair the comfort of the vehicle interior.

[0096] Therefore, when the heat of the radiator 5 is transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the external fins 9 alone and the heat absorption capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 cannot be met, the thermal system ECU 82 of this embodiment drives the motor 52 so that Figure 8 As shown, upper blades 511 are open, and lower blades 512 are closed. Thus, in outdoor heat exchanger 6, waste heat from radiator 5 can be absorbed via outer fins 9 in lower portion 6b, while insufficient heat can be absorbed from the air in upper portion 6a. As a result, the required amount of heat absorption for the outdoor heat exchanger 6 as a whole can be ensured.

[0097] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects shown in (10) can be obtained.

[0098] (10) When the outdoor heat exchanger 6 operates as a heat absorber, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the radiator 5 via the outer fins 9, the thermal system ECU 82 sets the upper blades 511 to the open state and the lower blades 512 to the closed state. This configuration ensures that the amount of heat absorbed by the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is more reliably ensured, thereby enabling appropriate heating of the vehicle interior. This ensures comfortable interior comfort.

[0099] <Sixth embodiment>

[0100] Next, a vehicle C according to a sixth embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the vehicle C according to the first embodiment.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown, the vehicle C of this embodiment is equipped with a multi-function heat exchanger 10 instead of the radiator 5 and a radiator 11 instead of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 .

[0102] The multifunctional heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange section 10A at its lower portion and a second heat exchange section 10B at its upper portion. The first heat exchange section 10A serves as the outdoor heat exchanger 6 of the heat pump device 30 described above. The first heat exchange section 10A is arranged opposite to the lower opening areas A13 and A14 of the damper device 8. Cooling water for cooling the battery 222 flows inside the second heat exchange section 10B. The second heat exchange section 10B cools the cooling water by exchanging heat between the cooling water flowing inside and the air flowing outside. The second heat exchange section 10B is arranged opposite to the upper opening areas A11 and A12 of the damper device 8.

[0103] Cooling water for cooling motor 220 flows within radiator 11. Radiator 11 cools the cooling water by exchanging heat with air flowing outside. The upper portion 11a of radiator 11 is positioned so as to face upper opening areas A11 and A12 of damper device 8. The lower portion 11b of radiator 11 is positioned so as to face lower opening areas A13 and A14.

[0104] Thus, in the vehicle C of this embodiment, separate cooling circuits are provided for cooling the motor 220 and for cooling the battery 222. The radiator 11 can cool cooling water having a higher temperature than that of the second heat exchange unit 10B. In this embodiment, the motor 220 corresponds to the first heat generating element, and the battery 222 corresponds to the second heat generating element.

[0105] When the cooling of the battery 222 is not required, the thermal system ECU 82 drives the motor 52 so that Figure 10 As shown, the upper blades 511 are closed, and the lower blades 512 are open. Thus, the air introduced from the grille opening 2 flows only toward the first heat exchange section 10A of the multifunctional heat exchanger 10. This increases the volume of air flowing toward the first heat exchange section 10A compared to a case where air flows toward both the first heat exchange section 10A and the second heat exchange section 10B.

[0106] Furthermore, when the heat pump device 30 is stopped, the thermal system ECU 82 may drive the motor 52 so that the upper blades 511 are in the open state and the lower blades 512 are in the closed state.

[0107] According to the vehicle C of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects shown in (11) can be obtained.

[0108] (11) When there is no requirement to cool the battery 222, the thermal system ECU 82 sets the lower blade 512 to an open state and sets the upper blade 511 to a closed state. According to this structure, air is not supplied to the first heat exchange part 10A of the multifunctional heat exchanger 10 that does not need to exchange heat with the air, and a corresponding amount of air can be supplied to the second heat exchange part 10B of the multifunctional heat exchanger 10 to increase the air volume. Therefore, in a case where the first heat exchange part 10A is used as a condenser in the heat pump device 30, for example, the refrigerant flowing in the first heat exchange part 10A can be cooled more reliably, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the refrigerant. Therefore, it becomes possible to miniaturize the first heat exchange part 10A, etc.

[0109] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0110] Furthermore, the above embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0111] The structure of the vehicle C of the fifth embodiment, that is, the structure in which the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 are thermally connected via the external fins 9, can also be applied to the vehicle C of the third embodiment. With this structure, when the heat pump device 30 is in a defrost mode for removing frost adhering to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, it is possible to use heat transferred from the radiator 5 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the external fins 9, instead of using heat from the refrigerant circulating inside the outdoor heat exchanger 6.

[0112] The damper device 8 is not limited to having two opening and closing parts, namely, the upper blade 511 and the lower blade 512 , but may have three or more opening and closing parts.

