Heat pump circuit device

Abstract

A heat pump cycle device comprises a compressor (11), a branch section (12a), a heating unit (13, 30, 30c), a heating unit-side expansion unit (14c), a bypass passage (21c), a bypass-side flow rate regulating unit (14b), a merging section (12f), a heat generation unit (44, 70, 84), and an endothermic unit (20, 84a). The heating unit (13, 30, 30c) is configured to heat an object to be heated by using the refrigerant flowing out of an outflow port of the branch section as a heat source. Another refrigerant branched at the branch section flows into the bypass passage (21c). The endothermic unit (20, 84a) is configured to cause at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit to absorb heat generated by the heat generation unit (44, 70, 84).

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-179483, filed on November 9, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat pump cycle device that heats an object to be heated by using heat generated by a compression work of a compressor. State of the art

[0003] Conventionally, Patent Literature 1 discloses a heat pump cycle device applied to a vehicle air conditioner and heating air in a vehicle cabin. In the heat pump cycle device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, operation is performed in a hot gas air heating mode by switching a refrigerant cycle under an operating condition where it is difficult to absorb heat from outside air for heating ventilation air blown into the vehicle cabin, such as at a low outside air temperature.

[0004] In the hot-gas air heating mode refrigerant cycle, the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor is branched, and a branch refrigerant flows into a heating unit. The heating unit heats the ventilation air by using the refrigerant discharged from the compressor as a heat source. In the hot-gas air heating mode refrigerant cycle, the refrigerant discharged from the heating unit and the other refrigerant branched at the branch portion are expanded and then mixed to be drawn into the compressor.

[0005] As a result, in the heat pump cycle device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the ventilation air as the object to be heated is heated in the hot gas air heating mode by using heat generated by the compression work of the compressor without using heat absorbed from the outside air. Citation listPatent literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP-2021-156567-A Summary of the invention

[0007] However, in the hot gas air heating mode of Patent Literature 1, ventilation air is heated using only the heat generated by the compression work of the compressor. In this case, if the compressor speed reaches the upper limit speed determined by the compressor's durability, the compressor's allowable noise, and the like, the ventilation air heating capacity in the heating unit cannot be improved. As a result, the heating capacity of the heating unit may be insufficient.

[0008] In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a heat pump cycle device capable of improving a heating performance of an object to be heated without increasing a rotation speed of a compressor.

[0009] A heat pump cycle device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a compressor, a branching section, a heating unit, a heating unit-side expansion unit, a bypass passage, a bypass-side flow rate regulating unit, a combining section, a heat generating unit, and an endothermic unit.

[0010] The compressor is configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant. The branch portion is configured to branch a flow of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. The heating unit is configured to heat an object to be heated by using the refrigerant flowing out from a discharge port of the branch portion as a heat source. The heating-unit-side expansion unit is configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit. The bypass passage is made to cause another refrigerant branched at the branch portion to flow therethrough. The bypass-side flow rate regulating unit is configured to regulate a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage.The combining section is configured to combine a flow of refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating unit and a flow of refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit, and cause a combining refrigerant of the refrigerant to flow into a suction port side of the compressor. The heat generation unit is configured to generate heat. The endothermic unit is configured to cause at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit to absorb heat generated by the heat generation unit.

[0011] Accordingly, the heating unit can heat the object to be heated. At this time, at the merging portion, a refrigerant with a comparatively high enthalpy flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating unit and a refrigerant with a comparatively low enthalpy flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit are merged, and the merging refrigerant flows to the suction port side of the compressor. Therefore, a suction refrigerant drawn into the compressor can be maintained in an appropriate state, and the heating unit can stably heat the object to be heated.

[0012] The endothermic unit causes at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit to absorb the heat generated by the heat generation unit. Therefore, the amount of heat transferred from the refrigerant in the heating unit to the object to be heated can be increased without increasing the compressor speed by increasing the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit.

[0013] That is, according to the heat pump cycle device of one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the heating capability of the heating unit to heat the object to be heated without increasing the rotation speed of the compressor.

