Vehicle heat pump system, vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

The ECU (3) is capable of executing the maximum cooling mode. At this time, the ECU (3) drives each part of the heat medium circuit (2) so that one of the first heat exchanger (11) and the second heat exchanger (12) performs the heat dissipation function and the other performs the heat absorption function, and the external heat exchanger (23) performs the heat dissipation function. In addition, the ECU (3) causes air passing through one of the first heat exchanger (11) and the second heat exchanger (12) but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust openings (14, 141, 142). In addition, the ECU (3) drives the air path switching mechanism (15) so that air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger (11) and the second heat exchanger (12) but not through the other is blown into the vehicle interior through the blowout opening (13).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-203804, filed on December 1, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a heat pump system for vehicles and an air conditioning unit for vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, vehicle heat pump systems were known for regulating the temperature of heat-generating components mounted in a vehicle and for vehicle interior air conditioning. Hereinafter, the heat-generating components mounted in a vehicle will sometimes be referred to as "vehicle heat-generating components," and the vehicle heat pump system will be simply referred to as "the system."

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a system comprising: a heat transfer medium circuit having a refrigeration cycle and a coolant circuit; and an air conditioning unit for air conditioning the vehicle interior. The refrigeration cycle connects a compressor, an internal condenser, an external condenser, an evaporator, and a chiller via refrigerant piping. An external condenser and a chiller are located outside the air conditioning unit. The chiller is a heat exchanger that facilitates heat exchange between the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration cycle and the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit. A heat exchanger for cooling vehicle heat-generating components is located in the coolant circuit. On the other hand, an evaporator and an internal condenser are sequentially arranged upstream in the ventilation path of the air conditioning unit. The system is structured such that after the air flowing through the ventilation path is cooled by the condenser, a portion of the cooled air is dissipated by the heat from the refrigerant flowing through the internal condenser, and this air is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through a purification passage. Patent Document 1 describes how the heat dissipation of the refrigerant is increased by using an internal condenser and an external condenser in the refrigeration cycle, thereby improving the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger for vehicle heat-generating components.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110549816.

[0009] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 is inefficient because it cools the air by the condenser, then reheats a portion of the cooled air by the internal condenser before expelling it outside the vehicle. In other words, the system discards a portion of the energy used to compress and expel the refrigerant in the compressor to cool the air by the evaporator, resulting in significant energy loss and deterioration in cooling efficiency inside the vehicle and in the cooling efficiency of heat-generating components. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve efficiency in vehicle heat pump systems and vehicle air conditioning units.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a heat pump system for vehicles possesses:

[0012] An air conditioning housing having ventilation channels for the flow of air drawn in from outside the vehicle and air drawn in from inside the vehicle;

[0013] A first heat exchanger is disposed in the ventilation passage of the air conditioner housing to facilitate heat exchange between the air flowing in the ventilation passage and the heat medium.

[0014] The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0015] An air outlet is provided in the air conditioning housing downstream of the first and second heat exchangers to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior.

[0016] An exhaust opening is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle.

[0017] The airflow switching mechanism is capable of switching the airflow path in the ventilation path to the following states: the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the first heat exchanger but not through the second heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the exhaust opening; and the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the second heat exchanger but not through the first heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the exhaust opening.

[0018] An external heat exchanger, which is located on the outside of the air conditioning housing, allows for heat exchange between the outside air and the heat medium.

[0019] A heat medium circuit, which connects a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and an external heat exchanger via piping through which the heat medium flows, and includes a flow path switching valve that switches the flow of the heat medium midway through the piping; and

[0020] An electronic control device controls the driving of various parts of the air path switching mechanism and the heat medium circuit.

[0021] When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function,

[0022] The electronic control unit is capable of executing the maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the other performs the heat absorption function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function, and drives the air path switching mechanism so that air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other is discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other is blown into the vehicle interior from the blow-out opening.

[0023] Therefore, by enabling one of the first and second heat exchangers and the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation functions, the amount of heat dissipated from the heat medium in the heat medium circuit to external substances (i.e., air exhausted from the air conditioning housing to the outside of the vehicle and outside air) can be increased. In the heat medium circuit, the amount of heat dissipation by the heat medium corresponds to the sum of the compressor's workload in the refrigeration cycle and the heat absorbed by the heat medium. Therefore, the vehicle heat pump system can improve maximum performance. At this time, the vehicle heat pump system exhausts air to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening, passing through one of the first and second heat exchangers (i.e., the heat exchanger for heat dissipation) but not through the other. That is, since the air cooled in the heat-absorbing heat exchanger is not reheated by the heat exchanger for heat dissipation as in Patent Document 1, no energy loss occurs. Therefore, this vehicle heat pump system can improve efficiency compared to the structure of Patent Document 1.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning unit is mounted in a vehicle together with a heat medium circuit. This heat medium circuit connects a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and an external heat exchanger via piping through which the heat medium flows, and includes a flow path switching valve that switches the flow of the heat medium midway through the piping. The vehicle air conditioning unit comprises:

[0025] An air conditioning housing having ventilation channels for the flow of air drawn in from outside the vehicle and air drawn in from inside the vehicle;

[0026] A first heat exchanger is disposed in the ventilation path of the air conditioner housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0027] The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0028] An air outlet is provided in the air conditioning housing downstream of the first and second heat exchangers to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior.

[0029] An exhaust opening is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle.

[0030] An airflow switching mechanism is provided, capable of switching the airflow path within a ventilation duct to the following states: a state in which air flowing in the ventilation duct passes through a first heat exchanger but not through a second heat exchanger and flows towards an outlet or exhaust opening; and a state in which air flowing in the ventilation duct passes through a second heat exchanger but not through the first heat exchanger and flows towards an outlet or exhaust opening; and

[0031] An electronic control device controls the driving of various parts of the air path switching mechanism and the heat medium circuit.

[0032] The external heat exchanger, located on the outside of the vehicle compared to the air conditioner housing, allows for heat exchange between the outside air and the heat transfer medium.

[0033] When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function,

[0034] The electronic control unit is capable of executing the maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the other performs the heat absorption function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function, and drives the air path switching mechanism so that air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other is discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other is blown into the vehicle interior from the blow-out opening.

[0035] Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning device of another aspect of this disclosure can also achieve the same effect as the vehicle heat pump system of one aspect of this disclosure.

[0036] Furthermore, the parenthesized reference symbols used to annotate each structural element, etc., represent an example of the correspondence between that structural element, etc., and the specific structural elements, etc., described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram representing the refrigeration mode in the heat medium circuit involved in the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view showing the heating mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3B It is a circuit diagram representing the heating mode from spring to summer in the heat medium circuit involved in the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 It is a circuit diagram representing the heating mode and maximum heating mode from autumn to winter in the heat medium circuit involved in the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the maximum cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 6 It is a circuit diagram representing the maximum cooling mode in the heat medium circuit according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the maximum heating mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state during the transition from the maximum cooling mode to the cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the second embodiment.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a circuit diagram representing the cooling mode in the heat medium circuit according to the second embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the heating mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a circuit diagram representing the heating mode in the heat medium circuit involved in the third embodiment.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the maximum cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the fourth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 14 This is a circuit diagram representing the maximum cooling mode in the heat medium circuit involved in the fourth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the maximum cooling mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the sixth embodiment.

[0053] Figure 16 This is a circuit diagram representing the maximum cooling mode in the heat medium circuit according to the sixth embodiment.

[0054] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the maximum heating mode in the vehicle air conditioning unit according to the seventh embodiment.

[0055] Figure 18 This is a circuit diagram representing the maximum heating mode in the heat medium circuit according to the seventh embodiment.

[0056] Figure 19 This is a circuit diagram representing the maximum cooling mode in the heat medium circuit according to the eighth embodiment.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a circuit diagram representing the maximum heating mode in the heat medium circuit according to the eighth embodiment.

[0058] Figure 21 This is a circuit diagram showing the heat medium circuit according to the ninth embodiment.

[0059] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the heating mode and the hot mode of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment, showing the situation where frost or the like adheres to the external heat exchanger.

[0060] Figure 23 This is a circuit diagram of the heating mode and the hot-heating mode in the vehicle air conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment, showing the situation where frost or the like adheres to the external heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described below, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] (First Implementation)

[0063] The first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the vehicle heat pump system regulates the temperature of heating components mounted in the vehicle and controls the vehicle's interior air conditioning. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle heat pump system includes a vehicle air conditioning unit 1, a heat transfer medium circuit 2, and an electronic control unit 3. Hereinafter, the vehicle air conditioning unit 1 will be referred to as "air conditioning unit 1," and the electronic control unit 3 will be referred to as "ECU3." ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit.

