Temperature control device for moving body and program

Abstract

The temperature control circuit (7) comprises a first valve (V1) capable of switching the flow path of the hot refrigerant, the first valve (V1) is connected with a pipe (H) reaching the inverter (43) and a pipe (H) reaching the motor (45), and is also connected with one or more pipes (H), and the first valve (V1) has the following structure: the first valve (V1) can be switched, so that the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched, and the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched. The heat exchanger is configured to transfer a hot refrigerant supplied from an upstream side to a downstream side of the heat exchanger to at least one pipe (H) among the plurality of pipes (H) on the downstream side. When at least one of the inverter (43) and the motor (45) satisfies a heat generation condition, the transport control unit controls the first valve (V1) so as to transport the hot refrigerant to a transport destination disposed on the downstream side of the one in the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-147154, filed with the Japanese Patent Office on September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to technology capable of regulating the temperature of various parts within a moving body such as a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, there are demands for BEVs (i.e., electric vehicles that run solely on batteries): increased driving range in winter and shorter battery charging times. BEV is an abbreviation for Battery Electric Vehicle.

[0005] In addition, as a characteristic of batteries, it is known that when the battery temperature rises to a specified desired temperature, the driving range will be extended and the charging time will be shortened.

[0006] Therefore, it is known that in order to increase the driving range and shorten the battery charging time, the battery temperature is raised to a specified temperature in winter and other conditions.

[0007] In addition, as a method for heating components (i.e., devices) whose performance varies with temperature, a technology that utilizes heat generated by an electric generator (i.e., MG) in the vehicle is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0070924 Summary of the Invention

[0011] However, after detailed research, the inventors discovered the following technical problems in the prior art.

[0012] In the existing technology, although the heat generated by the inverter and MG can be utilized, the heat is only delivered to the same equipment.

[0013] In other words, research on the technology of using heat generated by devices such as inverters and MGs to heat various devices in the vehicle (i.e., preferably devices that are kept at an appropriate temperature) is still insufficient and needs further improvement.

[0014] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a technique that can improve various performance characteristics of a mobile body by effectively utilizing the heat generated by a heat-generating device within the mobile body.

[0015] a) One aspect of this disclosure relates to a temperature control device for mobile bodies that regulates the temperature of devices within a mobile body.

[0016] The temperature control device for the mobile body includes: a circuit for a hot refrigerant and a control unit for controlling the operation of the circuit.

[0017] The circuit includes, as constituent elements, an inverter; a motor; piping as a flow path for the hot refrigerant; and a valve disposed on the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0018] In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the piping leading to the motor, the valve is connected to one or more other piping. The valve is configured to be switchable to deliver the hot refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the plurality of piping on the downstream side of the valve.

[0019] The control unit includes a delivery control unit, which controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant downstream of the inverter and the motor in the flow path of the hot refrigerant when at least one of the inverter and the motor meets the heating condition for heating the hot refrigerant.

[0020] Based on this structure, in this disclosure, by effectively utilizing the heat generated by the heat-generating device in the mobile body, various performance characteristics of the mobile body can be improved.

[0021] That is, when the inverter and motor meet the heating conditions, the refrigerant (i.e., the heat medium) supplied to the inverter and motor can be heated. Therefore, by switching the destination of the heated refrigerant through a valve, the heat of the refrigerant can be effectively utilized to heat the equipment being heated efficiently.

[0022] b) Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a computer program for controlling a temperature control device for a mobile body, which regulates the temperature of equipment within the mobile body.

[0023] The temperature control device for the mobile body includes, as a component of the circuit for the hot refrigerant, an inverter; a motor; piping as a flow path for the hot refrigerant; and a valve disposed on the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0024] In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the piping leading to the motor, the valve is connected to one or more other piping. The valve is configured to be switchable to deliver the hot refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of the plurality of piping on the downstream side of the valve.

[0025] The computer includes a program that functions as a delivery control unit. When at least one of the inverter and the motor meets a heating condition that allows heating of the hot refrigerant, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant in the flow path of the hot refrigerant from a delivery destination downstream of at least one of the inverter and the motor that meets the condition.

[0026] Based on this structure, in this disclosure, by effectively utilizing the heat generated by the heat-generating device in the mobile body, various performance characteristics of the mobile body can be improved.

[0027] That is, when the inverter and motor meet the heating conditions, the refrigerant (i.e., the heat medium) supplied to the inverter and motor can be heated. Therefore, by switching the destination of the heated refrigerant through a valve, the heat of the refrigerant can be effectively utilized to heat the equipment being heated efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the vehicle system according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 An explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the loop system according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3A A block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the vehicle control device, sensors, actuators, etc., according to the first embodiment is provided. Figure 3B A block diagram showing the functional processing unit.

[0031] Figure 4A An explanatory diagram illustrating the flow path of the refrigerant from the inverter to the motor, etc. Figure 4B This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path of the refrigerant from the electric motor to the inverter.

[0032] Figure 5 An explanatory diagram illustrating the characteristics of heat generation in an inverter and a motor.

[0033] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each heat source and the path of the hot refrigerant, the destination of the hot refrigerant, and the purpose of heating.

[0034] Figure 7ATo illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 1, Figure 7B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0035] Figure 8A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 2, Figure 8B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0036] Figure 9A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 3, Figure 9B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0037] Figure 10A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 4, Figure 10B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0038] Figure 11A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 5, Figure 11B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0039] Figure 12A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 6, Figure 12B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0040] Figure 13A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 7, Figure 13B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0041] Figure 14A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 8, Figure 14B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0042] Figure 15A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 9, Figure 15B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0043] Figure 16A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 10, Figure 16B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0044] Figure 17A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 11, Figure 17B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0045] Figure 18A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 12, Figure 18B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0046] Figure 19A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 13, Figure 19B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0047] Figure 20A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 14, Figure 20B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0048] Figure 21A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 15, Figure 21B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0049] Figure 22A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 16, Figure 22B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0050] Figure 23A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 17, Figure 23B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0051] Figure 24A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 18, Figure 24B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0052] Figure 25A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 19, Figure 25BThis is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0053] Figure 26A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 20, Figure 26B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0054] Figure 27A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 21, Figure 27B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0055] Figure 28A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 22, Figure 28B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0056] Figure 29A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 23, Figure 29B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0057] Figure 30A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 24, Figure 30B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0058] Figure 31A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 25, Figure 31B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0059] Figure 32A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 26, Figure 32B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0060] Figure 33A To illustrate the circuit system in Action Example 27, Figure 33B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0061] Figure 34A To illustrate the circuit diagram in Action Example 28, Figure 34BThis is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the paths of each heat source and the refrigerant, their delivery destinations, and their heating purposes in Operation Example 1.

[0062] Figure 35 A flowchart illustrating the main process in the first embodiment is provided.

[0063] Figure 36 An explanatory diagram showing the valve opening degree, etc., of each valve in the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 37 A flowchart is provided to illustrate Processing Example 1 in the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 38 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 2 in the first embodiment.

[0066] Figure 39 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 3 in the first embodiment.

[0067] Figure 40 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 4 in the first embodiment.

[0068] Figure 41 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 5 in the first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 42 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 6 in the first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 43 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 7 in the first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 44 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 8 in the first embodiment.

[0072] Figure 45 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 9 in the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 46 A flowchart is provided to illustrate processing example 10 in the first embodiment.

[0074] Figure 47A An explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the heating priority mode, Figure 47B An explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the battery priority mode.

[0075] Figure 48A A chart showing the experimental results of heating priority modes, etc. Figure 48B A graph showing the experimental results for battery priority mode, etc.

[0076] Figure 49 An explanatory diagram illustrating the temperature control circuit in the second embodiment.

[0077] Figure 50 An explanatory diagram illustrating the temperature control circuit in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] [1. First Implementation Method]

[0080] In this first embodiment, a temperature regulating device for a mobile body capable of adjusting the temperature of various devices installed on the electric mobile body will be described. Furthermore, the following description will use a vehicle that operates solely on electricity (i.e., a battery electric vehicle) as an example of an electric mobile body.

[0081] [1-1. Overall Structure]

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, in this first embodiment, vehicle 1 is equipped with vehicle system 3. Vehicle system 3 is a system with the function of a temperature control device for a moving body, and includes: a refrigerant circuit 5 which has the function of a heat pump (i.e., HP); a temperature control circuit 7 which can regulate the temperature of various devices installed in vehicle 1; a vehicle control device 9 which controls the operation of refrigerant circuit 5 and temperature control circuit 7, the operation of other devices of vehicle 1; and a known navigation device 11, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7 constitute the circuit system 13. A flow path for the hot medium, i.e., the hot refrigerant, is provided in the circuit system 13. Alternatively, the temperature control circuit 7 can be considered as a circuit that functions as a temperature control device for a moving body.

[0084] The following is an explanation of each structure.

[0085] [1-2. Each Structure]

[0086] <Refrigerant Circuit>

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, refrigerant circuit 5 is a known circuit for the flow of hot refrigerant, including accumulator 21, compressor 23, water-cooled condenser (i.e., water-cooled condenser) 25, cooler 27, etc. Furthermore, in refrigerant circuit 5, the hot refrigerant flows in either a gaseous or liquid state, as is known.

[0088] The accumulator 21 is a device for separating gas and liquid and storing gas (i.e., hot refrigerant, etc.), and the compressor 23 is a device for compressing hot refrigerant. The water-cooled condenser 25 is disposed on both sides of the boundary between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7, and is a device for heating the hot refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7 (i.e., hot refrigerant with a lower temperature than the hot refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5) using the hot refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5. The cooler 27 is disposed on both sides of the boundary between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7, and is a device for cooling the hot refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7 (i.e., hot refrigerant with a higher temperature than the hot refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5) using the hot refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5. In other words, in this disclosure, a heat exchanger (i.e., the part that exchanges heat between the refrigerant circuit 5 and the temperature control circuit 7) used for cooling the hot refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7 is used as a cooler.

[0089] In addition, Figure 2 In the diagram, solid lines represent piping H (i.e., the flow path of the hot refrigerant), and solid arrows indicate the direction of hot refrigerant flow. In the following figures, the arrows for each flow path indicate the direction of hot refrigerant flow.

[0090] Furthermore, compressor 23 is located downstream of accumulator 21, and the flow path of compressor 23 branches off and connects to accumulator 21 and water-cooled condenser 25. Cooler 27 is located downstream of water-cooled condenser 25, and accumulator 21 is located downstream of cooler 27.

