Temperature control device

Abstract

A refrigeration circuit (12) comprises a compressor (13), a refrigerant radiator (14, 42) configured to dissipate heat from a refrigerant flowing out of the compressor, and a first expansion valve (16) configured to compress the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator. The refrigeration circuit further comprises a first evaporator (17) configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the first expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor, a second expansion valve (20) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, and a second evaporator (21) configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor.A heat transfer fluid circuit (30) includes a heat exchanger section (32, 33) and circulates a heat transfer fluid as it flows through the heat exchanger section and the second evaporator. The first evaporator exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the supply air (Af), which is to be blown into a room (71a) to be air-conditioned, in order to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the supply air. The second evaporator exchanges heat between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat exchanger section is designed to cool the room to achieve temperature control.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-065873 filed on April 12, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Field of the invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a temperature regulating device for regulating a temperature of a temperature regulating target. State of the art

[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. An evaporator included in the refrigeration cycle cools ventilation air to be blown into the vehicle interior. State of the art literaturePatent literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2006-143124A Summary of the invention

[0005] In recent years, the number of temperature regulation targets to be cooled or heated in vehicles such as electric vehicles tends to increase. Thus, there is an urgent need to provide a temperature regulation device for regulating the temperature of the temperature regulation target with a simple configuration. Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure focused on the fact that an air conditioning refrigeration cycle, such as that disclosed in Patent Literature 1, is already provided in many vehicles. The inventors of the present disclosure considered simplifying the configuration of the temperature regulation device by using the air conditioning refrigeration cycle. As a result of extensive research by the inventors of the present disclosure, the above was found.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature regulating device with a simple configuration capable of cooling or heating a temperature regulating target by using an air conditioning refrigeration cycle.

[0007] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature regulating device for regulating a temperature of a temperature regulating target comprises: a refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a refrigerant radiator configured to dissipate heat from the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor, a first expansion valve configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, a first evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the first expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor, a second expansion valve configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, and a second evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor; and a heat medium circuit having a heat exchange section and in which a heat medium circulates while flowing through the heat exchange section and the second evaporator. The first evaporator exchanges heat between the refrigerant and ventilation air to be blown to a space to be air-conditioned, to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the ventilation air. The second evaporator exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant, to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the heat medium. Furthermore, the heat exchange section exchanges heat between the temperature regulation target and the heat medium, to cool the temperature regulation target.

[0008] In this way, the temperature regulation target can be cooled by using the refrigeration circuit to cool the ventilation air. In other words, the refrigeration circuit for cooling the ventilation air can also have a function of cooling the temperature regulation target.

[0009] Since heat is transferred between the heat exchange section and the second evaporator through the heat medium, it is possible to avoid a limitation on the arrangement of the second evaporator due to the second evaporator having the function of cooling the temperature regulation target. For example, it is possible to avoid a situation where the refrigerant pipe of the refrigeration cycle needs to be extended due to the second evaporator having the function of cooling the temperature regulation target. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle can be made compact regardless of the arrangement of, for example, the heat exchange section, so that the temperature regulation device can have a simple configuration.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature regulating device for regulating a temperature of a temperature regulating target comprises: a refrigeration cycle comprising a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, a refrigerant radiator configured to dissipate heat from the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor, an expansion valve configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, and an evaporator configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor; and a heat medium circuit including a heat exchange section, a heat medium radiator, and a flow rate adjustment mechanism, in which a heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator and at least one of the heat exchange section and the heat medium radiator. The flow rate adjustment mechanism adjusts a flow rate ratio between a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchange section and a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator. The evaporator exchanges heat between the refrigerant and ventilation air to be blown to the space to be air-conditioned to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the ventilation air. The refrigerant radiator exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant to heat the heat medium. The heat medium radiator dissipates heat from the heat medium.In addition, the heat exchange section exchanges heat between the temperature regulation target and the heat medium to heat the temperature regulation target.

[0011] In this way, the temperature regulation target can be warmed up by using the refrigeration circuit to cool the ventilation air. In other words, the refrigeration circuit for cooling the ventilation air can also have a function of warming up the temperature regulation target.

[0012] Since the heat medium circuit is provided in which the heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator, the arrangement of the refrigerant radiator is less likely to be restricted due to the refrigerant radiator having the function of warming up the temperature regulation target, for the same reason as the temperature regulation device according to the above one aspect. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle can be made compact regardless of the arrangement of, for example, the heat exchange section, so that the temperature regulation device can have a simple configuration.

[0013] A reference numeral in parentheses attached to each configuration element or the like indicates an example of correspondence between a configuration element or the like and a specific configuration element or the like described in the embodiments below. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle in which a temperature regulating device is installed in the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating connection devices electrically connected to a circuit control device of the temperature regulating device in the first embodiment; Fig. Fig. 4 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a second embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a temperature regulation target is placed on a heat exchange plate in the second embodiment; Fig. Fig. 6 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a third embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. Fig. 7 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a fourth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. Fig. 8 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device of a fifth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. Fig. 9 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device of a sixth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. 10 is a view schematically illustrating a temperature regulating space into which temperature regulating target air is introduced from an air heat exchanger in the sixth embodiment; Fig. 11 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a seventh embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. 12 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in an eighth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. 13 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a ninth embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle in which a temperature regulating device in a tenth embodiment is installed, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 2; and Fig. 15 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a temperature regulating device in a modification of the first embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating Fig. 1 corresponds. Description of the embodiments

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent portions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. (First embodiment)

[0015] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle 70. The vehicle 70 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle.

[0016] Double-sided arrows in Fig. 2 indicate directions of the vehicle 70, which in Fig. 2. That is, in Fig. 2, a vehicle forward-backward direction D1, which is the forward-backward direction of the vehicle 70, and a vehicle up-downward direction D2, which is the up-down direction of the vehicle 70, are indicated by double-sided arrows. These directions D1, D2 are directions that cross each other, strictly speaking, directions that are perpendicular to each other. In the description of the present embodiment, the front side in the vehicle forward-backward direction D1 is also referred to as the vehicle front side, the rear side in the vehicle forward-backward direction D1 is also referred to as a vehicle rear side, the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction D2 is also referred to as the vehicle upper side, and the lower side in the vehicle up-down direction D2 is also referred to as the vehicle lower side.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a vehicle interior 71, which is separate from the exterior of the vehicle 70 and in which passenger seats 72 are arranged, is formed within the vehicle 70. The vehicle interior 71 includes a front cabin 71a and a rear cabin 71b. The front cabin 71a and the rear cabin 71b occupy parts of the vehicle interior 71 and are mutually distinct spaces. The vehicle interior 71 may also be referred to as the "vehicle interior."

[0018] The front cabin 71a is located at the front of the vehicle in the vehicle interior 71, and a front seat 721 of the passenger seats 72 is arranged in the front cabin 71a. The rear cabin 71b is located at the rear of the vehicle in the vehicle interior 71, and a rear seat 722 of the passenger seats 72 is arranged in the rear cabin 71b.

[0019] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 2, the temperature regulating device 10 is a device for regulating the temperature of air Af (i.e., front ventilation air Af) blown to the front cabin 71a of the vehicle 70 and the temperature of air Ab (i.e., rear ventilation air Ab) blown to the rear cabin 71b of the vehicle 70. In the vehicle 70 of the present embodiment, air conditioning is performed separately in the front cabin 71a and the rear cabin 71b.

[0020] Specifically, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment has a function of cooling the front ventilation air Af and a function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab. In the present embodiment, the front cabin 71a corresponds to the space to be air-conditioned according to the present disclosure, the rear cabin 71b corresponds to the temperature regulating space of the present disclosure, the front ventilation air Af corresponds to the ventilation air of the present disclosure, and the rear ventilation air Ab corresponds to the temperature regulating target of the present disclosure.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 to 3, the temperature regulating device 10 comprises a refrigeration circuit 12, a heat medium circuit 30 and a circuit control device 80 which controls the refrigeration circuit 12 and the heat medium circuit 30.

[0022] Refrigeration circuit 12 is a vapor-compression refrigeration circuit. Refrigeration circuit 12 is operated as a subcritical refrigeration circuit, where the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side of the circuit does not exceed the critical refrigerant pressure.

[0023] The refrigeration cycle 12 is a refrigerant cycle in which a refrigerant circulates, and a refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant cycle as the refrigeration cycle 12. Various refrigerants can be used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 12, but in the present embodiment, for example, a fluorocarbon refrigerant such as HFO134a is used.

[0024] The refrigeration circuit 12 comprises a compressor 13, a refrigerant radiator 14, a first expansion valve 16, a first evaporator 17, a second expansion valve 20, a second evaporator 21 and pipes connecting these components.

[0025] In the refrigeration cycle 12, a discharge port 13a of the compressor 13 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 14a of the refrigerant radiator 14, and a refrigerant outlet 14b of the refrigerant radiator 14 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 16a of the first expansion valve 16 and a refrigerant inlet 20a of the second expansion valve 20. A refrigerant outlet 16b of the first expansion valve 16 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 17a of the first evaporator 17, and a refrigerant outlet 20b of the second expansion valve 20 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 21a of the second evaporator 21. A refrigerant outlet 17b of the first evaporator 17 and a refrigerant outlet 21b of the second evaporator 21 are both connected to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13.

[0026] The compressor 13 has a discharge port 13a and a suction port 13b, compresses the refrigerant sucked in from the suction port 13b, and discharges the compressed refrigerant from the discharge port 13a. Specifically, the compressor 13 is an electric compressor and includes a compression mechanism portion that compresses the refrigerant introduced into the compression compartment and an electric motor that rotates the compression mechanism portion.