[0064] <Structure of Air Conditioning Unit 1>

[0065] First, the structure of air conditioning unit 1 will be explained.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 is a reheat type, and includes an air conditioning housing 10, a first heat exchanger 11, a second heat exchanger 12, multiple air outlet openings 13, an exhaust opening 14, and an air path switching mechanism 15. In addition, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 constitute part of the heat medium circuit 2.

[0067] The air conditioner housing 10 is formed of a resin material such as polypropylene, and has a ventilation passage 16 for airflow on the inside. The air conditioner housing 10 is provided with an air intake 17, multiple air outlet openings 13, exhaust openings 14, etc. Inside the air conditioner housing 10, there are a blower 18, a first heat exchanger 11, a second heat exchanger 12, an airflow switching mechanism 15, etc.

[0068] The air conditioning unit 1 is configured to selectively introduce outdoor air (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor air") and indoor air (hereinafter referred to as "indoor air") into the ventilation path 16 through the air intake 17. Hereinafter, outdoor air and indoor air are collectively referred to as "air". When the blower 18 is driven, the air drawn in from the air intake 17 flows through the ventilation path 16 and is blown out from a plurality of blowout openings 13 or exhaust openings 14.

[0069] Both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 are heat exchangers that exchange heat between air passing through the heat exchanger (i.e., substances outside the heat exchanger) and a heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger, within the ventilation passage 16. In the following description, the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is referred to as the "heat dissipation function." Furthermore, the function of the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger is referred to as the "heat absorption function." In this embodiment, through the operation of the heat medium circuit 2 (described later), the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 are configured to arbitrarily switch between the heat dissipation function and the heat absorption function.

[0070] In the ventilation path 16 of the air conditioner housing 10, the first heat exchanger 11 is located upstream of the second heat exchanger 12. The size of the first heat exchanger 11 is larger than that of the second heat exchanger 12. Specifically, the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the first heat exchanger 11 is larger than the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the second heat exchanger 12. In addition, the airflow path area in the first heat exchanger 11 is larger than that in the second heat exchanger 12. Furthermore, in the ventilation path 16 of the air conditioner housing 10, the upstream side refers to the upstream side of the airflow when the airflow switching mechanism 15 is turned on, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side of the airflow when the airflow switching mechanism 15 is turned on.

[0071] In the ventilation path 16, a first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 is formed between the first heat exchanger 11 and the inner wall of the air conditioning housing 10, allowing air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow around the first heat exchanger 11. A cold air bypass passage 21 is formed between the second heat exchanger 12 and the inner wall of the air conditioning housing 10, allowing air that has passed through or bypassed the first heat exchanger 11 to flow around the second heat exchanger 12.

[0072] Multiple air outlets 13 are disposed in the air conditioning housing 10 downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. Furthermore, the multiple air outlets 13 are disposed downstream of the cold air bypass passage 21. Air blown from the ventilation passage 16 into the vehicle interior flows through the multiple air outlets 13. Specifically, the multiple air outlets 13 include a defrost air outlet 131, a face air outlet 132, a foot air outlet 133, and a rear passage 134. The defrost air outlet 131, the face air outlet 132, and the foot air outlet 133 are respectively connected via ducts (not shown) to defrost outlets (not shown) disposed in the vehicle interior. Therefore, air blown towards the vehicle's windshield flows through the defrost air outlet 131. Air blown towards the upper body of the occupant flows through the face air outlet 132. Air blown towards the lower body of the occupant flows through the footwell opening 133. The rear passage 134 is connected to the space on the rear seat side of the vehicle. Therefore, air blown from the ventilation passage 16 to the space on the rear seat side flows through the rear passage 134.

[0073] The exhaust opening 14 is located downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 within the air conditioning housing 10. In the first embodiment, the exhaust opening 14 is located in a region downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 12 within the air conditioning housing 10. Furthermore, the exhaust opening 14 is located upstream of the plurality of blowout openings 13. The exhaust opening 14 is connected to the space outside the vehicle exterior. Therefore, air exhausted from the ventilation passage 16 to the outside of the vehicle flows through the exhaust opening 14.

[0074] The airflow switching mechanism 15 includes a first heat exchanger bypass door 151, a switching door 152, a cold air bypass door 153, a defrost door 154, a front door 155, a foot door 156, and an exhaust door 157. The airflow switching mechanism 15 can switch the airflow path within the ventilation path 16.

[0075] The first heat exchanger bypass door 151 is a door for opening and closing the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20. The switching door 152 is located within the ventilation passage 16 between the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the switching door 152, together with the first heat exchanger bypass door 151, allows air bypassing the first heat exchanger 11 to flow to the second heat exchanger 12. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, the switching door 152 can also allow air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 to flow to the second heat exchanger 12. Furthermore, the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 and the switching door 152 can be linked together, or they can be driven separately.

[0076] Cold air bypass door 153 is the door for opening and closing the cold air bypass passage 21. Defrost door 154 is the door for opening and closing the defrost blowout opening 131. Face door 155 is the door for opening and closing the face blowout opening 132. Foot door 156 is the door for opening and closing the foot blowout opening 133. Exhaust door 157 is the door for opening and closing the exhaust opening 14.

[0077] like Figure 1 and Figure 3A As shown, the airflow switching mechanism 15 can be configured to allow air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the bidirectional blowing openings 13 of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. Additionally, as... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables a portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger 11 without passing through the second heat exchanger 12 to the discharge opening 14. Simultaneously, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables another portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 and then through the second heat exchanger 12 to the blow-out opening 13, bypassing the first heat exchanger 11.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables a portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger 11 without passing through the second heat exchanger 12 to the outlet 13. Simultaneously, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables another portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 and then through the second heat exchanger 12 to the outlet 13, without passing through the first heat exchanger 11.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables a portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger 11 without passing through the second heat exchanger 12 to the discharge opening 14. Simultaneously, the airflow switching mechanism 15 enables another portion of the air drawn in from the air intake 17 to flow through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 and then through the second heat exchanger 12 to the discharge opening 14, bypassing the first heat exchanger 11. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the airflow switching mechanism 15, through the airflow from the air intake 17... Figure 13 When the switching door 152 is opened in the state shown, the air flowing in the ventilation path 16 can flow through the bidirectional discharge opening 14 of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12.

[0080] Furthermore, the door of the air path switching mechanism 15 is not limited to the plate door shown in the figures. For example, it can be a sliding door, a revolving door, or a membrane door.

[0081] <Structure of Heat Medium Circuit 2>

[0082] Next, the structure of the heat medium circuit 2 will be described. Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 2 described below is an example of this disclosure and does not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat medium circuit 2 is a structure that connects the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, and the heat exchanger 24 for heating components through piping through which the heat supply medium flows. The external heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between outside air and the heat medium, and is located in a space outside the air conditioning housing 10, such as the vehicle's engine compartment or motor compartment. The heat exchanger 24 for heating components is a heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between vehicle heating components (i.e., materials outside the heat exchanger) such as the vehicle's battery or inverter and the heat medium. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 24 for heating components can be a structure that directly exchanges heat with the vehicle's heating components, or it can be a structure that exchanges heat with the vehicle's heating components via a specified heat medium.

[0084] The heat transfer circuit 2 of this embodiment includes a refrigeration cycle 30 for which a refrigerant, serving as a first heat transfer medium, flows, and a coolant circuit 40 for which a coolant, serving as a second heat transfer medium, flows. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 30 can be, for example, an HFC-based refrigerant (e.g., R134a), an HFO-based refrigerant (e.g., R1234yf), or a natural refrigerant (e.g., carbon dioxide). The coolant circulating in the coolant circuit 40 can be, for example, water or LLC. LLC is an abbreviation for Long-Life Coolant.

[0085] The refrigeration cycle 30 is a vapor compression type in which the compressor 31, condenser 32, expansion valve 33, evaporator 34, and receiver 35 are connected in this order via refrigerant piping to form a ring. The compressor 31 compresses the gaseous refrigerant drawn in through the refrigerant inlet and discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through the refrigerant outlet. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows into the condenser 32. The condenser 32 is a heat exchanger (specifically a water-cooled condenser) that heats the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, thus condensing the refrigerant. The expansion valve 33 depressurizes and expands the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 32, creating a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, which is then supplied to the evaporator 34. The evaporator 34 is a heat exchanger (specifically a chiller) that cools the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit 40 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant, thus evaporating the refrigerant.

[0086] The coolant circuit 40 is a circuit that connects the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, multiple pumps 41 and 42, multiple flow regulating valves 43 and 44, and multiple flow path switching valves 45 to 56 to the condenser 32 and the evaporator 34 via coolant piping. Hereinafter, the coolant piping will be simply referred to as "piping". In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element are provided in the coolant circuit 40.

[0087] Multiple pumps, consisting of a first pump 41 and a second pump 42, regulate the flow rate of coolant flowing in the circuit. The first pump 41 is configured in the piping on the evaporator 34 side, and the second pump 42 is configured in the piping on the condenser 32 side. In this embodiment, pumps 41 and 42 are water pumps.

