Air conditioning device for vehicle

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient dehumidification and heating with low power consumption in a vehicle air-conditioning device that uses a refrigerant circuit as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of air inside a vehicle via a heat medium flowing in a heat medium circuit. Technical means: A vehicle air conditioning device (1) is provided with: a refrigerant circuit (R); a heat medium circuit (10) having a high-temperature heat medium flow path (20) into which a high-temperature heat medium heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit flows, and a low-temperature heat medium flow path (30) into which a low-temperature heat medium cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit flows; and an air conditioning unit in which a first heat exchanger (81), which is an air-heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit, is disposed on the upstream side of an air flow path for supplying air into the vehicle interior, and a second heat exchanger (82), which is an air-heat medium heat exchanger, is disposed on the downstream side of the air flow path. The heat medium circuit includes flow path switching means (V1, V2) for causing the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the first heat exchanger, causing the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the second heat exchanger, and causing the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the heat storage flow path (40).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle air conditioners for electric vehicles (including EVs (Electric Vehicles), HVs (Hybrid Vehicles), and PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles)) that cannot utilize engine waste heat or have limited utilization of engine waste heat use a refrigerant circuit that constitutes a heat pump as a heat source. In addition, the temperature of the air in the vehicle interior is adjusted via a heat medium such as water, rather than the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit directly exchanging heat with the air in the vehicle interior. In this case, a heat medium circuit is used in which a heat medium that has become high temperature due to heat dissipation in the refrigerant circuit flows to a heater of the air conditioner during heating, and a heat medium that has become low temperature due to heat absorption in the refrigerant circuit flows to a cooler of the air conditioner during cooling (see Patent Document 1 below). Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-123829 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] Air conditioners for vehicles are not only required to ensure the comfort of the vehicle interior space, but also to ensure visibility through dehumidification functions such as removing fog on the windshield. Therefore, in vehicle air conditioners, the dehumidification and heating functions have become important functions in achieving visibility.

[0005] As in the above-mentioned prior art, in an air conditioning device using a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit, dehumidification and heating are performed by causing the low-temperature heat medium cooled by absorbing heat in the refrigerant circuit to flow to a heat exchanger (cooler) on the upwind side of an HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit, and at the same time causing the high-temperature heat medium heated by dissipating heat in the refrigerant circuit to flow to a heat exchanger (heater) on the downwind side of the HVAC unit.

[0006] Therefore, during dehumidification and heating, the operation of the refrigerant circuit that keeps the compressor running is indispensable, but in electric vehicles, the power consumption caused by the operation of the air-conditioning device is directly related to the reduction of the cruising range. Therefore, when it is not necessary to make the indoor temperature so high, dehumidification and heating are required to be performed with the least possible power consumption.

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is to deal with the above situation. That is, in a vehicle air conditioning device that uses a refrigerant circuit as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of the vehicle interior air via a heat medium flowing in a heat medium circuit, effective dehumidification and heating can be performed with less power consumption. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention has the following structure. That is, a vehicle air conditioning device in one embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circuit; a heat medium circuit, which has a high-temperature heat medium flow path and a low-temperature heat medium flow path, in which a high-temperature heat medium heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit flows, and in which a low-temperature heat medium cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit flows; and an air conditioning unit, in which a first heat exchanger as an air heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow path supplied to the vehicle interior, and a second heat exchanger as the air heat medium heat exchanger is arranged on the downstream side of the air flow path, characterized in that the heat medium circuit includes a flow path switching unit, which causes the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the first heat exchanger, causes the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the second heat exchanger, and causes the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the heat storage flow path. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the vehicle air conditioner of the present invention having the above-mentioned features, in the vehicle air conditioner which uses the refrigerant circuit as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of the vehicle interior air via the heat medium flowing in the heat medium circuit, efficient dehumidification and heating can be performed with low power consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the heat medium when the first mode related to the dehumidification and heating operation in the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed. Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the heat medium when the second mode related to the dehumidification and heating operation in the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed. Figure 5It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the heat medium when the third mode related to the dehumidification and heating operation in the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings represent parts with the same functions, and repeated descriptions in the drawings will be appropriately omitted.

[0012] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air-conditioning device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circuit R, which serves as a heat source; a heat medium circuit 10, which circulates a heat medium whose temperature is managed by heat exchange with the refrigerant; and an air-conditioning unit 80 and a split air-conditioning unit 90, which supply air to the vehicle interior to be regulated by heat exchange with the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 10.