[0091] In addition, a known electronic control valve (i.e., EXV) 31, which serves as an on / off valve, is installed on the pipe H1 from the branch point on the downstream side of the compressor 23 to the accumulator 21, and the same electronic control valve 33 is also installed on the pipe H2 from the water-cooled condenser 25 to the cooler 27.

[0092] <Temperature Control Circuit>

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, the temperature control circuit 7 is a circuit for the flow of hot refrigerant (e.g., water) in a liquid state. The components of the temperature control circuit 7 include a battery (i.e., a storage battery) 41, an inverter 43, a generator 45, a heater core 47, a radiator 49, the water-cooled condenser 25, the cooler 27, multiple flow path switching valves V, and multiple pumps P. Additionally, an ECU 53 for DC-DC voltage regulation is included here, but it can be omitted. Furthermore, all components are connected via piping H for the flow of hot refrigerant.

[0094] Battery 41 is a rechargeable battery (i.e., a secondary battery) used for driving the vehicle 1, and can be charged by a charger (not shown) outside the vehicle 1. In addition, it can store the electricity generated by the electric generator 45.

[0095] Inverter 43 is a known device that converts direct current into alternating current.

[0096] The electric generator (i.e., MG) 45 is a known device that combines the functions of an electric motor and a generator. Additionally, the electric generator 45 may sometimes be simply referred to as an electric motor, or denoted as MG in the accompanying drawings.

[0097] The heater core 47 is a known device that is heated by the heat of the hot refrigerant flowing in the temperature control circuit 7 and the heat transferred from the refrigerant circuit 5, and is used for heating inside the vehicle 1.

[0098] Radiator 49 is a known device for exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0099] A pump (e.g., a water pump) P (e.g., P1 to P4) is a known device that directs the flow of hot refrigerant in piping H in a specific direction. Furthermore, pump P is driven as needed, but there are also cases where it is not driven.

[0100] The flow path switching valve V is an eight-way switching valve that can switch the flow path in eight directions based on control signals from the vehicle control unit 9. Additionally, in Figure 2 Among them, the first valve V1, the second valve V2, and the third valve V3 can be cited as flow path switching valves.

[0101] The flow path switching valve V has eight openings, each containing an internal flow path that connects to one of the openings. Each opening can also be connected to a piping H. However, not all eight openings need to be connected to piping H.

[0102] Furthermore, in Figure 7 and the like described later, the internal flow path is schematically represented by arrows drawn on the surface or inside of the flow path switching valve V, and the opening is schematically represented by the corner of the surface of the flow path switching valve V (e.g., the connecting part of the arrow).

[0103] Therefore, as detailed later, the flow path switching valve V can be positioned around the central axis (e.g., with...). Figure 2 When rotating around the central axis perpendicular to the paper, each time the flow path switching valve V rotates by a specified angle, the connection state between each opening and each pipe H changes, thereby switching the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0104] <Vehicle Control Device>

[0105] like Figure 3A As shown, the vehicle control device 9 includes an arithmetic processing unit 61 for performing various control operations.

[0106] The arithmetic processing unit 61 is centered around a microcomputer (hereinafter, a microcomputer), which includes a CPU 63 and semiconductor memories such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory (hereinafter, memory 65). The various functions of the arithmetic processing unit 61 are implemented by the CPU 63 executing programs stored in a non-transitory physical recording medium. In this example, the memory 65 is equivalent to a non-transitory physical recording medium storing the program. Furthermore, by executing the program, the method corresponding to the program is executed.

[0107] Furthermore, the number of microcomputers constituting the arithmetic processing unit 61 can be one or more. Also, the method of implementing the various functions of the arithmetic processing unit 61 is not limited to software; some or all of its elements can be implemented using one or more hardware components. For example, when the aforementioned functions are implemented by electronic circuits as hardware, these electronic circuits can be implemented by digital circuits containing multiple logic circuits, analog circuits, or combinations thereof.

[0108] In the vehicle control device 9, various detection devices (e.g., sensors) are connected to detect the condition of the vehicle 1, etc., and detection signals representing the condition obtained from each detection device are output to the vehicle control device 9.

[0109] As a detection device, examples include opening sensor S1 for detecting the opening degree of the first valve V1, opening sensor S3 for detecting the opening degree of the second valve V2, and opening sensor S3 for detecting the opening degree of the third valve V3.

[0110] In addition, here, the opening degree refers to the value corresponding to the angle (i.e., valve angle) that indicates how many degrees it has rotated from the reference position, and is configured as follows: if the valve angle is determined, it is possible to determine which pipe H each opening of each valve V is connected to.

[0111] In addition, examples of detection devices include: flow sensors 71 for detecting the flow rate of hot refrigerant flowing through each pump P, temperature sensors 73 for detecting the temperature of battery 41, temperature sensors 75 for detecting the temperature of inverter 43, temperature sensors 77 for detecting the temperature of motor 45, temperature sensors 79 for detecting the temperature of radiator 49, temperature sensors 81 for detecting the temperature of heater core 47, temperature sensors 83 for detecting the temperature of cooler 27, temperature sensors 85 for detecting the temperature of the surrounding environment (e.g., outside air temperature), and temperature sensors 87 for detecting the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0112] In addition, in the vehicle control device 9, various actuators are connected to perform various actions of the vehicle 1, etc., and control signals for making the actuators work are output from the vehicle control device 9 to the actuators.

[0113] As actuators, valves V can be exemplified as first valve V1, second valve V2, third valve V3, etc.

[0114] In addition, as actuators, examples include pumps P, batteries 41, inverters 43, motors 45, EXVs 31 and 33, compressors 23, etc.

[0115] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 3B As shown, the arithmetic processing unit 61 functionally includes a delivery control unit 61A and a heat generation control unit 61B.

[0116] The delivery control unit 61A is configured such that when at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 meets the heating conditions for heating the hot refrigerant (i.e., the hot refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7) (e.g., during temperature rise control), the first valve V1 is controlled in the flow path of the hot refrigerant to deliver the hot refrigerant to the delivery destination located downstream of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 that meets the conditions (i.e., downstream of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 that meets the conditions).

[0117] The heat generation control unit 61B is configured to, for example, perform a temperature rise control that causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to generate heat, as a control that satisfies the conditions.

[0118] Therefore, in the arithmetic processing unit 61, when the temperature of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is controlled, the first valve V1 can be controlled to deliver hot refrigerant to a delivery destination located downstream of at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 for which the temperature control has been implemented.

[0119] In addition, as a heating condition (i.e., a condition in which the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can heat the refrigerant), in addition to the inverter 43 and the motor 45 controlling the temperature rise, other conditions can be given such as the inverter 43 and the motor 45 being at or above a specified temperature.

[0120] [1-3. Characteristic Structures]

[0121] Here, the characteristic structure of this first embodiment will be described.

[0122] A pipe H for refrigerant is provided near the inverter 43, motor 45, and battery 41. Therefore, the heat generated by the inverter 43, motor 45, and battery 41 is transferred to the structure of the target object (i.e., the object whose temperature rises) via the refrigerant flowing within the pipe H (e.g., components such as the battery 41). Conversely, the refrigerant flowing within the pipe H can heat each component such as the inverter 43, motor 45, and battery 41.

[0123] In addition, the piping H is sometimes not mentioned below, but is referred to as "hot refrigerant flowing through inverter 43 and motor 45" or "supplying hot refrigerant to inverter 43 and motor 45".

[0124] <Structure of Temperature Control Circuit>

[0125] like Figure 4A As shown, in this first embodiment, in the structure of the temperature control circuit 7, a first valve V1 is provided between the piping H that connects the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter 43 and the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor 45.

[0126] For example, the first valve V1 is configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby delivering the hot refrigerant flowing in the inverter 43, which is subject to temperature control, directly or indirectly via piping H to at least one of the following destinations: battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, radiator 49, and motor 45.

[0127] Alternatively, it can also be with Figure 4A Different, such as Figure 4B As shown, in the structure of the temperature control circuit 7, a first valve V1 is provided between the piping H that connects the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor 45 and the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter 43.

[0128] In this case, the first valve V1 is configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby delivering the hot refrigerant flowing within the motor 45, which is undergoing temperature control, directly via piping H or indirectly via other valves V to at least one of the following delivery destinations: battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, and radiator 49. Alternatively, as described later, the hot refrigerant can also be delivered to the motor 45 itself, etc., through a closed loop.

[0129] <Heat-generating actions>

[0130] Next, the heat generation operation in inverter 43 and motor 45 will be explained.

[0131] Here, heat generation refers to an action that is different from the original operation of the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and is an action aimed at generating heat, that is, an action that causes current to flow through the inverter 43 and the motor 45 for the purpose of generating heat. In this first embodiment, the vehicle control device 9 performs temperature control to generate heat by flowing current for the purpose of generating heat.

[0132] Specifically, for inverter 43, heat generation can be achieved, for example, by controlling the switching of a diode with high losses through which current flows. Furthermore, for motor 45, heat generation can be achieved, for example, by controlling the switching of a diode through which current flows, thus enabling inefficient operation.

[0133] like Figure 5 As shown, under heat generation conditions, the inverter 43 consumes, for example, 4.2 kW of power per unit time, and the motor 45 consumes, for example, 6 kW of power per unit time. That is, the motor 45 consumes more power per unit time than the inverter 43. Therefore, the motor 45 generates more heat per unit time than the inverter 43.

[0134] Furthermore, under the same power supply conditions, the inverter 43 heats up more rapidly than the motor 45. That is, the inverter 43 has a higher responsiveness than the motor 45. In addition, the motor 45 has a larger heat capacity than the inverter 43, and therefore has higher heat storage capacity.

[0135] Therefore, the inverter 43 and the motor 45 are used appropriately according to the above characteristics, as described below.

[0136] Specifically, the heat generation of inverter 43 is carried out during, for example, the period from the start of warming up of equipment such as battery 41 to its completion, a specified period from the start of charging battery 41, a specified period for defrosting during the warming up of various equipment (e.g., during heating), a specified period from the start of warming up motor 45, etc.

[0137] In addition, the heat generation of the motor 45 is carried out during, for example, the period from the second half of the warm-up of the equipment such as the battery 41 to its completion, the entire period of charging the battery 41, and the prescribed defrosting period after the various equipment has been warmed up.