[0088] Multiple flow control valves, consisting of a first flow control valve 43 and a second flow control valve 44, are used to regulate the flow rate of coolant in the circuit and can also cut off the flow of coolant. The first flow control valve 43 is installed on the piping connecting the piping on the evaporator 34 side and the piping on the condenser 32 side. The second flow control valve 44 is installed on the piping upstream of the second heat exchanger 12.

[0089] Multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 switch the flow of coolant. Furthermore, this embodiment shows an example using a three-way valve as one of the multiple flow path switching valves 45-56, but it is not limited to this; multi-way valves with four or more ports can also be used. Additionally, the locations and piping arrangements for the multiple pumps 41, 42, multiple flow regulating valves 43, 44, and multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 can be arbitrarily configured.

[0090] The ECU3 is centered around a microcomputer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and memory such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. The ECU3 executes programs stored in the memory and controls the operation of the compressor 31 in the refrigeration cycle 30, the multiple pumps 41 and 42 in the coolant circuit 40, the multiple flow path switching valves 45-56, and the multiple flow regulating valves 43 and 44. Additionally, the ECU3 controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 1's fan 18 and air path switching mechanism 15.

[0091] Operating modes of vehicle heat pump systems

[0092] Next, the various operating modes of the vehicle heat pump system executed by the ECU3 in this embodiment will be described.

[0093] Furthermore, in each of the accompanying drawings, heat exchangers that perform heat dissipation are marked with labels, while heat exchangers that perform heat absorption are marked with cross-shaded lines. Additionally, in each of the accompanying drawings showing the heat medium circuit, dashed arrows indicate the direction of flow of the high-temperature heat medium, and solid arrows indicate the direction of flow of the low-temperature heat medium.

[0094] Furthermore, in the following description, the coolant is not limited to water, but for ease of explanation, the high-temperature coolant will be referred to as "hot water" and the low-temperature coolant as "cold water".

[0095] Cooling Mode

[0096] Explain the cooling modes. For example... Figure 1As shown, when the ECU3 is in cooling mode, it drives the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 to close the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20, and drives the cold air bypass door 153 to open the cold air bypass passage 21. The ECU3 drives the switching door 152 to allow airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12. In addition, the ECU3 drives the discharge door 157 to close the discharge opening 14.

[0097] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 2 The coolant flows as indicated by the dashed and solid arrows, and closes the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44. The coolant flowing in the coolant circuit 40 becomes hot water when passing through the condenser 32 and cold water when passing through the evaporator 34. Therefore, the cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, the coolant flow to the second heat exchanger 12 is cut off, and the hot water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat absorption, the second heat exchanger 12 stops functioning, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat dissipation. Additionally, the cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat absorption.

[0098] Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, air passing through both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 is blown into the vehicle interior through the exhaust opening 13 (specifically, the front exhaust opening 132 and the rear passage 134). At this time, the cold air generated by the first heat exchanger 11 can pass through both the cold air bypass passage 21 and the second heat exchanger 12, thus reducing the pressure loss of the air flowing in the ventilation passage 16, increasing the air volume, and achieving maximum cooling of the vehicle interior.

[0099] <Dehumidification and Heating Mode>

[0100] The dehumidification and heating modes are explained. For example... Figure 3A As shown, when the ECU3 is in dehumidification and heating mode, it drives the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 to close the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20, and drives the cold air bypass door 153 to close the cold air bypass passage 21. The ECU3 drives the switching door 152 to allow airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12. In addition, the ECU3 drives the exhaust door 157 to close the exhaust opening 14.

[0101] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 3B The flow proceeds as indicated by the dashed and solid arrows, and the first flow regulating valve 43 is closed. Then, ECU3 adjusts the opening of the second flow regulating valve 44, as shown... Figure 3BAs indicated by the double-dotted arrow, the flow rate of hot water flowing to the second heat exchanger 12 is adjusted. Thus, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12, and hot water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat absorption, the second heat exchanger 12 performs heat dissipation, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat dissipation. Additionally, cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat absorption. Furthermore... Figure 3B The dehumidification and heating mode shown can be implemented mainly from spring to summer because the external heat exchanger 23 performs the heat dissipation function.

[0102] In contrast, mainly from autumn to winter, such as Figure 4 As shown, a dehumidification and heating mode is implemented, where the external heat exchanger 23 absorbs heat. The ECU 3 drives the compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to ensure that hot and cold water flow smoothly. Figure 4 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the water flows, opening the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44. Consequently, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12, and cold water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat absorption, the second heat exchanger 12 performs heat dissipation, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat absorption. Additionally, hot water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat dissipation.

[0103] Therefore, as Figure 3A As shown, air passing through both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 is blown into the vehicle interior through multiple outlet openings 13. In this case, by adjusting the opening of the second flow regulating valve 44, if the flow rate of hot water flowing to the second heat exchanger 12 is maximized, maximum heating of the vehicle interior can be achieved. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening of the second flow regulating valve 44, the flow rate of hot water flowing to the second heat exchanger 12 can be adjusted, thereby regulating the temperature of the warm air blown into the vehicle interior.

[0104] Maximum Cooling Mode

[0105] The maximum cooling mode is explained. For example... Figure 5As shown, when the ECU3 is in maximum cooling mode, it actuates the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 and the switching door 152. By actuating the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 and the switching door 152, the ECU3 prevents airflow from passing through the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12, and allows airflow from the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 to flow to the second heat exchanger 12. Additionally, the ECU3 actuates the cold air bypass door 153 to close the cold air bypass passage 21, and actuates the exhaust door 157 to open the exhaust opening 14. Furthermore, the ECU3 opens the door (e.g., the face door 155) of the blowout opening 13. Therefore, air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 but not the second heat exchanger 12 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. Conversely, air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 but not the first heat exchanger 11 is blown into the vehicle interior through the blowout opening 13.

[0106] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 6 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the water flows, opening the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44. Consequently, hot water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, cold water flows to the second heat exchanger 12, and hot water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat dissipation, the second heat exchanger 12 performs heat absorption, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat dissipation. Additionally, cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat absorption.

[0107] Therefore, the air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11, like the external heat exchanger 23, functions as a radiator, increasing the heat dissipation capacity of the heat medium circuit 2. Consequently, the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the vehicle's heat-generating components is increased, achieving maximum cooling of these components. Furthermore, the second heat exchanger 12 absorbs heat, simultaneously cooling the vehicle interior. Since neither the first heat exchanger 11 nor the second heat exchanger 12 reheats the cooled air and discharges it to the outside, nor recools the heated air and discharges it to the outside, as described in Patent Document 1, no useless energy loss occurs in the heat medium circuit 2.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the size of the first heat exchanger 11 is larger than the size of the second heat exchanger 12. This increases the heat dissipation capacity of the first heat exchanger 11, further increasing the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating components of the vehicle.

[0109] Maximum Heating Mode

[0110] The maximum heating mode is explained. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the ECU3 is in maximum heating mode, it opens each door of the air outlet 13 (e.g., defrost door 154, face door 155, foot door 156) relative to the maximum cooling mode described above. As a result, air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 but not through the first heat exchanger 11 is blown into the vehicle interior from each air outlet 13. Similarly, in maximum heating mode, air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 but not through the second heat exchanger 12 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle exterior from the exhaust outlet 14, just as in maximum cooling mode.

[0111] The state of heat medium circuit 2 under maximum heating mode and Figure 4 The same as shown. That is, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to make hot water and cold water flow as shown. Figure 4 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the water flows, opening the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44. Consequently, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12, and cold water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat absorption, the second heat exchanger 12 performs heat dissipation, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat absorption. Additionally, hot water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat dissipation.

[0112] Therefore, the air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11, like the external heat exchanger 23, functions as a heat absorber, increasing the heat absorption capacity of the heat medium circuit 2. Consequently, the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating components can increase its heat dissipation capacity (i.e., heating capacity) for the vehicle's heat-generating components, maximizing the heating of these components (e.g., warming up the engine). Furthermore, the second heat exchanger 12 also performs heat dissipation, simultaneously heating the vehicle interior. Since neither the first heat exchanger 11 nor the second heat exchanger 12 reheats the cooled air and discharges it to the outside, nor recools the heated air and discharges it to the outside, as described in Patent Document 1, no useless energy loss occurs in the heat medium circuit 2.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the size of the first heat exchanger 11 is larger than the size of the second heat exchanger 12. This increases the heat absorption capacity of the first heat exchanger 11, further increasing the heating capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the vehicle's heating components.