[0027] The compressor 13 is controlled with a control signal output from the cycle control device 80. For example, the on / off state of the compressor 13 and the rotational speed (specifically, the rotational speed of the electric motor of the compressor 13) of the compressor 13 are controlled according to control signals output from the cycle control device 80.

[0028] The refrigerant radiator 14 has the refrigerant inlet 14a into which the refrigerant flows and the refrigerant outlet 14b from which the refrigerant flows. The high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 flows into the refrigerant inlet 14a of the refrigerant radiator 14.

[0029] The refrigerant radiator 14 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air and dissipates heat from the refrigerant to the outside air through the heat exchange. Specifically, the refrigerant radiator 14 is a condenser and dissipates heat from the refrigerant to the outside air and condenses the refrigerant through the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. The refrigerant that dissipates heat and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 14 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 14b and flows to the first expansion valve 16 and the second expansion valve 20.

[0030] The refrigerant radiator 14 is arranged at the front of the vehicle 70 so as to be exposed to outside air as a wind during vehicle travel, for example. The outside air is supplied to the refrigerant radiator 14 by the vehicle's travel or by the operation of a fan (not shown). The outside air is air outside the vehicle or air in a space open to the outside of the vehicle.

[0031] The first expansion valve 16 has the refrigerant inlet 16a into which the refrigerant flows, and the refrigerant outlet 16b from which the refrigerant flows out. The first expansion valve 16 is an expansion device that expands the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet 16a of the first expansion valve 16. The first expansion valve 16 allows the expanded refrigerant to flow out of the refrigerant outlet 16b.

[0032] The first expansion valve 16 is an electric expansion valve and includes a valve body and an electric actuator. The electric actuator of the first expansion valve 16 includes, for example, a stepper motor and changes the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 by displacing the valve body. The electric actuator of the first expansion valve 16 is controlled according to the control signal from the circuit control device 80, so that the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is increased or decreased according to the control signal from the circuit control device 80.

[0033] The first expansion valve 16 is configured so that its throttle opening degree can be set to zero, that is, it is configured to be fully closable. When the first expansion valve 16 is fully closed, the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the first evaporator 17 is blocked. When the first expansion valve 16 is open, the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve 16 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 16b of the first expansion valve 16 and flows to the refrigerant inlet 17a of the first evaporator 17.

[0034] Accordingly, the refrigeration circuit 12 has the fully closable first expansion valve 16 so that the refrigerant can be prevented from flowing from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the first evaporator 17.

[0035] The first evaporator 17 has the refrigerant inlet 17a into which the refrigerant flows and the refrigerant outlet 17b from which the refrigerant flows out. The first evaporator 17 is a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the front ventilation air Af blown to the front cabin 71a and is arranged in an air conditioning unit (not shown). The air conditioning unit is arranged, for example, within an instrument panel provided on the vehicle front side in the front cabin 71a. The front ventilation air Af is blown, for example, by a blower included in an air conditioning unit (not shown).

[0036] For example, the first evaporator 17 is configured by alternating a plurality of tubes through which the refrigerant flows and a plurality of rugged fins. In the first evaporator 17, air, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant, passes between the tubes.

[0037] Specifically, the first evaporator 17 is disposed in an air passage formed within the air conditioning unit through which the front ventilation air Af flows. The first evaporator 17 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet 17a and the front ventilation air Af passing through the first evaporator 17, whereby the heat exchange evaporates the refrigerant and cools the front ventilation air Af. The refrigerant evaporated and absorbed by the first evaporator 17 flows out from the refrigerant outlet 17b and flows to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. That is, the first evaporator 17 evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the first expansion valve 16 and flowing out of the first expansion valve 16, and then allows the refrigerant to flow to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13.

[0038] The second expansion valve 20 has the refrigerant inlet 20a into which the refrigerant flows, and the refrigerant outlet 20b from which the refrigerant flows out. The second expansion valve 20 expands the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant inlet 20a of the second expansion valve 20 and allows the expanded refrigerant to flow out of the refrigerant outlet 20b. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant outlet 20b of the second expansion valve 20 flows to the refrigerant inlet 21a of the second evaporator 21.

[0039] The second expansion valve 20 is arranged at a different location from the first expansion valve 16, but has a similar configuration to the first expansion valve 16. That is, the second expansion valve 20 includes a valve body and an electric actuator, and the throttle opening degree of the second expansion valve 20 is increased or decreased according to a control signal from the circuit controller 80. The second expansion valve 20 is configured to be fully closable.

[0040] When the second expansion valve 20 is fully closed, the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the second evaporator 21 is blocked. When the second expansion valve 20 is open, the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve 20 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 20b of the second expansion valve 20 and flows to the refrigerant inlet 21a of the second evaporator 21. Accordingly, the refrigeration cycle 12 includes the fully closable second expansion valve 20, so that the refrigerant can be prevented from flowing from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the second evaporator 21.

[0041] Since the first expansion valve 16 and the second expansion valve 20 are configured to be fully closable as described above, each valve functions as a refrigerant flow path switching portion that alternately switches the refrigerant flow path among, for example, a first flow state, a second flow state, and a third flow state. In the first flow state, the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the first evaporator 17 via the first expansion valve 16 is blocked, and the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the second evaporator 21 via the second expansion valve 20 is permitted.In the second flow state, the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the first evaporator 17 via the first expansion valve 16 is enabled, and the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the second evaporator 21 via the second expansion valve 20 is blocked. In the third flow state, both the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the first evaporator 17 via the first expansion valve 16 and the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the second evaporator 21 via the second expansion valve 20 are enabled.

[0042] The second evaporator 21 has the refrigerant inlet 21a into which the refrigerant flows, the refrigerant outlet 21b from which the refrigerant flows out, a heat medium inlet 21c into which the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30 flows, and a heat medium outlet 21d from which the heat medium flows out. The second evaporator 21 is a heat exchanger (in other words, a chiller) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30. Through the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium, the second evaporator 21 absorbs heat to the refrigerant, evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the heat medium.

[0043] The refrigerant that has absorbed heat in the second evaporator 21 flows out from the refrigerant outlet 21b and flows to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. At the same time, the heat medium cooled by the second evaporator 21 flows out from the heat medium outlet 21d. That is, the second evaporator 21 evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the second expansion valve 20 and flowing out of the second expansion valve 20, then allows the refrigerant to flow to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13, and allows the heat medium cooled with the evaporation of the refrigerant to flow out from the heat medium outlet 21d.

[0044] According to the configuration described above, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 flows to the first evaporator 17, but does not flow to the second evaporator 21 when the compressor 13 is operating and when the first expansion valve 16 is open and the second expansion valve 20 is fully closed. In contrast, when the first expansion valve 16 is fully closed and the second expansion valve 20 is open, the refrigerant does not flow to the first evaporator 17, but flows to the second evaporator 21. When both the first expansion valve 16 and the second expansion valve 20 are open, the refrigerant flows to both the first evaporator 17 and the second evaporator 21. As described above, when the compressor 13 is operating, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in one or both of the first evaporator 17 and the second evaporator 21 while dissipating heat in the refrigerant radiator 14.

[0045] The heat medium circuit 30 includes a pump 31, an air heat exchanger 32 as a heat exchange section, and pipes connecting these components. The heat medium circuit 30 is a fluid circuit in which the heat medium circulates while flowing through the pump 31, the air heat exchanger 32, and the second evaporator 21. The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 30 is, for example, a liquid, and an antifreeze solution, such as a solution containing ethylene glycol, can be used as the heat medium.

[0046] In the heat medium circuit 30, a discharge port 31a of the pump 31 is connected to the heat medium inlet 21c of the second evaporator 21, and the heat medium outlet 21d of the second evaporator 21 is connected to a heat medium inlet 32a of the air heat exchanger 32. A heat medium outlet 32b of the air heat exchanger 32 is connected to a suction port 31b of the pump 31. Therefore, in the heat medium circuit 30, when the pump 31 is operated, the heat medium discharged from the discharge port 31a of the pump 31 flows through the second evaporator 21 and the air heat exchanger 32 in this order and is then sucked into the suction port 31b of the pump 31.

[0047] The pump 31 is an electric pump that pumps the heat medium under pressure. The pump 31 has a discharge port 31a and a suction port 31b. The pump 31 discharges the heat medium, which is sucked in from the suction port 31b, from the discharge port 31a, thereby circulating the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 30.

[0048] The on / off state of pump 31 and the rotational speed of pump 31 are controlled according to control signals output from circuit controller 80. For example, the discharge flow rate of pump 31 increases as the rotational speed of pump 31 increases. That is, pump 31 can increase or decrease the discharge flow rate of pump 31.

[0049] The air heat exchanger 32 has a heat medium inlet 32a into which the heat medium flows, and a heat medium outlet 32b from which the heat medium flows. The air heat exchanger 32 is a cooling heat exchanger that cools the rear ventilation air Ab blown to the rear cabin 71b. The rear ventilation air Ab is blown, for example, by a fan (not shown).

[0050] For example, the air heat exchanger 32 is configured by alternately arranging a plurality of tubes through which a heat medium flows and a plurality of rugged fins. In the air heat exchanger 32, air, which exchanges heat with the heat medium, passes between the tubes.

[0051] Specifically, the air heat exchanger 32 is disposed in an air passage through which the rear ventilation air Ab flows to the rear cabin 71b. The air heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing into the heat medium inlet 32a and the rear ventilation air Ab passing through the air heat exchanger 32. The heat medium is caused to absorb heat through the heat exchange, and the rear ventilation air Ab is cooled. The heat medium that has absorbed heat in the air heat exchanger 32 flows out of the heat medium outlet 32b and flows to the suction port 31b of the pump 31.

[0052] The circulation control device 80, which in Fig. 3 is an electronic control device formed of a computer including a semiconductor memory as a non-volatile physical storage medium and a processor, and surrounding circuitry thereof. The circuit control device 80 executes a computer program stored in the semiconductor memory. By executing this computer program, a process corresponding to the computer program is executed. That is, the circuit control device 80 executes various control operations according to the computer program.