[0138] In addition, here, "warm-up" refers to heating the battery 41, motor 45, and other equipment to a specified temperature suitable for operation.

[0139] <Heat transfer path after heat generation>

[0140] like Figure 6 As shown in the upper section (i.e., the three columns on the top), the heat generated by the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45 (i.e., through temperature control) is transferred to the target object to be heated via various paths. For example, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is transported to the target delivery destination via various paths. Additionally, Figure 6 The area indicated by the dashed line represents the characteristic structure of the first embodiment.

[0141] For example, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is supplied to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Additionally, the refrigerant is supplied to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming it up. Furthermore, the refrigerant is supplied to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting it. Furthermore, the refrigerant is supplied to the motor 45 for the purpose of warming it up.

[0142] On the other hand, the refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45 is supplied to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Additionally, the refrigerant is supplied to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming it up. Furthermore, the refrigerant is supplied to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting it. Finally, the refrigerant is supplied to the electric motor 45 for the purpose of warming it up itself.

[0143] Furthermore, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is supplied to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Additionally, the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. Furthermore, the refrigerant is supplied to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming it up. Additionally, the refrigerant is supplied to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting it.

[0144] In addition, through Figure 6 The lower section (i.e., the three columns on the bottom) can also control the heating of the object, so a brief explanation is given.

[0145] For example, the heat from the outside air is used for heating the vehicle interior, warming up the battery 41, and warming up the motor 45, and is transferred to the heater core 47, battery 41, and motor 45 respectively via the radiator 49, cooler 27, and water-cooled condenser 25.

[0146] The heat generated by the external air and the inverter 43 is used for heating the vehicle interior and warming up the battery 41. It is transferred to the heater core 47 and the battery 41 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25, respectively.

[0147] The heat generated by the battery 41 (e.g., by using ripple current) is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. In addition, the refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the battery 41 is supplied to the electric motor 45 for the purpose of warming up the electric motor 45.

[0148] [1-4. Actions]

[0149] Next, a specific example of the operation in the first embodiment (i.e., the aforementioned) will be discussed. Figure 6 The content of the action example will be explained in detail.

[0150] <Action Example 1>

[0151] like Figure 7B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0152] like Figure 7A As shown, the opening degree of each valve V (i.e., the angle determined by rotation) is set to allow the hot refrigerant to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Furthermore, the configuration is such that, outside of each valve V, the hot refrigerant flows within the piping H shown by solid and dashed lines, and inside each valve V, the hot refrigerant flows in the internal flow path shown by solid and dashed lines.

[0153] In addition, Figure 7A In the diagram, solid lines represent intersecting internal flow paths, but in reality, the internal flow paths shown by these lines are configured not to merge midway. The same applies to the following diagrams.

[0154] First, as shown by the dashed line, the heated refrigerant, heated by the inverter 43, is delivered to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the first valve V1. In the water-cooled condenser 25, the refrigerant is heated from the refrigerant circuit 5 and then delivered to the heater core 47, where it is heated. The air inside the vehicle is then heated by the heater core 47.

[0155] Subsequently, the hot refrigerant returns from the heater core 47 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0156] In addition, the valve V and other components are connected through various pipes H, and the hot refrigerant in the pipes H moves by being pumped out by pump P.

[0157] In this example of operation 1, the motor 45 does not generate heat. As shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from the motor 45 to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, and first valve V1.

[0158] Additionally, as shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant that has been heat-exchanged (i.e. cooled) by the cooler 27 returns to the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0159] In addition, each of pumps P1 to P4 operates to facilitate the flow of hot refrigerant. Furthermore, as shown below, each of pumps P1 to P4 is operating when not shown to be stopped.

[0160] <Action Example 2>

[0161] like Figure 8B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and, for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0162] like Figure 8A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, cooler 27, pump P4, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0163] In this example of operation 2, the motor 45 does not generate heat. As shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from the motor 45 to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1.

[0164] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 downstream of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0165] Furthermore, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop. Here, a closed loop refers to a loop in which the radiator 49 and other components arranged in the closed loop are not connected to other components (e.g., the object being heated) (i.e., a closed flow path that does not transfer heat through hot refrigerant). Additionally, a pump P may be arranged in the closed loop, and the pump P in the closed loop may sometimes be stopped.

[0166] <Action Example 3>

[0167] like Figure 9B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0168] like Figure 9AAs shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. Additionally, the battery 41 is heated by the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43.

[0169] In this example of operation 3, the motor 45 does not generate heat, but as shown by the two-dotted line, the hot refrigerant returns from the motor 45 to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1.

[0170] Furthermore, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the water-cooled condenser 25 returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0171] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant cooled by the cooler 27 returns to the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0172] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop.

[0173] <Action Example 4>

[0174] like Figure 10B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant, and the heated refrigerant is delivered to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting.

[0175] like Figure 10A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, radiator 49, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. Additionally, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 heats the radiator 49 to perform defrosting.

[0176] In this example of operation 4, the motor 45 does not generate heat. As shown by the solid lines, the hot refrigerant returns from the motor 45 to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1.

[0177] Additionally, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the cooler 27 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop, and the pump P4 stops.

[0178] <Action Example 5>

[0179] like Figure 11BAs shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat to the motor 45 for the purpose of warming up the motor 45.

[0180] like Figure 11A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is delivered to the motor 45 via the first valve V1, and the motor 45 is heated. Subsequently, the hot refrigerant returns from the motor 45 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0181] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from battery 41 to battery 41 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1.

[0182] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0183] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0184] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop.

[0185] <Action Example 6>

[0186] like Figure 12B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the hot refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the electric motor 45, and the hot refrigerant is delivered to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0187] like Figure 12A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45 returns to the electric motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1. Additionally, the refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45 and the water-cooled condenser 25 heats the air inside the vehicle at the heater core 47.

[0188] In this example of operation 6, the inverter 43 does not generate heat, but as shown by the solid line, hot refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0189] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from cooler 29 to cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0190] Additionally, pumps P1 and P3, located on pipe H (shown by the thin dashed line), stop.

[0191] <Action Example 7>

[0192] like Figure 13B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the hot refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the electric motor 45, and the heat of the hot refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle.

[0193] like Figure 13A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the cooler 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0194] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns to the water-cooled condenser 25 via the water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1.

[0195] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45, thus raising the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, thus enabling the air inside the vehicle to be heated by supplying the heater core 47 with the hot refrigerant whose temperature has risen.

[0196] In this example of operation 7, the inverter 43 does not generate heat, but as shown by the solid line, hot refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0197] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop.

[0198] <Action Example 8>

[0199] like Figure 14B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the hot refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45, and the hot refrigerant is delivered to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0200] like Figure 14A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, and first valve V1. Additionally, the battery 41 is heated by the refrigerant heated by the motor 45.

[0201] In this example of operation 8, the inverter 43 does not generate heat, but as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53.

[0202] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant cooled by the cooler 27 returns to the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0203] <Action Example 9>

[0204] like Figure 15B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the hot refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45, and the hot refrigerant is delivered to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting.

[0205] like Figure 15A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1. Additionally, the radiator 49 is defrosted by being heated by the refrigerant heated by the motor 45.

[0206] In this example of operation 9, the inverter 43 does not generate heat, but as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53.

[0207] Additionally, pumps P1 and P4 in pipe H, indicated by the thin dashed line, are stopped here.

[0208] <Action Example 10>

[0209] like Figure 16B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the hot refrigerant is heated by the heat generated by the motor 45, and the hot refrigerant is transported to the motor 45 for the purpose of heat storage in the motor 45.

[0210] like Figure 16A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and first valve V1, where it is stored for heat.

[0211] In this example of operation 10, the inverter 43 does not generate heat, but as shown by the solid line, hot refrigerant returns from the inverter 43 to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0212] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the second valve V2, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0213] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0214] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop.

[0215] <Action Example 11>

[0216] like Figure 17B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0217] like Figure 17A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. As a result, the heater core 47 is heated, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle rises.

[0218] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, and first valve V1. Thus, the battery 41 is warmed up.

[0219] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0220] <Action Example 12>

[0221] like Figure 18B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.

[0222] like Figure 18AAs shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. As a result, the heater core 47 is heated, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle rises.

[0223] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1. This allows defrosting to be performed on the radiator 49.

[0224] Additionally, pump P4, located on pipe H (shown by the thin dashed line), is not driven.

[0225] <Action Example 13>

[0226] like Figure 19B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the motor 45 itself for the purpose of storing heat within the motor 45.

[0227] like Figure 19A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. As a result, the heater core 47 is heated, and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle rises.

[0228] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1. Thus, heat storage is achieved in the motor 45.

[0229] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3.

[0230] <Action Example 14>

[0231] like Figure 20B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior, and the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0232] like Figure 20A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, cooler 27, pump P4, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0233] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned circuit, as shown by the solid lines, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1. This warms up the battery 41.

[0234] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0235] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the radiator 49 and the third valve V3 is a closed loop.

[0236] <Action Example 15>

[0237] like Figure 21B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior, and the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers it to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.

[0238] like Figure 21A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, cooler 27, pump P4, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0239] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned circuit, as shown by the solid lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, and the first valve V1. This allows for the defrosting of the radiator 49.

[0240] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0241] <Action Example 16>

[0242] like Figure 22B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: The heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior. The heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat within the motor 45.

[0243] like Figure 22A As shown by the dashed line, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, cooler 27, pump P4, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53.

[0244] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned circuit, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1. Thus, heat is stored in the motor 45.

[0245] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0246] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from battery 41 to battery 41 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0247] Additionally, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the first valve V1 through the water-cooled condenser 25 and the heater core 47 to the first valve V1 is a closed loop. Furthermore, the flow path connecting the third valve V3 and the radiator 49 is also a closed loop.

[0248] <Action Example 17>

[0249] like Figure 23BAs shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and transfers the heat of the refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0250] like Figure 23A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is delivered to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.

[0251] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1.

[0252] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0253] Furthermore, as shown by the thin dashed lines, the flow paths connecting the first valve V1 and the third valve V3, and the flow paths connecting the third valve V3 and the second valve V2, are both closed loops. Additionally, pump P1 stops.

[0254] <Action Example 18>

[0255] like Figure 24B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and transfers the heat of the refrigerant to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0256] like Figure 24A As shown by the dashed line, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is delivered to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.