[0013] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the refrigerant circuit R is a closed circuit that circulates the refrigerant by sequentially connecting the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the evaporator 14, and the receiver 15 through refrigerant piping. In addition, the refrigerant circuit R may also be a circuit that includes a receiver downstream of the condenser 12, for example.

[0014] The heat medium circuit 10 includes a high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, a low-temperature heat medium flow path 30, a heat storage flow path 40, an outdoor flow path 50, an air conditioning flow path 70, a tank 55, and a first flow path switching unit V1, a second flow path switching unit V2, and a third flow path switching unit V3 as flow path switching units.

[0015] The high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 includes a high-temperature heat exchanger 21 (heating unit), which is integrated with the condenser 12 in the refrigerant circuit R and performs heat exchange between the heat medium and the refrigerant. The heat medium pumped by the first pump P1 becomes high temperature and circulates through the heat dissipation of the refrigerant in the condenser 12 in the refrigerant circuit R while circulating through the high-temperature heat exchanger 21.

[0016] The low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 includes a low-temperature heat exchanger 31 (cooling unit), which is integrated with the evaporator 14 in the refrigerant circuit R2 and performs heat exchange between the heat medium and the refrigerant. The heat medium pumped by the second pump P2 becomes low-temperature and circulates while circulating through the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 through the heat absorption of the refrigerant in the evaporator 14 in the refrigerant circuit R2.

[0017] The heat storage flow path 40 includes a plurality of heat storage units that perform heat exchange with the heat medium and store the heat of the heat medium. As the heat storage unit provided in the heat storage flow path 40, a heat exchanger provided on a vehicle-mounted device that generates heat when driven by a battery heat exchanger 41, a motor heat exchanger 42, an inverter heat exchanger 43, and a PCU heat exchanger 44 can be applied. The battery heat exchanger 41 regulates the temperature of the battery in the electric vehicle, the motor heat exchanger 42 regulates the temperature of the driving motor, the inverter heat exchanger 43 regulates the temperature of the inverter, and the PCU heat exchanger 44 regulates the temperature of the power control unit. Thus, the heat of the heat medium after heat storage and the heat generated by each vehicle-mounted device can be used in air conditioning. In the heat storage flow path 40, the heat medium is pumped by the third pump P3 and circulates through the battery heat exchanger 41, the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the PCU heat exchanger 44.

[0018] In the heat storage flow path 40, the first heat storage flow path 401 including the battery heat exchanger 41 is connected to the second heat storage flow path 402 including the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the PCU heat exchanger 44 via the second flow path switching unit V2. In addition, by controlling the second flow path switching unit V2, the first heat storage flow path 401 and the second heat storage flow path 402 can be independent flow paths or connected flow paths.

[0019] The outdoor flow path 50 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 45 that performs heat exchange with the outside air. The air conditioning flow path 70 includes: a first heat exchanger 81 and a second heat exchanger 82, which are equipped in the air conditioning unit 80 and perform heat exchange between the heat medium and the air supplied to the vehicle interior; and a first split heat exchanger 91 and a second split heat exchanger 92, which are equipped in the split air conditioning unit 90 and perform heat exchange between the heat medium and the air supplied to each seat.

[0020] Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1, each flow path of the heat medium circuit 10, that is, the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30, the heat storage flow path 40, the outdoor flow path 50, and the air conditioning flow path 70 are connected via the first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, and the third flow path switching unit V3 as flow path switching units. The first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, and the third flow path switching unit V3 are controlled by the control unit 100 described later, so that the connection state of each flow path can be switched to become mutually independent flow paths or partially connected flow paths.

[0021] The tank 55 is connected between the first flow path switcher V1 and the third flow path switcher V3 via the inlet 52 , connected between the third flow path switcher V3 and the motor heat exchanger 42 via the inlet 54 , and connected between the second flow path switcher V2 and the second pump P2 via the outlet 53 . A connection portion 28 connected to the inlet 52 is provided between the first flow path switching portion V1 and the third flow path switching portion V3. A connection portion 48 connected to the inlet 54 is provided between the third flow path switching portion V3 and the motor heat exchanger 42. A connection portion 38 connected to the outlet 53 is provided between the second flow path switching portion V2 and the second pump P2.