[0114] Switching from maximum cooling mode to cooling mode

[0115] The control performed by ECU3 when switching from maximum cooling mode to cooling mode is explained. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when switching from maximum cooling mode to cooling mode, ECU3 temporarily cuts off the flow of hot water from the first heat exchanger 11 in maximum cooling mode. Specifically, ECU3 only needs to close the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44. Then, ECU3 drives the flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch to cooling mode. Figure 2 The flow of the low-temperature heat medium is shown in the cooling mode. Subsequently, after the temperature of the first heat exchanger 11 is lower than the air temperature upstream of the first heat exchanger 11, the ECU3 drives the airflow switching mechanism 15 to become... Figure 1 The state of the cooling mode is shown. Furthermore, the cooling mode refers to the state in which air flows through both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 towards the outlet opening 13. This prevents hot air from being blown into the vehicle interior from the outlet opening 13.

[0116] The vehicle heat pump system described above, according to the first embodiment, has the following effects.

[0117] (1) In the first embodiment, when ECU3 executes the maximum cooling mode, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the various parts of the driving heat medium circuit 2 are configured such that the first heat exchanger 11 performs the heat dissipation function, the second heat exchanger 12 performs the heat absorption function, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs the heat dissipation function. Then, the ECU3 drives the air path switching mechanism 15 so that air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 but not through the second heat exchanger 12 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14, and air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 but not through the first heat exchanger 11 is blown into the vehicle interior through the blowout opening 13.

[0118] Therefore, by enabling the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23 to perform heat dissipation functions, the amount of heat dissipated from the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 2 to external substances (i.e., the air exhausted from the air conditioning housing 10 to the outside of the vehicle and the outside air) can be increased. Thus, while supplying cold air to the vehicle interior through the second heat exchanger 12 for vehicle interior cooling, the maximum performance of the vehicle heat pump system can be improved. At this time, the vehicle heat pump system exhausts air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 but not the second heat exchanger 12 to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. That is, the vehicle heat pump system does not heat air cooled by one heat exchanger with the other, as in Patent Document 1, and therefore no energy loss occurs. Therefore, this vehicle heat pump system has improved efficiency compared to the structure of Patent Document 1.

[0119] (2) In the first embodiment, when the ECU3 executes the maximum heating mode, such as Figure 7 and Figure 4As shown, the various parts of the driving heat medium circuit 2 are configured such that the first heat exchanger 11 performs the heat absorption function, the second heat exchanger 12 performs the heat dissipation function, and the external heat exchanger 23 performs the heat absorption function. Then, the ECU3 drives the air path switching mechanism 15 so that the air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 but not through the second heat exchanger 12 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14, and the air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 but not through the first heat exchanger 11 is blown into the vehicle interior through the blowout opening 13.

[0120] Therefore, by enabling the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23 to perform heat absorption functions, the amount of heat absorbed by the air discharged from the air conditioning housing 10 to the outside of the vehicle and by the outside air to the heat medium flowing through the heat medium circuit 2 can be increased. Thus, through the second heat exchanger 12, warm air can be supplied to the vehicle interior for heating, while simultaneously improving the maximum performance of the vehicle heat pump system. At this time, the vehicle heat pump system discharges air that does not pass through the second heat exchanger 12 to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. That is, the vehicle heat pump system does not heat air cooled in one heat exchanger with another heat exchanger, as in Patent Document 1, and therefore does not experience energy loss. Therefore, compared to the structure of Patent Document 1, this vehicle heat pump system achieves higher efficiency.

[0121] (3) In the first embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 is configured to switch both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 to heat dissipation and heat absorption functions.

[0122] Therefore, by switching the functions of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12, the air conditioning unit 1 can be configured to perform the maximum cooling mode and the maximum heating mode with the same structure.

[0123] (4) In the first embodiment, when switching from the maximum cooling mode to the cooling mode, the ECU3 cuts off the flow of hot water from the first heat exchanger 11 in the maximum cooling mode and cuts off the flow of cold water in the cooling mode. Then, after the temperature of the first heat exchanger 11 is lower than the air temperature upstream of the first heat exchanger 11, the ECU3 drives the air path switching mechanism 15 so that the air passing through both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 flows toward the blow-out opening 13.

[0124] Therefore, when switching from the maximum cooling mode to the cooling mode, it can prevent hot air from being blown into the vehicle interior from the outlet 13.

[0125] (5) In the first embodiment, the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse and height dimensions of the outer shape of one of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 is larger than the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse and height dimensions of the outer shape of the other of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12.

[0126] Therefore, in the maximum cooling mode, the vehicle heat pump system can increase the heat dissipation capacity of the first heat exchanger 11 and improve its maximum performance.

[0127] In addition, even in the maximum heating mode, the heat pump system for vehicles can increase the heat absorption capacity of the first heat exchanger 11 and improve its maximum performance.

[0128] (6) In the first embodiment, the discharge opening 14 is located in a region that is downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 12.

[0129] Therefore, by effectively utilizing the space between the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12, the size of the air conditioning unit 1 can be reduced. In addition, especially in the reheat air conditioning unit 1 as in this embodiment, the size can be further reduced.

[0130] (7) In the first embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 has a second flow regulating valve 44, which can regulate the flow rate or temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger 12.

[0131] Therefore, it is possible to regulate the temperature of the air conditioning air blown into the vehicle interior through the outlet 13 via the second heat exchanger 12.

[0132] (8) In the first embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 has a refrigeration cycle 30 for refrigerant flowing as a first heat medium and a coolant circuit 40 for coolant flowing as a second heat medium. A first heat exchanger 11, a second heat exchanger 12 and an external heat exchanger 23 are provided in the coolant circuit 40.

[0133] This simplifies the structure of the refrigeration cycle 30.

[0134] (9) When ECU3 is in maximum cooling mode, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each part of the driving heat medium circuit 2 is used to make the first heat exchanger 11 perform heat dissipation function, the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat absorption function, the external heat exchanger 23 perform heat dissipation function, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating component perform heat absorption function.

[0135] Therefore, the vehicle heat pump system can supply cold air to the vehicle interior through the second heat exchanger 12 for cooling, and at the same time, it can increase the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating components of the vehicle, thus improving maximum performance. Therefore, compared with the structure of Patent Document 1, this vehicle heat pump system can improve the cooling efficiency of the vehicle interior air conditioning and the cooling efficiency of the vehicle's heat-generating components.

[0136] (10) When ECU3 is executing the maximum heating mode, if Figure 7 and Figure 4 As shown, each part of the driving heat medium circuit 2 is used to make the first heat exchanger 11 perform the heat absorption function, the second heat exchanger 12 perform the heat dissipation function, the external heat exchanger 23 perform the heat absorption function, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating component perform the heat dissipation function.

[0137] Therefore, the vehicle heat pump system can supply warm air to the vehicle interior through the second heat exchanger 12 to heat the vehicle interior, and at the same time, it can increase the heating capacity (e.g., warm-up capacity) of the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating components of the vehicle, thereby improving maximum performance. Therefore, compared with the structure of Patent Document 1, this vehicle heat pump system can improve the heating efficiency of the vehicle interior air conditioning and the heating efficiency of the vehicle's heat-generating components.

[0138] (Second Implementation)

[0139] The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an implementation of the method of the first embodiment with a different cooling mode. Everything else is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0140] <Cooling Mode of the Second Embodiment>

[0141] The cooling mode of the second embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the second embodiment, in the cooling mode, both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat absorption functions.

[0142] Specifically, when ECU3 is in cooling mode, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 is driven to open the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20, and the cold air bypass door 153 is driven to open the cold air bypass passage 21. Figure 9As shown, ECU3 can switch door 152 to a state that cuts off airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12, or, although not shown in the figure, it can also be in a state that allows airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12. ECU3 drives exhaust door 157 to close exhaust opening 14. ECU3 opens the door (e.g., face door 155) of blowout opening 13. Thus, air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 and air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 are both blown into the vehicle interior from blowout opening 13.

[0143] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 10 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the water flows in a manner that closes the first flow regulating valve 43 and opens the second flow regulating valve 44. Therefore, cold water flows to both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12, while hot water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat absorption, while the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat dissipation. Additionally, cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which also performs heat absorption.

[0144] In the second embodiment described above, the ECU3 can drive the heat medium circuit 2 so that both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 can perform heat absorption functions.

[0145] Therefore, by enabling both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 to perform heat absorption functions, the cooling capacity of the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0146] Alternatively, if the cooling capacity when using both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 is the same as the cooling capacity when using only the first heat exchanger 11 as described in the cooling mode of the first embodiment, then the structure of the second embodiment allows for miniaturization of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. Therefore, the structure of the second embodiment allows for miniaturization of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0147] (Third implementation method)

[0148] The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is an implementation of the method of the first embodiment with a change in the heating mode. Everything else is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0149] <Heating Mode of the Third Embodiment>

[0150] The heating mode of the third embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in the third embodiment, in the heating mode, both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat dissipation functions.