[0257] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the cooler 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0258] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0259] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0260] In addition, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path connecting the third valve V3 and the radiator 49 is a closed loop.

[0261] <Action Example 19>

[0262] like Figure 25B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.

[0263] like Figure 25A As shown by the dashed line, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is delivered to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.

[0264] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1. This allows for defrosting at the radiator 49.

[0265] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0266] Furthermore, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the third valve V3 through the cooler 27 and pump P4 back to the third valve V3 is a closed loop. Additionally, pump P4 stops.

[0267] <Action Example 20>

[0268] like Figure 26BAs shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat within the motor 45.

[0269] like Figure 26A As shown by the dashed line, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 is delivered to the battery 41 via the first valve V1, and then returns from the battery 41 to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.

[0270] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1. This allows for heat storage within the motor 45.

[0271] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0272] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0273] <Action Example 21>

[0274] like Figure 27B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat refrigerant to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat refrigerant to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0275] like Figure 27A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, radiator 49, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This process defrosts the radiator 49.

[0276] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45 returns to the electric motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1. Thus, the heater core 47 provides heating for the vehicle interior.

[0277] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0278] <Action Example 22>

[0279] like Figure 28B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49. Furthermore, the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and transfers the heat of the refrigerant to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25 for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior.

[0280] like Figure 28A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, radiator 49, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This process defrosts the radiator 40.

[0281] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the cooler 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0282] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the pump P3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0283] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45, thus increasing the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Therefore, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0284] <Action Example 23>

[0285] like Figure 29B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0286] like Figure 29AAs shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, radiator 49, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This process defrosts the radiator 49.

[0287] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, first valve V1, battery 41, second valve V2, third valve V3, first valve V1, water-cooled condenser 25, heater core 47, and first valve V1. This warms up the battery 41.

[0288] Furthermore, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from the third valve V3 through the cooler 27 and pump P4 back to the third valve V3 is a closed loop. Additionally, pump P4 stops.

[0289] <Action Example 24>

[0290] like Figure 30B As shown in the two boxes within the dashed lines, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat refrigerant to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting; and the heat generated by the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the heat refrigerant to the motor 45 for the purpose of storing heat within the motor 45.

[0291] like Figure 30A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 returns to the inverter 43 via the first valve V1, pump P1, third valve V3, radiator 49, third valve V3, second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This process defrosts the radiator 49.

[0292] Furthermore, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the motor 45 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1. This allows for heat storage within the motor 45.

[0293] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the battery 41, the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the cooler 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1.

[0294] <Action Example 25>

[0295] like Figure 31B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 heats the refrigerant, and the refrigerant is delivered to the heater core 47 for the purpose of heating the vehicle.

[0296] like Figure 31A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1. The refrigerant heated by the motor 45 then returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the first valve V1, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. Thus, the heater core 47 is heated, providing heating for the vehicle interior.

[0297] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from battery 41 to battery 41 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1.

[0298] <Action Example 26>

[0299] like Figure 32B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 heats the refrigerant, and for the purpose of heating the vehicle interior, the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the heater core 47 via the cooler 27 and the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0300] like Figure 32A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1. The hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the cooler 27, the pump P4, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. Thus, the cooler 27 is heated.

[0301] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0302] According to the above structure, the temperature of the cooler 27 rises due to the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45. Therefore, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the cooler 27 rises. Consequently, the temperature of the hot refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit 5 side of the water-cooled condenser 25 also rises, and the temperature of the heater core 47 also rises. Thus, the air inside the vehicle can be heated by the heater core 47.

[0303] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the solid line, the hot refrigerant returns from battery 41 to battery 41 via the second valve V2, pump P3, and first valve V1.

[0304] <Action Example 27>

[0305] like Figure 33BAs shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 heats the refrigerant and delivers the refrigerant to the battery 41 for the purpose of warming up the battery 41.

[0306] like Figure 33A As shown by the dashed lines, the refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1. The refrigerant heated by the motor 45 then returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, pump P3, the first valve V1, battery 41, the second valve V2, pump P2, and ECU 53. This warms up the battery 41.

[0307] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0308] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the single-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the cooler 27 via pump P4, third valve V3, radiator 49, and third valve V3 to the cooler 27.

[0309] <Action Example 28>

[0310] like Figure 34B As shown in the dashed box, the following situation is explained: the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 heats the refrigerant, and the heat is delivered to the radiator 49 for the purpose of defrosting the radiator 49.

[0311] like Figure 34A As shown by the dashed lines, the hot refrigerant heated by the inverter 43 reaches the motor 45 via the first valve V1. The hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 then returns to the inverter 43 via the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the radiator 49, the third valve V3, the second valve V2, the pump P2, and the ECU 53. This process defrosts the radiator 49.

[0312] In addition, unlike the aforementioned flow path, as shown by the two-dot dashed line, the hot refrigerant returns from the water-cooled condenser 25 via the heater core 47, the first valve V1, the pump P1, the third valve V3, and the first valve V1 back to the water-cooled condenser 25.

[0313] Furthermore, as shown by the thin dashed line, the flow path from cooler 27 back to cooler 27 via pump P4 and third valve V3 is a closed loop. Additionally, pump P4 stops.

[0314] [1-5. Control Processing]

[0315] Next, the control processes implemented by the arithmetic processing unit 61 will be explained.

[0316] [1-5-1. Main Processing]

[0317] This process controls the temperature of the object being heated to the target temperature. This process is implemented at specified time intervals.

[0318] like Figure 35 As shown in the flowchart, firstly, in step (hereinafter, S), the state of vehicle 1 is read based on detection signals from various sensors, etc.

[0319] In the subsequent S110, it is determined whether there is a heating requirement for the object to be heated. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S120; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0320] For example, in situations such as winter when the ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature around vehicle 1) is low and various components (e.g., battery 41, heater core 47, radiator 49, motor 45, etc.) cannot achieve ideal performance when operating, the component is treated as the object to be heated, and a heating requirement is output to raise the temperature of each object to be heated.

[0321] For example, when the ambient temperature is 5°C and the ideal temperature for the operation of the object being heated is 10°C, a heating requirement is output to raise the temperature of the object to 10°C. That is, based on the ambient temperature, the processing unit 61 outputs a heating requirement to itself to raise the temperature of the object to the specified target temperature.

[0322] In S120, the required heat Q is calculated. That is, the heat Q required to change the temperature of the object from its current temperature to the target temperature is calculated. For example, if the current temperature is T1℃, the target temperature is T2℃, and the heat capacity of the object is NQ, the temperature difference to be increased is (T2-T1)℃. Therefore, the required heat Q is "temperature difference (T2-T1)℃ × heat capacity NQ".

[0323] In the subsequent S130, the inverter temperature rise indicator F is activated. I The calculation. The inverter's temperature rise indicator F. I This is a marker indicating the constituent element being heated when the inverter 43 is heated. For example, when the inverter is heated, the marker F... I When the values ​​are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, it indicates that the objects being heated are heater core 47, cooler 27, battery 41, radiator 49, and motor 45, respectively.

[0324] In the subsequent S140, the MG temperature mark F is performed. M The calculation. The MG temperature rise indicator F M This is a symbol indicating the constituent element that is being heated when the motor 45 is being heated. For example, when the MG is being heated, the symbol F indicates that the heating element is being heated. MWhen the values ​​are 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, it indicates that the object being heated is the heater core 47, the cooler 27, the battery 41, the radiator 49, and the motor 45, respectively.

[0325] In the subsequent S150, the temperature control device selection flag F is used. h The calculation. The temperature control device selects flag F. h This is a symbol indicating a device that performs temperature control. For example, when the temperature control device is selected, the symbol F... h When the value is 1, it indicates that the temperature control is performed by the inverter 43.

[0326] In the subsequent S160, based on the inverter temperature rise indicator F I MG heating indicator F M and the selection mark F for temperature control equipment h Calculate the valve angle (i.e., rotation angle) that serves as the opening degree of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2.

[0327] Here, regarding the inverter temperature rise indicator F... I MG heating indicator F M and the selection mark F for temperature control equipment h The relevant processing steps are explained.

[0328] The processing steps are, for example, in the order of “(1) Selection of the object to be heated” and “(2) Prioritization of heating requirements”. The priority is determined based on the required heat, i.e., the warming properties.

[0329] Specifically, for example, in the case of operation example 11 shown in Figure 17, (1) the objects to be heated are "heater core 47 and battery 41". In addition, (2) the priority order of the heating requirements is "battery 41 < heater core 47" (that is, when considering the instantaneous heating, the priority order of heater core 47 is higher than that of battery 41).

[0330] Therefore, the inverter temperature rise indicator F I Select the heater core 47 with high instant heating performance, "1", MG heating mark F M Select "30" of the remaining battery for the warm-up requirement; therefore, select flag F for the temperature control device. h Based on inverter temperature rise indicator F I and MG heating symbol F M Select "3".

[0331] Furthermore, for example, in situations requiring responsiveness such as when starting the vehicle 1 at low temperatures, or in equipment conditions (e.g., warming up the motor 45 during startup), heat can be generated at least by the inverter 43. Alternatively, in situations where heat storage utilizing large amounts of heat is crucial (e.g., heating the battery 41 throughout its charging range), heat generation can be achieved by the motor 45, the inverter 43, and the motor 45.

[0332] Figure 36 The selected indicator F for the temperature control device is displayed. h Inverter temperature rise indicator F I and MG heating symbol F M The relationship between the total value, the valve angle of the first valve V1, and the valve angle of the second valve V2.

[0333] Furthermore, the valve angle of the third valve V3 is set according to the flow path structure of each operating example. Additionally, Figure 36 The valve angle of the third valve V3 is shown.

[0334] return Figure 35 In S170, the valve angles of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are controlled. Simultaneously, the valve angle of the third valve V3 is also controlled.

[0335] In the subsequent S180, the duty cycle control of pump P is implemented. That is, pump P is activated to deliver the hot refrigerant in piping H in the specified direction.

[0336] In the subsequent S190, it is determined whether the temperature of the object being heated exceeds the target temperature. Here, if the determination is positive, the process temporarily ends; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process returns to S110.

[0337] [1-5-2. Each treatment]

[0338] Other processes besides the main process are described. These processes are performed at specified time intervals.