[0022] In the path from the connection portion 28 to the inlet 52 of the tank 55, a relief valve 57 is provided near the inlet 52. Similarly, in the path from the connection portion 48 to the inlet 54 of the tank 55, a relief valve 58 is provided near the inlet 54.

[0023] As a result, in the flow path where the high-temperature heat medium circulates, the heat medium expands due to the increase in the temperature of the high-temperature heat medium, and the amount of heat medium increases relative to the circuit capacity of the flow path where the high-temperature heat medium circulates. In this case, the pressure relief valve 57 or the pressure relief valve 58 becomes open, and the heat medium flows from the flow path where the high-temperature heat medium circulates into the tank 55 via the inlet 52 or the inlet 54.

[0024] On the other hand, in the flow path where the low-temperature heat medium circulates, when the temperature of the low-temperature heat medium drops and the heat medium contracts, the capacity of the heat medium becomes smaller relative to the circuit capacity of the flow path where the low-temperature heat medium circulates. Therefore, the heat medium stored in the tank 55 flows out from the outflow port 53 and flows into the flow path where the low-temperature heat medium circulates through the connection portion 38.

[0025] In addition, as the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 10, water without additives, water mixed with additives such as antifreeze and preservatives, or even liquid heat medium such as oil can be used.

[0026] The air conditioning unit 80 includes: an air intake port 83, which draws air (external gas or internal gas) into the air conditioning unit 80; a blower 87, which blows the air sucked from the air intake port 83 to the air flow path 84; a first heat exchanger 81 and a second heat exchanger 82, which are arranged in the air flow path 84 and provide the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 10; and an air mixing damper 89, which adjusts the ratio of the air in the air flow path 84 after flowing through the first heat exchanger 81 to be ventilated to the second heat exchanger 82.

[0027] In the air conditioning unit 80, the air introduced from the air intake port 83 to the air circulation path 84 is ventilated only to the first heat exchanger 81, or to both the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82, and the air whose temperature is regulated by heat exchange with the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82 is supplied to the vehicle interior.

[0028] The split air conditioning unit 90 includes: a first split heat exchanger 91 and a second split heat exchanger 92, which provide a flow of heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 10; and a three-way valve 95 (flow regulating unit), which controls the flow of heat medium into the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 and can perform flow regulation. The split air conditioning unit 90 supplies air flowing through either or both of the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 to the vehicle interior.

[0029] The first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 are respectively provided in an air flow path, which is a path through which air introduced from independent suction ports and blown by a blower flows.

[0030] Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1, each flow path of the heat medium circuit 10, that is, the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30, the heat storage flow path 40, the outdoor flow path 50, and the air conditioning flow path 70 are connected via the first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, and the third flow path switching unit V3 as flow path switching units. The first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, and the third flow path switching unit V3 are controlled by the control unit 100 described later, so that the connection state of each flow path can be switched to become mutually independent flow paths or partially connected flow paths.

[0031] That is, the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 and the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 of the heat medium circuit 10 are connected to any one of the heat storage flow path 40, the outdoor flow path 50 and the air-conditioning flow path 70 according to the air-conditioning purpose and the target air-conditioning temperature, so that the heat medium flows in the connected flow paths, and the first flow path switching part V1, the second flow path switching part V2, the third flow path switching part V3 and the three-way valves 85 and 95 are controlled by the control unit 100.

[0032] Thus, the heat medium whose temperature is regulated in one or both of the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 or the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows into the connected heat exchanger among the first heat exchanger 81, the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91 or the second split heat exchanger 92 through the first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, the third flow path switching unit V3 and the three-way valves 85, 95 to perform air conditioning in the vehicle interior.

[0033] Figure 2FIG. 2 shows a schematic structure of a control unit 100 that is responsible for controlling the vehicle air conditioning device 1. Figure 2 In the present embodiment, illustration and description of components that are not directly related to the operation of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 are appropriately omitted.

[0034] The control unit 100 is connected to a vehicle controller (ECU) 200 via a vehicle communication bus to send and receive information. The vehicle controller 200 is responsible for overall vehicle control including driving control of a driving motor, an inverter, a power control unit, and battery charge and discharge control. A microcomputer, which is an example of a computer including a processor, can be applied to both the control unit 100 and the vehicle controller 200.