[0151] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the ECU3 is in heating mode, it opens each door of the air outlet 13 (e.g., defrost door 154, face door 155, foot door 156) in contrast to the cooling mode described in the second embodiment above. As a result, the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 and the air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 are both blown into the vehicle interior from the air outlet 13.

[0152] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-57 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 12 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the flow is controlled by opening the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44, and closing the third flow regulating valve 68. Therefore, hot water flows to both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12, while cold water flows to the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat dissipation, while the external heat exchanger 23 performs heat absorption. Additionally, hot water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which also performs heat dissipation.

[0153] In the third embodiment described above, the ECU3 can drive the heat transfer circuit 2 so that both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 can perform heat dissipation functions.

[0154] Therefore, by enabling both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 to perform heat dissipation functions, the heating capacity of the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0155] Alternatively, if the heating capacity when using both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 is the same as the heating capacity when using only the second heat exchanger 12 as described in the heating mode of the first embodiment, then the structure of the third embodiment allows for miniaturization of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. Therefore, the structure of the third embodiment allows for miniaturization of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0156] (Fourth Implementation)

[0157] The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an implementation of the method of the first embodiment that changes the maximum cooling mode when the occupants are not present. Everything else is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0158] <Maximum Cooling Mode of the Fourth Implementation>

[0159] The maximum cooling mode of the fourth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in the fourth embodiment, in the maximum cooling mode, both the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 perform heat dissipation functions.

[0160] Specifically, when ECU3 is in maximum cooling mode, such as Figure 13 As shown, ECU3 drives the first heat exchanger bypass door 151 to open the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20, and drives the cold air bypass door 153 to open the cold air bypass passage 21. Figure 13 As shown, ECU3 can switch door 152 to a state that cuts off airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12, or, although not shown, to a state that allows airflow from the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12. ECU3 drives exhaust door 157 to open exhaust opening 14. ECU3 closes defrost door 154, front door 155, foot door 156, and rear passage 134 is also closed by a door not shown. Therefore, air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 and air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 are both blown out of the vehicle exterior through exhaust opening 14.

[0161] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 14 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the flow proceeds as follows: the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44 are opened, while the third flow regulating valve 68 and the fourth flow regulating valve 69 are closed. Therefore, hot water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, and the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, and the external heat exchanger 23 perform heat dissipation functions. On the other hand, cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, which performs heat absorption functions.

[0162] In the fourth embodiment described above, the ECU3 drives the heat transfer circuit 2 so that the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, and the external heat exchanger 23 all perform heat dissipation functions. Furthermore, the ECU3 can execute the drive airflow switching mechanism 15 to achieve a second maximum cooling mode, where air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 are discharged from the exhaust opening 14 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0163] Therefore, in the heat transfer medium circuit 2, the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the vehicle's heat-generating components can be improved. Consequently, the cooling capacity for the battery, an example of a vehicle's heat-generating component, can be improved, shortening the rapid charging time when the occupants are not present. Furthermore, by drying the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger, the adhesion of bacteria to the heat exchangers can be suppressed.

[0164] (Fifth implementation method)

[0165] The fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment relates to a method for heating and heating mode when frost or the like adheres to the external heat exchanger 23, which is different from the first embodiment. Everything else is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0166] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 The fifth embodiment will be described.

[0167] <Heating and heating modes when frost or other substances adhere to the external heat exchanger 23>

[0168] The heating and heat-generating modes are explained when frost or other substances adhere to the external heat exchanger 23, making it difficult to absorb heat from the outside air. In this case, such as Figure 22 As shown, ECU3 is in accordance with the first embodiment described above. Figure 7 The airflow switching mechanism 15 is driven in the same manner as the maximum heating mode described above. Therefore, air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 but not the second heat exchanger 12 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. Conversely, air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 but not the first heat exchanger 11 is blown into the vehicle interior through each blowout opening 13. Additionally, as... Figure 23 As shown, an electric heater 70 is provided near the external heat exchanger 23. The electric heater 70 heats the external heat exchanger 23 by energizing it.

[0169] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 45-56 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 23 As shown by the dashed and solid arrows, the flow proceeds, and the first flow regulating valve 43 and the second flow regulating valve 44 are opened. Additionally, the flow path switching valve 45, located upstream of the external heat exchanger 23, is activated to cut off the flow of cold water to the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12, and hot water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element; cold water does not flow to the external heat exchanger 23. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs heat absorption, the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element perform heat dissipation, and the external heat exchanger 23 is in a state where it neither absorbs nor dissipates heat.

[0170] In the fifth embodiment described above, even when frost or other deposits adhere to the external heat exchanger 23, making it difficult to maintain the heat absorption performance from outside air, the frost adhering to the external heat exchanger 23 can be melted by the electric heater 70. Meanwhile, in the fifth embodiment, since heat absorption from the air flowing through the ventilation passage 16 to the heat medium can occur through the first heat exchanger 11, heating of the vehicle interior and heating of vehicle heating components (e.g., warm-up) are possible.

[0171] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0172] The sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment differs from the first to fifth embodiments in that it modifies part of the structure of the air conditioning device 1 and part of the structure of the heat medium circuit 2, but is otherwise the same as the first to fifth embodiments. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first to fifth embodiments will be described.

[0173] <Structure of Air Conditioning Unit 1>

[0174] like Figure 15 As shown, the air conditioning device 1 of the sixth embodiment is an air mixing type. An air mixing region 25 is provided inside the air conditioning housing 10, downstream of the cold air bypass passage 21 and upstream of each air outlet opening 13. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In the diagram, the air mixing region 25 is indicated by dashed lines for illustrative purposes, but the air mixing region 25 and all other regions form a continuous space. In the sixth embodiment, the exhaust opening 14 and a plurality of blowout openings 13 are provided in the air conditioning housing 10 downstream of the air mixing region 25. A partition wall 26 is provided between the exhaust opening 14 and the plurality of blowout openings 13.

[0175] The airflow switching mechanism 15 includes a first heat exchanger bypass door 151, an air mixing door 158, a partition door 159, an exhaust door 157, a defrosting door 154, a front door 155, and a foot door 156.

[0176] like Figure 15 As shown, the air mixing gate 158 allows air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 to flow towards the outlet opening 13 without passing through the second heat exchanger 12, and allows air that bypasses the first heat exchanger 11 and flows through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 to flow towards the second heat exchanger 12. Although not shown, the air mixing gate 158 allows air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 to pass through the second heat exchanger 12. Furthermore, the air mixing gate 158 can also adjust the airflow through the first heat exchanger 11 and bypassing the second heat exchanger 12, as well as the airflow through both the first and second heat exchangers 12, by adjusting its opening degree. The partition gate 159 allows and prevents air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 from flowing into the air mixing zone 25.

[0177] Furthermore, the door of the air path switching mechanism 15 is not limited to the plate door shown in the figures. For example, it can be a sliding door, a revolving door, or a membrane door.

[0178] <Structure of Heat Medium Circuit 2>

[0179] Next, the structure of the heat medium circuit 2 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the first heat exchanger 11 performs the function of heat absorption and the second heat exchanger 12 performs the function of heat dissipation. Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 2 described below is also an example of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0180] like Figure 16 As shown, the heat medium circuit 2 of the sixth embodiment also includes a refrigeration cycle 30 for supplying refrigerant as the first heat medium and a coolant circuit 40 for supplying coolant as the second heat medium.

[0181] The coolant circuit 40 is a circuit that connects the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, multiple pumps 41 and 42, and multiple flow path switching valves 58 to 63 to the condenser 32 and evaporator 34 of the refrigeration cycle 30 via piping. However, in the sixth embodiment, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 do not switch between heat absorption and heat dissipation functions; the first heat exchanger 11 is fixed for heat absorption, and the second heat exchanger 12 is fixed for heat dissipation. Therefore, the heat medium circuit 2 of the sixth embodiment has a simpler structure compared to the multiple flow path switching valves 45 to 56 and piping described in the first embodiment, etc. Specifically, in the coolant circuit 40 of the sixth embodiment, the number of multiple flow path switching valves 58 to 63 is less than that in the first embodiment, etc. In addition, the coolant circuit 40 of the sixth embodiment does not require the multiple flow regulating valves 43 and 44 described in the first embodiment, etc.

[0182] Maximum Cooling Mode

[0183] The maximum cooling mode is explained. For example... Figure 15 As shown, when the ECU3 operates in maximum cooling mode, for example in summer when the outside air is hot, it actuates the air mixing door 158 to prevent airflow through the first heat exchanger 11 from flowing towards the second heat exchanger 12. The ECU3 closes the partition door 159 and opens the door (e.g., the face door 155) of the air outlet 13. Therefore, air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 but not the second heat exchanger 12 is blown into the vehicle interior through the air outlet 13.