[0339] <Example 1>

[0340] This processing example 1 illustrates a processing example (e.g., operation example 1, etc.) when the inverter 43 performs temperature control.

[0341] like Figure 37 As shown in the flowchart, in S200, the temperature of the object to be heated (e.g., heater core 47) is low. Therefore, it is determined whether there is a heating requirement to raise the temperature of the object. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S210; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0342] In S210, the inverter 43 controls the temperature rise to generate heat.

[0343] In the subsequent S220, each valve V (e.g., the first valve V1) (i.e., the regulating valve angle) is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from inverter 43 to the object being heated (e.g., heater core 47), and this process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, pump P (e.g., pump P2), which is required to deliver hot refrigerant to the object being heated, is also activated.

[0344] According to this processing example 1, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the heat generated by the heat refrigerant of the inverter 43.

[0345] Alternatively, heat can be generated by the motor 45 instead of the inverter 43. In this case, Figure 37 The inverter 43 in each step of the flowchart can be replaced with a motor 45. Therefore, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the heat generated by the refrigerant from the motor 45.

[0346] <Example 2>

[0347] This processing example 2 shows a processing example when the temperature is controlled by the motor 45 (for example, operation example 8, etc.).

[0348] like Figure 38 As shown in the flowchart, in S300, the temperature of other objects requiring heating (e.g., battery 41) that are different from the object generating heat in inverter 43 is low. Therefore, it is determined whether there is a heating requirement to raise the temperature of other objects. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S310; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0349] In S310, the temperature is controlled by the electric motor 45 to generate heat.

[0350] In the subsequent S320, each valve V (e.g., the second valve V2) (i.e., the regulating valve angle) is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from the motor 45 to other objects to be heated (e.g., the battery 41), and the process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, the pump P (e.g., pump P3) required for delivering hot refrigerant to the objects to be heated is also activated.

[0351] According to this processing example 2, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by using a refrigerant heated by the heat generated by the electric motor 45.

[0352] <Example 3>

[0353] This processing example 3 shows a processing example (e.g., operation example 11, etc.) when the temperature of the object to be heated is raised using the inverter 43 and the motor 45.

[0354] like Figure 39 As shown in the flowchart, in S400, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is starting (e.g., when the start switch of the vehicle 1 is turned on) or the battery 41 is charging. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S410; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0355] In S410, the inverter 43 controls the temperature rise to generate heat.

[0356] In the subsequent S420, each valve V (e.g., the first to third valves V1 to V3) (i.e., adjusting the valve angle) is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from the inverter 43 to the object being heated (e.g., the heater core 47). Additionally, at this time, the pumps P (e.g., pumps P1 and P2) required to deliver the hot refrigerant to the object being heated are also activated.

[0357] In the subsequent S430, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is above a predetermined threshold. That is, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor is suitable for operation. Here, if an affirmative judgment is made, the process proceeds to S440; otherwise, if a negative judgment is made, the process proceeds to S460.

[0358] In S440, the motor 45 is in a warm-up state. Therefore, each valve V (e.g., the first and second valves V1 and V2) (i.e., the regulating valve angles) is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from the warm-up motor 45 to the object being heated (e.g., the battery 41), and this process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, the pump P (e.g., pump P3) required for delivering hot refrigerant to the object being heated is also activated.

[0359] On the other hand, in S450, which proceeds after a negative judgment is made in S430, a closed loop for the motor 45 is formed, and the process is temporarily terminated.

[0360] According to this processing example 3, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by the hot refrigerant supplied from the temperature-controlled inverter 43 and the motor 45 in a warm-up state.

[0361] <Example 4>

[0362] Example 4 illustrates a process where the temperature is controlled by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 when there is only one object being heated.

[0363] like Figure 40 As shown in the flowchart, in S500, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is lower than a predetermined threshold. That is, it is determined whether the temperature of the motor 45 is a low temperature unsuitable for heating by the hot refrigerant. Here, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S510; on the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to S530.

[0364] In S510, the motor 45 is at a low temperature, so the temperature rise control of the inverter 43 is performed to generate heat.

[0365] In the subsequent S520, each valve V is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from inverter 43 to the object being heated, and this process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, pump P, which is required to deliver hot refrigerant to the object being heated, is also activated.

[0366] On the other hand, in S530, which is entered after a negative judgment in S500, the motor 45 is not at a low temperature (i.e., it is not in a state where the temperature is not easy to rise), so the heating control of the motor 45 is performed.

[0367] In the subsequent S540, each valve V is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from the motor 45 to the object being heated, and the process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, the pump P required for delivering hot refrigerant to the object being heated is also activated.

[0368] According to this processing example 4, the temperature of the object to be heated can be appropriately increased (e.g., more rapidly than through the inverter 43) by utilizing the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45.

[0369] <Example 5>

[0370] Example 5 illustrates a process where temperature control is performed by inverter 43 and motor 45.

[0371] like Figure 41 As shown in the flowchart, in S600, it is determined whether the warm-up of battery 41 and motor 45 is complete. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S610; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0372] In S610, heat is generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to control the valves V, so that hot refrigerant is supplied from the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to the heater core 47 or the cooler 27, and the process is temporarily terminated. At the same time, the pump P required to deliver hot refrigerant to the object being heated is also activated.

[0373] According to this processing example 5, when the battery 41 and the motor 45 have finished warming up, the temperature of the object to be heated can be increased by utilizing the heat generated by the inverter 43 and the motor 45.

[0374] <Example 6>

[0375] Example 6 illustrates a process for controlling the temperature drop of a component that is connected to the piping H of the temperature control circuit 7 and is supplied with hot refrigerant. Furthermore, this component has the function of storing the heat supplied by the hot refrigerant within itself. Hereinafter, such a component will sometimes be referred to simply as a heat storage element.

[0376] like Figure 42 As shown in the flowchart, in S700, it is determined whether the vehicle 1 is stopped (e.g., when parked) or the system is stopped (e.g., when the vehicle control device 9 stops operating). Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S710; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends. Furthermore, a system stoppage could be exemplified by a state where the driver exits the vehicle 1 and the key is locked.

[0377] In S710, the flow path connected to the heat storage element (e.g., battery 41) is made into a closed loop, and the process is temporarily terminated.

[0378] According to this processing example 6, when the vehicle 1 stops or the system stops, the temperature drop of the heat storage element can be suppressed.

[0379] Here, as heat storage elements, examples include battery 41, inverter 43, motor 45, heater core 47, radiator 49, etc.

[0380] <Example 7>

[0381] Processing Example 7 illustrates a processing example (e.g., Action Example 3, etc.) when controlling the heat storage of a heat storage element.

[0382] like Figure 43 As shown in the flowchart, in S800, it is determined whether the heat storage element (e.g., battery 41) is at a low temperature below a specified temperature, which is detrimental to operation. Here, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S810; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0383] In S810, temperature control is performed by the heat generated by the inverter 43 or the motor 45.

[0384] In the subsequent S820, each valve V is controlled to supply hot refrigerant from inverter 43 or motor 45 to the heat storage element, and this process is temporarily terminated. Additionally, at this time, pump P, which is required to deliver hot refrigerant to the heat storage element, is also activated.

[0385] Through this treatment example 7, the temperature of the heat storage element can be increased.

[0386] <Example 8>

[0387] This processing example 8 shows a processing example when vehicle 1 is started (e.g., action example 1, etc.).

[0388] like Figure 44 As shown in the flowchart, in S900, it is determined whether vehicle 1 has started. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S910; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0389] In S910, temperature control is performed based on the heat generated by inverter 43.

[0390] In the subsequent S920, control valve V is used to connect inverter 43 to heater core 47.

[0391] In the subsequent S930, the flow path of the motor 45 is made into a closed loop or the motor 45 is connected to the battery 41, and the process is temporarily terminated.

[0392] According to this processing example 8, the vehicle interior can be heated rapidly during startup. Furthermore, it can suppress the temperature drop of the electric motor 45 and the battery 41.

[0393] <Example 9>

[0394] This processing example 9 illustrates the process when the battery 41 of vehicle 1 is charged by a charger located outside vehicle 1 (e.g., operation example 3, etc.).

[0395] like Figure 45 As shown in the flowchart, in S1000, based on the signal from the navigation device 11, it is determined whether the destination of vehicle 1 is the charger. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S1010; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0396] In S1010, temperature control is performed to control the heat generated by the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45.

[0397] In the subsequent S1020, control valve V is activated to connect the heat-generating inverter 43, motor 45, and battery 41. Additionally, pump P, required to deliver hot refrigerant to battery 41, is also activated at this time.

[0398] According to this processing example 9, when the battery 41 is charged by the charger, the temperature of the battery 41 can be raised to a temperature suitable for charging.

[0399] <Processing Example 10>

[0400] This processing example 10 illustrates the process of warming up the battery 41 (e.g., action example 3, etc.).

[0401] like Figure 46 As shown in the flowchart, in S1100, it is determined whether there is a warm-up requirement for battery 41 when the car is parked. Here, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to S1110; otherwise, if the determination is negative, the process temporarily ends.

[0402] In S1110, temperature control is performed based on the heat generated by inverter 43.

[0403] In the subsequent S1120, control valve V is activated to connect the heated inverter 43 to the battery 41. Additionally, pump P, which is required to deliver hot refrigerant to the battery 41, is also activated at this time.

[0404] In the subsequent S1130, it is determined whether the warm-up of battery 41 has ended. Here, if the affirmative judgment is made, it proceeds to S1140; otherwise, if the negative judgment is made, it returns to S1110.

[0405] In the subsequent S1140, the flow path of battery 41 is made into a closed loop, and the process is temporarily terminated.

[0406] Through this processing example 10, it is possible to rapidly raise the temperature of battery 41 when the battery temperature is low during parking.

[0407] [1-6. Experimental Examples]

[0408] The following describes experimental examples, which were implemented to confirm the effects of this disclosure (e.g., the effects of the first embodiment).

[0409] Figure 47A This illustrates an example of operation in a heating priority mode where heating takes precedence over heating from battery 41. Additionally, HP is an abbreviation for heat pump.

[0410] In this heating-priority mode, due to heating priority, the inverter 43 generates heat to heat the refrigerant, and this heated heat is delivered to the cooler 27 to heat the cooler 27. The heated refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5, heated from the cooler 27, heats the water-cooled condenser 25. The water-cooled condenser 25 heats the refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7, and this heated refrigerant is delivered to the heater core 47 to heat the heater core 47, thus heating the vehicle interior.