[0053] A plurality of control target devices controlled by the cycle control device 80 in the temperature control device 10 are connected to the output side of the cycle control device 80. Specifically, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12, the first expansion valve 16, the second expansion valve 20, the pump 31 of the heat medium circuit 30, and the like are connected to the output side of the cycle control device 80.

[0054] In addition to a plurality of sensors included in the refrigeration cycle 12 or the heat medium cycle 30, an operation panel 82 operated by a passenger is connected to the input side of the circuit control device 80. The operation panel 82 is arranged within the vehicle interior 71 as an operation device used for various input operations by the passenger. For example, the operation panel 82 is arranged near the instrument panel in the vehicle interior 71 and includes various operation switches operated by the passenger. Operation signals from various operation switches included in the operation panel 82 are input to the circuit control device 80.

[0055] The temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above. For example, when the rear ventilation air Ab is cooled by the temperature regulating device 10, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the pump 31 of the heat medium cycle 30 are operated. Then, the second expansion valve 20 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the second expansion valve 20 is adjusted so that the second expansion valve 20 performs an expansion action.

[0056] As a result, in the refrigeration circuit 12, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit 12 evaporates in the second evaporator 21 by absorbing heat from the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30, and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 14 by dissipating heat from the outside air. In the heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 30 absorbs heat from the rear ventilation air Ab in the air heat exchanger 32 and dissipates heat to the refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit 12 in the second evaporator 21. In this way, the rear ventilation air Ab is cooled.

[0057] At this time, the front ventilation air Af may or may not be cooled by the temperature regulating device 10. For example, when the front ventilation air Af is not cooled by the temperature regulating device 10, the first expansion valve 16 is completely closed.

[0058] On the other hand, when the front ventilation air Af is cooled together with the rear ventilation air Ab by the temperature regulating device 10, the first expansion valve 16 is further brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is adjusted so that the first expansion valve 16 exerts a relaxation action. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in the first evaporator 17 and absorbs heat from the front ventilation air Af. The refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 17 and the refrigerant flowing out of the second evaporator 21 are both sucked into the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. In this way, the front ventilation air Af is also cooled.

[0059] When the temperature control device 10 is not cooling the rear ventilation air Ab and the front ventilation air Af, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration circuit 12 is operated, and the pump 31 of the heat medium circuit 30 is stopped. Then, the first expansion valve 16 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is adjusted so that the first expansion valve 16 performs an expansion action. On the other hand, the second expansion valve 20 is completely closed.

[0060] Accordingly, in the refrigeration circuit 12, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit 12 evaporates in the first evaporator 17 by absorbing heat from the front ventilation air Af, and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 14 by dissipating heat to the outside air. Thus, the front ventilation air Af is cooled.

[0061] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle 12 includes the compressor 13, the refrigerant radiator 14, the first expansion valve 16, the first evaporator 17, the second expansion valve 20, and the second evaporator 21. In the heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium circulates while flowing through the air heat exchanger 32 and the second evaporator 21. The refrigerant radiator 14 dissipates heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. The first evaporator 17 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the front ventilation air Af, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the front ventilation air Af. The second evaporator 21 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 30, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the heat medium.The air heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the heat medium and the rear ventilation air Ab, thereby cooling the rear ventilation air Ab.

[0062] Thus, the rear ventilation air Ab, which is a temperature regulation target, can be cooled by using the refrigeration circuit 12 for cooling the front ventilation air Af. In other words, the refrigeration circuit 12 for cooling the front ventilation air Af can also have a function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab.

[0063] Since heat is transferred through the heat medium between the air heat exchanger 32, which is in contact with the rear ventilation air Ab, and the second evaporator 21, it is possible to avoid a limitation on the arrangement of the second evaporator 21 due to the second evaporator 21 having the function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab. For example, it is possible to avoid a situation where the refrigerant pipe of the refrigeration cycle 12 needs to be extended due to the second evaporator 21 having a function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle 12 can be made compact regardless of, for example, the arrangement of the air heat exchanger 32, so that the temperature regulating device 10 can have a simple configuration.

[0064] For example, if the refrigeration cycle 12 is made compact and the refrigerant pipe of the refrigeration cycle 12 is shortened as a whole, the complexity of controlling the refrigeration cycle 12 due to the long refrigerant pipe can be avoided. (1) According to the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 30 includes the pump 31, which can increase or decrease the flow rate of the heat medium by circulating the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 30. Thus, it is possible to freely adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second evaporator 21 according to the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the heat medium in the second evaporator 21. (2) According to the present embodiment, the rear cabin 71b, as a temperature regulating space to which the rear ventilation air Ab cooled by the air heat exchanger 32 is directed, is a space occupying a part of the vehicle interior 71. Thus, the air heat exchanger 32 can be provided at a position relatively close to the constituent devices of the refrigeration cycle 12 (for example, the first and second evaporators 17, 21, etc.). This makes it possible, for example, to shorten the pipe of the heat medium circuit 30. (Second embodiment)

[0065] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described. The same or equivalent parts as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted or simplified. The same applies to the description of the embodiments described later.

[0066] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the heat medium circuit 30 of the present embodiment has a heat exchange plate 33 as a heat exchange section instead of the air heat exchanger 32 (see Fig. 1) of the first embodiment.

[0067] The heat exchange plate 33 is made, for example, of a metallic plate material having high thermal conductivity, and cools a temperature regulating target 74 through heat conduction between the heat exchange plate 33 and the temperature regulating target 74 in contact with the heat exchange plate 33. The heat exchange plate 33 is provided, for example, in a cup holder interior 75a as a temperature regulating compartment formed within the cup holder 75 provided in the vehicle interior 71. The heat exchange plate 33 is arranged at the bottom of the cup holder interior 75a and cools a beverage cup or the like, which is the temperature regulating target 74 placed on the heat exchange plate 33. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating target 74 corresponds to the temperature regulating target of the present disclosure.

[0068] Specifically, an internal flow passage through which a heat medium flows is formed within the heat exchange plate 33, and the heat exchange plate 33 includes a heat medium inlet 33a through which the heat medium is allowed to flow into the internal flow passage and a heat medium outlet 33b through which the heat medium is allowed to flow out of the internal flow passage. The heat medium flows through the internal flow passage of the heat exchange plate 33, and the temperature regulation target 74 is in contact with the heat exchange plate 33, thereby exchanging heat between the heat medium and the temperature regulation target 74.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the heat medium inlet 33a of the heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the heat medium outlet 21d of the second evaporator 21, and the heat medium outlet 33b of the heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the suction port 31b of the pump 31. Therefore, in the heat medium circuit 30, when the pump 31 is operated, the heat medium discharged from the discharge port 31a of the pump 31 flows through the second evaporator 21 and the heat exchange plate 33 in this order and is then sucked into the suction port 31b of the pump 31.

[0070] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 30 includes the heat exchange plate 33. The heat exchange plate 33 exchanges heat by conduction between the temperature regulation target 74 in contact with the heat exchange plate 33 and the heat medium flowing through the heat exchange plate 33, thereby cooling the temperature regulation target 74. Thus, it is possible to cool the temperature regulation target 74 by conduction without the need for air blowing.

[0071] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0072] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in the present embodiment, the refrigeration circuit 12 includes a pressure adjustment valve 23. In this respect, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment.

[0074] Specifically, the pressure adjustment valve 23 includes a refrigerant inlet 23a into which the refrigerant flows and a refrigerant outlet 23b from which the refrigerant flows. The pressure adjustment valve 23 is provided on the refrigerant flow downstream side of the first evaporator 17 and on the refrigerant flow upstream side of the compressor 13. That is, the refrigerant outlet 17b of the first evaporator 17 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 23a of the pressure adjustment valve 23, and the refrigerant outlet 23b of the pressure adjustment valve 23 is connected to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13.

[0075] The pressure adjustment valve 23 is a valve device also referred to as an evaporation pressure adjustment valve. To inhibit frost formation in the first evaporator 17, the pressure adjustment valve 23 functions to adjust the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the first evaporator 17 to a reference pressure at which frost formation can be inhibited, or higher. In other words, the pressure adjustment valve 23 maintains the refrigerant evaporation pressure of the first evaporator 17 at a predetermined value or higher than the reference value.

[0076] Specifically, the pressure adjusting valve 23 is configured to decrease the throttle opening degree (i.e., the passage area of ​​the refrigerant passage) when the refrigerant pressure in the first evaporator 17 becomes lower than the reference pressure, and to increase the throttle opening degree when the refrigerant pressure exceeds the reference pressure. Accordingly, the pressure adjusting valve 23 maintains the refrigerant evaporation temperature in the first evaporator 17 to be equal to or higher than the frost formation inhibiting temperature (i.e., 1°C) at which frost formation in the first evaporator 17 can be inhibited. For example, the pressure adjusting valve 23 is a mechanical variable throttling mechanism that increases the valve opening degree as the refrigerant pressure on the outlet side of the first evaporator 17 increases.The flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 17 increases or decreases according to the throttle opening degree of the pressure adjusting valve 23. Thus, the pressure adjusting valve 23 also functions as a flow rate adjusting valve.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the temperature regulation target cooled by the air heat exchanger 32 is not the rear ventilation air Ab (see Fig. 1), but rather, for example, cooling air blown into a refrigerated compartment in which food, beverages, and the like are stored. The refrigerated compartment corresponds to a temperature-regulating space provided inside the vehicle 70 while being separated from the exterior of the vehicle 70. (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle 12 includes the pressure adjusting valve 23. The pressure adjusting valve 23 is provided on the refrigerant flow downstream side of the first evaporator 17 and on the refrigerant flow upstream side of the compressor 13, and maintains the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the first evaporator 17 at a predetermined value or more. Therefore, for example, it is possible to lower the temperature of the refrigerating compartment into which the air cooled by the air heat exchanger 32 flows further than the temperature of the vehicle interior 71 while maintaining the temperature of the vehicle interior 71 at an appropriate level.

