Air conditioning device

Abstract

The heat medium circuit has a first branch portion (20a) that branches the heat medium to the first heater core side and the radiator side, a first confluence portion (20b) that confluences the heat medium of the first heater core side with the heat medium of the radiator side, a second branch portion (20c) that branches the heat medium between the first branch portion and the first heater core to the second heater core side, and a second confluence portion (20d) that confluences the heat medium of the second heater core side between the first heater core and the first confluence portion. The air conditioning device is provided with a first flow rate adjusting portion (26a, 28) disposed between the first branch portion and the radiator or between the radiator and the first confluence portion in the heat medium circuit, and a second flow rate adjusting portion (26b, 29) disposed between the first branch portion and the first heater core or between the first heater core and the first confluence portion in the heat medium circuit. At least one of the first flow rate adjusting portion and the second flow rate adjusting portion can arbitrarily adjust the flow rate of the heat medium.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-44593, filed on March 18, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an air conditioning device having multiple heater cores and radiators. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, Patent Document 1 described an air conditioning system for vehicles, comprising a condenser, a heater core, and a radiator. The condenser heats the cooling water by exchanging heat between the high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle and the cooling water. The heater core heats the air blown into the vehicle interior by exchanging heat between the cooling water heated by the condenser and the air blown into the vehicle interior. The radiator dissipates heat from the cooling water to the outside air by exchanging heat between the cooling water and the outside air.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-104841

[0008] In the aforementioned prior art, when front seat side heater cores and rear seat side heater cores are provided as heater cores to improve the performance of air conditioning in the vehicle interior, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the flow rate of cooling water through the front seat side heater cores, rear seat side heater cores, and radiators. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above points, the present invention aims to provide an air conditioning device that can appropriately adjust the flow rate of the heat medium relative to a plurality of heater cores and radiators.

[0010] An air conditioning device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0011] The compressor, heat dissipation unit, pressure reducing unit, evaporation unit, heat medium circuit, first heater core and second heater core, radiator, first flow regulating unit, second flow regulating unit and control unit.

[0012] The compressor draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant. The heat dissipation section dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to a heat medium. The pressure reduction section reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section. The evaporation section evaporates the refrigerant by causing it to absorb heat after being reduced in pressure by the pressure reduction section.

[0013] The heat transfer medium circuit circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit. A first heater core and a second heater core are positioned within the heat transfer medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat transfer medium. A radiator is positioned within the heat transfer medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat transfer medium.

[0014] The heat transfer medium circuit has a first branch, a first confluence, a second branch, and a second confluence. In the first branch, the heat transfer medium branches towards the first heater core side and the radiator side. In the first confluence, the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side merges with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side. In the second branch, the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core branches towards the second heater core side. In the second confluence, the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side merges between the first heater core and the first confluence.

[0015] A first flow regulating unit is disposed between a first branch and a radiator, or between a radiator and a first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. A second flow regulating unit is disposed between a first branch and a first heater core, or between a first heater core and a first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium.

[0016] At least one of the first and second flow regulating units can arbitrarily regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. The control unit controls at least one flow regulating unit.

[0017] Therefore, the flow rate of cooling water can be appropriately adjusted through the front seat side heater core, the rear seat side heater core, and the radiator. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above-mentioned and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of the air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing the front seat side air conditioning unit in the air conditioning device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the electrical control unit in the air conditioning device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an overall structural diagram showing the air conditioning device according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an overall structural diagram showing the air conditioning unit in the first embodiment of the third implementation.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an overall structural diagram showing the air conditioning unit in the second embodiment of the third implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, various embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those described in prior embodiments, and repeated descriptions are omitted. When only a portion of the structure in each embodiment is described, other described embodiments can be applied to other parts of the structure. Not only can parts explicitly shown to be specifically combinable in each embodiment be combined with each other, but embodiments can also be partially combined even without explicit description, provided that no particular obstacle to combination occurs.

[0026] (First Implementation)

[0027] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-3 The vehicle air conditioning unit shown is an air conditioning unit that adjusts the interior space of a vehicle (in other words, the space to be conditioned) to a suitable temperature. The vehicle air conditioning unit 1 has a refrigeration circulation device 10.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration cycle device 10 is a vapor compression refrigeration machine comprising a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a first expansion valve 13F, a front-side evaporator 14F, a front-side constant pressure valve 15F, a second expansion valve 13R, a rear-side evaporator 14R, a rear-side constant pressure valve 15R, a third expansion valve 13C, and a cooling evaporator 14C. In the refrigeration cycle device 10 of this embodiment, a Freon series refrigerant is used as the refrigerant, constituting a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0029] The second expansion valve 13R and the rear seat-side evaporator 14R are arranged in parallel with respect to the first expansion valve 13F and the front seat-side evaporator 14F in the refrigerant flow. The third expansion valve 13C and the cooling evaporator 14C are also arranged in parallel with respect to the first expansion valve 13F and the front seat-side evaporator 14F in the refrigerant flow. The third expansion valve 13C and the cooling evaporator 14C are also arranged in parallel with respect to the second expansion valve 13R and the rear seat-side evaporator 14R in the refrigerant flow.

[0030] The refrigeration cycle device 10 comprises a first refrigerant circulation loop, a second refrigerant circulation loop, and a third refrigerant circulation loop. In the first refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant circulates in the following order: compressor 11, condenser 12, first expansion valve 13F, front-side evaporator 14F, front-side constant pressure valve 15F, and compressor 11. In the second refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant circulates in the following order: condenser 12, second expansion valve 13R, rear-side evaporator 14R, rear-side constant pressure valve 15R, and compressor 11. In the third refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant circulates in the following order: compressor 11, condenser 12, third expansion valve 13C, cooling evaporator 14C, and compressor 11.

[0031] The compressor 11 is an electric compressor driven by electricity supplied from a battery, which draws in, compresses, and discharges the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle unit 10. The motor of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control device 60. The compressor 11 can also be a variable capacity compressor driven by a belt.

[0032] The condenser 12 is a high-pressure side heat exchanger that allows the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to exchange heat with the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The condenser 12 is also a heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to dissipate heat to the cooling water.

[0033] The condenser 12 condenses the high-pressure refrigerant by exchanging heat between the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 and the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, and heats the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0034] The cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a fluid that serves as a heat transfer medium. The cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a high-temperature heat transfer medium. In this embodiment, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a liquid or antifreeze solution containing at least ethylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or nanofluids. The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is a high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit for circulating high-temperature heat transfer medium.

[0035] The first expansion valve 13F is a first pressure-reducing section that causes the liquid refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 to expand under reduced pressure. The first expansion valve 13F is an electrically operated expansion valve. An electrically operated expansion valve is an electrically operated variable throttling mechanism consisting of a valve core configured to change the throttling opening and an electrically operated actuator that changes the opening of the valve core. The first expansion valve 13F can completely close the refrigerant flow path.

[0036] The first expansion valve 13F is a refrigerant flow switching unit that switches between the state where refrigerant flows through the front seat side evaporator 14F and the state where refrigerant does not flow through the front seat side evaporator 14F. The operation of the first expansion valve 13F is controlled by... Figure 3The control device 60 shown outputs a control signal for control. The first expansion valve 13F can also be a mechanical temperature expansion valve. If the first expansion valve 13F is a mechanical temperature expansion valve, the opening and closing valve for opening and closing the refrigerant flow path on the first expansion valve 13F side needs to be set separately from the first expansion valve 13F.

[0037] The front seat-side evaporator 14F is a first evaporation section that causes the refrigerant flowing out from the first expansion valve 13F to evaporate by exchanging heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior. In the front seat-side evaporator 14F, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior. The front seat-side evaporator 14F is an air cooler that cools the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0038] The front seat-side constant pressure valve 15F is a pressure regulating unit that maintains the refrigerant pressure at a specified value on the outlet side of the front seat-side evaporator 14F. The front seat-side constant pressure valve 15F is composed of a mechanical variable throttling mechanism. Specifically, when the refrigerant pressure at the outlet side of the front seat-side evaporator 14F is less than a specified value, the front seat-side constant pressure valve 15F reduces the refrigerant passage area (i.e., throttling opening); when the refrigerant pressure at the outlet side of the front seat-side evaporator 14F exceeds the specified value, it increases the refrigerant passage area (i.e., throttling opening). The gaseous refrigerant, after pressure regulation by the front seat-side constant pressure valve 15F, is drawn into the compressor 11 and compressed.

[0039] When the flow rate of the circulating refrigerant in the cycle is relatively stable, a fixed throttling device consisting of a throttling orifice and a capillary tube can be used instead of the front seat side constant pressure valve 15F.

[0040] The second expansion valve 13R is a second pressure-reducing section that causes the liquid refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 to expand under reduced pressure. The second expansion valve 13R is an electrically operated expansion valve. An electrically operated expansion valve is an electrically operated variable throttling mechanism consisting of a valve core configured to change the throttling opening and an electrically operated actuator that changes the opening of the valve core. The second expansion valve 13R can completely close the refrigerant flow path.

[0041] The second expansion valve 13R is a refrigerant flow switching unit that switches between the state where refrigerant flows through the rear seat side evaporator 14R and the state where refrigerant does not flow through the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0042] The operation of the second expansion valve 13R is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60. The second expansion valve 13R can also be a mechanical temperature expansion valve. In the case that the second expansion valve 13R is a mechanical temperature expansion valve, the on / off valve that opens and closes the refrigerant flow path on the second expansion valve 13R side needs to be set separately from the second expansion valve 13R.