[0411] Furthermore, in this heating priority mode, when the battery 41 is heated, hot refrigerant is supplied from the heater core 47 to the motor 45, and the motor 45 generates heat to heat the hot refrigerant. The hot refrigerant heated by the motor 45 is then supplied to the battery 41 to heat the battery 41.

[0412] Figure 47B This illustrates an example of a battery-priority mode where heating of battery 41 takes precedence over warming.

[0413] In this battery priority mode, since the heating of battery 41 is prioritized, the inverter 43 generates heat to heat the refrigerant, and the heated refrigerant is delivered to battery 41 to heat battery 41.

[0414] In the battery-priority mode, the temperature of the refrigerant in the radiator 49 is raised using outside air, and this heated refrigerant is then delivered to the cooler 27. The heated refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5, which is heated in the cooler 27, heats the water-cooled condenser 25. The water-cooled condenser 25 heats the refrigerant in the temperature control circuit 7, and this heated refrigerant is delivered to the heater core 47, thus heating the heater core 47 and providing warmth to the vehicle interior. Next, the heated refrigerant is delivered from the heater core 47 to the electric motor 45, where it is heated by the heat generated by the electric motor 45.

[0415] then, Figure 48A The results of investigating the temperature rise of battery 41 in heating priority mode, battery priority mode, and comparative example are shown. Additionally, the conventional example refers to a conventional example in which the first valve V1 is not installed between inverter 43 and motor 45.

[0416] from Figure 48A It can be seen that, compared to the comparative example, the temperature of battery 41 rises rapidly in both the heating priority mode and the battery priority mode. Furthermore, the temperature of battery 41 rises rapidly in the battery priority mode compared to the heating priority mode.

[0417] also, Figure 48B The results show the changes in temperature rise inside the vehicle (i.e., at the air vents of the cabin) in heating-priority mode, battery-priority mode, and comparative example.

[0418] from Figure 48B It can be seen that the cabin temperature rises rapidly in both the heating priority mode and the battery priority mode compared to the comparative example. Furthermore, the cabin temperature rises rapidly in the heating priority mode compared to the battery priority mode.

[0419] [1-7. Effects]

[0420] According to this first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0421] (1a) In this first embodiment, the temperature control circuit 7 of the vehicle system 3 includes: an inverter 43; an electric motor 45; a hot refrigerant piping H configured to connect the inverter 43 and the electric motor 45 in series; and a first valve V1 configured in the piping H to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0422] In addition to being connected to the piping H leading to the inverter 43 and the piping H leading to the motor 45, the first valve V1 is also connected to one or more piping H. The first valve V1 has the following structure: it is capable of being switched to deliver the hot refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the first valve V1 to the downstream side to at least one of the multiple piping H on the downstream side.

[0423] In this vehicle system 3, the inverter 43 and the motor 45 are respectively capable of heating control by causing heat to flow through them (i.e., generating heat). Therefore, when at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 is heated, the hot refrigerant can be delivered from the downstream side of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 to a destination (i.e., the object to be heated) that is disposed in at least one direction of the heated inverter 43 and the motor 45.

[0424] According to this structure, in this first embodiment, by effectively utilizing the heat generated by the heat-generating (i.e., heat-producing) equipment in the vehicle 1, various performance characteristics of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0425] That is, since the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can generate heat (i.e., heat up by applying current), the refrigerant supplied to the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be heated by heating the inverter 43 and the motor 45. Therefore, by switching the supply destination of the heated refrigerant through the first valve V1, the heat of the refrigerant can be effectively utilized to efficiently heat up the equipment to be heated.

[0426] (1b) In this first embodiment, the structure of the circuit system 13 of the vehicle system 3 can be comprised of the following components: inverter 43, motor 45, battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, radiator 49, first valve V1, and pump P. These components can be configured to be connected to piping H for the flow of hot refrigerant.

[0427] Additionally, the first valve V1 can be installed between the piping H connecting the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter 43 and the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor 45, or it can be installed between the piping H connecting the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor 45 and the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter 43. Furthermore, the first valve V1 can be configured to be connected to at least one of the battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, and radiator 49 via the hot refrigerant piping H.

[0428] Furthermore, the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched by controlling the operation of the first valve V1 so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the temperature-controlled inverter 43 or motor 45 is delivered to at least one of the battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, radiator 49, and motor 45.

[0429] (1c) In this first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether there is a heating requirement for at least one of the following: battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, and radiator 49. Furthermore, if a heating requirement is determined to exist, heating control of the inverter 43 can be performed. Moreover, when heating control of the inverter 43 is performed, the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched via the first valve V1, so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 is delivered to the object being heated. With this structure, the object being heated can be heated rapidly.

[0430] (1d) In this first embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the temperature-controlled inverter 43 can be transported to at least one of the battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, and radiator 49 via a predetermined flow path. Alternatively, the flow path of the refrigerant can be switched via a first valve V1, etc., so that the refrigerant flowing through the temperature-controlled motor 45 is transported to at least one of the battery 41, cooler 27, heater core 47, and radiator 49 via a flow path different from the predetermined flow path of the refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43.

[0431] (1e) In this first embodiment, a second valve V2, which is different from the first valve V1, can be provided; and a piping H connecting the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor 45 to the second valve V2, etc.

[0432] Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether there is a heating request from a different heating target (i.e., another heating target) than the heating target to which the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 under heating control is supplied. Additionally, if it is determined that there is a heating request from another heating target, heating control of the motor 45 can be performed. Furthermore, when heating control of the motor 45 is performed, the flow path can be switched via the second valve V2, etc., so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor 45 is supplied to the other heating target.

[0433] Based on this structure, the temperature of other objects to be heated can be increased by using the hot refrigerant heated by the electric motor 45.

[0434] (1f) In this first embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is started or when the battery 41 of the vehicle 1 is being charged, the inverter 43 can be heated, and the flow path can be switched by the first valve V1 so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 is delivered to the object to be heated. Furthermore, when the motor 45 is above a predetermined temperature threshold, the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched by the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc., so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor 45 is delivered to the object to be heated. Alternatively, when the motor 45 is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched by the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc., to form a flow path that is a separate closed loop for the motor 45.

[0435] With this structure, the object to be heated can be heated quickly when the vehicle 1 is started or when the battery 41 is being charged, and appropriate measures such as heating the object to be heated can be taken according to the state of the motor 45.

[0436] (1g) In this first embodiment, when there is only one object to be heated, if the motor 45 is below a predetermined temperature threshold, the inverter 43 can control the heating, and the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched via the first valve V1 so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 is connected to the object to be heated. Alternatively, if there is only one object to be heated, if the motor 45 is above the predetermined temperature threshold, the motor 45 can control the heating, and the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched via the first valve V1, the second valve V2, etc., so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor 45 is delivered to the object to be heated.

[0437] Based on this structure, the operation of the inverter 43 and the motor 45 can be controlled according to the temperature of the motor 45 to appropriately heat the object to be heated.

[0438] (1h) In this first embodiment, when it is determined that the battery 41 and the motor 45 have completed warm-up, the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched by the first valve V1 or the second valve, so that the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 and the motor 45 that are controlled by the temperature rise is delivered to the heater core 47 or the cooler 27.

[0439] With this structure, the heater core 47 or cooler 27 can be heated by hot refrigerant after the battery 41 and motor 45 have been warmed up.

[0440] (1i) In this first embodiment, a structure including a heat storage element can be adopted, which is connected to the first valve V1 via a flow path. Moreover, for at least one of the following flow paths, the flow path can be switched via the first valve V1, etc., so that the flow path is a closed loop: a flow path via a single heat storage element among a plurality of heat storage elements; a flow path connecting the inverter 43 and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the inverter 43); a flow path connecting the motor 45 and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the motor 45); and a flow path connecting the inverter 43, the motor 45 and the heat storage element (i.e., the heat storage element other than the inverter 43 and the motor 45).

[0441] This structure allows the heat storage elements to properly accumulate heat.

[0442] (1j) In this first embodiment, the flow path can be made into a closed loop when the vehicle 1 stops or when the system controlling the vehicle 1 (e.g., vehicle system 3) stops.

[0443] According to such a structure, for example, when the temperature of the outside air is low, it is possible to suppress the temperature drop of the components (e.g., battery 41) supplied with heated refrigerant.

[0444] (1k) In this first embodiment, a structure including a heat storage element can be adopted, which is connected to the first valve V1 via a flow path. Furthermore, if it is determined that the heat storage element is below a predetermined temperature, the inverter 43 and / or the motor 45 can perform temperature control, and the flow path of the hot refrigerant can be switched via the first valve V1 and / or the second valve V2, etc., so that the heated hot refrigerant is delivered to the heat storage element.

[0445] Based on this structure, it is possible to appropriately raise the temperature of the heat storage element even when the temperature of the heat storage element is low.

[0446] (1l) In this first embodiment, when the vehicle 1 is started, the inverter 43 can control the temperature rise and form a flow path such that the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter 43 is supplied to the heater core 47. In addition, the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor 45 can be a closed loop, or the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor 45 can be connected to the battery 41.

[0447] With this structure, when the vehicle is started, it can provide adequate heating even when the outside air temperature is low, and it can also suppress the temperature drop of the motor 45 or battery 41.

[0448] (1m) In this first embodiment, when the destination of the vehicle 1 is a charger for charging the battery 41, it is possible to perform temperature control on at least one of the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and connect the at least one of the temperature-controlled inverter 43 and the motor 45 to the battery 41 through the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0449] With this structure, the battery 41 can be preheated to a temperature suitable for charging before charging.

[0450] (1n) In this first embodiment, when there is a requirement for the battery 41 to warm up while the vehicle 1 is parked, the inverter 43 can control the temperature rise, and the flow path can be switched by the first valve V1, etc., so that the inverter 43 and the battery 41 are connected through the flow path of the hot refrigerant. In addition, when the battery 41 has finished warming up, the flow path connected to the battery 41 can be made into a closed loop.

[0451] With this structure, the battery 41 can be properly warmed up when warm-up is required, and the temperature drop of the battery 41 can be suppressed when warm-up is complete.

[0452] [1-8. Correspondence]

[0453] Next, the relationship between this first embodiment and the present disclosure will be explained.