[0078] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

[0079] Although the present embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment described above. (Fourth embodiment)

[0080] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0081] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the heat medium circuit 30 in the present embodiment includes a battery heat exchanger 34. In this respect, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment.

[0082] Specifically, in the heat medium circuit 30 of the present embodiment, the heat medium outlet 21d of the second evaporator 21 is connected to the heat medium inlet 32a of the air heat exchanger 32 and a heat medium inlet 34a of the battery heat exchanger 34. The suction port 31b of the pump 31 is connected to the heat medium outlet 32b of the air heat exchanger 32 and a heat medium outlet 34b of the battery heat exchanger 34.

[0083] The battery heat exchanger 34 is a battery cooling heat exchanger for cooling a battery 76. The battery 76 functions as a power source of a traction motor included in the vehicle 70. The battery 76 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, and is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. To ensure that the battery 76 can exhibit adequate charging and discharging performance, the temperature of the battery 76 is preferably maintained within a predetermined temperature range, and the battery 76 generates heat in association with charging and discharging.

[0084] The battery heat exchanger 34 has the heat medium inlet 34a into which the heat medium flows, and the heat medium outlet 34b from which the heat medium flows out. The battery heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the battery 76 and the heat medium flowing from the heat medium inlet 34a into the battery heat exchanger 34, thereby cooling the battery 76. The heat medium after heat exchange with the battery 76 flows out from the heat medium outlet 34b and is sucked into the suction port 31b of the pump 31. For example, the battery heat exchanger 34 is integrated with the battery 76 and configured to cool the battery 76 while equalizing temperatures of a plurality of battery cells included in the battery 76.

[0085] In the heat medium circuit 30 configured as described above, when the pump 31 is operated, the heat medium discharged from the discharge port 31a of the pump 31 flows to the second evaporator 21 and flows out of the second evaporator 21 in parallel to the air heat exchanger 32 and the battery heat exchanger 34. Then, the heat medium is sucked from the air heat exchanger 32 into the suction port 31b of the pump 31 and is also sucked from the battery heat exchanger 34 into the suction port 31b of the pump 31.

[0086] Therefore, when the pump 31 is operated and the heat medium cooled by the second evaporator 21 flows out of the second evaporator 21, the cooled heat medium flows to the air heat exchanger 32 and the battery heat exchanger 34. When the rear ventilation air Ab (see Fig. 2) is cooled by the air heat exchanger 32, the battery 76 is thus also cooled by the heat medium in the battery heat exchanger 34. (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 30 includes the battery heat exchanger 34, and the battery heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the battery 76 and the heat medium. Thus, it is also possible to cool the battery 76 by using the heat medium circuit 30 that cools the rear ventilation air Ab.

[0087] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

[0088] Although the present embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment or the third embodiment described above. (Fifth embodiment)

[0089] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0090] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment includes a battery cooling fluid circuit 36. The refrigeration circuit 12 of the present embodiment includes a third expansion valve 24 and a third evaporator 25, and the fluid circuit 36 ​​includes the battery heat exchanger 34. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in these points.

[0091] Specifically, in the refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant outlet 14b of the refrigerant radiator 14 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 16a of the first expansion valve 16, the refrigerant inlet 20a of the second expansion valve 20, and a refrigerant inlet 24a of the third expansion valve 24. A refrigerant outlet 24b of the third expansion valve 24 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 25a of the third evaporator 25. The suction port 13b of the compressor 13 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 17b of the first evaporator 17, the refrigerant outlet 21b of the second evaporator 21, and a refrigerant outlet 25b of the third evaporator 25.

[0092] The third expansion valve 24 has the refrigerant inlet 24a into which the refrigerant flows, and the refrigerant outlet 24b from which the refrigerant flows out. The third expansion valve 24 expands the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant radiator 14 into the refrigerant inlet 24a of the third expansion valve 24 and allows the expanded refrigerant to flow out of the refrigerant outlet 24b. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant outlet 24b of the third expansion valve 24 flows to the refrigerant inlet 25a of the third evaporator 25.

[0093] The third expansion valve 24 is arranged at a different location from the first expansion valve 16, but has a similar configuration to the first expansion valve 16. That is, the third expansion valve 24 has a valve body and an electric actuator, and the throttle opening degree of the third expansion valve 24 is controlled according to a control signal from the circuit control device 80 (see Fig. 3) increases or decreases. The third expansion valve 24 is configured to be fully closable.

[0094] When the third expansion valve 24 is fully closed, the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant radiator 14 to the third evaporator 25 is blocked. When the third expansion valve 24 is open, the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve 24 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 24b of the third expansion valve 24 and flows to the refrigerant inlet 25a of the third evaporator 25.

[0095] In addition, since the third expansion valve 24 is configured to be fully closable as described above, in the present embodiment, the first expansion valve 16, the second expansion valve 20, and the third expansion valve 24 function as a refrigerant flow path switching portion that switches the refrigerant flow path of the refrigeration cycle 12.

[0096] The third evaporator 25 has a refrigerant inlet 25a into which the refrigerant flows, a refrigerant outlet 25b from which the refrigerant flows, a fluid inlet 25c into which the battery cooling fluid of the fluid circuit 36 ​​flows, and a fluid outlet 25d from which the battery cooling fluid flows. The third evaporator 25 is arranged at a different location from the second evaporator 21 but has a similar configuration to the second evaporator 21.

[0097] That is, the third evaporator 25 is a heat exchanger (in other words, a chiller) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the battery cooling fluid. Through the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the battery cooling fluid, the third evaporator 25 absorbs heat from the battery cooling fluid to the refrigerant, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the battery cooling fluid.

[0098] The refrigerant that has absorbed heat in the third evaporator 25 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 25b and flows to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. At the same time, the battery cooling fluid cooled by the third evaporator 25 flows out of the fluid outlet 25d. That is, the third evaporator 25 evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the third expansion valve 24 and flows out of the third expansion valve 24, then allows the refrigerant to flow to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13, and allows the battery cooling fluid, which is cooled along with the evaporation of the refrigerant, to flow out of the fluid outlet 25d.

[0099] According to the configuration described above, when the compressor 13 is operating and the third expansion valve 24 is open, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 is expanded by the third expansion valve 24 and then flows to the third evaporator 25. On the other hand, when the third expansion valve 24 is fully closed, the refrigerant does not flow to the third evaporator 25. As described above, when the compressor 13 is operating, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in any or all of the first to third evaporators 17, 21, 25 and circulates while dissipating heat in the refrigerant radiator 14.

[0100] The battery cooling fluid circuit 36 ​​includes a battery cooling pump 37, the battery heat exchanger 34, and pipes connecting these components. The battery cooling fluid circulates in the fluid circuit 36 ​​while flowing through the battery cooling pump 37, the battery heat exchanger 34, and the third evaporator 25. The battery cooling fluid may be the same fluid as the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30 or different fluids that are different from the heat medium. However, in the present embodiment, the same fluid as the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30 (specifically, the same liquid as that heat medium) is used as the battery cooling fluid.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the heat medium inlet 34a of the battery heat exchanger 34 is referred to as a fluid inlet 34a and the heat medium outlet 34b of the battery heat exchanger 34 is referred to as a fluid outlet 34b because the battery heat exchanger 34 is included in the fluid circuit 36 ​​and the battery cooling fluid circulates in the fluid circuit 36.

[0102] In the fluid circuit 36, a discharge port 37a of the battery cooling pump 37 is connected to the fluid inlet 25c of the third evaporator 25, and the fluid outlet 25d of the third evaporator 25 is connected to the fluid inlet 34a of the battery heat exchanger 34. The fluid outlet 34b of the battery heat exchanger 34 is connected to a suction port 37b of the battery cooling pump 37. Therefore, when the battery cooling pump 37 is operated in the fluid circuit 36, the battery cooling fluid discharged from the discharge port 37a of the battery cooling pump 37 flows through the third evaporator 25 and the battery heat exchanger 34 in this order and is then sucked into the suction port 37b of the battery cooling pump 37.

[0103] The battery cooling pump 37 is an electric pump that delivers battery cooling fluid under pressure. The battery cooling pump 37 has the discharge port 37a and the suction port 37b, and discharges the battery cooling fluid drawn from the suction port 37b from the discharge port 37a. The on / off state of the battery cooling pump 37 and the rotational speed of the battery cooling pump 37 are controlled according to control signals output from the circuit controller 80. For example, the discharge flow rate of the battery cooling pump 37 increases as the rotational speed of the battery cooling pump 37 increases.

[0104] The battery heat exchanger 34 of the present embodiment is similar to the battery heat exchanger 34 of the fourth embodiment, except that it is provided in the fluid circuit 36. Therefore, the battery heat exchanger 34 of the present embodiment exchanges heat between the battery cooling fluid flowing from the fluid inlet 34a into the battery heat exchanger 34 and the battery 76, thereby cooling the battery 76.

[0105] In the present embodiment, for example, the operation of the temperature regulating device 10 when the rear ventilation air Ab is cooled and the operation of the temperature regulating device 10 when the front ventilation air Af is cooled are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0106] When the battery 76 is cooled by the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the battery cooling pump 37 of the fluid circuit 36 ​​are operated. Then, the third expansion valve 24 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the third expansion valve 24 is adjusted so that the third expansion valve 24 performs a relaxation action.