[0043] The rear seat-side evaporator 14R is a second evaporation section that causes the refrigerant flowing out from the second expansion valve 13R to evaporate by exchanging heat with the air blown into the vehicle interior. In the rear seat-side evaporator 14R, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior. The rear seat-side evaporator 14R is an air cooler that cools the air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0044] The rear-side constant pressure valve 15R is a pressure regulating unit that maintains the refrigerant pressure at a specified value on the outlet side of the rear-side evaporator 14R. The rear-side constant pressure valve 15R is composed of a mechanical variable throttling mechanism. Specifically, when the refrigerant pressure at the outlet side of the rear-side evaporator 14R is less than a specified value, the rear-side constant pressure valve 15R reduces the refrigerant passage area (i.e., throttling opening); when the refrigerant pressure at the outlet side of the rear-side evaporator 14R exceeds the specified value, it increases the refrigerant passage area (i.e., throttling opening). The gaseous refrigerant, after pressure regulation by the rear-side constant pressure valve 15R, is drawn into the compressor 11 and compressed.

[0045] When the flow rate of the circulating refrigerant in the cycle is relatively stable, a fixed throttling device consisting of a throttling orifice and a capillary tube can be used instead of the rear seat constant pressure valve 15R.

[0046] The third expansion valve 13C is a third pressure-reducing section that causes the liquid refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 to expand under reduced pressure. The third expansion valve 13C is an electrically operated expansion valve. An electrically operated expansion valve is an electrically operated variable throttling mechanism consisting of a valve core configured to change the throttling opening and an electrically operated actuator that changes the opening of the valve core. The third expansion valve 13C can completely close the refrigerant flow path.

[0047] The third expansion valve 13C is a refrigerant flow switching unit that switches between the state where refrigerant flows through the cooling evaporator 14C and the state where refrigerant does not flow through the cooling evaporator 14C. The operation of the third expansion valve 13C is controlled by a control signal output from the control device 60. The third expansion valve 13C can also be a mechanical temperature expansion valve. When the third expansion valve 13C is a mechanical temperature expansion valve, a separate on / off valve for opening and closing the refrigerant flow path on the third expansion valve 13C side needs to be provided.

[0048] The cooling evaporator 14C is a third evaporation section that causes the refrigerant flowing out from the third expansion valve 13C to evaporate by exchanging heat with the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30. The gaseous refrigerant evaporated by the cooling evaporator 14C is drawn into the compressor 11 and compressed.

[0049] The cooling water used in the cryogenic cooling water circuit 30 is a liquid or antifreeze solution containing at least ethylene glycol, dimethylpolysiloxane, or nanofluid. The cryogenic cooling water circuit 30 is a cryogenic heat medium circuit for circulating cryogenic heat medium.

[0050] The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is equipped with a condenser 12, a high-temperature side pump 21, a front seat side heater core 22F, a rear seat side heater core 22R, a high-temperature side radiator 23, a water storage tank 24, an electric heater 25, a three-way valve 26, and a flow regulating throttle orifice 27.

[0051] The high-temperature side pump 21 is a heat medium pump that draws in and discharges 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. The high-temperature side pump 21 can also be an electric pump with a variable discharge flow rate.

[0052] The front seat side heater core 22F is an air heater that heats the air blown into the vehicle cabin by exchanging heat between the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the air blown into the cabin. In the front seat side heater core 22F, the cooling water dissipates heat from the air blown into the vehicle cabin. The front seat side heater core 22F is the first heater core.

[0053] The rear seat side heater core 22R is an air heater that heats the air blown into the vehicle cabin by exchanging heat between the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the air blown into the cabin. In the rear seat side heater core 22R, the cooling water dissipates heat from the air blown into the vehicle cabin. The rear seat side heater core 22R is the second heater core.

[0054] The rear seat side heater core 22R is configured in parallel with the front seat side heater core 22F in the cooling water flow of the high temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0055] The high-temperature side radiator 23 is a radiator that allows the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to exchange heat with the outside air, thereby dissipating heat from the cooling water to the outside air. The high-temperature side radiator 23 is configured in parallel with the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R in the cooling water flow of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0056] The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 has a radiator-side branch 20a, a radiator-side confluence section 20b, a heater core-side branch 20c, and a heater core-side confluence section 20d.

[0057] The radiator-side branch 20a branches the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the heater cores 22F and 22R and the high-temperature radiator 23. The radiator-side branch 20a is the first branch.

[0058] The radiator-side confluence section 20b merges the cooling water from the heater cores 22F and 22R and the high-temperature radiator 23. The radiator-side confluence section 20b is the first confluence section.

[0059] The heater core-side branch 20c branches the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the front seat-side heater core 22F side and the rear seat-side heater core 22R side. The heater core-side branch 20c is the second branch.

[0060] The heater core-side confluence section 20d merges the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 from the front seat side heater core 22F side and the rear seat side heater core 22R side. The heater core-side confluence section 20d is the second confluence section.

[0061] The high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 has a radiator cooling water flow path 20e, a branch cooling water flow path 20f, a front seat side heater core cooling water flow path 20g, a rear seat side heater core cooling water flow path 20h, a confluence cooling water flow path 20i, and a condenser cooling water flow path 20k.

[0062] The radiator cooling water flow path 20e is a cooling water flow path (in other words, a heat medium flow path) that goes from the radiator-side branch 20a through the high-temperature side radiator 23 to the radiator-side confluence section 20b.

[0063] The cooling water flow path 20f between the branches is the cooling water flow path (in other words, the heat medium flow path) between the radiator-side branch 20a and the heater core-side branch 20c.

[0064] The cooling water flow path 20g of the front seat side heater core is the cooling water flow path (in other words, the heat medium flow path) from the heater core side branch 20c through the front seat side heater core 22F to the heater core side confluence 20d.

[0065] The cooling water flow path 20h of the rear seat side heater core is the cooling water flow path (in other words, the heat medium flow path) from the heater core side branch 20c through the rear seat side heater core 22R to the heater core side confluence 20d.

[0066] The cooling water flow path 20i between the confluence sections is the cooling water flow path (in other words, the heat medium flow path) between the confluence section 20d on the heater core side and the confluence section 20b on the radiator side.

[0067] The water tank 24 is a cooling water retention section (in other words, a heat medium retention section) for storing excess cooling water. By storing excess cooling water in the water tank 24, the decrease in the volume of cooling water circulating in each flow path can be suppressed.

[0068] The water storage tank 24 can be a closed water storage tank or an open-atmosphere water storage tank. A closed water storage tank is a water storage tank in which the pressure at the surface of the stored cooling water is a specified pressure. An open-atmosphere water storage tank is a water storage tank in which the pressure at the surface of the stored cooling water is atmospheric pressure.

[0069] The water storage tank 24 is located between the heater core side confluence section 20d and the radiator side confluence section 20b in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0070] The electric heater 25 is an auxiliary heating unit that provides auxiliary heating to the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The electric heater 25 is also an auxiliary heat source for heating air via heater cores 22F and 22R. For example, the electric heater 25 is a PTC heater that generates heat by being supplied with electricity. The electric heater 25 is a Joule heating unit that produces Joule heat. The heat output of the electric heater 25 is controlled by a control voltage output from the control device 60.

[0071] The electric heater 25 is disposed between the radiator-side branch 20a and the heater core-side branch 20c in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0072] A three-way valve 26 and a flow regulating throttle orifice 27 are configured in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0073] A three-way valve 26 is disposed at the radiator-side branch 20a of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The three-way valve 26 is an electromagnetic three-way valve that adjusts the opening ratio of the cooling water flow path on the high-temperature side radiator 23 side to the cooling water flow path on the heater cores 22F and 22R. The three-way valve 26 arbitrarily adjusts the flow ratio of the cooling water flowing into the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 on the high-temperature side radiator 23 side to the cooling water flowing into the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 on the heater cores 22F and 22R.

[0074] The three-way valve 26 has a radiator-side flow regulating section 26a and a heater core-side flow regulating section 26b. The radiator-side flow regulating section 26a is a first flow regulating section that regulates the opening of the cooling water flow path (i.e., radiator cooling water flow path 20e) on the high-temperature side of the radiator 23. The heater core-side flow regulating section 26b is a second flow regulating section that regulates the opening of the cooling water flow path (i.e., inter-branch cooling water flow path 20f) on the heater cores 22F and 22R.

[0075] A flow regulating orifice 27 is disposed at the heater core-side branch 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The flow regulating orifice 27 is a fixed throttling element that throttles at least one of the cooling water flow paths on the front seat-side heater core 22F and the rear seat-side heater core 22R. The flow regulating orifice 27 is a pressure loss body that causes pressure loss in the cooling water in at least one of the cooling water flow paths on the front seat-side heater core 22F and the rear seat-side heater core 22R. Through the flow regulating orifice 27, the flow ratio of the cooling water flowing into the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the front seat-side heater core 22F to the cooling water flowing into the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the rear seat-side heater core 22R is adjusted to a predetermined flow ratio.

[0076] The low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is equipped with a cooling evaporator 14C, a low-temperature side pump 31, and a low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0077] The cryogenic side pump 31 is a hot medium pump that draws in and discharges cooling water. The cryogenic side pump 31 is an electric pump. The cryogenic side pump 31 is an electric pump with a constant discharge flow rate. The cryogenic side pump 31 can also be an electric pump with a variable discharge flow rate.

[0078] The low-temperature side radiator 32 is a heat absorber that allows the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 to exchange heat with the outside air and absorb heat from the outside air to the cooling water.

[0079] The outdoor fan 40 is an external air supply unit that blows outside air towards the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32. The outdoor fan 40 is an electric fan driven by an electric motor. The operation of the outdoor fan 40 is controlled by the control device 60.

[0080] The high-temperature side radiator 23, the low-temperature side radiator 32, and the outdoor fan 40 are located at the front of the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle is in motion, the airflow can reach the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the front seat-side evaporator 14F and the front seat-side heater core 22F are housed within the front seat-side air conditioning housing 51F of the front seat-side air conditioning unit 50F. The front seat-side air conditioning unit 50F is located inside an instrument panel (not shown) at the front of the vehicle interior. The front seat-side air conditioning housing 51F is an air passage forming component that forms an air passage.