[0113] The damper device 8 may also be arranged between the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6 , or arranged just behind the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in the direction of air flow.

[0114] In the vehicles C of the first through fifth embodiments, a damper device 8 disposed in front of the radiator 5 is used as an opening and closing device for varying the volume of air supplied to the radiator 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 6. Alternatively, a damper mechanism having the same or similar function as the damper device 8 may be provided on the fan cover of the blower 7. In this case, the damper mechanism provided on the blower 7 serves as the opening and closing device. The same applies to the vehicle C of the sixth embodiment.

[0115] The vehicle C may not be provided with the air guide duct 4 .

[0116] The thermal system ECU 82 and its control method described in the present invention can be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, which are provided by a processor and memory programmed in a manner to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. The thermal system ECU 82 and its control method described in the present invention can also be implemented by a special-purpose computer, which is provided by a processor comprising one or more special-purpose hardware logic circuits. The thermal system ECU 82 and its control method described in the present invention can also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, which are provided by a processor comprising one or more special-purpose hardware logic circuits. The thermal system ECU 82 and its control method described in the present invention can also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, which are composed of a combination of a processor and memory programmed in a manner to perform one or more functions and a processor comprising one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program can also be stored as instructions executed by the computer in a non-transitory tangible storage medium that can be read by the computer. The special-purpose hardware logic circuit and the hardware logic circuit can also be implemented by a digital circuit or analog circuit comprising multiple logic circuits.

[0117] The structures of the various embodiments are not limited to electric vehicles and can also be applied to hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. For example, the structures of the second to fourth and sixth embodiments can be applied to hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, the structures of the first to fourth and sixth embodiments can be applied to plug-in hybrid vehicles.

[0118] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific examples. Examples that are appropriately modified by those skilled in the art to the above-mentioned specific examples are included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. The various elements, configurations, conditions, shapes, etc. of the above-mentioned specific examples are not limited to the exemplified contents and can be appropriately modified. The various elements of the above-mentioned specific examples can be appropriately changed and combined as long as no technical contradictions are generated.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that: have: a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air introduced through the grille opening; an opening and closing device capable of changing the volume of air supplied to the heat exchanger by opening and closing an opening and closing portion; as well as a control unit that controls the opening and closing device, The opening area of the grille opening is smaller than the front surface projection area of the heat exchanger. The opening and closing device includes a first opening and closing portion and a second opening and closing portion as the opening and closing portions, the first opening and closing portion opening and closing a first portion of the opening and closing device, and the second opening and closing portion opening and closing a second portion of the opening and closing device farther from the grille opening than the first portion. The vehicle has a radiator and an outdoor heat exchanger as the heat exchanger, The radiator exchanges heat between the cooling water and the air. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange portion for exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump device and the air, and a second heat exchange portion for exchanging heat between cooling water for cooling a second heating element different from the first heating element and the air. In the outdoor heat exchanger, the first heat exchange portion is arranged opposite to the first portion of the opening and closing device, and the second heat exchange portion is arranged opposite to the second portion of the opening and closing device. The control unit operates the first opening and closing unit and the second opening and closing unit so that the opening of the first portion becomes smaller than the opening of the second portion. When there is no request to cool the second heating element, the control unit sets the first opening and closing unit to the open state and sets the second opening and closing unit to the closed state.

2. A vehicle, characterized in that: have: a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air introduced through the grille opening; an opening and closing device capable of changing the volume of air supplied to the heat exchanger by opening and closing an opening and closing portion; as well as a control unit that controls the opening and closing device, The opening area of the grille opening is smaller than the front surface projection area of the heat exchanger. The opening and closing device includes a first opening and closing portion and a second opening and closing portion as the opening and closing portions, the first opening and closing portion opening and closing a first portion of the opening and closing device, and the second opening and closing portion opening and closing a second portion of the opening and closing device farther from the grille opening than the first portion. The vehicle includes an outdoor heat exchanger as the heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump device and the air. The control unit operates the first opening and closing unit and the second opening and closing unit so that the opening of the first portion becomes smaller than the opening of the second portion. When the outdoor heat exchanger in the heat pump device operates as a heat absorber that causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air, the control unit alternately switches between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state sets the first opening and closing unit to a closed state and the second opening and closing unit to an open state, and the second state sets the first opening and closing unit to an open state and the second opening and closing unit to a closed state.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The opening and closing device is arranged just in front of or just behind the heat exchanger in the air flow direction.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A width of the grille opening in a vertical direction of the vehicle is shorter than a width of the second portion in a vertical direction of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control unit displaces the first opening and closing unit and the second opening and closing unit to initial positions when a start switch of the vehicle is turned off.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The opening and closing device further includes a motor that operates the first opening and closing portion and the second opening and closing portion.

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