Air conditioning device for vehicle

Abstract

[Problem] To appropriately maintain the battery temperature even during waste heat recovery heating in a vehicle air-conditioning device that uses a refrigerant circuit as a heat source and adjusts the temperature of air in a vehicle compartment 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) through which a high-temperature heat medium heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit flows, and a low-temperature heat medium flow path (30) through which a low-temperature heat medium cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit flows; and an air-conditioning unit (80) in which an air-heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit, which includes at least an external heat exchanger (45) that exchanges heat between the heat medium and external air, and also includes heat exchangers (41, 42, 43, 44) for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heat-generating equipment, is disposed in an air flow path that supplies air to the interior of the vehicle, and the air-conditioning unit (80) includes flow path switching means (V1, V2) that switch the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heat-generating equipment to the external heat exchanger (45) and switches the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heat-generating equipment to the external heat exchanger (45). The flow path switching means connects, with respect to the low-temperature heat medium flow path, a flow path (50) for the heat medium flowing in the external heat exchanger and a flow path (40) for the heat medium flowing in the heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device during a heating operation, and switches the flow path (50) for the heat medium flowing in the external heat exchanger to the flow path (40) for the heat medium flowing in the heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device. The heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heating equipment comprises a heat exchanger (41) for adjusting the battery temperature, and the heat exchanger (41) for adjusting the battery temperature is arranged on the downstream side of the heat exchangers (42, 43, 44) for adjusting the temperature of the other vehicle-mounted heating equipment.

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] The heat medium circuit in the vehicle air conditioning device of the prior art causes the heat medium to flow to the air heat medium heat exchanger in the HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit in order to perform air conditioning in the vehicle interior, and at the same time causes the heat medium to flow to an external heat exchanger (radiator) for absorbing heat from external air, etc. Furthermore, in order to regulate the temperature of vehicle-mounted heat generating devices such as batteries and motors, the heat medium is caused to flow to a heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of vehicle-mounted heat generating devices.

[0005] When the vehicle air conditioning device including the above-mentioned heat medium circuit is in heating operation, heat is absorbed from the external air by allowing the heat medium that has become low-temperature by absorbing heat through the refrigerant circuit to flow to the external heat exchanger. However, when the heat absorbed from the external air is insufficient, the waste heat of the vehicle heating equipment is recovered by the heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle heating equipment provided in the heat medium circuit, thereby compensating for the insufficient heat absorption.

[0006] However, when a heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of a battery is included in a heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of an onboard heat generating device, the battery may be excessively cooled due to heat absorption from the battery. In this case, there is a problem that the battery cannot be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0007] The technical problem of the present invention is to cope 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, the battery temperature can be properly maintained during waste heat recovery heating. 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 form of the present invention comprises: a 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 flow path flows with a high-temperature heat medium heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit, and the low-temperature heat medium flow path flows with a low-temperature heat medium cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit; and an air conditioning unit, wherein an air heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit is arranged in the air flow path supplied to the vehicle interior, wherein the heat medium circuit at least includes a heat medium circuit for connecting external air with heat medium. An external heat exchanger for medium heat exchange, and including a heat exchanger for temperature regulation of an on-board heating device, including a flow switching unit, which, during heating operation, connects the flow path of the heat medium flowing in the external heat exchanger with the flow path of the heat medium flowing in the heat exchanger for temperature regulation of the on-board heating device relative to the low-temperature heat medium flow path, the heat exchanger for temperature regulation of the on-board heating device including a heat exchanger for battery temperature regulation, and the heat exchanger for battery temperature regulation is arranged on the downstream side of other heat exchangers for temperature regulation of the on-board heating device. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention having the above-mentioned features, in the vehicle air conditioning device that 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, the battery temperature can be appropriately maintained even during waste heat recovery heating. 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 dehumidification and heating in the vehicle air conditioning device 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 dehumidification and heating 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. 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 heating the vehicle interior, a plurality of 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 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 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 according to the operating state of the vehicle air conditioner and the driving state of the vehicle.