[0184] Additionally, ECU3 actuates the first heat exchanger bypass door 151, directing the airflow that has passed through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 toward the second heat exchanger 12. ECU3 closes the partition door 159, preventing air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 from flowing into the air mixing area 25, and actuates the exhaust door 157 to open the exhaust opening 14. Therefore, air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 but not the first heat exchanger 11 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14.

[0185] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 58-63 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 16 The flow is as shown by the dashed and solid arrows. Thus, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11, hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12 and the external heat exchanger 23, and cold water flows to the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 performs the function of absorbing heat, the second heat exchanger 12 and the external heat exchanger 23 perform the function of dissipating heat, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element performs the function of absorbing heat.

[0186] Therefore, the air passing through the second heat exchanger 12 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the exhaust opening 14. Thus, the second heat exchanger 12, like the external heat exchanger 23, functions as a radiator, increasing the heat dissipation capacity of the heat medium circuit 2. Consequently, the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating components of the vehicle is increased, achieving maximum cooling of the vehicle's heat-generating components. Additionally, the first heat exchanger 11 can also perform heat absorption while simultaneously cooling the vehicle interior.

[0187] In the sixth embodiment described above, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 do not switch between heat absorption and heat dissipation functions; the first heat exchanger 11 is fixed for heat absorption, and the second heat exchanger 12 is fixed for heat dissipation. Therefore, the heat medium circuit 2 of the sixth embodiment has a simplified structure compared to the heat medium circuit 2 described in the first embodiment, etc.

[0188] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, neither the first heat exchanger 11 nor the second heat exchanger 12 performs the actions of reheating the cooled air and discharging it outside the vehicle, as in Patent Document 1, or cooling the air from the heater and discharging it outside the vehicle. Therefore, no useless energy loss occurs in the heat transfer circuit 2.

[0189] (Seventh Implementation)

[0190] The seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that it modifies a portion of the structure of the air conditioning unit 1, but remains the same as the sixth embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0191] <Structure of Air Conditioning Unit 1>

[0192] like Figure 17 As shown, in the seventh embodiment, the air conditioning unit 1 has a second discharge opening 142 and a second discharge door 1572 provided in the air conditioning housing 10 in a region downstream of the first heat exchanger 11 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 12. Additionally, a cold air bypass door 153 is provided in the cold air bypass passage 21. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the discharge opening 142 and the discharge door 1572, which are downstream of the second heat exchanger 12 as described in the sixth embodiment, are respectively referred to as the first discharge opening 141 and the first discharge door 1571.

[0193] Maximum Heating Mode

[0194] The maximum heating mode is explained. For example... Figure 17 As shown, when the ECU3 operates in maximum heating mode, for example in winter when the outdoor air is cold, it actuates the air mixing door 158 to prevent airflow from passing through the first heat exchanger 11 to the second heat exchanger 12. The ECU3 opens the second exhaust door 1572 and closes the cold air bypass door 153. Therefore, air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 but not the second heat exchanger 12 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle from the second exhaust opening 142.

[0195] Additionally, ECU3 drives the first heat exchanger bypass door 151, causing the airflow that has passed through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 to flow towards the second heat exchanger 12. ECU3 closes the first exhaust door 1571 and opens the partition door 159 and the door of the air outlet 13. Therefore, air that bypasses the first heat exchanger 11 but passes through the first heat exchanger bypass passage 20 and the second heat exchanger 12 is blown into the vehicle interior from each air outlet 13.

[0196] Then, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 58-63 to switch hot and cold water as follows: Figure 18 The flow is as shown by the dashed and solid arrows. Thus, cold water flows to the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23, while hot water flows to the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23 perform heat absorption, while the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element perform heat dissipation.

[0197] Therefore, the air passing through the first heat exchanger 11 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle through the second exhaust opening 142. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11, like the external heat exchanger 23, functions as a heat absorber, increasing the heat absorption capacity of the heat medium circuit 2. Consequently, the heating capacity of the heat exchanger 24 for the vehicle's heat-generating components can be increased, achieving maximum heating (e.g., warm-up) of the vehicle's heat-generating components.

[0198] In addition, the second heat exchanger 12 can perform heat dissipation and simultaneously heat the vehicle interior. During vehicle interior heating, the blown temperature can be adjusted by regulating the opening of the air mixing door 158.

[0199] In the seventh embodiment described above, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 do not switch between heat absorption and heat dissipation functions; the first heat exchanger 11 is fixed for heat absorption, and the second heat exchanger 12 is fixed for heat dissipation. Therefore, the heat medium circuit 2 of the seventh embodiment has a simplified structure compared to the heat medium circuit 2 described in the first embodiment, etc.

[0200] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, neither the first heat exchanger 11 nor the second heat exchanger 12 performs the actions of reheating the cooled air and discharging it outside the vehicle, or recooling the heated air and discharging it outside the vehicle, as described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, no useless energy loss occurs in the heat transfer medium circuit 2.

[0201] (Eighth Implementation)

[0202] The eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment changes the structure of the heat medium circuit 2 compared to the first to seventh embodiments, but is otherwise the same as the first to seventh embodiments. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first to seventh embodiments will be described.

[0203] <Structure of Heat Medium Circuit 2>

[0204] The structure of the heat medium circuit 2 in the eighth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 2 described below is also an example of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0205] like Figure 19 As shown, in the eighth embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 of the refrigeration cycle 30 is equipped with a first heat exchanger 11, a second heat exchanger 12, an external heat exchanger 23, and a heat exchanger 24 for the heating element. The refrigeration cycle 30, in addition to these heat exchangers, has a compressor 31, an expansion valve 33, a liquid collector 36, and multiple flow path switching valves 64-67 connected via refrigerant piping. The multiple flow path switching valves 64-67 are, for example, four-way valves. The first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element can all be switched between heat dissipation and heat absorption functions.

[0206] Maximum Cooling Mode

[0207] The maximum cooling mode is explained. For example... Figure 19 As shown, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 64-67 to ensure that the refrigerant flows as shown in the diagram. Figure 19The flow is as shown by the dashed and solid arrows. Specifically, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the external heat exchanger 23 and the second heat exchanger 12, condenses, and flows into the liquid collector 36. Subsequently, the refrigerant flowing out of the liquid collector 36 passes through the expansion valve 33 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, flows through the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element and the first heat exchanger 11 to become a gaseous refrigerant, and is drawn into the compressor 31. Therefore, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 11 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 12 and the external heat exchanger 23. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element perform heat absorption functions, while the second heat exchanger 12 and the external heat exchanger 23 perform heat dissipation functions. Figure 15 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 exhausts air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 to the outside of the vehicle and supplies air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 to the vehicle interior. This enables the cooling of the vehicle's heat-generating components and the refrigeration of the vehicle interior.

[0208] Maximum Heating Mode

[0209] The maximum heating mode is explained. For example... Figure 20 As shown, ECU3 drives compressor 31, which in turn drives multiple flow path switching valves 64-67 to ensure that the refrigerant flows as shown in the diagram. Figure 20 The flow is as shown by the dashed and solid arrows. Specifically, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element, where it condenses and flows into the collector 36. Subsequently, the refrigerant flowing from the collector 36 passes through the expansion valve 33, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. It then flows through the external heat exchanger 23 and the first heat exchanger 11, becoming a gaseous refrigerant, and is drawn into the compressor 31. Therefore, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows to the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23, while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows to the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element. Thus, the first heat exchanger 11 and the external heat exchanger 23 perform heat absorption, while the second heat exchanger 12 and the heat exchanger 24 for the heating element perform heat dissipation. Figure 17 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 exhausts air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 11 to the outside of the vehicle and supplies air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 12 to the vehicle interior. This enables the heating of the vehicle's heat-generating components and the heating of the vehicle interior.

[0210] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 can switch the functions of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 by driving two flow path switching valves 65 and 66 provided at both ends of the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12. That is, in the maximum cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 11 can also perform the heat dissipation function, and the second heat exchanger 12 can also perform the heat absorption function. In addition, in the maximum heating mode, the first heat exchanger 11 can also perform the heat absorption function, and the second heat exchanger 12 can also perform the heat dissipation function.

[0211] (Ninth Implementation)

[0212] The ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment also changes the structure of the heat medium circuit 2 compared to the first to eighth embodiments, but is otherwise the same as the first to eighth embodiments. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first to eighth embodiments will be described.

[0213] <Structure of Heat Medium Circuit 2>

[0214] The structure of the heat medium circuit 2 according to the ninth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the heat medium circuit 2 described below is also an example of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0215] like Figure 21 As shown, in the ninth embodiment, the heat medium circuit 2 is equipped with a first heat exchanger 11, a second heat exchanger 12, and an external heat exchanger 23 in the refrigerant piping of the refrigeration cycle 30, and a heat exchanger 24 for a heating element is provided in the coolant circuit 40. In addition to the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, and the external heat exchanger 23, the refrigeration cycle 30 is also equipped with a plurality of "refrigerant-coolant heat exchangers 37 to 39" for exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration cycle 30 and the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit 40.