[0035] The following sensors or devices are connected to the control unit 100, and the outputs of these sensors and the like are input. Specifically, the control unit 100 is connected with: a temperature sensor TC21 for detecting the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 and heated by the condenser 12; a temperature sensor TC31 for detecting the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 and cooled by the evaporator 14; a temperature sensor TC80 for detecting the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82 of the air conditioning unit 80; a temperature sensor TC90 for detecting the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 of the split air conditioning unit 90; a battery temperature sensor TC41 for detecting the temperature of the battery (the temperature of the battery itself, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the battery heat exchanger 41 or the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the battery heat exchanger 41); a motor temperature sensor TC42 for detecting the temperature of the motor (either the temperature of the motor itself, or the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the motor heat exchanger 42 or flowing out from the motor heat exchanger 42); an inverter temperature sensor TC43 for detecting the temperature of the inverter (either the temperature of the inverter itself, or the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the inverter heat exchanger 43 or flowing out from the inverter heat exchanger 43); and a PCU temperature sensor TC44 for detecting the temperature of the power control unit (either the temperature of the PCU itself, or the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the PCU heat exchanger 44 or flowing out from the PCU heat exchanger 44).

[0036] On the other hand, the output of the control unit 100 is connected to the expansion valve 13, the first pump P1, the second pump P2, the third pump P3, the first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, the third flow path switching unit V3, the three-way valves 85 and 95, the blower 87, and the air mixing damper 89. The control unit 100 controls these based on the output of each sensor, the setting input by the air conditioning operation unit 300, and the information from the vehicle controller 200.

[0037] The following describes the operation of the vehicle air conditioning device 1 constructed as above. In the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, various operation modes such as a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a dehumidification mode using the air conditioning unit 80 or the split air conditioning unit 90 and a temperature adjustment mode including cooling or preheating of vehicle-mounted equipment can be executed.

[0038] When executing the above-mentioned various operation modes, in the refrigerant circuit R of the vehicle air conditioning device 1, the rotation speed of the compressor 11 is appropriately controlled by the control unit 100, and the air supplied to the vehicle interior is adjusted to the target temperature or humidity by utilizing the heat dissipation of the condenser 12 and the heat absorption of the evaporator 14, thereby performing air conditioning in the vehicle interior. In the refrigerant circuit R, the refrigerant circulates as follows.

[0039] That is, the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 in the condenser 12 to dissipate heat and liquefy and condense to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 is decompressed and expanded by the expansion valve 13 to become a low-pressure refrigerant and flow into the evaporator 14. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 14 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 in the evaporator 14 to evaporate, becomes a gas refrigerant and flows out of the evaporator 14, and returns to the compressor 11 via the storage tank 15.

[0040] In the vehicle air conditioner of the present embodiment, when dehumidifying and heating the vehicle interior, a plurality of dehumidification and heating modes in which the connection states of the respective flow paths in the heat medium circuit 10 are different from each other can be respectively executed. The plurality of dehumidification and heating modes are executed by switching the connection states of the respective flow paths of the heat medium circuit 10 by the control unit 100 according to the operation state of the vehicle air conditioner and the driving state of the vehicle by controlling the first flow path switching unit V1, the second flow path switching unit V2, the third flow path switching unit V3 and the three-way valves 85 and 95.

[0041] The following uses Figures 3 to 5 The first mode, the second mode, and the third mode among the multiple dehumidification heating modes are described. In each figure, the piping for high-temperature heat medium circulation is represented by a black solid line, the piping for low-temperature heat medium circulation is represented by a dashed line, and the piping for medium-temperature heat medium circulation between high and low temperatures is represented by a gray solid line.

[0042] (1) First Mode The first mode is a dehumidification and heating mode as described below: the heat stored in the battery heat exchanger 41, the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43 and the PCU heat exchanger 44 of the heat storage flow path 40 is used to heat the vehicle interior through the second heat exchanger 82, and each seat is heated through the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92. In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger 45 is used as a heat absorption source to dehumidify the vehicle interior through the first heat exchanger 81.

[0043] In the first mode, the control unit 100 controls the first flow path switching unit V1 and the three-way valves 85 and 95 as follows: the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 of the air-conditioning flow path 70, and the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows to the first heat exchanger 81 of the air-conditioning flow path 70. The controller 100 controls the second flow path switcher V2 to direct the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 to the heat storage flow path 40 and to direct the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 to the outdoor heat exchanger 45 of the outdoor flow path 50 .