[0082] The front seat side heater core 22F is disposed in the air passage within the front seat side air conditioning housing 51F, downstream of the airflow of the front seat side evaporator 14F. The front seat side air conditioning housing 51F is equipped with a front seat side indoor / outdoor air switching box 52F and a front seat side indoor air supply fan 53F.

[0083] The front seat-side air exchange box 52F is an air exchange unit that switches the air passage into the front seat-side air conditioning housing 51F to allow the introduction of both indoor and outdoor air. The front seat-side indoor air supply fan 53F draws in and blows in the indoor and outdoor air introduced into the air passage into the front seat-side air conditioning housing 51F through the front seat-side air exchange box 52F. The operation of the front seat-side indoor air supply fan 53F is controlled by the control device 60.

[0084] In the air passage within the front seat side air conditioning housing 51F, a front seat side air mixing door 54F is disposed between the front seat side evaporator 14F and the front seat side heater core 22F. The front seat side air mixing door 54F regulates the airflow ratio between the cold air flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F and the cold air flowing through the front seat side cold air bypass passage 55F. The front seat side air mixing door 54F is the first air mixing door.

[0085] The front seat side cold air bypass passage 55F is an air passage that allows the cold air after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F to flow around the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0086] The front seat side air mixing door 54F is a rotating door with a rotating shaft supported rotatably on the front seat side air conditioning housing 51F and a door base plate connected to the rotating shaft. By adjusting the opening position of the front seat side air mixing door 54F, the temperature of the air conditioning air blown into the vehicle interior from the front seat side air conditioning housing 51F can be adjusted to the desired temperature.

[0087] The rotation axis of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is driven by the front seat side air mixing door servo motor 56F. The operation of the front seat side air mixing door servo motor 56F is controlled by the control device 60.

[0088] The front seat side air mixing door 54F can also be a sliding door that slides in a direction approximately orthogonal to the airflow. The sliding door can also be a plate-shaped door formed of a rigid body, or a roller door formed of a flexible thin film material.

[0089] The air conditioning air, after being conditioned by the air mixing door 54F on the front seat side, is mainly blown into the front seat side space of the vehicle interior from the air conditioning housing 51F on the front seat side outlet 57F.

[0090] like Figure 2 As indicated by the symbols in parentheses, the rear seat-side evaporator 14R and the rear seat-side heater core 22R are housed within the rear seat-side air conditioning housing 51R of the rear seat-side air conditioning unit 50R. Since the structure of the rear seat-side air conditioning unit 50R is identical to that of the front seat-side air conditioning unit 50F, therefore... Figure 2 The brackets indicate the symbol corresponding to the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R, and the illustration of the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R is omitted.

[0091] The rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R is located in the rear of the vehicle interior. For example, the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R is located on the side of the rear seat. The rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R is an air passage forming component that forms an air passage.

[0092] The rear seat side heater core 22R is disposed in the air passage within the rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R, downstream of the airflow of the rear seat side evaporator 14R. The rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R is equipped with a rear seat side indoor / outdoor air switching box 52R and a rear seat side indoor air supply fan 53R.

[0093] The rear-seat side air exchange box 52R is an air exchange unit that switches the introduction of indoor and outdoor air into the air passage within the rear-seat side air conditioning housing 51R. The rear-seat side indoor air supply fan 53R draws in and blows in the indoor and outdoor air introduced into the air passage within the rear-seat side air conditioning housing 51R through the rear-seat side air exchange box 52R. The operation of the rear-seat side indoor air supply fan 53R is controlled by the control device 60.

[0094] Within the air passage of the rear seat-side air conditioning housing 51R, a rear seat-side air mixing door 54R is disposed between the rear seat-side evaporator 14R and the rear seat-side heater core 22R. The rear seat-side air mixing door 54R adjusts the airflow ratio between the cold air flowing into the rear seat-side heater core 22R from the cold air passing through the rear seat-side evaporator 14R and the cold air flowing through the rear seat-side cold air bypass passage 55R. The rear seat-side air mixing door 54R is a second air mixing door.

[0095] The rear seat side cold air bypass passage 55R is an air passage that allows the cold air after passing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R to flow around the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0096] The rear seat side air mixing door 54R is a rotating door with a rotating shaft supported on the rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R and a door base plate connected to the rotating shaft. By adjusting the opening position of the rear seat side air mixing door 54R, the temperature of the air conditioning air blown into the vehicle interior from the rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R can be adjusted to the desired temperature.

[0097] The rotation axis of the rear seat side air mixing door 54R is driven by the rear seat side air mixing door servo motor 56R. The operation of the rear seat side air mixing door servo motor 56R is controlled by the control device 60.

[0098] The rear seat side air mixing door 54R can also be a sliding door that slides in a direction approximately orthogonal to the airflow. The sliding door can also be a plate-shaped door formed of a rigid body, or a roller door formed of a flexible thin film material.

[0099] The air conditioning air, after being conditioned by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R, is blown out from the rear seat side air outlet 57R formed in the rear seat side air conditioning housing 51R into the rear seat side space inside the vehicle.

[0100] Figure 3 The control device 60 shown is composed of a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and its peripheral circuitry. The control device 60 performs various calculations and processes according to 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 actions of various controlled devices.

[0101] The controlled devices controlled by the control device 60 include compressor 11, first expansion valve 13F, second expansion valve 13R, third expansion valve 13C, high-temperature side pump 21, electric heater 25, three-way valve 26, low-temperature side pump 31, outdoor fan 40, front seat side indoor fan 53F, rear seat side indoor fan 53R, servo motor 56F for front seat side air mixing door and servo motor 56R for rear seat side air mixing door, etc.

[0102] The software and hardware in control device 60 that control the motor of compressor 11 constitute a refrigerant discharge capacity control unit. The software and hardware in control device 60 that control the first expansion valve 13F and the second expansion valve 13R constitute a throttling control unit. The software and hardware in control device 60 that control electric heater 25 constitute an auxiliary heating capacity control unit.

[0103] The software and hardware for controlling the three-way valve 26 in the control device 60 is a high-temperature hot medium flow control unit.

[0104] The software and hardware of the control unit 60 for the outdoor air supply fan 40 is the outdoor air supply capacity control unit.

[0105] The software and hardware in the control device 60 that controls the front seat side indoor air supply fan 53F and the rear seat side indoor air supply fan 53R constitute the air supply capacity control unit.

[0106] The software and hardware of the control device 60 for controlling the servo motor 56F for the front seat side air mixing door and the servo motor 56R for the rear seat side air mixing door is the air volume proportional control unit.

[0107] Various control sensor groups are connected to the input side of the control device 60, including a front seat side interior air temperature sensor 61F, a rear seat side interior air temperature sensor 61R, an outside air temperature sensor 62, a solar radiation sensor 63, a front seat side intake air temperature sensor 64F, a rear seat side intake air temperature sensor 64R, a front seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65F, a rear seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65R, a cooling evaporator temperature sensor 65C, a front seat side heater core temperature sensor 66F, and a rear seat side heater core temperature sensor 66R.

[0108] The front seat interior temperature sensor 61F detects the interior temperature TrF (hereinafter referred to as the front seat interior temperature) of the front seat side space within the vehicle interior. The rear seat interior temperature sensor 61R detects the interior temperature TrR (hereinafter referred to as the rear seat interior temperature) of the rear seat side space within the vehicle interior. The outside air temperature sensor 62 detects the outside air temperature Tam (hereinafter referred to as the outside air temperature). The solar radiation sensor 63 detects the solar radiation Ts within the vehicle interior.

[0109] The front seat side intake air temperature sensor 64F is an air temperature detection unit that detects the temperature TEinF of the air drawn into the front seat side evaporator 14F. The rear seat side intake air temperature sensor 64R is an air temperature detection unit that detects the temperature TEinR of the air drawn into the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0110] The front seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65F is an evaporator temperature detection unit that detects the temperature TEF of the front seat side evaporator 14F. The front seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65F can be, for example, a fin thermistor that detects the temperature of the heat exchange fins of the front seat side evaporator 14F, or a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the front seat side evaporator 14F.

[0111] The rear seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65R is an evaporator temperature detection unit that detects the temperature TER of the rear seat side evaporator 14R. The rear seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65R may be, for example, a fin thermistor that detects the temperature of the heat exchange fins of the rear seat side evaporator 14R, or a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0112] The evaporator temperature sensor 65C is an evaporator temperature detection unit of the TEC (Evaporator Temperature Detector) that detects the temperature of the evaporator 14C. For example, the evaporator temperature sensor 65C can be a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 14C.

[0113] The front seat heater core temperature sensor 66F is a first temperature detection unit that detects the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F. The rear seat heater core temperature sensor 66R is a second temperature detection unit that detects the temperature THinR of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R.

[0114] like Figure 1 As shown, the front seat side heater core temperature sensor 66F is disposed between the heater core side branch 20c and the front seat side heater core 22F in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Figure 1 As shown, the rear seat side heater core temperature sensor 66R is disposed between the heater core side branch 20c and the rear seat side heater core 22R in the high temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0115] Various operating switches (not shown) are connected to the input side of the control device 60. These operating switches are located at... Figure 3 The control panel 70 shown is operated by the occupant. The control panel 70 is located near the instrument panel at the front of the vehicle interior. Operation signals from various control switches are input to the control device 60.

[0116] Various control switches include automatic switch, air conditioning switch, front seat side temperature setting switch, front seat side air volume setting switch, front seat side airflow mode switching switch, rear seat side air conditioning switch, rear seat side temperature setting switch, rear seat side air volume setting switch, and rear seat side airflow mode switching switch.

[0117] An automatic switch is a switch that sets or deactivates the automatic control operation of the vehicle's air conditioning system. An air conditioning switch is a switch that requires air cooling through at least the front seat-side evaporator 14F, which is either the front seat-side evaporator 14F or the rear seat-side evaporator 14R.