[0216] As described in the ninth embodiment above, the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, and the external heat exchanger 23 can be used as the condenser 32 or evaporator 34 of the refrigeration cycle 30, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating component can be used as the heat exchanger of the coolant circuit 40. That is, the first heat exchanger 11, the second heat exchanger 12, the external heat exchanger 23, and the heat exchanger 24 for the heat-generating component can also be the heat exchangers of the coolant circuit 40, or the condenser 32 or evaporator 34 of the refrigeration cycle 30.

[0217] (Other implementation methods)

[0218] (1) The heat medium circuit 2 described in the first to fifth embodiments above uses a three-way valve as a flow path switching valve to connect each pipe, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also use a four-way valve, a five-way valve or other multi-way valve to connect each pipe. In this case, the structure of the piping can be simplified.

[0219] (2) In the sixth and seventh embodiments, it is described that the first heat exchanger 11 performs the function of heat absorption and the second heat exchanger 12 performs the function of heat dissipation, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first heat exchanger 11 can also perform the function of heat dissipation and the second heat exchanger 12 can perform the function of heat absorption. In addition, in the sixth and seventh embodiments, the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 12 can also be configured as a heat medium circuit 2 in a way that allows the heat dissipation function and the heat absorption function to be used arbitrarily.

[0220] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above, and parts thereof, are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except in cases where combination is clearly impossible. Additionally, in the various embodiments described above, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiment, the number is not limited to that specific number, except where specifically stated to be necessary or where it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc., is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where specifically stated to be necessary or where it is limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

[0221] The control device and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control device and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by comprising a processor composed of one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device and method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by one or more dedicated computers, which are composed of a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor composed of one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can also be stored as instructions executable by the computer in a computer-readable non-volatile physical storage medium. The aforementioned memory is a non-volatile physical storage medium.

[0222] (This is the viewpoint of the publication)

[0223] Regarding the above disclosure, it can be understood, for example, as shown in the following viewpoint.

[0224] [First Viewpoint]

[0225] In vehicle heat pump systems, the following features are included:

[0226] Air conditioning housing (10) having ventilation passages (16) for air intake from outside the vehicle and air intake from inside the vehicle.

[0227] A first heat exchanger (11) is disposed in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing to exchange heat between the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium.

[0228] A second heat exchanger (12) is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0229] An air outlet (13) is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior;

[0230] The exhaust openings (14, 141, 142) are provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle.

[0231] The airflow switching mechanism (15) is capable of switching the airflow path in the ventilation path to the following states: the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the first heat exchanger but not through the second heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and the air flowing in the ventilation path does not pass through the first heat exchanger but passes through the second heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the discharge opening.

[0232] An external heat exchanger (23) is located in the space outside the air conditioning housing, allowing heat exchange between the air outside the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0233] A heat medium circuit (2) connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger via piping through which the heat medium flows, and has flow path switching valves (45-67) that switch the flow of the heat medium midway through the piping; and

[0234] Electronic control device (3), which controls the driving of the air path switching mechanism and each part of the heat medium circuit.

[0235] When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function,

[0236] The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and the other to perform heat absorption, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

[0237] [Second Viewpoint]

[0238] According to the first account of the vehicle heat pump system

[0239] The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum heating mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat absorption and the other to perform heat dissipation, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat absorption, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

[0240] [Third Viewpoint]

[0241] According to the first or second viewpoint, the vehicle heat pump system

[0242] The heat transfer circuit is configured to allow both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be switched between heat dissipation and heat absorption functions.

[0243] [Fourth viewpoint]

[0244] According to any one of the first to third viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0245] The airflow switching mechanism can switch the airflow path within the ventilation path to a state where the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening.

[0246] The electronic control device is capable of executing a cooling mode. In this mode, it drives various parts of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first and second heat exchangers to perform heat absorption while the other stops the flow of the heat medium or performs heat dissipation. It also causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and drives the airflow switching mechanism to blow air that has passed through both the first and second heat exchangers into the vehicle interior through the exhaust opening.

[0247] When switching from the maximum cooling mode to the cooling mode, the electronic control device cuts off the flow of the high-temperature heat medium in one of the first and second heat exchangers in the maximum cooling mode, switches to the flow of the low-temperature heat medium in the cooling mode, and drives the air path switching mechanism after the temperature of one of the first and second heat exchangers is lower than the air temperature upstream of the first and second heat exchangers, so that the air passing through both the first and second heat exchangers flows to the blow-out opening.

[0248] [Fifth Viewpoint]

[0249] According to any one of the first to fourth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0250] The volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the first heat exchanger is larger than the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the other side of the second heat exchanger.

[0251] [Sixth Viewpoint]

[0252] According to any one of the first to fifth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0253] The discharge opening is located in a region that is downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger.

[0254] [Seventh Viewpoint]

[0255] According to any one of the first to sixth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0256] The heat transfer circuit is configured to allow both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be switched between heat dissipation and heat absorption functions.

[0257] The electronic control device can drive the heat medium circuit so that both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger perform heat dissipation functions, and can also switch the heat medium circuit so that both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger perform heat absorption functions.

[0258] [Eighth Viewpoint]

[0259] According to any one of the first to seventh viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0260] The heat medium circuit is equipped with a flow regulating valve (44) capable of regulating the flow rate or temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger.

[0261] [Ninth Viewpoint]

[0262] According to any one of the viewpoints from the first to the eighth, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0263] It also includes a heat exchanger (24) for heating components, which enables heat exchange between the heating components mounted on the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0264] The heat medium circuit connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the external heat exchanger, and the heating element via piping through which the heat supply medium flows.

[0265] The electronic control device is configured to drive each part of the heat medium circuit when the maximum cooling mode is executed, so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the other performs the heat absorption function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the heat-generating component performs the heat absorption function.

[0266] [Tenth Viewpoint]

[0267] According to the second viewpoint, the vehicle heat pump system

[0268] It also includes a heat exchanger (24) for heating components, which enables heat exchange between the heating components mounted on the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0269] The heat medium circuit connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the external heat exchanger, and the heating element via piping through which the heat supply medium flows.

[0270] The electronic control device is configured to drive each part of the heat medium circuit when the maximum heating mode is executed, so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat absorption function and the other performs the heat dissipation function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat absorption function and the heat-generating component performs the heat dissipation function through the heat exchanger.

[0271] [Eleventh Viewpoint]

[0272] According to any one of the tenth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0273] The heat medium circuit includes a refrigeration cycle (30) for refrigerant flowing as a first heat medium and a coolant circuit (40) for coolant flowing as a second heat medium.

[0274] The refrigeration cycle connects the compressor (31), condenser (32), expansion valve (33), and evaporator (34) via refrigerant piping. The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The condenser heats the coolant and condenses it through heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the coolant and evaporates it through heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant.

[0275] The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are heat exchangers included in the coolant circuit.

[0276] [Twelfth Viewpoint]

[0277] According to any one of the tenth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0278] The heat medium circuit has a refrigeration cycle for the flow of refrigerant, which serves as the heat medium.

[0279] The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the flow path switching valve (64-67). The compressor compresses and discharges refrigerant. The condenser heats the air and condenses the refrigerant through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the air and evaporates the refrigerant through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The flow path switching valve switches the flow of refrigerant midway through the piping.

[0280] The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are either the condenser or the evaporator included in the refrigeration cycle.

[0281] [Thirteenth Viewpoint]

[0282] According to any one of the tenth viewpoints, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0283] The heat medium circuit includes a refrigeration cycle for the refrigerant, which serves as the first heat medium, to flow, and a coolant circuit for the coolant, which serves as the second heat medium, to flow.

[0284] The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the flow path switching valve (64-67). The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The condenser heats the coolant or air flowing in the coolant circuit and condenses the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the coolant or air flowing in the coolant circuit and evaporates the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. The flow path switching valve switches the flow of the refrigerant midway through the piping.

[0285] The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are the condenser or the evaporator included in the refrigeration cycle, or the heat exchanger included in the coolant circuit.

[0286] [Fourteenth Viewpoint]

[0287] According to any one of the viewpoints from the first to the thirteenth viewpoint, the vehicle heat pump system is described.

[0288] When the maximum cooling mode described in the first point of view is referred to as the first maximum cooling mode...

[0289] The electronic control device is capable of executing a second maximum cooling mode, in which each part of the heat medium circuit is driven to perform heat dissipation functions of the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger, and the air path switching mechanism is driven to discharge the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and the air that has passed through the second heat exchanger from the exhaust opening to the outside of the vehicle.