[0014] Here, "at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit" is not limited to the refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit. As long as the refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit is included, the refrigerant can be a refrigerant that has merged with the refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating unit. Short description of the drawings

[0015] The above object and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioner of a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an indoor air conditioning unit of the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric control unit of the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a control characteristic diagram for determining the upper limit speed of a compressor for a vehicle speed in the first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a control characteristic diagram for determining a target heat medium temperature for the upper limit speed of the compressor in the first embodiment; Fig. 6 is a schematic overall configuration diagram illustrating a flow of a refrigerant or the like in a first endothermic hot gas air heating mode of the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment; Fig. 7 is a Mollier diagram showing a state of refrigerant in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode in a heat pump cycle of the first embodiment; Fig. 8 is a schematic overall configuration diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant or the like in a second endothermic hot gas air heating mode of the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment; Fig. 9 is a schematic overall configuration diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant or the like in a first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode of the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment; Fig. 10 is a schematic overall configuration diagram illustrating a flow of refrigerant or the like in a second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode of the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment; Fig. 11 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioner according to a second embodiment; Fig. 12 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioner according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 13 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0016] Hereinafter, a variety of embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to items described in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. In a case where only a part of a configuration is described in each embodiment, other embodiments already described may be applied to other parts of the configuration. It is possible to combine the parts for which it is explicitly described that the parts can be combined in each embodiment. Furthermore, the embodiments can be partially combined even if it is not explicitly described that the embodiments can be combined, provided that there is no particular problem in the combination. (First embodiment)

[0017] A first embodiment of a heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 10. In the present embodiment, the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle air conditioner 1 mounted on an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle is a vehicle that obtains driving power from an electric motor. The vehicle air conditioner 1 performs air conditioning in a vehicle cabin, which is a space to be air-conditioned, and adjusts the temperature of an in-vehicle device. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioner 1 can be referred to as an air conditioner with a temperature adjustment function of an in-vehicle device or a temperature adjustment device of an in-vehicle device with an air conditioning function.

[0018] Specifically, the vehicle air conditioner 1 adjusts the temperature of a battery 70 as the in-vehicle device. The battery 70 is a secondary battery that stores electrical energy, which is supplied to a plurality of in-vehicle devices powered by electricity. The battery 70 is an assembly battery formed by electrically connecting a plurality of stacked battery cells in series or parallel. The battery cell of the present embodiment is a lithium-ion battery.

[0019] The battery 70 generates heat during operation (i.e., at the time of charging and discharging). The output of the battery 70 is likely to decrease at a low temperature, and aging is likely to progress at a high temperature. For this reason, the temperature of the battery 70 needs to be maintained within a reasonable temperature range (in the present embodiment, the temperature is equal to or higher than 15°C and equal to or lower than 55°C). Therefore, in the electric vehicle of the present embodiment, the temperature of the battery 70 is adjusted using the vehicle air conditioner 1.

[0020] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a heat pump circuit 10, a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40, an interior air conditioning unit 50, a control unit 60, and the like.

[0021] First, the heat pump circuit 10 is Fig. 1. The heat pump cycle 10 is a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle that adjusts the temperatures of ventilation air blown into the vehicle cabin, a high-temperature side heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, and a low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40. The heat pump cycle 10 is configured to be capable of switching a refrigerant circuit depending on various operation modes described later to perform air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and temperature adjustment of the in-vehicle device.

[0022] The heat pump cycle 10 uses an HFO refrigerant (specifically, R1234yf) as the refrigerant. The heat pump cycle 10 configures a subcritical refrigeration cycle in which the pressure of a high-pressure side refrigerant does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. A refrigeration oil for lubricating a compressor 11 is mixed into the refrigerant. The refrigeration oil is a PAG oil compatible with a liquid-phase refrigerant (i.e., a polyalkylene glycol oil). A portion of the refrigeration oil circulates together with the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle 10.

[0023] Compressor 11 draws in, compresses, and discharges the refrigerant in heat pump cycle 10. Compressor 11 is an electric compressor in which a compression mechanism of fixed capacity with a fixed discharge rate is rotationally driven by an electric motor. The rotational speed (i.e., a refrigerant discharge rate) of compressor 11 is controlled by a control signal output from controller 60, which will be described later.

[0024] The compressor 11 is arranged in a drive unit chamber formed at the front of the vehicle cabin. The drive unit chamber forms a space in which at least a part of a device (e.g., an electric traction motor) or the like used to generate or adjust a driving force for driving the vehicle is arranged.

[0025] The inlet port side of a first three-way node 12a is connected to a discharge port of the compressor 11. The first three-way node 12a has three inlet and outlet ports that communicate with each other. As the first three-way node 12a, a node portion formed by joining a plurality of tubes or a node portion formed by providing a plurality of refrigerant passages in a metal block or a resin block can be used.

[0026] As described later, the heat pump cycle 10 further includes a second three-way node 12b to a sixth three-way node 12f. The basic configurations of the second three-way node 12b to the sixth three-way node 12f are similar to those of the first three-way node 12a. The basic configuration of each three-way node described in the embodiments described later is also similar to that of the first three-way node 12a.