[0118] The front seat temperature setting switch is used to set the target temperature for the front seat interior. The front seat airflow setting switch is used to manually set the airflow of the front seat interior air supply fan (53F). The front seat airflow mode switch is used to manually set the airflow mode of the front seat air conditioning unit (50F).

[0119] The rear seat side air conditioning switch toggles the operation and shutdown of the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. The rear seat side temperature setting switch is used to set the target temperature for the rear seat area. The rear seat side airflow setting switch is used to manually set the airflow of the rear seat side interior fan 53R. The rear seat side airflow mode switch is used to manually set the airflow mode of the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R.

[0120] Next, the operation of the above structure will be explained. When the automatic switch of the operation panel 70 is turned on by the occupant, the control device 60 switches the operating mode based on the operating status of the air conditioning switch and the rear seat air conditioning switch, the target airflow temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side, and the control mapping diagram. The operating modes include at least a single cooling mode, a single first dehumidification and heating mode, a single second dehumidification and heating mode, a single third dehumidification and heating mode, a single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, a single heating mode, a dual cooling mode, a dual first dehumidification and heating mode, a dual second dehumidification and heating mode, a dual third dehumidification and heating mode, a dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, and a dual heating mode.

[0121] The target airflow temperature (TAOF) for the front seat side is the target temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior by the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F. The control device 60 calculates the target airflow temperature (TAOF) for the front seat side based on the following formula.

[0122] TAOF=Kset×TsetF-Kr×TrF-Kam×Tam-Ks×Ts+C

[0123] In this formula, TsetF is the interior temperature set by the front seat side temperature setting switch on the control panel 70, TrF is the front seat side interior temperature detected by the front seat side interior temperature sensor 61F, Tam is the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 62, and Ts is the solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 63. Kset, Kr, Kam, and Ks are control gains, and C is a constant used for calibration.

[0124] When the air conditioning switch is turned on by the passenger and the rear seat air conditioning switch is turned off by the passenger, the system switches to a single cooling mode in the low-temperature range of the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side. As the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side becomes high, the system switches in the following order: single first dehumidification and heating mode, single second dehumidification and heating mode, single third dehumidification and heating mode, and single fourth dehumidification and heating mode. The higher the intake air temperature (TEinF) of the evaporator (14F) on the front seat side, the higher the threshold of the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side.

[0125] When the air conditioning switch and the rear seat air conditioning switch are turned off by the occupant, the system switches to heating mode only in the high-temperature zone of the target airflow temperature TAOF on the front seat side.

[0126] When both the air conditioning switch and the rear seat air conditioning switch are turned on by the passenger, the system switches to dual cooling mode in the low-temperature range of the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side. As the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side becomes high, the system switches sequentially through dual first dehumidification and heating modes, dual second dehumidification and heating modes, dual third dehumidification and heating modes, and dual fourth dehumidification and heating modes. The higher the intake air temperature (TEinF) of the evaporator (14F) on the front seat side, the higher the threshold value of the target air outlet temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side.

[0127] When the air conditioning switch is turned off by the passenger and the rear seat air conditioning switch is turned on by the passenger, the dual heating mode is switched to the high-temperature zone of the target airflow temperature TAOF on the front seat side.

[0128] In single-cooling mode, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled by the evaporator 14F on the front seat side, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.

[0129] In the single first dehumidification and heating modes, single second dehumidification and heating modes, single third dehumidification and heating modes, and single fourth dehumidification and heating modes, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified by the front seat-side evaporator 14F, and the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat-side heater core 22F is heated to dehumidify and heat the vehicle interior. In the single heating mode, the air blown into the vehicle interior is heated by the front seat-side heater core 22F to heat the vehicle interior.

[0130] In dual cooling mode, the air blown into the front seat side space of the vehicle interior is cooled by the front seat side evaporator 14F, thereby cooling the front seat side space of the vehicle interior, and the air blown into the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior is cooled by the rear seat side evaporator 14R, thereby cooling the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior.

[0131] In the dual first dehumidification and heating modes, dual second dehumidification and heating modes, dual third dehumidification and heating modes, and dual fourth dehumidification and heating modes, the air blown into the front seat side space of the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F, and the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side heater core 22F is heated, thereby dehumidifying and heating the front seat side space of the vehicle interior. Similarly, the air blown into the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified by the rear seat side evaporator 14R, and the air cooled and dehumidified by the rear seat side heater core 22R is heated, thereby dehumidifying and heating the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior. In the dual heating mode, the air blown into the front seat side space of the vehicle interior is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F, thereby heating the front seat side space of the vehicle interior, and the air blown into the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior is heated by the rear seat side heater core 22R, thereby heating the rear seat side space of the vehicle interior.

[0132] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the heat of the cooling water in the high temperature cooling water circuit 20 is surplus relative to the heat required by the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the surplus heat of the cooling water in the high temperature cooling water circuit 20 is dissipated to the outside air through the high temperature side radiator 23.

[0133] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F is increased by absorbing heat from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32 compared with the single first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0134] In the single third dehumidification and heating mode, compared with the single second dehumidification and heating mode, by increasing the speed of the compressor 11, the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32 is increased, and the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F is increased.

[0135] In the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F is increased by heating the electric heater 25 compared to the single third dehumidification and heating mode.

[0136] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is surplus compared to the heat required by the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R. Therefore, the surplus heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is dissipated to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23. The dual first dehumidification and heating mode is a heat dissipation mode that dissipates heat to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0137] In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R is increased compared to the dual first dehumidification and heating mode by absorbing heat from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32. The dual second dehumidification and heating mode is a heat absorption mode that absorbs heat from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0138] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, compared with the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, by increasing the speed of the compressor 11, the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32 is increased, and the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R is increased.

[0139] In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, by heating the electric heater 25, the heat dissipation of the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R is increased compared with the dual third dehumidification and heating mode.

[0140] Next, the operation of single cooling mode, single first dehumidification and heating mode, single second dehumidification and heating mode, single third dehumidification and heating mode, single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, single heating mode, dual cooling mode, dual first dehumidification and heating mode, dual second dehumidification and heating mode, dual third dehumidification and heating mode, dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, and dual heating mode will be explained.

[0141] In cooling mode, single cooling mode, single first dehumidification and heating mode, single second dehumidification and heating mode, single third dehumidification and heating mode, single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, single heating mode, dual cooling mode, dual first dehumidification and heating mode, dual second dehumidification and heating mode, dual third dehumidification and heating mode, dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, and dual heating mode, the control device 60 determines the operating state 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 air outlet temperature TAOF on the front seat side, the detection signals of the sensor group, etc.

[0142] (1) Single cooling mode

[0143] In single refrigeration mode, the control device 60 activates the compressor 11 and the high-temperature side pump 21, causing the first expansion valve 13F to enter a throttling state to exert the refrigerant pressure reduction function, closing the second expansion valve 13R, and closing the third expansion valve 13C.

[0144] In single-cooling mode, the control unit 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in such a way that the front seat side evaporator temperature TEF detected by the front seat side evaporator temperature sensor 65F is close to the target front seat side evaporator temperature TEOF. The target front seat side evaporator temperature TEOF is determined based on the target front seat side blow-out temperature TAOF and with reference to a control mapping diagram pre-stored in the control unit 60.

[0145] In single cooling mode, the control device 60 activates the front seat side indoor air supply fan 53F and stops the rear seat side indoor air supply fan 53R.

[0146] In single cooling mode, control device 60 controls three-way valve 26 such that the radiator-side flow rate ratio Rr decreases when the target temperature THOF (hereinafter referred to as the target front seat side heater core temperature) of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F increases, and the radiator-side flow rate ratio Rr increases when the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF decreases. In this example, the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF is the same as the target front seat side blow-out temperature TAOF.

[0147] The radiator-side flow ratio Rr refers to the flow ratio of cooling water flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23 to cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0148] That is, in single cooling mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that when the target airflow temperature TAOF on the front seat side is high, the proportion of cooling water distributed to the high-temperature side radiator 23 is reduced, and when the target airflow temperature TAOF on the front seat side is low, the proportion of cooling water distributed to the high-temperature side radiator 23 is increased.

[0149] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in single refrigeration mode, the refrigerant is as follows Figure 1 The refrigerant flows as indicated by the dashed arrow, and the state of the refrigerant changes as follows during the circulation.

[0150] That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. After flowing into the condenser 12, the refrigerant 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.

[0151] The refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13F, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the first expansion valve 13F, flows into the front seat side evaporator 14F, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0152] Then, the refrigerant flowing out from the front seat side evaporator 14F flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0153] In this way, in single-cooling mode, the low-pressure refrigerant can absorb heat from the air through the front seat side evaporator 14F, and then blow the cooled air into the vehicle interior. This achieves cooling of the vehicle interior.

[0154] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 under single cooling mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0155] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the front seat side heater core 22F also circulates cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, but the amount of heat dissipated from the cooling water to the air in the front seat side heater core 22F is regulated by the front seat side air mixing gate 54F.

[0156] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is used to determine the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F to be the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side. Specifically, the opening degree of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is determined based on the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side, the temperature TEF of the front seat side evaporator 14F, and the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0157] At this time, as Figure 1As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0158] (2) Single first dehumidification and heating mode

[0159] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 activates the compressor 11 and the high-temperature side pump 21, so that the first expansion valve 13F is in a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, the second expansion valve 13R is closed, and the third expansion valve 13C is closed.

[0160] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in the same way as in the single cooling mode.

[0161] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in the same way as in the single cooling mode, so that when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases, the radiator side flow ratio Rr decreases, and when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases, the radiator side flow ratio Rr increases.

[0162] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is as follows: Figure 1 The refrigerant flows as indicated by the dashed arrow, and the state of the refrigerant changes as follows during the circulation.