[0290] [Fifteenth Viewpoint]

[0291] A vehicle air conditioning unit is mounted in a vehicle together with a heat medium circuit (2). The heat medium circuit connects a first heat exchanger (11), a second heat exchanger (12), and an external heat exchanger (23) through piping through which a heat medium flows. The heat medium circuit has a flow path switching valve (45-67) that switches the flow of the heat medium midway through the piping. The vehicle air conditioning unit includes:

[0292] Air conditioning housing (10) having ventilation passages (16) for air intake from outside the vehicle and air intake from inside the vehicle.

[0293] The first heat exchanger is disposed in the ventilation passage of the air conditioner housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation passage and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0294] The second heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat.

[0295] An air outlet (13) is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior;

[0296] The exhaust openings (14, 141, 142) are provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle.

[0297] A wind path switching mechanism (15) is capable of switching the airflow path within the ventilation path to the following states: a state in which air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the first heat exchanger but not through the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and a state in which air flowing in the ventilation path does not pass through the first heat exchanger but passes through the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and

[0298] Electronic control device (3), which controls the driving of the air path switching mechanism and each part of the heat medium circuit.

[0299] The external heat exchanger is located in the space outside the air conditioning housing, allowing heat exchange between the outdoor air and the heat medium.

[0300] When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function,

[0301] The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and the other to perform heat absorption, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

[0302] Furthermore, relative to the fifteenth viewpoint, the second through fourteenth viewpoints can be combined arbitrarily.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a vehicle, characterized by, have: Air conditioning housing (10) having ventilation passages (16) for air intake from outside the vehicle and air intake from inside the vehicle. A first heat exchanger (11) is disposed in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing to exchange heat between the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium. A second heat exchanger (12) is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat. An air outlet (13) is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior; The exhaust openings (14, 141, 142) are provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle. The airflow switching mechanism (15) is capable of switching the airflow path in the ventilation path to the following states: the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the first heat exchanger but not through the second heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and the air flowing in the ventilation path does not pass through the first heat exchanger but passes through the second heat exchanger and flows to the blow-out opening or the discharge opening. An external heat exchanger (23) is located in the space outside the air conditioning housing, allowing heat exchange between the air outside the vehicle and the heat medium. A heat medium circuit (2) connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger via piping through which the heat medium flows, and has flow path switching valves (45-67) that switch the flow of the heat medium midway through the piping; and Electronic control device (3), which controls the driving of the air path switching mechanism and each part of the heat medium circuit. When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function, The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and the other to perform heat absorption, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

2. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum heating mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat absorption and the other to perform heat dissipation, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat absorption, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

3. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat transfer circuit is configured to allow both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be switched between heat dissipation and heat absorption functions.

4. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The airflow switching mechanism can switch the airflow path within the ventilation path to a state where the air flowing in the ventilation path passes through both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening. The electronic control device is capable of executing a cooling mode. In this mode, it drives various parts of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first and second heat exchangers to perform heat absorption while the other stops the flow of the heat medium or performs heat dissipation. It also causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and drives the airflow switching mechanism to blow air that has passed through both the first and second heat exchangers into the vehicle interior through the exhaust opening. When switching from the maximum cooling mode to the cooling mode, the electronic control device cuts off the flow of the high-temperature heat medium in one of the first and second heat exchangers in the maximum cooling mode, switches to the flow of the low-temperature heat medium in the cooling mode, and drives the air path switching mechanism after the temperature of one of the first and second heat exchangers is lower than the air temperature upstream of the first and second heat exchangers, so that the air passing through both the first and second heat exchangers flows to the blow-out opening.

5. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the first heat exchanger is larger than the volume obtained by multiplying the longitudinal, transverse, and height dimensions of the other side of the second heat exchanger.

6. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The discharge opening is located in a region that is downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger.

7. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat transfer circuit is configured to allow both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to be switched between heat dissipation and heat absorption functions. The electronic control device can drive the heat medium circuit so that both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger perform heat dissipation functions, and can also switch the heat medium circuit so that both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger perform heat absorption functions.

8. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat medium circuit is equipped with a flow regulating valve (44) capable of regulating the flow rate or temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger.

9. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a heat exchanger (24) for heating components, which enables heat exchange between the heating components mounted on the vehicle and the heat medium. The heat medium circuit connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the external heat exchanger, and the heating element via piping through which the heat supply medium flows. The electronic control device is configured to drive each part of the heat medium circuit when the maximum cooling mode is executed, so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the other performs the heat absorption function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat dissipation function and the heat-generating component performs the heat absorption function.

10. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a heat exchanger (24) for heating components, which enables heat exchange between the heating components mounted on the vehicle and the heat medium. The heat medium circuit connects the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the external heat exchanger, and the heating element via piping through which the heat supply medium flows. The electronic control device is configured to drive each part of the heat medium circuit when the maximum heating mode is executed, so that one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger performs the heat absorption function and the other performs the heat dissipation function, so that the external heat exchanger performs the heat absorption function and the heat-generating component performs the heat dissipation function through the heat exchanger.

11. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat medium circuit includes a refrigeration cycle (30) for refrigerant flowing as a first heat medium and a coolant circuit (40) for coolant flowing as a second heat medium. The refrigeration cycle connects the compressor (31), condenser (32), expansion valve (33), and evaporator (34) via refrigerant piping. The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The condenser heats the coolant and condenses it through heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the coolant and evaporates it through heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the coolant circuit and the refrigerant. The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are heat exchangers included in the coolant circuit.

12. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat medium circuit has a refrigeration cycle for the flow of refrigerant, which serves as the heat medium. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the flow path switching valve (64-67). The compressor compresses and discharges refrigerant. The condenser heats the air and condenses the refrigerant through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the air and evaporates the refrigerant through heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The flow path switching valve switches the flow of refrigerant midway through the piping. The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are either the condenser or the evaporator included in the refrigeration cycle.

13. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heat medium circuit includes a refrigeration cycle for the refrigerant, which serves as the first heat medium, to flow, and a coolant circuit for the coolant, which serves as the second heat medium, to flow. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the flow path switching valve (64-67). The compressor compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The condenser heats the coolant or air flowing in the coolant circuit and condenses the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. The expansion valve causes the refrigerant to expand under reduced pressure after condensation in the condenser. The evaporator cools the coolant or air flowing in the coolant circuit and evaporates the refrigerant through heat exchange with the coolant. The flow path switching valve switches the flow of the refrigerant midway through the piping. The first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the external heat exchanger are the condenser or the evaporator included in the refrigeration cycle, or the heat exchanger included in the coolant circuit.

14. The vehicle heat pump system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the maximum cooling mode described in claim 1 is referred to as the first maximum cooling mode... The electronic control device is capable of executing a second maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to enable the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation functions, and drives the air path switching mechanism to allow the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and the air that has passed through the second heat exchanger to be discharged from the exhaust opening to the outside of the vehicle.

15. An air conditioning device for a vehicle, which is mounted on a vehicle together with a heat medium circuit (2) that connects a first heat exchanger (11), a second heat exchanger (12), and an external heat exchanger (23) by a pipe through which a heat medium flows, and has a flow path switching valve (45-67) that switches the flow of the heat medium at a middle of the pipe, characterized by have: Air conditioning housing (10) having ventilation passages (16) for air intake from outside the vehicle and air intake from inside the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is disposed in the ventilation passage of the air conditioner housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation passage and the heat medium exchange heat. The second heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger in the ventilation path of the air conditioning housing, so that the air flowing in the ventilation path and the heat medium exchange heat. An air outlet (13) is provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct into the vehicle interior; The exhaust openings (14, 141, 142) are provided in the air conditioning housing on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger to allow air to flow from the ventilation duct to the outside of the vehicle. A wind path switching mechanism (15) is capable of switching the airflow path within the ventilation path to the following states: a state in which air flowing in the ventilation path passes through the first heat exchanger but not through the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and a state in which air flowing in the ventilation path does not pass through the first heat exchanger but passes through the second heat exchanger and flows towards the blow-out opening or the discharge opening; and Electronic control device (3), which controls the driving of the air path switching mechanism and each part of the heat medium circuit. The external heat exchanger is located in the space outside the air conditioning housing, allowing heat exchange between the outdoor air and the heat medium. When the function of dissipating heat from the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger to substances outside the heat exchanger is called the heat dissipation function, and the function of absorbing heat from substances outside the heat exchanger by the heat medium flowing inside the heat exchanger is called the heat absorption function, The electronic control device is capable of executing a maximum cooling mode, in which it drives each part of the heat medium circuit to cause one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation and the other to perform heat absorption, causes the external heat exchanger to perform heat dissipation, and drives the air path switching mechanism to cause air passing through one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle from the exhaust opening, and to cause air passing through the other of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger but not through the other to be blown into the vehicle interior from the blowout opening.

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