[0107] As a result, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit 12 evaporates in the third evaporator 25, absorbing heat from the battery cooling fluid in the fluid circuit 36, and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 14, dissipating heat to the outside air. In the fluid circuit 36, the battery cooling fluid absorbs heat from the battery 76 in the battery heat exchanger 34 and dissipates heat to the refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit 12 in the third evaporator 25. In this way, the battery 76 is cooled.

[0108] At this time, the first expansion valve 16 and the second expansion valve 20 of the refrigeration cycle 12 may be closed or, if necessary, brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow.

[0109] On the other hand, when the battery 76 is not cooled while the compressor 13 of the refrigeration circuit 12 is operating, the third expansion valve 24 is completely closed and the battery cooling pump 37 is stopped. (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the battery cooling fluid circulates in the fluid circuit 36 ​​while flowing through the battery cooling pump 37, the battery heat exchanger 34, and the third evaporator 25 of the refrigeration cycle 12. The third evaporator 25 exchanges heat between the battery cooling fluid and the refrigerant, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the battery cooling fluid. The battery heat exchanger 34 of the fluid circuit 36 ​​exchanges heat between the battery 76 and the battery cooling fluid. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium cooled by the second evaporator 21 of the refrigeration cycle 12 can be made different from the temperature of the battery cooling fluid cooled by the third evaporator 25.

[0110] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

[0111] Although the present disclosure is a modification based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment or the third embodiment described above. (Sixth Embodiment)

[0112] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0113] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment has a function of cooling the front ventilation air Af, but has no function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab. Instead, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment has a function of warming a temperature regulating target air Ac blown to a temperature regulating space 77. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulating target air Ac corresponds to the temperature regulating target of the present disclosure.

[0114] The temperature regulating space 77 of the present embodiment is, for example, an interior space of a storage compartment in which small articles, food, and the like are stored while maintaining the temperature in the space, and is provided inside the vehicle 70 (see Fig. 2) while being separated from the exterior of the vehicle 70. Specifically, the temperature regulating space 77, which is a space in the storage compartment, is provided to occupy, for example, a part of the vehicle interior 71, or is provided adjacent to the vehicle interior 71 at a predetermined location around the vehicle interior 71.

[0115] The temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment includes the refrigeration cycle 12, a heat medium cycle 46 instead of the heat medium cycle 30 of the first embodiment, and the cycle control device 80 that controls the refrigeration cycle 12 and the heat medium cycle 46. The cycle control device 80 of the present embodiment is similar to the cycle control device 80 of the first embodiment, except that the objects to be controlled are the refrigeration cycle 12 and the heat medium cycle 46.

[0116] The refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment includes the compressor 13, a refrigerant radiator 42 instead of the refrigerant radiator 14 of the first embodiment, the expansion valve 16, the evaporator 17, and pipes connecting these components. The refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment does not include the second expansion valve 20 (see Fig. 1) and the second evaporator 21 of the first embodiment.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the first expansion valve 16 is simply referred to as an expansion valve 16 because the expansion valve 20 is not provided. In the present embodiment, the first evaporator 17 is simply referred to as an evaporator 17 because the second evaporator 21 is not provided.

[0118] In the refrigeration cycle 12, the discharge port 13a of the compressor 13 is connected to a refrigerant inlet 42a of the refrigerant radiator 12, and a refrigerant outlet 42b of the refrigerant radiator 42 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 16a of the expansion valve 16. The refrigerant outlet 16b of the expansion valve 16 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 17a of the evaporator 17, and the refrigerant outlet 17b of the evaporator 17 is connected to the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 13a of the compressor 13 flows through the refrigerant radiator 42, the expansion valve 16, and the evaporator 17 in this order and is sucked into the suction port 13b of the compressor 13.

[0119] The compressor 13 of the present embodiment is similar to the compressor 13 of the first embodiment.

[0120] The refrigerant radiator 42 has a refrigerant inlet 42a into which the refrigerant flows, a refrigerant outlet 42b from which the refrigerant flows, a heat medium inlet 42c into which the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46 flows, and a heat medium outlet 42d from which the heat medium flows. The high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 flows into the refrigerant inlet 42a of the refrigerant radiator 42.

[0121] The refrigerant radiator 42 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46. Through the heat exchange, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the heat medium, and the heat medium is heated. Specifically, the refrigerant radiator 42 is a condenser and transfers heat from the refrigerant to the heat medium through the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium, and condenses the refrigerant. The refrigerant that transfers heat and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 42 flows out of the refrigerant outlet 42b and flows to the expansion valve 16.

[0122] The expansion valve 16 of the present embodiment may be configured to be fully closable, similar to the first expansion valve 16 of the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, the expansion valve 16 is not configured to be fully closable. Apart from that, the expansion valve 16 of the present embodiment is similar to the first expansion valve 16 of the first embodiment.

[0123] The evaporator 17 of the present embodiment is similar to the first evaporator 17 of the first embodiment.

[0124] According to the above configuration, in the refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 13 circulates to flow through the refrigerant radiator 42, the expansion valve 16, and the evaporator 17 in this order, and circulates and returns to the compressor 13 when the compressor 13 is operating. The refrigerant dissipates heat in the refrigerant radiator 42 and circulates while evaporating in the evaporator 17.

[0125] The refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment is similar to the refrigeration cycle 12 of the first embodiment except for the above description.

[0126] The heat medium circuit 46 is a fluid circuit in which the heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator 42. The heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment may be various fluids different from the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 30 of the first embodiment, but the same heat medium as the heat medium of the first embodiment is used as the heat medium of the present embodiment. Thus, the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment is also a liquid.

[0127] The heat medium circuit 46 includes a pump 47, an air heat exchanger 48 as a heat exchange section, a heat medium radiator 49, a flow rate adjustment mechanism 50, pipes connecting them, and the like. In the heat medium circuit 46, the discharge port 31a of the pump 31 is connected to a heat medium inlet 48a of the air heat exchanger 48 and a heat medium inlet 49a of the heat medium radiator 49. A heat medium outlet 48b of the air heat exchanger 48 is connected to a first inlet port 50a of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50, and a heat medium outlet 49b of the heat medium radiator 49 is connected to a second inlet port 50b of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50. An outlet port 50c of the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 is connected to the heat medium inlet 42c of the refrigerant radiator 42, and the heat medium outlet 42d of the refrigerant radiator 42 is connected to a suction port 47b of the pump 47.

[0128] Therefore, in the heat medium circuit 46, the heat medium discharged from a discharge port 47a of the pump 47 flows to the air heat exchanger 48 or the heat medium radiator 49 depending on the switching state of the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 when the pump 47 is operated. Then, the heat medium flows from the air heat exchanger 48 or the heat medium radiator 49 to the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 and the refrigerant radiator 42 in this order, and is sucked from the refrigerant radiator 42 into the suction port 47b of the pump 47.

[0129] The pump 47 of the present embodiment is similar to the pump 31 of the first embodiment. Thus, the pump 47 of the present embodiment has the discharge port 47a and the suction port 47b. Then, the pump 47 discharges the heat medium sucked from the suction port 47b from the discharge port 47a, thereby circulating the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 46. For example, the discharge flow rate of the pump 47 increases as the rotational speed of the pump 47 increases. That is, the pump 47 can increase or decrease the discharge flow rate of the pump 47.

[0130] The air heat exchanger 48 of the present embodiment is, similar to the air heat exchanger 32 of the first embodiment, a heat exchanger including, for example, a plurality of tubes and a plurality of rugged fins. The air heat exchanger 48 includes the heat medium inlet 48a into which the heat medium flows and the heat medium outlet 48b from which the heat medium flows. The air heat exchanger 48 is a warm-up heat exchanger that warms the temperature-regulating target air Ac blown to the temperature-regulating space 77. The temperature-regulating target air Ac is blown by, for example, a blower (not shown).

[0131] Specifically, the air heat exchanger 48 is disposed in an air passage through which the temperature-regulating target air Ac flows to the temperature-regulating space 77. The air heat exchanger 48 exchanges heat between the heat medium entering the heat medium inlet 48a and the temperature-regulating target air Ac passing through the air heat exchanger 48. Through the heat exchange, heat is dissipated from the heat medium to the temperature-regulating target air Ac, and the temperature-regulating target air Ac is heated. The heat medium that has dissipated heat in the air heat exchanger 48 flows out of the heat medium outlet 48b and flows to the first inlet port 50a of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50.

[0132] The heat medium radiator 49 of the present embodiment is, for example, a heat exchanger similar to the air heat exchanger 48, including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of rugged fins. The heat medium radiator 49 dissipates heat from the heat medium in the heat medium radiator 49 to the outside (for example, the outside of the vehicle 70).

[0133] Specifically, the heat medium radiator 49 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the outside air, and includes the heat medium inlet 49a into which the heat medium flows, and a heat medium outlet 49b from which the heat medium flows out. The heat medium radiator 49 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing out of the pump 47 into the heat medium inlet 49a and the outside air passing through the heat medium radiator 49, and releases the heat of the heat medium to the outside of the vehicle 70 through heat exchange. The heat medium radiator 49 causes the heat medium, after the heat exchange, to flow from the heat medium outlet 49b to the second inlet port 50b of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50.

[0134] The heat medium radiator 49 is arranged, for example, at the front of the vehicle in the vehicle 70, so that outside air hits the heat medium radiator as a traveling wind while the vehicle is traveling. With this arrangement, outside air is supplied to the heat medium radiator 49 as a traveling wind. Furthermore, the vehicle 70 can supply outside air to the heat medium radiator 49 using a fan (not shown) even when the vehicle 70 is stopped.

[0135] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 of the present embodiment is an electric three-way valve controlled by the circuit control device 80 (see Fig. 3). The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 includes a first inlet port 50a and a second inlet port 50b into which the heat medium flows, and an outlet port 50c from which the heat medium flows. For example, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 includes a valve body that increases or decreases the opening degree of the first inlet port 50a and the opening degree of the second inlet port 50b, and an electric actuator that drives the valve body according to control from the circuit control device 80.