[0163] That is, 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. As a result, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is heated.

[0164] The refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13F, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the first expansion valve 13F, flows into the front seat side evaporator 14F, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified.

[0165] Then, the refrigerant flowing out from the front seat side evaporator 14F flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0166] like Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during the first dehumidification and heating mode, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0167] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is used to position the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a certain position. Figure 2The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is determined by the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0168] Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior by the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is cooled by the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0169] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0170] Meanwhile, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the cooling water circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0171] In this way, under the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be dissipated to the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 through the condenser 12, and the heat of the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 can be dissipated to the air through the front seat side heater core 22F, and the air heated by the front seat side heater core 22F is blown into the vehicle interior.

[0172] The air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated in the front seat side heater core 22F. This enables dehumidification and heating in the vehicle interior.

[0173] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, since the target airflow temperature (TAOF) on the front seat side is implemented in a relatively low-temperature region, the airflow temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F can be relatively low. Therefore, the heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is surplus relative to the heat required by the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0174] The remaining heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is dissipated to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0175] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the flow rate of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 that flows through the high-temperature side radiator 23 is only required to dissipate the remaining heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the outside air.

[0176] Therefore, in the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the opening degree is set to dissipate the remaining heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0177] As described above, in the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the radiator-side flow rate ratio Rr decreases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases, and increases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases. As a result, the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF.

[0178] (3) Single second dehumidification and heating mode

[0179] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, since the target blow-out temperature TAOF on the front seat side is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be increased compared with the single first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0180] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 activates the compressor 11, the high-temperature side pump 21, and the low-temperature side pump 31.

[0181] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in the same way as in the single first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0182] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 causes the first expansion valve 13F to open at a throttling opening, closes the second expansion valve 13R, and causes the third expansion valve 13C to open at a throttling opening.

[0183] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in the same way as in the single first dehumidification and heating mode, so that the radiator side flow ratio Rr decreases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases and the radiator side flow ratio Rr increases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases.

[0184] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is as follows: Figure 1 The dashed arrow and the actual arrow indicate the flow, and the state of the refrigerant circulating in the cycle changes as follows.

[0185] That is, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12 and dissipates heat by exchanging heat with the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Thus, the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is heated.

[0186] The refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13F, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the first expansion valve 13F, flows into the front seat side evaporator 14F, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled and dehumidified.

[0187] Then, the refrigerant flowing out from the front seat side evaporator 14F flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0188] Meanwhile, in the refrigeration cycle device 10, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the third expansion valve 13C, where it is depressurized and expands into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the third expansion valve 13C, flows into the cooling evaporator 14C, where it absorbs heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and evaporates. Thus, the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is cooled.

[0189] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the single second dehumidification and heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0190] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is used to position the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a certain position. Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total flow rate of the supply air after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is determined by the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0191] Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior by the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is cooled by the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0192] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0193] Meanwhile, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the cooling water circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air through the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0194] In the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 of the single second dehumidification heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 circulates in the low-temperature side radiator 32, and absorbs heat from the outside air to the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 through the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0195] In this way, under the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be dissipated to the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 through the condenser 12, and the heat of the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 can be dissipated to the air through the front seat side heater core 22F, and the air heated by the front seat side heater core 22F is blown into the vehicle interior.

[0196] The air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated in the front seat side heater core 22F. This enables dehumidification and heating in the vehicle interior.

[0197] In the single second dehumidification and heating mode, since heat is absorbed from the outside air to the cooling water of the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 through the low-temperature side radiator 32, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased compared with the single first dehumidification and heating mode, and the blowing air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased.

[0198] As described above, in the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the radiator-side flow rate ratio Rr decreases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases, and increases when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases. As a result, the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF.

[0199] (4) Single third dehumidification and heating mode

[0200] In the single third dehumidification heating mode, since the target blow-out temperature TAOF on the front seat side is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the single second dehumidification heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be increased compared with the single second dehumidification heating mode.

[0201] In the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that minimizes the radiator-side flow ratio Rr. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0202] Therefore, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the single third dehumidification and heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0203] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is used to position the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a certain position. Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total flow rate of the supply air after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is determined by the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0204] Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior by the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is cooled by the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0205] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0206] In the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the heat absorption from the outside air in the low-temperature side radiator 32 is increased compared to the single second dehumidification and heating mode. Specifically, the speed Nc of the compressor 11 is increased relative to the second dehumidification and heating mode. That is, the speed Nc of the compressor 11 is made higher than the speed determined based on the target front seat side evaporator temperature TEOF.

[0207] Therefore, compared with the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased, and the blowing air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased.

[0208] In the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that increases the compressor speed Nc when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases and decreases the compressor speed Nc when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases. As a result, the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF.

[0209] (5) Single fourth dehumidification and heating mode

[0210] In the single fourth dehumidification heating mode, since the target blow-out temperature TAOF on the front seat side is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the single third dehumidification heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be increased compared with the single third dehumidification heating mode.

[0211] In the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in the same way as in the single third dehumidification and heating mode. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0212] Therefore, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the single fourth dehumidification heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0213] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is used to position the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a certain position. Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total flow rate of the supply air after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is determined by the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0214] Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior by the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is cooled by the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the air cooled and dehumidified by the front seat side evaporator 14F is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F and blown into the vehicle interior.

[0215] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0216] In the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the speed Nc of the compressor 11 is set to the upper limit speed, and compared with the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the heating heat is increased by activating the electric heater 25.

[0217] Therefore, compared with the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased, and the blowing air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F can be increased.

[0218] In the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that increases the output of the electric heater 25 when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases, and decreases the output of the electric heater 25 when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases. As a result, the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF.

[0219] (6) Single heating mode

[0220] In single heating mode, the control device 60 activates the compressor 11 and the high-temperature side pump 21, closes the first expansion valve 13F, closes the second expansion valve 13R, and puts the third expansion valve 13C into a throttling state to exert the refrigerant pressure reduction function.

[0221] In single heating mode, the control unit 60 controls the compressor 11 speed Nc in such a way that the temperature THinF of the cooling water detected by the front seat side heater core temperature sensor 66F (i.e., the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F) is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF. The target front seat side heater core temperature THOF is determined based on the target front seat side blow-out temperature TAOF and with reference to a control mapping diagram pre-stored in the control unit 60.

[0222] In single heating mode, the control device 60 activates the front seat side indoor air supply fan 53F and stops the rear seat side indoor air supply fan 53R.

[0223] In single heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that minimizes the radiator-side flow ratio Rr. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0224] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in single heating mode, the refrigerant is as follows Figure 1 The refrigerant flows as indicated by the solid arrow, and the state of the refrigerant circulating in the cycle changes as follows.

[0225] That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. After flowing into the condenser 12, the refrigerant 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.

[0226] The refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the third expansion valve 13C, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the third expansion valve 13C, flows into the cooling evaporator 14C, where it absorbs heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 and evaporates. Thus, the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 is cooled.

[0227] Then, the refrigerant flowing out of the cooling evaporator 14C flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0228] In this way, under single heating mode, the low-pressure refrigerant can absorb heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 through the cooling evaporator 14C, and the cooled water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 flows into the low-temperature side radiator 32. Thus, heat can be absorbed from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0229] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during single heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, high-temperature cooling water from the cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F. A control signal is output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F to position the front seat side air mixing door 54F... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, allowing the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F to be determined by the front seat side heater core 22F. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled by the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 via the front seat side heater core 22F. Therefore, the air blown into the vehicle interior is heated by the front seat side heater core 22F, achieving heating of the vehicle interior.

[0230] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the rear seat side heater core 22R, but since the rear seat side indoor fan 53R is stopped, there is almost no heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0231] In single heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 to increase the compressor speed Nc and the output of the electric heater 25 when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF increases, and to decrease the compressor speed Nc and the output of the electric heater 25 when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF decreases. As a result, the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat side heater core 22F is close to the target front seat side heater core temperature THOF.

[0232] (7) Dual cooling mode

[0233] In dual-cooling mode, compared to single-cooling mode, the second expansion valve 13R is put into a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, causing the rear seat side indoor fan 53R to operate.

[0234] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in dual refrigeration mode, the refrigerant is as follows Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow and the single-dot dashed arrow, the refrigerant flows in a cycle, and the state of the refrigerant changes as follows.

[0235] That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. After flowing into the condenser 12, the refrigerant 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.

[0236] like Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13F, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the first expansion valve 13F, flows into the front seat side evaporator 14F, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0237] At the same time, such as Figure 1As shown by the dashed arrow, the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the second expansion valve 13R, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the second expansion valve 13R, flows into the rear seat-side evaporator 14R, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the rear seat-side space of the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the rear seat-side space of the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0238] Then, as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow and the single-dot-dash arrow, the refrigerant flowing out from the front seat side evaporator 14F and the refrigerant flowing out from the rear left side evaporator 14R flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0239] In dual cooling mode, the control device 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in such a way that the temperature of the evaporator with the lower target evaporator temperature in the front seat side evaporator 14F and the rear seat side evaporator 14R is close to the target evaporator temperature.

[0240] Specifically, when the target front seat evaporator temperature TEOF is lower than the target rear seat evaporator temperature TEOR, the control device 60 controls the compressor speed Nc in a manner that brings the front seat evaporator temperature TEOF close to the target front seat evaporator temperature TEOF. The target rear seat evaporator temperature TEOR is determined based on the target rear seat blow-out temperature TAOR and with reference to a control mapping diagram pre-stored in the control device 60. When the target front seat evaporator temperature TEOF is higher than the target rear seat evaporator temperature TEOR, the control device 60 controls the compressor speed Nc in a manner that brings the rear seat evaporator temperature TER close to the target rear seat evaporator temperature TEOR.