[0044] Figure 3 The flow of the heat medium in the first mode is shown. like Figure 3 As shown, when the first mode is executed, the heat medium circulates as follows. In the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 of the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, the heat medium heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 flows through the first flow path switching unit V1 into the three-way valve 85. A portion of the heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 85 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, and the rest flows to the three-way valve 95.

[0045] The heat medium flowing into the second heat exchanger 82 exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path 84, and then flows to the confluence portion 72. The heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 95 is split so as to flow to the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, and exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path (not shown) in the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, respectively, and then flows to the confluence portion 72 after confluence at the confluence portion 71.

[0046] The heat medium that merges at the merging portion 72 flows through the first flow path switching portion V1 and the second flow path switching portion V2 into the heat storage flow path 40. The heat medium that flows into the heat storage flow path 40 is pumped by the third pump P3 to flow to the battery heat exchanger 41, passes through the second flow path switching portion V2, flows into the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 in sequence, passes through the third flow path switching portion V3, returns to the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, is pumped by the first pump P1 to the high-temperature heat exchanger 21, and repeats the above cycle.

[0047] On the other hand, the heat medium cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 14 in the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 of the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows into the first heat exchanger 81 of the air conditioning flow path 70 through the first flow path switching unit V1, exchanges heat with the air flowing through the air flow path 84, and then flows into the outdoor flow path 50 through the first flow path switching unit V1, the third flow path switching unit V3, and the second flow path switching unit V2. The heat medium flowing into the outdoor flow path 50 exchanges heat with the external air in the process of flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 45, and returns to the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 through the second flow path switching unit V2 again, and is pumped to the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 by the second pump P2, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0048] Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1 , the second heat exchanger 82 , the first split heat exchanger 91 , and the second split heat exchanger 92 can heat the air supplied to the vehicle interior for heating, and the first heat exchanger 81 can dehumidify the air supplied to the vehicle interior.

[0049] The first mode is mainly executed when the vehicle interior is in a stable state after a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle air conditioning device 1 was started. As in the first mode, by circulating the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 in the heat storage flow path 40, the dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be continued by using the following heat: heat generated or stored in each device by sequentially circulating through the battery heat exchanger 41, the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 included in the heat storage flow path 40; and heat stored in the heat medium itself flowing in the heat storage flow path.

[0050] Therefore, the output of the compressor 11 can be reduced (for example, intermittent operation, reduced rotation speed, suspended operation, etc.) to suppress the power consumption of the vehicle air conditioner 1. That is, in a vehicle air conditioner that uses the refrigerant circuit R as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of the vehicle interior air via the heat medium flowing in the heat medium circuit, effective dehumidification and heating can be performed with less power consumption.

[0051] (2) Second Mode The second mode is a dehumidification and heating mode as described below: the heat stored in the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43 and the PCU heat exchanger 44 of the heat storage flow path 40 is used to heat the vehicle interior through the second heat exchanger 82, and each seat is heated through the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92. In addition, the battery heat exchanger 41 is used as a heat absorption source to dehumidify the vehicle interior through the first heat exchanger 81.

[0052] In the second mode, the control unit 100 controls the first flow path switching unit V1 and the three-way valves 85 and 95 so that the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91, and the second split heat exchanger 92 of the air conditioning flow path 70, and the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows to the first heat exchanger 81 of the air conditioning flow path 70. In addition, the control unit 100 controls the second flow path switching unit V2 so that the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows to the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, the PCU heat exchanger 44, and the outdoor heat exchanger 45 of the outdoor flow path 50 of the second heat storage flow path 402, and the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows to the battery heat exchanger 41 of the first heat storage flow path 401.

[0053] Figure 4 The flow of the heat medium in the second mode is shown. like Figure 4 As shown, when the second mode is executed, the heat medium circulates as follows. The heat medium heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 of the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows through the first flow path switching unit V1 into the three-way valve 85. A portion of the heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 85 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, and the rest flows to the three-way valve 95.

[0054] The heat medium flowing into the second heat exchanger 82 exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path 84, and then flows to the confluence portion 72. The heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 95 is split so as to flow to the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, and exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path (not shown) in the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, respectively, and then flows to the confluence portion 72 after confluence at the confluence portion 71.