[0136] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 adjusts a flow rate ratio between the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the air heat exchanger 48 and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator 49. Specifically, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 has a structure in which each of the first inlet port 50a and the second inlet port 50b is separably communicated with the outlet port 50c, and increases or decreases the opening degree of the first inlet port 50a and the opening degree of the second inlet port 50b with respect to the outlet port 50c. In the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50, the opening degree of the second inlet port 50b decreases while the opening degree of the first inlet port 50a increases.

[0137] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 is configured so that the first inlet port 50a and the second inlet port 50b are fully closable. For example, when the first inlet port 50a is fully closed, the opening degree of the second inlet port 50b is maximized in a state where the second inlet port 50b and the outlet port 50c communicate with each other. Conversely, when the second inlet port 50b is fully closed, the opening degree of the first inlet port 50a is maximized in a state where the first inlet port 50a and the outlet port 50c communicate with each other. Completely closing each of the first and second inlet ports 50a, 50b means that the inlet port is closed and the flow of the heat medium at the inlet port is blocked; in short, the opening degree of the inlet port is zero.

[0138] With such a configuration, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the air heat exchanger 48 connected to the first inlet port 50a increases as the opening degree of the first inlet port 50a increases when the pump 47 of the heat medium circuit 46 is operating. As the opening degree of the second inlet port 50b increases, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator 49 connected to the second inlet port 50b increases. The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit 46 may flow to one of the air heat exchanger 48 and the heat medium radiator 49, or may flow to both the air heat exchanger 48 and the heat medium radiator 49, depending on the state of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50.

[0139] The heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment is similar to the heat medium circuit 30 of the first embodiment except for the above description.

[0140] The temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above. For example, when the temperature regulating target air Ac is warmed by the temperature regulating device 10, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the pump 47 of the heat medium cycle 46 are operated. Then, the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 opens the first inlet port 50a and causes the first inlet port 50a and the outlet port 50c to communicate with each other.

[0141] Accordingly, in the refrigeration cycle 12, the refrigerant circulates to flow in this order from the compressor 13 to the refrigerant radiator 42, the expansion valve 16 and the evaporator 17, and return to the compressor 13. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in the evaporator 17, taking heat from the front ventilation air Af (see Fig. 1) and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 42, dissipating heat to the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46. As a result, the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46 is heated by the refrigerant radiator 42. In this case, the front ventilation air Af is cooled by the evaporator 17. For example, the cooled front ventilation air Af is heated, if necessary, by a heater core disposed within an air conditioning unit (not shown) having the evaporator 17, and then blown to the front cabin 71a.

[0142] In the heat medium circuit 46, the heat medium heated by the refrigerant radiator 42 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 via the pump 47 to the air heat exchanger 48 and dissipates heat to the temperature regulation target air Ac in the air heat exchanger 48. As a result, the temperature regulation target air Ac passing through the air heat exchanger 48 is heated. The heat medium that has dissipated heat in the air heat exchanger 48 flows from the air heat exchanger 48 to the refrigerant radiator 42 via the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 and is reheated in the refrigerant radiator 42.

[0143] At this time, the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 may cause not only the first inlet port 50a but also the second inlet port 50b to communicate with the outlet port 50c, but in the present embodiment, the second inlet port 50b is completely closed.

[0144] When the temperature control target air Ac is not heated by the temperature control device 10 and the front ventilation air Af is cooled, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the pump 47 of the heat medium cycle 46 are operated. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 causes the second inlet port 50b and the outlet port 50c to communicate with each other, while the first inlet port 50a is completely closed.

[0145] As a result, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit 12 condenses in the refrigerant radiator 42, dissipating heat to the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46, and evaporates in the evaporator 17, absorbing heat from the front ventilation air Af. Thus, the front ventilation air Af is cooled.

[0146] In the heat medium circuit 46, the heat medium heated by the refrigerant radiator 42 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 via the pump 47 to the heat medium radiator 49, and dissipates heat to the outside air in the heat medium radiator 49. The heat medium discharged by the heat medium radiator 49 flows from the heat medium radiator 49 via the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 to the refrigerant radiator 42 and is reheated by the refrigerant radiator 42. At this time, the heat medium does not flow through the air heat exchanger 48, and heat is not exchanged in the air heat exchanger 48 because the first inlet port 50a is completely closed, as described above.

[0147] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle 12 includes the compressor 13, the refrigerant radiator 42, the expansion valve 16, and the evaporator 17. In the heat medium circuit 46, the heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator 42 and at least one of the air heat exchanger 48 and the heat medium radiator 49. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 of the heat medium circuit 46 adjusts the flow rate ratio between the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the air heat exchanger 48 and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator 49. The evaporator 17 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the front ventilation air Af, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the front ventilation air Af. The refrigerant radiator 42 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium of the heat medium circuit 46, thereby heating the heat medium.The heat medium radiator 49 of the heat medium circuit 46 dissipates heat from the heat medium to the outside (for example, the outside of the vehicle 70), and the air heat exchanger 48 exchanges heat between the heat medium and the temperature regulation target air Ac, thereby heating the temperature regulation target air Ac.

[0148] Thus, the temperature regulation target air Ac, which is a temperature regulation target, can be warmed up by using the refrigeration circuit 12 for cooling the front ventilation air Af. In other words, the refrigeration circuit 12 for cooling the front ventilation air Af can also have a function of warming the temperature regulation target air Ac.

[0149] In the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment, heat is transferred through the heat medium between each of the air heat exchanger 48 and the heat medium radiator 49 and the refrigerant radiator 42. Thus, it is possible to avoid a limitation on the arrangement of the refrigerant radiator 42 due to the addition of the function of warming the temperature regulation target air Ac to the refrigeration cycle 12. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle 12 can be made compact regardless of the arrangement of, for example, the air heat exchanger 48 and the heat medium radiator 49, so that the temperature regulating device 10 can have a simple configuration. (1) According to the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 46 includes the pump 47, which can increase or decrease the flow rate of the heat medium by circulating the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 46. Therefore, it is possible to freely adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the refrigerant radiator 42 according to the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the heat medium by the refrigerant radiator 42.

[0150] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment. (Seventh Embodiment)

[0151] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described sixth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0152] As in Fig. 11, the heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment has a heat exchange plate 51 as a heat exchange section instead of the air heat exchanger 48 (see Fig. 9) of the sixth embodiment.

[0153] The heat exchange plate 51 of the present embodiment heats the temperature regulation target 74 (see Fig. 5) by using the heat medium flowing within the heat exchange plate 51. Apart from this, the heat exchange plate 51 of the present embodiment is similar to the heat exchange plate 33 of the second embodiment.

[0154] Therefore, the heat exchange plate 51 of the present embodiment is, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, is provided in a cup holder interior 75a and warms a beverage cup or the like, which is the temperature regulation target 74 placed on the heat exchange plate 51. In the present embodiment, the temperature regulation target 74 corresponds to the temperature regulation target of the present disclosure, similar to the second embodiment.

[0155] The heat exchange plate 51 has a heat medium inlet 51a through which the heat medium flows into the internal flow passage of the heat exchange plate 51, and a heat medium outlet 51b through which the heat medium flows out of the internal flow passage. The heat medium inlet 51a of the heat exchange plate 51 is connected to the discharge port 47a of the pump 47, and the heat medium outlet 51b of the heat exchange plate 51 is connected to the first inlet port 50a of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50.

[0156] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 46 as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 11, the heat exchange plate 51 is provided. The heat exchange plate 51 exchanges heat by conduction between the temperature regulating target 74 in contact with the heat exchange plate 51 and the heat medium flowing through the heat exchange plate 51, thereby heating the temperature regulating target 74. Thus, it is possible to heat the temperature regulating target 74 by conduction without requiring air blowing.

[0157] The present embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the above-described sixth embodiment can be obtained as in the sixth embodiment. (Eighth Embodiment)

[0158] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0159] As in Fig. 12, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment has a function of cooling the front ventilation air Af, but has no function of cooling the rear ventilation air Ab. Instead, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment has a function of warming the temperature regulating target air Ac supplied to the temperature regulating space 77 of Fig. 10, and a function of cooling the temperature regulation target air Ac. In short, the temperature regulation device 10 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the temperature regulation device 10 of the first embodiment and the temperature regulation device 10 of the sixth embodiment are combined.

[0160] As in the first embodiment, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment includes the refrigeration circuit 12, the heat medium circuit 30, and the circuit control device 80. Furthermore, the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment also includes the heat medium circuit 46 of the sixth embodiment. The circuit control device 80 of the present embodiment is similar to the circuit control device 80 of the first embodiment, except that the objects to be controlled are the refrigeration circuit 12 and the two heat medium circuits 30, 46.

[0161] Since the two heat medium circuits 30, 46 are provided in the present embodiment, the heat medium circuit 46, which is similar to that of the sixth embodiment, is referred to as a first heat medium circuit 46, and the heat medium circuit 30, which is similar to that of the first embodiment, is referred to as a second heat medium circuit 30. The air heat exchanger 48 of the first heat medium circuit 46 is referred to as a first air heat exchanger 48 and is provided as a first heat exchange section. The pump 47 of the first heat medium circuit 46 is referred to as a first pump 47, and the heat medium of the first heat medium circuit 46 is referred to as a first heat medium. The air heat exchanger 32 of the second heat medium circuit 30 is referred to as a second air heat exchanger 32 and is provided as a second heat exchange section.The pump 31 of the second heat medium circuit 30 is referred to as a second pump 31 and the heat medium of the second heat medium circuit 30 is referred to as a second heat medium.