[0241] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during dual cooling mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0242] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the front seat heater core 22F and the rear seat heater core 22R. However, the amount of heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the front seat heater core 22F is regulated by the front seat air mixing gate 54F, and the amount of heat dissipation from the cooling water to the air in the rear seat heater core 22R is regulated by the rear seat air mixing gate 54R.

[0243] The control signal output to the servo motor of the front seat side air mixing door 54F is determined in the same way as in the single cooling mode, so that the temperature of the air conditioning air after being regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F becomes the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side.

[0244] The control signal output to the servo motor of the rear seat side air mixing door 54R is determined in such a way that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R becomes the target air outlet temperature TAOR of the rear seat side. Specifically, the opening degree of the rear seat side air mixing door 54R is determined based on the target air outlet temperature TAOR of the rear seat side, the temperature TER of the rear seat side evaporator 14R, and the temperature ThinR of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0245] The target airflow temperature (TAOR) for the rear seat side is the target temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior by the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. The control device 60 calculates the target airflow temperature (TAOR) for the rear seat side based on the following formula.

[0246] TAOR=Kset×TsetR-Kr×TrR-Kam×Tam-Ks×Ts+C

[0247] In this formula, TsetR is the interior set temperature set by the rear seat side temperature setting switch on the operation panel 70, TrR is the front seat side interior temperature detected by the rear seat side interior temperature sensor 61R, Tam is the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 62, and Ts is the solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 63. Kset, Kr, Kam, and Ks are control gains, and C is a constant used for calibration.

[0248] In this way, in dual-cooling mode, the cabin can be cooled by both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R.

[0249] (8) Dual first dehumidification and heating modes

[0250] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, compared with the single first dehumidification and heating mode, the second expansion valve 13R is made into a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, causing the rear seat side indoor fan 53R to operate.

[0251] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in the same way as in the dual cooling mode.

[0252] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 during the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is as follows: Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow and the single-dot dashed arrow, the refrigerant flows in a cycle, and the state of the refrigerant changes as follows.

[0253] That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the condenser 12. After flowing into the condenser 12, the refrigerant 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.

[0254] like Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the first expansion valve 13F, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the first expansion valve 13F, flows into the front seat side evaporator 14F, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0255] At the same time, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, the refrigerant flowing from the condenser 12 flows into the second expansion valve 13R, where it is depressurized and expanded into a low-pressure refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant, after being depressurized by the second expansion valve 13R, flows into the rear seat-side evaporator 14R, where it absorbs heat from the air blown into the rear seat-side space of the vehicle interior and evaporates. Thus, the air blown into the rear seat-side space of the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0256] Then, as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow and the single-dot-dash arrow, the refrigerant flowing out from the front seat side evaporator 14F and the refrigerant flowing out from the rear left side evaporator 14R flows to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is compressed again by the compressor 11.

[0257] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during dual first dehumidification and heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0258] At this time, as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0259] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 such that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is determined such that the air passage of the heater core is fully opened, allowing the total flow rate of air after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the lower target heater core temperature is determined such that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the air mixing door becomes the target blowing temperature.

[0260] For example, when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF is higher than the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR (i.e., the target temperature of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R), the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the temperature ThinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F is equal to the target front seat heater core temperature THOF. The control device 60 sets the front seat air mixing valve 54F to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, controlling the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F via the front seat side heater core 22F. The control device 60 controls the rear seat side air mixing door 54R so that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R is the target rear seat side outlet temperature TAOR. Specifically, the rear seat side air mixing door 54R is determined based on the target rear seat side outlet temperature TAOR, the temperature TER of the rear seat side evaporator 14R, and the temperature THinR of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat side heater core 22R. In this example, the target rear seat side heater core temperature THOR is the same as the target rear seat side outlet temperature TAOR.

[0261] For example, when the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR is higher than the target front seat heater core temperature THOF, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R is equal to the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR. The control device 60 sets the rear seat air mixing valve 54R to... Figure 2The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the rear seat side heater core 22R, so that the total airflow after passing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R is controlled by the rear seat side heater core 22R. The control device 60 controls the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side.

[0262] Preferably, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prioritizes the adjustment of the cooling water flow rate relative to the front seat side heater core 22F of the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R. This is to ensure the front seat side's anti-fogging properties as much as possible.

[0263] In this way, under the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved through both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R.

[0264] (9) Dual Second Dehumidification and Heating Mode

[0265] In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, since at least one of the front seat side target blow-out temperature TAOF and the rear seat side target blow-out temperature TAOR is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be higher than that of the dual first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0266] In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, compared to the single second dehumidification and heating mode, the second expansion valve 13R is made into a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, causing the rear seat side indoor fan 53R to operate.

[0267] In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the speed Nc of the compressor 11 in the same way as in the dual first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0268] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is the same as in the dual first dehumidification and heating mode. Figure 1 As indicated by the dashed arrow and the single-dot-dash arrow, the air blown into the cabin is cooled by the front seat side evaporator 14F, and the air blown into the rear seat side space of the cabin is cooled by the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0269] In the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during dual second dehumidification and heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed arrow, cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 circulates in the high-temperature side radiator 23, and heat is dissipated from the cooling water to the outside air in the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0270] At this time, as Figure 1As shown by the solid arrow, the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 also circulates in the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0271] In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26, the front seat side air mixing door 54F, and the rear seat side air mixing door 54R in the same way as in the dual first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0272] That is, in the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is determined in such a way that the air passage of the heater core is fully opened, allowing the total flow rate of air after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the lower target heater core temperature is determined in such a way that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the air mixing door becomes the target blowing temperature.

[0273] Thus, in the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved through both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. In the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, since the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 absorbs heat from the external gas through the low-temperature side radiator 32, compared with the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased, and the exhaust air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F and the exhaust air temperature of the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased.

[0274] (10) Dual third dehumidification and heating mode

[0275] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, since at least one of the front seat side target blow-out temperature TAOF and the rear seat side target blow-out temperature TAOR is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be higher than that of the dual second dehumidification and heating mode.

[0276] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, compared to the single third dehumidification and heating mode, the second expansion valve 13R is made to enter a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, causing the rear seat side indoor fan 53R to operate.

[0277] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is the same as in the dual second dehumidification and heating mode. Figure 1As indicated by the dashed arrow and the single-dot-dash arrow, the air blown into the cabin is cooled by the front seat side evaporator 14F, and the air blown into the rear seat side space of the cabin is cooled by the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0278] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in the same way as in the single third dehumidification and heating mode. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0279] Therefore, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, high-temperature cooling water from the cooling water circuit 20 circulates between the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0280] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11 such that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is determined such that the air passage of the heater core is fully opened, allowing the total flow rate of air after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the lower target heater core temperature is determined such that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the air mixing door temperature becomes the target blowing temperature.

[0281] For example, when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF is higher than the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the compressor 11 in such a way that the temperature ThinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F is equal to the target front seat heater core temperature THOF. The control device 60 sets the front seat air mixing valve 54F to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is controlled by the front seat side heater core 22F. The control device 60 controls the rear seat side air mixing door 54R in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R the target blowing temperature TAOR of the rear seat side.

[0282] For example, when the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR is higher than the target front seat heater core temperature THOF, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the compressor 11 in such a way that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R is equal to the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR. The control device 60 sets the rear seat air mixing valve 54R to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the rear seat side heater core 22R, so that the total airflow after passing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R is controlled by the rear seat side heater core 22R. The control device 60 controls the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side.

[0283] Thus, in the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved through both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, since the compressor speed Nc of 11 is increased compared to the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased, and the exhaust air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F and the exhaust air temperature of the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased.

[0284] (11) Dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode

[0285] In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, since at least one of the front seat side target blow-out temperature TAOF and the rear seat side target blow-out temperature TAOR is implemented in a high-temperature region compared with the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, the blow-out air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F needs to be higher than that of the dual third dehumidification and heating mode.

[0286] In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, compared with the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the second expansion valve 13R is made into a throttling state to exert the function of refrigerant pressure reduction, causing the rear seat side indoor fan 53R to operate.

[0287] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant is the same as in the dual third dehumidification and heating mode. Figure 1 As indicated by the dashed arrow and the single-dot-dash arrow, the air blown into the cabin is cooled by the front seat side evaporator 14F, and the air blown into the rear seat side space of the cabin is cooled by the rear seat side evaporator 14R.

[0288] In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 and the compressor 11 in the same way as in the single fourth dehumidification and heating mode. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23, and sets the speed Nc of the compressor 11 to the upper limit speed.

[0289] Therefore, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the dual fourth dehumidification heating mode, such as Figure 1 As shown by the solid arrow, high-temperature cooling water from the cooling water circuit 20 circulates between the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0290] In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the electric heater 25 such that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is determined such that the air passage of the heater core is fully opened, allowing the total airflow after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the lower target heater core temperature is determined such that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the air mixing door becomes the target blowing temperature.

[0291] For example, when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF is higher than the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR, the control device 60 controls the electric heater 25, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the electric heater 25 such that the temperature ThinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F is equal to the target front seat heater core temperature THOF. The control device 60 sets the front seat air mixing valve 54F to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is controlled by the front seat side heater core 22F. The control device 60 controls the rear seat side air mixing door 54R in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R the target blowing temperature TAOR of the rear seat side.

[0292] For example, when the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR is higher than the target front seat heater core temperature THOF, the control device 60 controls the electric heater 25, the front seat air mixing valve 54F, and the rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the electric heater 25 such that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R is equal to the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR. The control device 60 sets the rear seat air mixing valve 54R to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the rear seat side heater core 22R, so that the total airflow after passing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R is controlled by the rear seat side heater core 22R. The control device 60 controls the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side.

[0293] Thus, in the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved through both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. In the dual fourth dehumidification and heating mode, since the electric heater 25 is activated, the amount of heat that can be utilized in the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased compared to the dual third dehumidification and heating mode, and the exhaust air temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F and the exhaust air temperature of the rear seat side heater core 22R can be increased.