[0454] Vehicle 1 corresponds to the moving body, vehicle system 3 corresponds to the temperature control device for the moving body, vehicle control device 9 corresponds to the control unit, inverter 43 corresponds to the inverter, motor 45 corresponds to the motor, piping H corresponds to the piping, and first valve V1 corresponds to the valve.

[0455] [2. Second Implementation Method]

[0456] The basic structure of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment; therefore, the following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same symbols as in the first embodiment denote the same structures, and refer to the previous description.

[0457] In this second embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0458] like Figure 49 As shown, in this second embodiment, the temperature control circuit 7 is not a valve that switches the flow path in eight directions like the first and second valves V1 and V2 in the first embodiment, but rather a single flow path switching valve (hereinafter, integrated valve SV) that performs the functions of the first and second valves V1 and V2.

[0459] The integrated valve SV has fourteen openings to connect to the flow paths of fourteen pipes H. Furthermore, by adjusting the valve opening of the integrated valve SV, the connection status between the flow paths of the fourteen pipes H and the fourteen openings can be switched.

[0460] For example, the cooler 27, the motor 45, the radiator 49, the water-cooled condenser 25, the heater core 47, the inverter 43, and the battery 41 can be connected to the integrated valve SV via a pair of pipes H (e.g., pipes H for the inflow and outflow of hot refrigerant).

[0461] In addition, pump P shall be configured as needed on the specified piping H.

[0462] The second embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0463] [3. Third Implementation Method]

[0464] The basic structure of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same symbols as in the first embodiment indicate the same structure, and refer to the previous description.

[0465] In this third embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0466] like Figure 50 As shown, in this third embodiment, instead of the first and second valves V1 and V2 in the first embodiment that switch the flow path in eight directions, the first and second valves V1 and V2 are implemented by dividing the flow path into three directions by a switching valve (hereinafter, three-way valve TV) and multiple solenoid on / off valves EV.

[0467] Specifically, in the piping H of the temperature control circuit 7, a three-way valve TV is installed on the piping HA between the downstream side of the inverter 43 and the upstream side of the motor 45. The three-way valve TV is connected to the inverter 43 and the motor 45, and is connected to other piping HB in a manner that connects to multiple solenoid valves EV.

[0468] Other piping HB is connected to radiator 49, cooler 27, battery 41, heater core 47, and water-cooled condenser 25 via electromagnetic on / off valves EV1 to EV4, respectively.

[0469] In addition, the hot refrigerant flowing out of the radiator 49 is configured to be supplied to the inverter 43 and the cooler 27 via electromagnetic on / off valves EV5 and EV6 respectively.

[0470] The hot refrigerant flowing out of the cooler 29 is supplied to the inverter 43 and the battery 41 via electromagnetic valves EV7 and EV8, respectively.

[0471] The flow path of the hot refrigerant flowing out of battery 41 is configured to supply to inverter 43.

[0472] The hot refrigerant flowing out of the heater core 47 is supplied to the radiator 49 via the electromagnetic on / off valve EV9.

[0473] Furthermore, the hot refrigerant flowing out of the motor 45 is configured to be supplied to the water-cooled condenser 25, and then to the radiator 49, cooler 27, and battery 41 respectively via electromagnetic valves EV10 to EV12. Additionally, the hot refrigerant flowing out of the water-cooled condenser 25 is configured to be supplied to the heater core 47 via electromagnetic valve EV13.

[0474] The third embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0475] [4. Other Implementation Methods]

[0476] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various forms can undoubtedly be adopted.

[0477] (4a) The location for setting the first valve can be either: between the piping connecting the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter to the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor, or between the piping connecting the outlet side of the hot refrigerant of the motor to the inlet side of the hot refrigerant of the inverter.

[0478] Therefore, the positions of the inverter and the motor can be interchanged in the temperature control circuits of each diagram. In this case, it is preferable to arrange each heating element corresponding to its respective characteristics downstream of the flow path supplying the hot refrigerant, based on the characteristics of the inverter and the motor. For example, if a responsive heating element is required, it is preferable to arrange the heating element downstream of the inverter; if heat storage is considered for the heating element, it is preferable to arrange the heating element downstream of the motor. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the pump upstream or downstream of the motor.

[0479] (4b) In addition to vehicles, other examples of mobile bodies include aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples of mobile bodies include those that move solely by electric power, but are not limited to these. For example, an internal combustion engine may be included in addition to the battery, and the driving force of the internal combustion engine may be used to drive the mobile body.

[0480] (4c) In addition to the first to third valves, other valves may be further configured in the piping.

[0481] Alternatively, the first and second valves can be used to replace the first to third valves to form a temperature control circuit. That is, a temperature control circuit can also be formed without using the third valve.

[0482] For example, in operation examples 3, 5, 20, and 27, the first and second valves can be used to form a flow path for heating the battery and motor using the heat generated by the inverter. Furthermore, in operation examples 17, 20, and 27, the first and second valves can be used to form a flow path for heating the water-cooled condenser, heater core, and the motor itself using the heat generated by the motor.

[0483] In addition to the eight-way switching valve, valves that can switch to other directions can also be used as valves. Furthermore, when using valves with fixed flow paths (e.g., valves with fixed flow paths in three directions), solenoid valves that open and close the flow paths can be combined to form a temperature control circuit.

[0484] Alternatively, the valves of each embodiment can be appropriately combined to form a temperature control circuit.

[0485] (4d) In this disclosure, as a heating condition, a temperature rise control (i.e., heat generation control) that causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter and the motor to generate heat can be cited, but other conditions may also be used.

[0486] For example, if at least one of the inverter and the motor is in a state where it can generate heat and heat the refrigerant in its normal operation (i.e., the operation of the equipment for its original purpose: the original operation set in advance) (e.g., if it is above a specified temperature), then the delivery control unit can be controlled.

[0487] (4e) The control and method of the temperature control device for mobile bodies described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program.

[0488] Alternatively, the control and method of the temperature regulating device for a mobile body described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer, which is provided by a processor composed of one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

[0489] Alternatively, the control and method of the temperature regulating device for a mobile body described in this disclosure can also be implemented by one or more dedicated computers, which are composed of a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits.

[0490] Furthermore, computer programs can also be stored on computer-readable, non-transitory tangible recording media as instructions to be executed by a computer. In the method of implementing the functions of the various parts included in the control of a temperature regulating device for a moving body, software is not necessarily required; all functions can also be implemented using one or more pieces of hardware.

[0491] (4f) This disclosure may also be implemented by various means, such as a program for a computer to function as the temperature control device for the above-mentioned mobile body, a non-transient tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory that records the program, and a control method.

[0492] (4g) Alternatively, in the above embodiments, the multiple functions of one component may be implemented by multiple components, or the single function of one component may be implemented by multiple components. Alternatively, the multiple functions of multiple components may be implemented by one component, or the single function implemented by multiple components may be implemented by one component. Additionally, a portion of the structure of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least a portion of the structure of the above embodiments may be added to or replaced in other embodiments.

[0493] [The technical concepts disclosed in this specification]

[0494] [Project 1]

[0495] A temperature control device for a mobile body is a temperature control device (3) for a mobile body that regulates the temperature of equipment inside the mobile body (1). It includes a circuit (7) for heating refrigerant and a control unit (61) for controlling the operation of the circuit. The components of the circuit include: Inverter (43); Electric motor (45); Piping (H) serving as the flow path for the refrigerant; and A valve (V1) is disposed in the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant. In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the motor, one or more other pipes are connected to the valve. The valve has the following structure: it is switchable to deliver the heated refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes on the downstream side of the valve. The control unit includes a transport control unit (61A). When at least one of the inverter and the motor meets the heating condition for heating the hot refrigerant, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant in the flow path of the hot refrigerant from the delivery destination downstream of the inverter and the motor that meet the condition.

[0496] [Project 2]

[0497] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 1. The control unit includes a temperature control unit (61B). As a control to satisfy the conditions, the temperature control unit performs the following temperature control: it causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter and the motor, thereby generating heat.

[0498] [Project 3]

[0499] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 1. As components of the circuit, it also includes: a battery (41); a cooler (27) for cooling the hot refrigerant; a heater core (47) for heating; a radiator (49) for heat exchange with the outside air; and a pump (P) for circulating the hot refrigerant. Each of the components is connected to the piping for the flow of the hot refrigerant. The valve is disposed between the piping connecting the outlet side of the refrigerant of the inverter to the inlet side of the refrigerant of the motor, or between the piping connecting the outlet side of the refrigerant of the motor to the inlet side of the refrigerant of the inverter, and is connected to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via the refrigerant piping. Furthermore, the valve is configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through at least one of the inverter and the motor to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, the radiator, and the motor.

[0500] [Project 4]

[0501] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 3. The control unit includes a temperature control unit (61B). As a control to satisfy the conditions, the temperature control unit performs the following temperature control: it causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter and the motor, thereby generating heat.

[0502] [Project 5]

[0503] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 4. The temperature control unit includes: The temperature rise requirement determination unit (S200) is configured to determine whether a temperature rise requirement exists for at least one of the following: the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the heat sink; and The inverter temperature rise control unit (S210) is configured to perform inverter temperature rise control when the temperature rise requirement determination unit determines that the temperature rise requirement exists. The delivery control unit includes a valve control unit (S220). The valve control unit is configured to control the valve and switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant when the inverter performs the heating control through the inverter heating control unit, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object to be heated.

[0504] [Project 6]

[0505] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in item 4 or 5. The control unit is configured such that, when the inverter is subjected to temperature control by the temperature control unit, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via a predetermined flow path. When the motor is heated by the heating control unit, the valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via a different flow path than the predetermined flow path of the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter.

[0506] [Project 7]

[0507] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 6. As a constituent element of the circuit, it has: Other valves (V2) different from the aforementioned valve; and piping connecting the outlet side of the electric motor for the heated refrigerant to the other valves. The control unit also includes: Other heating requirement determination unit (S300) is configured to determine whether there is a heating requirement from other heating objects when the inverter performs the heating control through the heating control unit, and the other heating objects are different from the heating objects to which the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter is transported. The motor heating control unit (S310) is configured to perform motor heating control when the other heating request determination unit determines that there is a heating request from the other heating object; and Other valve control unit (S320) is configured to control other valves and switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant when the motor is heated by the motor heating control unit, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the other heated object.