[0162] The refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment includes the refrigerant radiator 14 of the sixth embodiment instead of the refrigerant radiator 42 of the first embodiment. In the refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant inlet 42a of the refrigerant radiator 42 is connected to the discharge port 13a of the compressor 13, and the refrigerant outlet 42b of the refrigerant radiator 42 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 16a of the first expansion valve 16 and the refrigerant inlet 20a of the second expansion valve 20.

[0163] The first air heat exchanger 48 of the present embodiment exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the temperature regulation target air Ac (see Fig. 10) as the first temperature regulation target and heats the temperature regulation target air Ac through heat exchange.

[0164] The second air heat exchanger 32 of the present embodiment exchanges heat between the second heat medium and the temperature regulation target air Ac (see Fig. 10) as the second temperature regulation target and cools the temperature regulation target air Ac through heat exchange. Therefore, in the present embodiment, both the first and second temperature regulation targets are the temperature regulation target air Ac and thus the same temperature regulation target.

[0165] The refrigerant radiator 42 of the present embodiment is similar to the refrigerant radiator 42 of the sixth embodiment except for the above description, and the refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment is similar to the refrigeration cycle 12 of the first embodiment. The first heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment is similar to the heat medium circuit 46 of the sixth embodiment except for the above description, and the second heat medium circuit 30 of the present embodiment is similar to the heat medium circuit 30 of the first embodiment.

[0166] The temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment is as described above. For example, when the temperature regulating target air Ac is heated by the temperature regulating device 10, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the first pump 47 of the first heat medium circuit 46 are operated, and the second pump 31 of the second heat medium circuit 30 is stopped. The flow rate adjusting mechanism 30 opens the first inlet port 50a, causing the first inlet port 50a and the outlet port 50c to communicate with each other.

[0167] The first expansion valve 16 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is adjusted so that the first expansion valve 16 performs a relaxation action while the second expansion valve 20 is fully closed. By fully closing the second expansion valve 20, a situation is avoided where the temperature regulation target air Ac to be warmed up is cooled by the second air heat exchanger 32.

[0168] Due to the above-described operations and the like, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle 12 to flow from the compressor 13 to the refrigerant radiator 42, the first expansion valve 16, and the first evaporator 17 in this order, and return to the compressor 13, but the refrigerant does not flow to the second evaporator 21. In the first heat medium circuit 46, the first heat medium heated by the refrigerant radiator 42 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 via the first pump 47 to the first air heat exchanger 48, and dissipates heat to the temperature regulation target air Ac in the first air heat exchanger 48. As a result, the temperature regulation target air Ac passing through the first air heat exchanger 48 is heated.

[0169] Therefore, in this case, the operation of the refrigeration cycle 12 of the present embodiment is similar to the operation of the refrigeration cycle 12 when the temperature regulation target air Ac is heated in the sixth embodiment. The operation of the first heat medium circuit 46 of the present embodiment is similar to the operation of the heat medium circuit 46 when the temperature regulation target air Ac is heated in the sixth embodiment.

[0170] At this time, the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 may cause not only the first inlet port 50a but also the second inlet port 50b to communicate with the outlet port 50c, but in the present embodiment, the second inlet port 50b is completely closed similarly to the sixth embodiment.

[0171] When the temperature regulation target air Ac is cooled by the temperature regulation device 10, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12, the first pump 47 of the first heat medium circuit 46, and the second pump 31 of the second heat medium circuit 30 are operated. The second expansion valve 20 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the second expansion valve 20 is adjusted so that the second expansion valve 20 performs an expansion action.

[0172] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 causes the second inlet port 50b and the outlet port 50c to communicate with each other while the first inlet port 50a is completely closed. By completely closing the first inlet port 50a of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50, a situation is avoided where the temperature regulation target air Ac to be cooled is heated by the first air heat exchanger 48.

[0173] Due to the above-described operations and the like, in the refrigeration cycle 12, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in the second evaporator 21, absorbing heat from the second heat medium in the second heat medium circuit 30, and condenses in the refrigerant radiator 42, dissipating heat to the first heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 46. In the first heat medium circuit 46, the first heat medium heated by the refrigerant radiator 42 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 via the first pump 47 to the heat medium radiator 49 and dissipates heat to the outside air in the heat medium radiator 49. The heat medium discharged by the heat medium radiator 49 flows from the heat medium radiator 49 to the refrigerant radiator 42 via the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 and is reheated by the refrigerant radiator 42.At this time, since the first inlet port 50a is completely closed as described above, the first heat medium does not flow through the first air heat exchanger 48 and heat exchange in the first air heat exchanger 48 is not performed.

[0174] In the second heat medium circuit 30, the second heat medium circulating in the second heat medium circuit 30 absorbs heat from the temperature regulation target air Ac in the second air heat exchanger 32 and transfers heat to the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle 12 in the second evaporator 21. In this way, the temperature regulation target air Ac is cooled.

[0175] At this time, the front ventilation air Af may or may not be cooled by the temperature regulating device 10. For example, when the front ventilation air Af is not cooled by the temperature regulating device 10, the first expansion valve 16 is completely closed.

[0176] On the other hand, when the front ventilation air Af is cooled by the temperature regulating device 10 together with the temperature regulation target air Ac, the first expansion valve 16 is brought into a state where the refrigerant can flow, and the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is adjusted so that the first expansion valve 16 exerts a relaxation action. Accordingly, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 evaporates in the first evaporator 17 and absorbs heat from the front ventilation air Af. The refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 17 and the refrigerant flowing out of the second evaporator 21 are both sucked into the suction port 13b of the compressor 13. In this way, the front ventilation air Af is also cooled.

[0177] When the front ventilation air Af is cooled without the temperature regulation target air Ac being heated or cooled by the temperature regulation device 10, the compressor 13 of the refrigeration cycle 12 and the first pump 47 of the first heat medium circuit 46 are operated, and the second pump 31 of the second heat medium circuit 30 is stopped. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 causes the second inlet port 50b and the outlet port 50c to communicate with each other while the first inlet port 50a is fully closed. The first expansion valve 16 is placed in a refrigerant flow state, and the throttle opening degree of the first expansion valve 16 is adjusted so that the first expansion valve 16 exerts an expansion action while the second expansion valve 20 is fully closed.

[0178] As a result, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit 12 condenses in the refrigerant radiator 42, dissipating heat to the first heat medium in the first heat medium circuit 46, and evaporates in the first evaporator 17, absorbing heat from the front ventilation air Af. Thus, the front ventilation air Af is cooled.

[0179] In the first heat medium circuit 46, the first heat medium heated by the refrigerant radiator 42 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 via the first pump 47 to the heat medium radiator 49 and dissipates heat in the heat medium radiator 49 to the outside air. The first heat medium that has dissipated heat in the heat medium radiator 49 flows from the heat medium radiator 49 via the flow rate adjusting mechanism 50 to the refrigerant radiator 42 and is reheated in the refrigerant radiator 42. At this time, since the first inlet port 50a is completely closed as described above, the first heat medium does not flow through the first air heat exchanger 48, and heat exchange is not performed in the first air heat exchanger 48. (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant radiator 42 of the refrigeration cycle 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the first heat medium of the first heat medium circuit 46, thereby heating the first heat medium. Then, the first air heat exchanger 48 of the first heat medium circuit 46 exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the temperature regulation target air Ac (see Fig. 10), whereby the temperature regulation target air Ac is heated. On the other hand, the second evaporator 21 of the refrigeration circuit 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the second heat medium of the second heat medium circuit 30, whereby the refrigerant is evaporated and the second heat medium is cooled. The air heat exchanger 32 of the second heat medium circuit 30 exchanges heat between the second heat medium and the temperature regulation target air Ac, whereby the temperature regulation target air Ac is cooled. Therefore, the temperature regulation target air Ac supplied to the temperature regulation space 77 in Fig. 10 is blown, warmed up or cooled by using the temperature regulating device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0180] According to the present embodiment, when the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 allows the first heat medium to flow to the first air heat exchanger 48, the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 to the first evaporator 17, while preventing the refrigerant from flowing from the refrigerant radiator 42 to the second evaporator 21. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the temperature regulation target air Ac to be warmed up is cooled by the second air heat exchanger 32 when the temperature regulation target air Ac is warmed up.

[0181] According to the present embodiment, when the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 12 flows from the refrigerant radiator 42 to the second evaporator 21, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 50 allows the first heat medium to flow to the heat medium radiator 49 while preventing the first heat medium from flowing to the first air heat exchanger 48. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation where the temperature regulation target air Ac to be cooled is warmed by the air heat exchanger 48 when the temperature regulation target air Ac is cooled.

[0182] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the above-described first embodiment can be obtained as in the first embodiment. Moreover, in the present embodiment, a configuration common to the above-described sixth embodiment is also provided, so that effects obtained from the configuration common to the above-described sixth embodiment can be obtained as in the sixth embodiment.

[0183] Although the present embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment can be combined with any of the second to fifth embodiments and the seventh embodiment described above. (Ninth Embodiment)

[0184] Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described eighth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0185] As in Fig. 13, in the present embodiment, the circuit configurations of the refrigeration cycle 12, the first heat medium cycle 46, and the second heat medium cycle 30 are similar to those of the eighth embodiment.

[0186] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first air heat exchanger 48 and the second air heat exchanger 32 are integrally formed by screwing or the like to form a composite heat exchanger 52. In the composite heat exchanger 52, for example, the first air heat exchanger 48 and the second air heat exchanger 32 are stacked, and one of the first air heat exchanger 48 and the second air heat exchanger 32 is arranged on the upstream side of the other in the flow direction of the temperature regulation target air Ac. (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first air heat exchanger 48 and the second air heat exchanger 32 are integrally formed. Since the portion for cooling the temperature regulation target air Ac and the portion for heating the temperature regulation target air Ac are integrated into the composite heat exchanger 52, the temperature regulation device 10 can be made into a compact and simple system.