[0294] (12) Dual heating modes

[0295] In dual heating mode, the control device 60, in the same manner as in single heating mode, activates the compressor 11 and the high-temperature side pump 21, closes the first expansion valve 13F, closes the second expansion valve 13R, and puts the third expansion valve 13C into a throttling state to exert the refrigerant pressure reduction function.

[0296] Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 10 in dual heating mode, the refrigerant is the same as in single heating mode, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by the solid arrow, the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 through the cooling evaporator 14C, allowing the cooled water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 to flow into the low-temperature side radiator 32. Thus, heat can be absorbed from the outside air through the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0297] In dual heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in the same way as in single heating mode. That is, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in a manner that prevents cooling water from flowing into the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0298] Therefore, in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 during dual heating mode, such as Figure 1As shown by the solid arrow, high-temperature cooling water from the cooling water circuit 20 circulates between the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0299] In dual heating mode, the rear seat side indoor air supply fan 53R is activated, thus heat dissipation from cooling water to air occurs in the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0300] In dual heating mode, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11 and the electric heater 25 such that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is determined such that the air passage of the heater core is fully opened, allowing the total airflow after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the lower target heater core temperature is determined such that the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the air mixing door becomes the target blowing temperature.

[0301] For example, when the target front seat heater core temperature THOF is higher than the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11, electric heater 25, front seat air mixing valve 54F, and rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the compressor 11 and electric heater 25 in such a way that the temperature ThinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F is equal to the target front seat heater core temperature THOF. The control device 60 sets the front seat air mixing valve 54F to... Figure 2 The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the front seat side heater core 22F, so that the total airflow after passing through the front seat side evaporator 14F is controlled by the front seat side heater core 22F. The control device 60 controls the rear seat side air mixing door 54R in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the rear seat side air mixing door 54R the target blowing temperature TAOR of the rear seat side.

[0302] For example, when the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR is higher than the target front seat heater core temperature THOF, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11, electric heater 25, front seat air mixing valve 54F, and rear seat air mixing valve 54R as follows: The control device 60 controls the compressor 11 and electric heater 25 in such a way that the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R is equal to the target rear seat heater core temperature THOR. The control device 60 sets the rear seat air mixing valve 54R to... Figure 2The double-dotted line position fully opens the air passage of the rear seat side heater core 22R, so that the total airflow after passing through the rear seat side evaporator 14R is controlled by the rear seat side heater core 22R. The control device 60 controls the front seat side air mixing door 54F in a way that makes the temperature of the air conditioning air regulated by the front seat side air mixing door 54F the target blowing temperature TAOF of the front seat side.

[0303] In this way, under dual heating mode, heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved through both the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F and the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R.

[0304] In this embodiment, the radiator-side flow regulating section 26a and the heater core-side flow regulating section 26b of the three-way valve 26 are disposed in the first branch 20a of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20, and the flow rate of the cooling water can be arbitrarily adjusted. The control device 60 controls the radiator-side flow regulating section 26a and the heater core-side flow regulating section 26b of the three-way valve 26.

[0305] Therefore, the flow rate of cooling water can be appropriately adjusted relative to the front seat side heater core 22F, the rear seat side heater core 22R, and the radiator 23.

[0306] In this embodiment, since the radiator-side flow regulating section 26a and the heater core-side flow regulating section 26b are both composed of a three-way valve 26, the structure can be simplified compared to the case where the radiator-side flow regulating section 26a and the heater core-side flow regulating section 26b are different flow regulating valves.

[0307] In this embodiment, the front seat heater core temperature sensor 66F detects the temperature THinF of the cooling water flowing into the front seat heater core 22F, and the rear seat heater core temperature sensor 66R detects the temperature THinR of the cooling water flowing into the rear seat heater core 22R. Therefore, the temperatures of the front seat heater core 22F and the rear seat heater core 22R can be appropriately controlled.

[0308] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode and the single second dehumidification and heating mode of this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the radiator-side flow rate ratio Rr decreases when the target temperature THOF of the front seat side heater core 22F increases. This allows for appropriate control of the temperature of the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0309] In the dual first dehumidification and heating modes and the dual second dehumidification and heating modes of this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 in such a way that the temperature of the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature, and the control device 60 controls the front seat side air mixing door 54F and the rear seat side air mixing door 54R in such a way that the blown air temperature on the heater core side with the lower target heater core temperature becomes the target blown air temperature.

[0310] Therefore, the temperature of the blown air can be appropriately adjusted by both the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0311] In the dual third dehumidification and heating mode of this embodiment, the control device 60 controls the compressor 11 in such a way that the temperature of the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature among the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R becomes the target heater core temperature.

[0312] Therefore, even when the heat exchange of the heater core with the higher target heater core temperature is insufficient when the three-way valve 26 is controlled in the dual second dehumidification and heating mode, the blown air temperature can be appropriately adjusted by switching to the dual third dehumidification and heating mode through both the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0313] In the single first dehumidification and heating mode and the single second dehumidification and heating mode of this embodiment, it is preferable that the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 as follows: the flow rate of the heat medium in the front seat side heater core 22F, the rear seat side heater core 22R, and the high-temperature side radiator 23 is such that the relationship between the flow rate of the heat medium in the front seat side heater core 22F and the product of the flow rate of the heat medium in the rear seat side heater core 22R and the product of the flow rate of the heat medium in the high-temperature side radiator 23 is the same as the product of the flow rate of the heat medium in the high-temperature side radiator 23.

[0314] In this embodiment, the electric heater 25 heats the cooling water in the cooling water flow path between the radiator-side branch 20a and the heater core-side branch 20c in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Thus, the electric heater 25 effectively raises the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the front seat-side heater core 22F and the rear seat-side heater core 22R.

[0315] In this embodiment, the flow regulating throttle orifice 27 is disposed on the heater core-side branch 20c of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. This allows for the adjustment of the cooling water flow ratio between the front seat-side heater core 22F and the rear seat-side heater core 22R with a simple structure.

[0316] (Second Implementation)

[0317] In this embodiment, instead of the three-way valve 26 in the first embodiment described above, a radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 and a heater core-side flow regulating valve 29 are provided in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0318] like Figure 4 As shown, the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 is disposed between the radiator-side branch 20a and the high-temperature radiator 23 in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. The heater core-side flow regulating valve 29 is disposed between the radiator-side branch 20a and the heater core-side branch 20c in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0319] The radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 and the heater core-side flow regulating valve 29 are electromagnetic flow regulating valves that adjust the opening of the cooling water flow path. The operation of the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 and the heater core-side flow regulating valve 29 is controlled by the control device 60. The radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 is the first flow regulating unit. The heater core-side flow regulating valve 29 is the second flow regulating unit.

[0320] The flow ratio of cooling water flowing into the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 on the high-temperature side of the radiator 23 to the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 on the heater core 22F and 22R sides can be arbitrarily adjusted by the flow regulating valve 28 on the radiator side and the flow regulating valve 29 on the heater core side.

[0321] Although the illustration is omitted, the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 can also be configured between the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the radiator-side confluence section 20b in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0322] Although the illustration is omitted, the heater core side flow regulating valve 29 can also be configured between the heater core side confluence section 20d and the radiator side confluence section 20b in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0323] In this embodiment, it can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0324] (Third implementation method)

[0325] In the first embodiment described above, the electric heater 25 is disposed between the radiator-side branch 20a and the heater core-side branch 20c in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. In this embodiment, other configuration examples of the electric heater 25 are shown.

[0326] like Figure 5 As shown, the electric heater 25 can also be configured between the radiator-side confluence section 20b and the high-temperature side pump 21 in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0327] like Figure 6 As shown, the electric heater 25 can also be configured between the condenser 12 and the radiator-side branch 20a in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20.

[0328] In this embodiment, it can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0329] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as follows.

[0330] In the above embodiments, cooling water is used as the heat medium, but various media such as oil can also be used. Nanofluids can also be used as the heat medium. Nanofluids refer to fluids incorporating nanoparticles with a particle size in the nanometer range.

[0331] In the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the above embodiment, Freon-based refrigerant is used as the refrigerant, but the type of refrigerant is not limited to this, and natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon refrigerants can also be used.

[0332] In addition, the refrigeration cycle device 10 of the above embodiment constitutes a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant, but it can also constitute a supercritical refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0333] The high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 can also be joined together by common fins.

[0334] General-purpose fins are heat exchange facilitators that promote heat exchange between cooling water and air. General-purpose fins are made of metal (e.g., aluminum).

[0335] The general-purpose fins are joints that allow heat to move from the high-temperature side radiator 23 to the low-temperature side radiator 32 by combining the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 with metal.

[0336] Therefore, defrosting can be performed after the second to fourth dehumidification heating modes. In the second to fourth dehumidification heating modes, because the cooling water in the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 absorbs heat from the outside air at the low-temperature side radiator 32, frost forms on the low-temperature side radiator 32 when its temperature reaches below zero. Therefore, when the system is shut down after performing the second to fourth dehumidification heating modes, the residual heat in the cooling water of the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 can be used to defrost the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0337] That is, the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 are thermally connected to each other through common fins, thereby allowing the heat of the cooling water in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 to move from the high-temperature side radiator 23 to the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0338] As a result, the temperature of the low-temperature side radiator 32 rises, which melts the frost adhering to the surface of the low-temperature side radiator 32.

[0339] The high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 can also be composed of a single radiator.

[0340] For example, the cooling water tank of the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the cooling water tank of the low-temperature side radiator 32 can be integrated into one unit, so that the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 are composed of a single radiator.

[0341] Alternatively, the high-temperature side radiator 23 and the low-temperature side radiator 32 can be a single, universal radiator, with the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 switched and introduced into this universal radiator. Alternatively, the cooling water from the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 and the low-temperature cooling water circuit 30 can be introduced into this universal radiator at any flow rate ratio.