[0055] The heat medium that has merged at the merging portion 72 flows to the outdoor flow path 50 through the first flow path switching portion V1 and the second flow path switching portion V2, exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 45, and flows into the heat storage flow path 40 through the second flow path switching portion V2. The heat medium that has flowed into the second heat storage flow path 402 of the heat storage flow path 40 flows into the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 in sequence, passes through the third flow path switching portion V3, returns to the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, is pressure-sent to the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 by the first pump P1, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0056] On the other hand, the heat medium cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 14 in the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 of the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows into the first heat exchanger 81 of the air conditioning flow path 70 through the first flow path switching unit V1, and exchanges heat with the air flowing through the air flow path 84. The heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 81 flows into the first heat storage flow path 401 of the heat storage flow path 40 through the first flow path switching unit V1, the third flow path switching unit V3, and the second flow path switching unit V2, and is pumped by the third pump P3 to flow to the battery heat exchanger 41, and returns to the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 through the second flow path switching unit V2, and is pumped by the second pump P2 to the low-temperature heat exchanger 31, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0057] Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1 , the second heat exchanger 82 , the first split heat exchanger 91 , and the second split heat exchanger 92 can heat the air supplied to the vehicle interior for heating, and the first heat exchanger 81 can dehumidify the air supplied to the vehicle interior.

[0058] The second mode is mainly executed when the vehicle interior is in a stable state after a predetermined time has passed since the vehicle air conditioning device 1 was started. As in the second mode, by circulating the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 to the second heat storage flow path 402 of the heat storage flow path 40, the dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior can be continued by using the following heat: heat generated or stored in each device by sequentially circulating through the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 included in the second heat storage flow path 402; and heat stored in the heat medium itself flowing in the second heat storage flow path 402. In addition, the excess heat of the high-temperature heat medium can be dissipated in the outdoor heat exchanger 45.

[0059] Therefore, the second mode can also reduce the output of the compressor 11 (for example, intermittent operation, reduced speed, suspended operation, etc.) like the first mode to suppress the power consumption of the vehicle air conditioner 1. That is, in the vehicle air conditioner that uses the refrigerant circuit R as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of the vehicle interior air via the heat medium flowing in the heat medium circuit, effective dehumidification and heating can be performed with less power consumption.

[0060] (3) The third mode The third mode is a dehumidification and heating mode in which the heat medium heated in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 is circulated between the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 and the air conditioning flow path 70, the vehicle interior is heated by the second heat exchanger 82, each seat is heated by the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, and the vehicle interior is dehumidified by the first heat exchanger 81 using the outdoor heat exchanger 45 as a heat absorption source. In addition, the heat medium is circulated in the heat storage flow path 40, and the battery heat exchanger 41 is preheated by the waste heat of the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the PCU heat exchanger 44.

[0061] In the third mode, the control unit 100 controls the first flow path switching unit V1 and the three-way valves 85 and 95 so that the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91, and the second split heat exchanger 92 of the air conditioning flow path 70, and the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows to the first heat exchanger 81 of the air conditioning flow path 70. In addition, the control unit 100 controls the second flow path switching unit V2 so that the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 45 of the outdoor flow path 50, and the heat medium circulates in the heat storage flow path 40.

[0062] Figure 5 The flow of the heat medium in the third mode is shown. like Figure 5 As shown, when the third mode is executed, the heat medium circulates as follows. The heat medium heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 12 in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 of the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows through the first flow path switching unit V1 into the three-way valve 85. A portion of the heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 85 flows to the second heat exchanger 82, and the rest flows to the three-way valve 95.

[0063] The heat medium flowing into the second heat exchanger 82 exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path 84, and then flows to the confluence portion 72. The heat medium flowing into the three-way valve 95 is split so as to flow to the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, and exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path (not shown) in the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92, respectively, and then flows to the confluence portion 72 after confluence at the confluence portion 71.

[0064] The heat medium that has merged at the merging portion 72 passes through the first flow switching portion V1 and the third flow switching portion V3, returns to the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, is pressure-sent to the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 by the first pump P1, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0065] On the other hand, the heat medium cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 14 in the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 of the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows into the first heat exchanger 81 of the air conditioning flow path 70 through the first flow path switching unit V1, and exchanges heat with the air flowing through the air flow path 84. The heat medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 81 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 45 of the outdoor flow path 50 through the first flow path switching unit V1 and the second flow path switching unit V2, returns to the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 through the second flow path switching unit V2, and is pumped to the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 by the second pump P2, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0066] In addition, in the heat storage flow path 40, the heat medium circulates between the first heat storage flow path 401 and the second heat storage flow path 402. That is, the heat medium passes through the third pump P3, flows through the battery heat exchanger 41, passes through the second flow path switching unit V2, flows through the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 in sequence, passes through the third flow path switching unit V3 and the second flow path switching unit V2, and returns to the third pump P3, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0067] In this way, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1, the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be heated by the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91, and the second split heat exchanger 92 for heating, and the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be dehumidified by the first heat exchanger 81. In addition, the battery can be preheated in parallel with the dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior.