[0041] The following uses Figure 3 and Figure 4 In each figure, a black solid line indicates a pipe where a high-temperature heat medium circulates, a dashed line indicates a pipe where a low-temperature heat medium circulates, and a gray solid line indicates a pipe where a medium-temperature heat medium circulates.

[0042] (1) First Mode In the first mode, the heat medium heated in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 circulates between the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 and the air-conditioning flow path 70, the vehicle interior is heated by the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82, and each seat is heated by the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92. At this time, the low-temperature heat medium cooled in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 circulates to the battery heat exchanger 41 , the motor heat exchanger 42 , the inverter heat exchanger 43 , the PCU heat exchanger 44 , and the outdoor heat exchanger 45 , which serve as heat absorption sources.

[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 so that the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 flows to the first heat exchanger 81, 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.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the second flow path switching unit V2 as follows: the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 flows toward 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 , and flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger 45 of the outdoor flow path 50 .

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The heat medium that merges at the confluence section 72 flows toward the first heat exchanger 81 through the first flow path switching section V1, exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path 84 in the first heat exchanger 81, then returns to the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 through the first flow path switching section V1 and the third flow path switching section V3, is pumped to the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 by the first pump P1, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0048] 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 to the outdoor flow path 50 through the first flow path switching unit V1 and the second flow path switching unit V2, exchanges heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 45, and flows into the second heat storage flow path 402 through the second flow path switching unit V2. The heat medium flowing into the second heat storage flow path 402 flows through the PCU heat exchanger 44, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the motor heat exchanger 42 in sequence, and is pressure-sent to the battery heat exchanger 41 by the third pump P3 through the third flow path switching unit V3 and the second flow path switching unit V2. The heat medium flowing out of the battery heat exchanger 41 returns to the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 through the second flow path switching unit V2, and is pressure-sent to the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 by the second pump P2, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0049] By circulating the heat medium in this way, the battery heat exchanger 41, the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, the PCU heat exchanger 44 and the outdoor heat exchanger 45 can be used as heat absorption sources in the vehicle air-conditioning device 1, and the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be heated by the first heat exchanger 81, the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92 for heating.

[0050] The first mode is mainly an operation mode for performing heating operation by recovering waste heat from vehicle-mounted equipment and using it as a heat source when the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air by the outdoor heat exchanger 45 is insufficient. By supplementing the heat source in this way, the heating efficiency can be improved.

[0051] At this time, the battery heat exchanger 41 may be overcooled by absorbing heat from the battery heat exchanger 41. Therefore, in the first mode, the battery heat exchanger 41 is arranged downstream of the motor heat exchanger 42 having a large amount of waste heat, so that the battery heat exchanger 41 is prevented from being overcooled and the battery temperature is appropriately maintained. This can prevent the battery from being deteriorated.

[0052] (2) Second Mode In the second mode, the heat medium heated in the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 circulates between the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 and the air-conditioning flow path 70, the vehicle interior is heated by the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82, and each seat is heated by the first split heat exchanger 91 and the second split heat exchanger 92. At this time, the low-temperature heat medium cooled in the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 is circulated to the outdoor heat exchanger 45 as a heat absorption source. In addition, the heat medium is circulated to the heat storage flow path 40 in parallel with the heating of the vehicle interior, so that the waste heat of the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43 and the PCU heat exchanger 44 is used to preheat the battery heat exchanger 41.

[0053] 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 first heat exchanger 81, 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.

[0054] The controller 100 controls the second flow path switcher V2 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 . The controller 100 further controls the second flow path switcher V2 to circulate the heat medium in the heat storage flow path 40 .

[0055] 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. 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 toward the second heat exchanger 82, and the rest flows toward the three-way valve 95.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The heat medium that merges at the confluence section 72 flows toward the first heat exchanger 81 through the first flow path switching section V1, exchanges heat with the air in the circulating air flow path 84 in the first heat exchanger 81, then returns to the high-temperature heat medium flow path 20 through the first flow path switching section V1 and the third flow path switching section V3, is pumped to the high-temperature heat exchanger 21 by the first pump P1, and the above cycle is repeated.