[0508] [Project 8]

[0509] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is any one of items 4 to 7. As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to control the temperature rise of the inverter during startup of the mobile body or charging of the battery of the mobile body, and to control the valve through the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object being heated. Furthermore, when the motor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the delivery control unit controls the valve or other valves to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby delivering the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the object being heated. When the motor temperature is below a specified threshold, the valve or other valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant to form a separate closed loop for the motor.

[0510] [Project 9]

[0511] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in item 2 or any one of items 4 to 8. As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. When there is only one object being heated. The control unit is configured to control the temperature of the inverter when the motor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, and to control the valve via the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby connecting the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object being heated. When the motor temperature is above a predetermined threshold, the heating control unit controls the heating of the motor, and the delivery control unit controls the valve or other valve to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the object being heated.

[0512] [Project 10]

[0513] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in any one of items 4 to 9. As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the battery and the motor have completed warm-up, control the temperature rise of the inverter and the motor through the temperature rise control unit, and control the valve or the other valve through the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter and the motor to the heater core or the cooler.

[0514] [Project 11]

[0515] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in any one of Items 1 to 10. The circuit is configured to switch the flow path via the valve, such that at least one of the following flow paths is a closed loop: Flow paths are provided only through the individual components; flow paths connecting the inverter and other components; flow paths connecting the motor and other components; and flow paths connecting the inverter, the motor, and other components.

[0516] [Project 12]

[0517] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in Item 11. The control unit is configured to control the valve to make the flow path a closed loop when the movement of the moving body stops, or when the system controlling the movement of the moving body stops.

[0518] [Project 13]

[0519] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in any one of Item 2 or Items 4 to 10. As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the component is below a predetermined temperature, control the temperature of the inverter and / or the motor by means of the temperature rise control unit, and control the valve and / or the other valve by means of the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter and / or the motor to the component.

[0520] [Project 14]

[0521] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in any one of items 4 to 10. The control unit is configured such that, upon startup of the moving body, the temperature control unit controls the temperature rise of the inverter, and the delivery control unit controls the valve to supply the refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the heater core. Furthermore, the system is configured such that the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor is a closed loop via the delivery control unit, or the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor is connected to the battery.

[0522] [Project 15]

[0523] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is any one of items 4 to 10 or the temperature control device for a mobile body described in item 14. The control unit is configured such that, when the destination of the moving body is a charger for charging the battery, the temperature control unit controls the temperature of at least one of the inverter and the motor, and the delivery control unit controls the valve to connect at least one of the inverter and the motor to the battery through the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

[0524] [Project 16]

[0525] A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is the temperature control device for a mobile body described in any one of items 4 to 10, item 14 or item 15. In the case where the moving body is a vehicle. The control unit is configured such that, when the battery requires warming up during parking, the temperature control unit controls the temperature of the inverter, and the delivery control unit controls the valve to connect the inverter and the battery through the flow path of the hot refrigerant. Once the battery has finished warming up, the valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to make the flow path connected to the battery a closed loop.

[0526] [Project 17]

[0527] One type of program is a computer program for controlling a temperature regulating device (3) for a mobile body that regulates the temperature of equipment inside the mobile body (1). As a component of the refrigerant circuit, the temperature control device for the moving body includes: Inverter (43); Electric motor (45); Piping (H) serving as the flow path for the refrigerant; and A valve (V1) is disposed in the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant. In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the motor, one or more other pipes are connected to the valve. The valve has the following structure: it is switchable to deliver the heated refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes on the downstream side of the valve. The program is used to enable the computer to function as a transport control unit (61A). When at least one of the inverter and the motor meets the heating condition for heating the hot refrigerant, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant in the flow path of the hot refrigerant from the delivery destination downstream of the inverter and the motor that meet the condition.

Claims

1. A temperature control device for a mobile body, which is a temperature control device (3) for a mobile body to regulate the temperature of equipment inside a mobile body (1). It includes a circuit (7) for heating refrigerant and a control unit (61) for controlling the operation of the circuit. As a constituent element of the circuit, it has: Inverter (43); Electric motor (45); Piping (H) serving as the flow path for the refrigerant; and A valve (V1) is disposed in the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant. In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the motor, one or more other pipes are connected to the valve. The valve has the following structure: it is switchable to deliver the heated refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes on the downstream side of the valve. The control unit includes a delivery control unit (61A), which controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant from a delivery destination located downstream of the inverter and the motor that meet the heating conditions when at least one of the inverter and the motor meets the heating conditions.

2. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes a temperature control unit (61B). As a control to satisfy the conditions, the temperature control unit performs the following temperature control: it causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter and the motor, thereby generating heat.

3. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 1, characterized in that, As components of the circuit, it also includes: a battery (41); a cooler (27) for cooling the hot refrigerant; a heater core (47) for heating; a radiator (49) for heat exchange with the outside air; and a pump (P) for circulating the hot refrigerant. Each of the aforementioned components is connected to the piping for the flow of the hot refrigerant. The valve is disposed between the piping connecting the outlet side of the refrigerant of the inverter to the inlet side of the refrigerant of the motor, or between the piping connecting the outlet side of the refrigerant of the motor to the inlet side of the refrigerant of the inverter, and is connected to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via the refrigerant piping. Furthermore, the valve is configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through at least one of the inverter and the motor to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, the radiator, and the motor.

4. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit includes a temperature control unit (61B). As a control to satisfy the conditions, the temperature control unit performs the following temperature control: it causes current to flow through at least one of the inverter and the motor, thereby generating heat.

5. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature control unit includes: The temperature rise requirement determination unit (S200) is configured to determine whether a temperature rise requirement exists for at least one of the following: the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the heat sink; and The inverter temperature rise control unit (S210) is configured to perform inverter temperature rise control when the temperature rise requirement determination unit determines that the temperature rise requirement exists. The delivery control unit includes a valve control unit (S220). The valve control unit is configured to control the valve and switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant when the inverter performs the heating control through the inverter heating control unit, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object to be heated.

6. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, when the inverter is subjected to temperature control by the temperature control unit, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via a predetermined flow path. When the motor is heated by the heating control unit, the valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to at least one of the battery, the cooler, the heater core, and the radiator via a different flow path than the predetermined flow path of the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter.

7. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 6, characterized in that, As a component of the circuit, it includes: another valve (V2) different from the valve; and piping connecting the outlet side of the electric motor for the heated refrigerant to the other valve. The control unit also includes: Other heating requirement determination unit (S300) is configured to determine whether there is a heating requirement from other heating objects when the inverter performs the heating control through the heating control unit, and the other heating objects are different from the heating objects to which the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter is transported. The motor heating control unit (S310) is configured to perform motor heating control when the other heating request determination unit determines that there is a heating request from the other heating object; and Other valve control unit (S320) is configured to control other valves and switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant when the motor is heated by the motor heating control unit, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the other heated object.

8. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to control the temperature rise of the inverter during startup of the mobile body or charging of the battery of the mobile body, and to control the valve through the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object being heated. Furthermore, when the motor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the delivery control unit controls the valve or other valves to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby delivering the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the object being heated. When the motor temperature is below a specified threshold, the valve or other valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant to form a separate closed loop for the motor.

9. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. When there is only one object being heated. The control unit is configured to control the temperature of the inverter when the motor temperature is below a predetermined temperature threshold, and to control the valve via the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, thereby connecting the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the object being heated. When the motor temperature is above a predetermined threshold, the heating control unit controls the heating of the motor, and the delivery control unit controls the valve or other valve to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the motor to the object being heated.

10. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, As a component of the circuit, it also includes other valves that differ from the valve in question. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to, upon determining that the battery and the motor have completed warm-up, The temperature control unit controls the temperature rise of the inverter and the motor, and the delivery control unit controls the valve or other valve to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter and the motor to the heater core or the cooler.

11. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The circuit is configured to switch the flow path via the valve, such that at least one of the following flow paths is a closed loop: Flow paths are provided only through the individual components; flow paths connecting the inverter and other components; flow paths connecting the motor and other components; and flow paths connecting the inverter, the motor, and other components.

12. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to control the valve to make the flow path a closed loop when the movement of the moving body stops or when the system controlling the movement of the moving body stops.

13. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The circuit It also includes other valves, different from the valve described above, as components of the circuit. The delivery control unit is configured to control the valve and the other valves. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the component is below a predetermined temperature, control the temperature of the inverter and / or the motor by means of the temperature rise control unit, and control the valve and / or the other valve by means of the delivery control unit to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant, so as to deliver the hot refrigerant flowing through the inverter and / or the motor to the component.

14. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, upon startup of the moving body, the temperature control unit controls the temperature rise of the inverter, and the delivery control unit controls the valve to supply the refrigerant flowing through the inverter to the heater core. Furthermore, the device is configured such that the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor is a closed loop via the delivery control unit, or the flow path of the hot refrigerant connected to the motor is connected to the battery.

15. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is configured such that, when the destination of the moving body is a charger for charging the battery, the temperature control unit controls the temperature of at least one of the inverter and the motor, and the delivery control unit controls the valve to connect at least one of the inverter and the motor to the battery through the flow path of the hot refrigerant.

16. The temperature control device for a mobile body according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the moving body is a vehicle, the control unit is configured to control the temperature of the inverter via the temperature control unit when there is a battery warm-up requirement during parking, and to control the valve via the delivery control unit to connect the inverter and the battery through the flow path of the hot refrigerant. Once the battery has finished warming up, the valve is controlled by the delivery control unit to make the flow path connected to the battery a closed loop.

17. A program, which is a computer program for controlling a temperature regulating device (3) for a mobile body, the temperature regulating device for the mobile body regulating the temperature of equipment inside the mobile body (1), As a component of the refrigerant circuit, the temperature control device for the moving body includes: Inverter (43); Electric motor (45); Piping (H) serving as the flow path for the hot refrigerant; as well as A valve (V1) is disposed in the piping and configured to switch the flow path of the hot refrigerant. In addition to the piping leading to the inverter and the motor, one or more other pipes are connected to the valve. The valve has the following structure: it is switchable to deliver the heated refrigerant supplied from the upstream side of the valve to at least one of a plurality of pipes on the downstream side of the valve. The program is used to enable the computer to function as a transport control unit (61A). When at least one of the inverter and the motor meets the heating condition for heating the hot refrigerant, the delivery control unit controls the valve to deliver the hot refrigerant in the flow path of the hot refrigerant from the delivery destination downstream of the inverter and the motor that meet the condition.

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