[0068] The third mode is mainly executed when the vehicle air conditioning device 1 is just started and the vehicle interior needs to be quickly dehumidified and heated. As in the first and second modes, when the state in the vehicle interior is stabilized to a certain degree, it is estimated that the state of the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 and the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 also maintains a stable temperature to a certain degree. However, just after the vehicle air conditioning device 1 is started, it is difficult to sufficiently heat the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20, and it takes time for the heat medium to reach the desired temperature. Similarly, it is difficult to sufficiently cool the heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30, and it takes time for the heat medium to reach the desired temperature.

[0069] Therefore, as in the third mode, the flow path of the heat medium circulation is shortened, thereby reducing the amount of heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 or the low-temperature heat exchanger 31, shortening the time for the heat medium to reach the desired temperature, and achieving rapid dehumidification and heating.

[0070] As described above, in the vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment, the dehumidification and heating mode includes a plurality of modes with different circulation paths of the heat medium, and dehumidification and heating are appropriately switched according to the operation status of the vehicle air conditioner and the driving status of the vehicle. Thus, in the case of rapidly increasing the temperature inside the vehicle, the third mode is used, and in the case of a stable vehicle interior and the indoor temperature does not need to be so high, the first mode or the second mode is used to reduce the output of the compressor 11, thereby performing dehumidification and heating with as little power consumption as possible.

[0071] Therefore, according to the vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment, in the vehicle air conditioner that uses the refrigerant circuit R as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of the vehicle interior air via the heat medium flowing in the heat medium circuit, efficient dehumidification and heating can be performed with low power consumption.

[0072] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and even changes in design that do not deviate from the scope of the purpose of the present invention are also included in the present invention. In addition, as long as there are no special contradictions or problems in the purpose and structure of the above-mentioned embodiments, they can be combined using mutual technologies. Explanation of symbols

[0073] 1: Car air conditioning device 10: Heat medium circuit, 11: Compressor, 12: Condenser, 13: Expansion valve, 14: Evaporator, 15: Storage tank 20: High-temperature heat medium flow path, 21: High-temperature heat exchanger, 30: Low-temperature heat medium flow path, 31: Low-temperature heat exchanger 40: Heat storage flow path 41: Battery heat exchanger, 42: Motor heat exchanger, 43: Inverter heat exchanger, 44: PCU heat exchanger, 45: Outdoor heat exchanger, 50: Outdoor flow path 55: tank, 70: air conditioning flow path 80: air conditioning unit, 81: first heat exchanger, 82: second heat exchanger 85, 95: Three-way valve 90: split air conditioning unit, 91: first split heat exchanger, 92: second split heat exchanger R: refrigerant circuit V1: first flow path switching unit, V2: second flow path switching unit, V3: third flow path switching unit

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, comprising: Refrigerant circuit; a heat medium circuit having a high-temperature heat medium flow path and a low-temperature heat medium flow path, wherein the high-temperature heat medium flows through the high-temperature heat medium flow path and is heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit, and wherein the low-temperature heat medium flows through the low-temperature heat medium flow path and is cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit; as well as An air conditioning unit, wherein a first heat exchanger as an air heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit is arranged on the upstream side of an air flow path supplied to a vehicle interior, and a second heat exchanger as the air heat medium heat exchanger is arranged on the downstream side of the air flow path, characterized in that: The heat medium circuit includes a flow path switching unit that causes the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the first heat exchanger, causes the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to the second heat exchanger, and causes the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to a heat storage flow path.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat storage flow path performs heat exchange with the vehicle-mounted heating device.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow path switching unit causes the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path to flow to a split air-conditioning heat exchanger that performs split air conditioning for passengers.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow path switching unit includes a flow path switching valve and a control device for controlling the flow path switching valve. The control device reduces the output of the refrigerant circuit when switching to the heat storage flow path.

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