[0187] The present embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the eighth embodiment described above can be obtained as in the eighth embodiment. (Tenth Embodiment)

[0188] Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0189] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 14, the air heat exchanger 32 of the present embodiment does not cool the rear ventilation air, but cools the luggage compartment air as the temperature regulation target, which is the air blown to a luggage compartment 78. The luggage compartment 78 is separated from the outside of the vehicle 70 and formed as a temperature regulation space provided inside the vehicle 70. For example, the luggage compartment 78 is arranged above an engine compartment where a radiator 79 that dissipates heat from engine cooling water, an engine, and the like are housed, and is formed to be separated from the engine compartment. Thus, the engine compartment 78 is located around the vehicle interior 71.

[0190] The present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the above description. In the present embodiment, effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

[0191] Although the present embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, the present embodiment can be combined with any of the third to sixth embodiments, the eighth embodiment, and the ninth embodiment described above. (Other embodiment) (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle 70 in which the temperature regulating device 10 is installed is as shown in Fig. 1, for example, a hybrid vehicle. However, the vehicle 70 may be an electric vehicle or a prime mover vehicle that does not have a traction motor. Furthermore, the temperature control device 10 does not need to be installed in the vehicle 70. (2) In each of the embodiments described above, the refrigeration circuit 12 shown in Fig. 1, for example, is operated as a subcritical refrigeration circuit, where the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side of the circuit does not exceed the critical refrigerant pressure. However, this is an example. For example, refrigeration circuit 12 can be operated as a supercritical circuit, where the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side of the circuit becomes equal to or higher than the critical refrigerant pressure. (3) In the second embodiment described above, the temperature regulating compartment in which the heat exchange plate 33 is provided is as shown in Fig. 5, the cup holder interior 75a, but this is an example. For example, the temperature control compartment may be an interior of a storage compartment in which small items, food, and the like are stored. (4) In the first embodiment described above, the air heat exchanger 32 is as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a heat exchanger that cools the rear ventilation air Ab as a temperature regulation target, but this is an example. For example, the air heat exchanger 32, as shown in Fig. 15, for example, cool the temperature regulation target air Ac as a temperature regulation target blown to the temperature regulation space 77 described in the sixth embodiment. (5) In the sixth embodiment described above, the air heat exchanger 48 is as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, a heat exchanger that heats the temperature regulation target air Ac as a temperature regulation target, but this is an example. For example, the air heat exchanger 48 may heat the rear ventilation air Ab (see Fig. 2) warm up as a temperature regulation goal. (6) In the eighth embodiment described above, the first temperature regulation target heated by the first air heat exchanger 48 and the second temperature regulation target cooled by the second air heat exchanger 32 are the same, which is the temperature regulation target air Ac. However, this is an example. For example, the first temperature regulation target may be the temperature regulation target air Ac of Fig. 10 and the second temperature regulation target can be the rear ventilation air from Fig. 2. The first temperature regulation target and the second temperature regulation target do not have to be the temperature regulation target air Ac. (7) In the first embodiment described above, the first expansion valve 16 and the second expansion valve 20 shown in Fig. 1 are configured to be fully closable, but this is an example. For example, the first expansion valve 16 may not be fully closable, and an on / off valve may be provided at the refrigerant inlet 16a of the first expansion valve 16. Similarly, the second expansion valve 20 may not be fully closable, and an on / off valve may be provided at the refrigerant inlet 20a of the second expansion valve 20. (8) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made. The above embodiments are not unrelated to each other and can be appropriately combined unless the combination is obviously impossible.

[0192] It is understood that in each of the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except for a case where it is expressly stated that the elements are particularly essential, and a case where the elements are understood to be apparently essential in principle. In the above-described embodiments, when a numerical value, such as the number, a numerical value, a quantity, or a range, of the constituent elements of the embodiment is mentioned, the numerical value is not limited to specific numerical values ​​unless otherwise specified as essential or apparently limited in principle to the specific numerical values.In each of the above embodiments, when reference is made to the materials, shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the components and the like, the shapes, positional relationships, and the like are not limited thereto unless otherwise specified or they are limited in principle to specific materials, shapes, positional relationships, and the like.

[0193] The circuit control device 80 and the technology thereof described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by forming a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions performed by a computer program. Alternatively, the circuit control device 80 and the technology thereof described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by forming a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.Alternatively, the circuit control device 80 and the technology thereof described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions, and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory, physical storage medium as an instruction set to be executed by the computer. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-065873

[0001] JP 2006-143124A

[0004]

Claims

[1] A temperature regulating device for regulating a temperature of a temperature regulating target (74, Ab, Ac), the temperature regulating device comprising: a refrigeration circuit (12) comprising a compressor (13) configured to compress a refrigerant, a refrigerant radiator (14, 42) configured to dissipate heat from the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor, a first expansion valve (16) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, a first evaporator (17) configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the first expansion valve and to cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor, a second expansion valve (20) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, and a second evaporator (21) configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the second expansion valve and to cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor; and a heat medium circuit (30) having a heat exchange section (32, 33) and in which a heat medium circulates while flowing through the heat exchange section and the second evaporator, wherein the first evaporator exchanges heat between the refrigerant and ventilation air (Af) which is blown to a space to be air-conditioned (71a) in order to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the ventilation air, the second evaporator exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the heat medium, and the heat exchange section exchanges heat between the temperature regulation target and the heat medium to cool the temperature regulation target. [2] Temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the refrigeration circuit has a pressure adjustment valve (23) and the pressure adjusting valve is provided on a refrigerant flow downstream side of the first evaporator and on a refrigerant flow upstream side of the compressor to maintain a refrigerant pressure of the first evaporator at a predetermined value or more. [3] Temperature regulating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium circuit has a battery heat exchanger (34), the heat medium flows through the battery heat exchanger in the heat medium circuit and the battery heat exchanger exchanges heat between a battery (76) and the heat medium. [4] Temperature regulating device according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid circuit (36) having a battery heat exchanger (34), wherein the refrigeration circuit comprises a third expansion valve (24) which expands the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator and a third evaporator (25) which evaporates the refrigerant flowing out of the third expansion valve and causes the refrigerant to flow to the compressor, a battery cooling fluid circulates in the fluid circuit while flowing through the battery heat exchanger and the third evaporator, the third evaporator exchanges heat between the battery cooling fluid and the refrigerant to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the battery cooling fluid, and the battery heat exchanger exchanges heat between the battery (76) and the battery cooling fluid. [5] A temperature regulating device for regulating a temperature of a temperature regulating target (74, Ab, Ac), the temperature regulating device comprising: a refrigeration circuit (12) comprising a compressor (13) configured to compress a refrigerant, a refrigerant radiator (42) configured to dissipate heat from the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor, an expansion valve (16) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant radiator, and an evaporator (17) configured to evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the expansion valve and cause the refrigerant to flow to the compressor; and a heat medium circuit (46) comprising a heat exchange section (48, 51), a heat medium radiator (49) and a flow rate adjusting mechanism (50), and in which a heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator and at least one of the heat exchange section or the heat medium radiator, wherein the flow rate adjustment mechanism adjusts a flow rate ratio between a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchange section and a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator, the evaporator exchanges heat between the refrigerant and ventilation air (Af) which is blown to the room to be air-conditioned (71a) in order to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the ventilation air, the refrigerant radiator exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant to heat the heat medium, the heat medium radiator dissipates heat from the heat medium and the heat exchange section exchanges heat between the temperature regulation target and the heat medium to heat the temperature regulation target. [6] Temperature regulating device according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first heat medium circuit (46) having a first heat exchange section (48, 51), a heat medium radiator (49) and a flow rate adjustment mechanism (50), and in which a first heat medium circulates while flowing through the refrigerant radiator (42) and at least one of the first heat exchange section or the heat medium radiator, wherein the flow rate adjustment mechanism adjusts a flow rate ratio between a flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the first heat exchange section and a flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the heat medium radiator, the refrigerant radiator exchanges heat between the first heat medium and the refrigerant to heat the first heat medium, the heat medium radiator dissipates heat from the first heat medium, the first heat exchange section exchanges heat between the temperature regulation target and the first heat medium to heat the temperature regulation target, the heat medium circuit is a second heat medium circuit, the heat medium is a second heat medium, the heat exchange section is a second heat exchange section, the refrigeration circuit is configured to be able to stop a flow of the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant radiator to the second evaporator, when the flow rate adjustment mechanism allows the first heat medium to flow to the first heat exchange section, the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant radiator to the first evaporator in the refrigeration cycle while preventing the refrigerant from flowing from the refrigerant radiator to the second evaporator, and when the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle flows from the refrigerant radiator to the second evaporator, the flow rate adjusting mechanism allows the first heat medium to flow to the heat medium radiator while preventing the first heat medium from flowing to the first heat exchange section. [7] The temperature regulating device according to claim 6, wherein the first heat exchange portion and the second heat exchange portion are integrally formed. [8] The temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the heat medium circuit comprises a pump (31, 47) that circulates the heat medium in the heat medium circuit to increase or decrease the flow rate of the heat medium. [9] Temperature regulating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature control device is provided in a vehicle (70), the temperature regulation target is air (Ab, Ac) to be blown to a temperature regulation space (71b, 77, 78) separated from an outside of the vehicle and provided inside the vehicle, and the heat exchange section exchanges heat between the heat medium and the temperature regulation target passing through the heat exchange section. [10] Temperature regulating device according to claim 9, wherein the space to be air-conditioned is contained in a vehicle interior (71) in which a passenger seat (72) is arranged, and the temperature regulating space is a space (71b, 77) which occupies a part of the vehicle interior and is different from the space to be air-conditioned, or is a space (77, 78) which is located around the vehicle interior.

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