[0058] 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 to the outdoor flow path 50 through the first flow path switching part V1 and the second flow path switching part V2, exchanges heat with the external gas in the outdoor heat exchanger 45, returns to the low-temperature heat medium flow path 30 through the second flow path switching part V2, is pumped to the low-temperature heat exchanger 31 by the second pump P2, and repeats the above cycle.

[0059] In addition, in the heat storage flow path 40, the heat medium is pumped by the third pump P3 and flows through the battery heat exchanger 41, passes through the second flow path switching unit V2, flows to 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 again, repeating the above cycle.

[0060] Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1, the air supplied to the vehicle interior can be heated by the first heat exchanger 81, the second heat exchanger 82, the first split heat exchanger 91, and the second split heat exchanger 92. In addition, the battery heat exchanger 41 can be preheated by the waste heat of the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43, and the PCU heat exchanger 44.

[0061] The second mode is mainly executed when the temperature of each vehicle-mounted device, especially the battery, is low right after the vehicle air conditioner 1 is started, and heating is performed exclusively by absorbing heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 45. When a predetermined time has passed since the start of the vehicle air conditioner 1, when the temperature of the motor or the battery rises to a certain level, and when the amount of heat absorbed from the outside air by the outdoor heat exchanger 45 alone is insufficient, the heating efficiency can be improved by switching to the first mode.

[0062] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment includes a plurality of heating modes with different heat medium circulation paths, so that heating can be performed by switching appropriately according to the operating conditions of the vehicle air conditioner and the driving conditions of the vehicle.

[0063] For example, the second mode is executed immediately after the vehicle air conditioning device 1 is started, and heating is performed by absorbing heat from the external air in the outdoor heat exchanger 45. After a specified time, when the temperature of the motor or the battery rises and the absorption of heat from the external air by the outdoor heat exchanger 45 alone is insufficient, the system switches to the first mode, and heating is performed using the waste heat of the battery heat exchanger 41, the motor heat exchanger 42, the inverter heat exchanger 43 and the PCU heat exchanger 44 as a heat absorption source.

[0064] In the first mode, the battery heat exchanger 41 is arranged downstream of the motor heat exchanger 42 to suppress overcooling of the battery. However, if the battery is still overcooled in this case, the system switches to the second mode for heating.

[0065] Therefore, according to the vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment, in which the temperature of the vehicle interior air is adjusted via the heat medium flowing in the heat medium circuit using the refrigerant circuit as a heat source, the battery temperature can be appropriately maintained even during heating by recovering waste heat.

[0066] 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

[0067] 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 including a high-temperature heat medium flow path in which a high-temperature heat medium heated by heat dissipation of the refrigerant circuit flows, and a low-temperature heat medium flow path in which a low-temperature heat medium cooled by heat absorption of the refrigerant circuit flows; and An air conditioning unit is provided in which an air heat medium heat exchanger provided in the heat medium circuit is arranged in a flow path of air supplied to a vehicle interior, characterized in that: The heat medium circuit includes at least an external heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the heat medium and external air, and includes a heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heating device. The heat exchanger comprises a flow path switching unit, which connects the flow path of the heat medium flowing in the external heat exchanger with the flow path of the heat medium flowing in the heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of the vehicle-mounted heating device relative to the low-temperature heat medium flow path during heating operation. The vehicle-mounted heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of a heat generating device includes a battery temperature regulating heat exchanger, and the battery temperature regulating heat exchanger is arranged on the downstream side of other vehicle-mounted heat exchangers for regulating the temperature of a heat generating device.

2. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow path switching unit switches the flow path of the vehicle-mounted heating device temperature adjustment heat exchanger to be separated from the low-temperature heat medium flow path.

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