[0342] The switching of the introduced cooling water and the adjustment of the flow rate ratio can be achieved through the opening and closing valves and flow regulating valves of the cooling water flow path.

[0343] The three-way valve 26 of the first embodiment and the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 of the second embodiment are solenoid valves capable of arbitrarily adjusting the opening degree of the cooling water flow path. Alternatively, the three-way valve 26 and the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28 of the second embodiment could simply be solenoid valves that open and close the cooling water flow path. In this case, if the time-averaged opening degree is arbitrarily adjusted by intermittently opening and closing the cooling water flow path using the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28, the flow rate of the heat medium can be arbitrarily adjusted using the radiator-side flow regulating valve 28.

[0344] In the dual first dehumidification and heating modes and the dual second dehumidification and heating modes, the control device 60 can also control the three-way valve 26, the front seat side air mixing door 54F and the rear seat side air mixing door 54R as follows.

[0345] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 to determine the target heater core temperature by taking the temperature of the heater core with the greater sum of the target heater core temperature and the water temperature drop caused by heat loss in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20. Furthermore, the control signal output by the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the greater sum of the target heater core temperature and the water temperature drop caused by heat loss in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is used to fully open the air passage of the heater core, allowing the total airflow after passing through the evaporator to pass through the heater core. On the other hand, the control signal output by the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the smaller sum of the target heater core temperature and the water temperature drop caused by heat loss in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 is used to determine the target blow-out temperature of the air conditioning air after temperature regulation by the air mixing door.

[0346] The temperature drop caused by heat loss in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the rear seat side heater core 22R is greater than the temperature drop caused by heat loss in the high-temperature cooling water circuit 20 of the front seat side heater core 22F. This is because the cooling water flow path from the condenser 12 to the rear seat side heater core 22R is longer than the cooling water flow path from the condenser 12 to the front seat side heater core 22F.

[0347] Therefore, considering the difference in heat loss between the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R, the blown air temperature can be appropriately adjusted by both the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R.

[0348] In the dual first dehumidification and heating modes and the dual second dehumidification and heating modes, the control device 60 can also control the three-way valve 26, the front seat side air mixing door 54F and the rear seat side air mixing door 54R as follows.

[0349] In the dual first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device 60 controls the three-way valve 26 to set the temperature of the heater core with the larger difference between the target heater core temperature and the current cooling water temperature between the front seat side heater core 22F and the rear seat side heater core 22R as the target heater core temperature. Furthermore, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the larger difference between the target heater core temperature and the current cooling water temperature determines the total airflow through the heater core after the evaporator, ensuring the air passage of the heater core is fully open. On the other hand, the control signal output to the servo motor of the air mixing door corresponding to the heater core with the smaller difference between the target heater core temperature and the current cooling water temperature determines the temperature of the air conditioning air after temperature regulation by the air mixing door as the target blowing temperature.

[0350] In the first embodiment described above, although a three-way valve 26, which is an electromagnetic three-way valve, is provided on the radiator-side branch 20a, and a flow regulating throttling orifice 27, which is a fixed throttling element (in other words, a pressure loss element), is provided on the heater core-side branch 20c, the electromagnetic three-way valve and the fixed throttling valve can also be configured in reverse.

[0351] That is, a fixed throttling device can be configured on the radiator-side branch 20a, and an electromagnetic three-way valve can be configured on the heater core-side branch 20c.

[0352] In the above embodiments, in the single cooling mode, single first dehumidification and heating mode to single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, and single heating mode, air conditioning is performed by the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F, stopping the air conditioning of the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R. However, it is also possible to switch to an operation mode where air conditioning is performed by the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R, stopping the air conditioning of the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F. In this case, the air conditioning control of the rear seat side air conditioning unit 50R only requires the same control as the control of the front seat side air conditioning unit 50F in the single cooling mode, single first dehumidification and heating mode to single fourth dehumidification and heating mode, and single heating mode.

[0353] While the present invention has been described based on embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments or constructions. The invention also includes various modifications and variations within the same scope. Furthermore, various combinations and methods, as well as other combinations and methods including only one element, or more than or less thereof, are also included within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes a control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit. The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit in such a way that the flow ratio of the heat medium on the radiator side decreases when the target temperature of at least one of the first heater core and the second heater core increases.

2. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes: A control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit; The first air mixing gate adjusts the temperature of the blown air into the air-conditioned space by adjusting the airflow ratio of the air flowing through the first heater core to the airflow flowing around the first heater core. as well as The second air mixing gate regulates the temperature of the air blown into the air-conditioned space by adjusting the ratio of the airflow through the second heater core to the airflow around the second heater core. The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit in such a way that the temperature of the heater core with the higher target temperature among the first heater core and the second heater core becomes the target temperature. The control unit controls the first air mixing gate and the second air mixing gate in such a way that the blown air temperature on the heater core side of the side with the lower target temperature becomes the target blown air temperature.

3. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes: A control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit; A first air mixing gate regulates the airflow ratio between the air flowing through the first heater core and the air flowing around the first heater core; as well as A second air mixing gate regulates the airflow ratio between the air flowing through the second heater core and the air flowing around the second heater core. The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit in such a manner that the temperature of the heater core with the larger sum of the target temperature and the decrease in temperature of the heat medium caused by heat loss in the heat medium circuit becomes the target temperature. The control unit controls the first air mixing gate and the second air mixing gate in such a way that the blown air temperature from the heater core side with the lower combined temperature from the first heater core and the second heater core becomes the target blown air temperature.

4. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes: A control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit; A first air mixing gate regulates the airflow ratio between the air flowing through the first heater core and the air flowing around the first heater core; as well as A second air mixing gate regulates the airflow ratio between the air flowing through the second heater core and the air flowing around the second heater core. The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit in such a way that the temperature of the heater core whose target temperature differs more from the current heat medium temperature in the first heater core and the second heater core becomes the target temperature. The control unit controls the first air mixing gate and the second air mixing gate in such a way that the blow-out air temperature on the side of the heater core with the smaller difference between the target temperature and the current heat medium temperature in the first heater core and the second heater core becomes the target blow-out temperature.

5. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes: A control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit; The first air mixing gate adjusts the temperature of the blown air into the air-conditioned space by adjusting the airflow ratio of the air flowing through the first heater core to the airflow flowing around the first heater core. as well as The second air mixing gate regulates the temperature of the air blown into the air-conditioned space by adjusting the ratio of the airflow through the second heater core to the airflow around the second heater core. When heat exchange occurs only through either the first heater core or the second heater core, the control unit controls the at least one flow rate regulating unit in such a way that the flow rate ratio of the heat transfer medium on the radiator side decreases when the target temperature of one of the heater cores increases. When heat exchange occurs between the first heater core and the second heater core, the control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit in such a way that the temperature of the heater core with the higher target temperature becomes the target temperature. The control unit controls the first air mixing gate and the second air mixing gate in such a way that the blow-out air temperature of the heater core with the lower target temperature becomes the target blow-out temperature. When the heat exchange amount of the at least one flow regulating unit is insufficient even when controlling the at least one flow regulating unit to achieve the target temperature, the control unit controls the compressor in such a way that the temperature of the heater core with the higher target temperature becomes the target temperature.

6. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit as follows: the flow rate of the heat medium in the first heater core, the second heater core, and the radiator is in the order of first heater core > second heater core > radiator, and the sum of the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the first heater core and the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the second heater core is the same as the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the radiator.

7. An air conditioning device, characterized in that, have: A compressor that draws in, compresses, and discharges refrigerant; A heat dissipation section that allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to dissipate heat to the heat medium; A pressure-reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation section; An evaporation section that evaporates the refrigerant by causing the refrigerant, after being depressurized by the depressurization section, to absorb heat; A heat transfer circuit, which circulates the heat transfer medium after it has been cooled by the heat dissipation unit; A first heater core and a second heater core are disposed in the heat medium circuit, enabling heat exchange between the air blown into the air-conditioned space and the heat medium; and A radiator is configured in the heat medium circuit to facilitate heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium. The heat transfer medium circuit includes: a first branch for the heat transfer medium to branch towards the first heater core side and the radiator side; a first confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the first heater core side to merge with the heat transfer medium on the radiator side; a second branch for the heat transfer medium between the first branch and the first heater core to branch towards the second heater core side; and a second confluence section for the heat transfer medium on the second heater core side to merge between the first heater core and the first confluence section. The air conditioning unit includes: A first flow regulating unit is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the heat sink, or between the heat sink and the first confluence section, to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium. as well as A second flow regulating unit, disposed between the first branch and the first heater core, or between the first heater core and the first confluence section, in the heat medium circuit, regulates the flow rate of the heat medium. At least one of the first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit is capable of arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium. The air conditioning unit also includes a control unit that controls the at least one flow regulating unit. The control unit controls the at least one flow regulating unit as follows: the flow rate of the heat medium in the first heater core, the second heater core, and the radiator is in the order of first heater core > second heater core > radiator, and the sum of the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the first heater core and the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the second heater core is the same as the product of the heat medium flow rate and the heat exchange area in the radiator.

8. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that, It is equipped with a three-way valve, which is disposed at the first branch or the first confluence. The first flow regulating unit and the second flow regulating unit are composed of the three-way valve.

9. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that, have: A first temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the first heater core; and The second temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the second heater core.

10. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that, The device includes an electric heater that heats the heat medium in the heat medium flow path of the heat medium circuit, which flows from the second confluence section through the heat dissipation section to the second branch section.

11. The air conditioning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electric heater is disposed between the heat dissipation section and the second branch section in the heat medium circuit.

12. The air conditioning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electric heater is disposed between the first branch and the second branch in the heat medium circuit.

13. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterized in that, A pressure loss body that causes pressure loss in the heat medium is disposed between the first branch in the heat medium circuit and the first heater core or the second heater core.

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