[0027] In this three-way node, if one of the three inflow and outflow ports is used as an inflow port and the remaining two are used as outflow ports, the refrigerant flow is branched. If two of the three inflow and outflow ports are used as inflow ports and the remaining one is used as an outflow port, the refrigerant flows are combined. The first three-way node 12a is a branch section that branches the flow of the discharge refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0028] The inlet side of a refrigerant passage in a water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 is connected to an outlet port of the first three-way node 12a. An inlet port side of the sixth three-way node 12f is connected to the other outlet port of the first three-way node 12a.

[0029] The refrigerant passage from the other outlet port of the first three-way node 12a to an inlet port of the sixth three-way node 12f is a bypass passage 21c. A bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d is arranged in the bypass passage 21c.

[0030] The bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d is a bypass-passage-side expansion unit that expands a discharge refrigerant (ie, the other discharge refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a) flowing out from the other discharge port of the first three-way node 12a in a hot gas air heating mode or the like, which will be described later. The bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d is a bypass-side flow rate regulating unit that regulates the flow rate (in the present embodiment, a mass flow rate) of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage 21c.

[0031] The bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d is an electric variable throttle mechanism including a valve body that changes a throttle opening and an electric actuator (specifically, a stepping motor) as a drive unit that displaces the valve body. The operation of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d is controlled by a control pulse output from the controller 60.

[0032] The bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d has a full-opening function, acting as a simple refrigerant passage without a refrigerant release action, and a flow rate regulating action by setting the throttle opening to a fully open state. The bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d has a full-closing function, closing the refrigerant passage by setting the throttle opening to a fully closed state.

[0033] As described later, the heat pump cycle 10 further includes an air heating expansion valve 14a, an air cooling expansion valve 14b, and a cooling expansion valve 14c. The basic configurations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, and the cooling expansion valve 14c are similar to those of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d.

[0034] The refrigerant cycle can be switched by the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d, which have a fully closing function. Therefore, the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d function as a refrigerant cycle switching unit.

[0035] Needless to say, the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d may be configured by combining a variable throttle mechanism that does not have a complete closing function and an on / off valve that opens and closes a throttle passage. In this case, each on / off valve functions as a refrigerant cycle switching unit.

[0036] The water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 is a dissipative heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the discharge refrigerant (i.e., a discharge refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a) flowing out from an outflow port of the first three-way node 12a and the high-temperature-side heat medium circulating in the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 30. In the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the high-temperature-side heat medium is heated by dissipating heat of the discharge refrigerant to the high-temperature-side heat medium.

[0037] The inlet port side of the second three-way node 12b is connected to an outlet port of the refrigerant passage in the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The inlet side of the air-heating expansion valve 14a is connected to an outlet port of the second three-way node 12b. One inlet port side of a four-way node 12x is connected to the other outlet port of the second three-way node 12b.

[0038] The refrigerant passage from the other outlet port of the second three-way node 12b to an inlet port of the four-way node 12x is a high-pressure side passage 21a. A high-pressure side on / off valve 22a is arranged in the high-pressure side passage 21a.

[0039] The high-pressure-side on / off valve 22a is an on / off valve that opens and closes the high-pressure-side passage 21a. The high-pressure-side on / off valve 22a is an electromagnetic valve whose opening and closing operation is controlled by a control voltage output from the controller 60. The high-pressure-side on / off valve 22a can switch the refrigerant cycle by opening and closing the high-pressure-side passage 21a. Therefore, the high-pressure-side on / off valve 22a is a refrigerant cycle switching unit.

[0040] The four-way node 12x is a node section that has four inflow and outflow ports that communicate with each other. A node section configured in a manner similar to that of the three-way node described above can be used as the four-way node 12x. The four-way node 12x can be formed by combining two three-way nodes.

[0041] The air-heating expansion valve 14a is an outdoor heat exchanger-side expansion unit that expands the refrigerant flowing into an outdoor heat exchanger 15 in an endothermic outdoor air and air-heating mode or the like, which will be described later. The air-heating expansion valve 14a is an outdoor heat exchanger-side flow rate regulating unit that regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

[0042] The refrigerant inlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is connected to an outlet port of the air-heating expansion valve 14a. The outdoor heat exchanger 15 is an outdoor air heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out of the air-heating expansion valve 14a and outside air blown by an outside air fan (not shown). The outdoor heat exchanger 15 is arranged at the front of the power unit chamber. For this reason, during vehicle travel, the airflow flowing into the power unit chamber through a grille can be blown against the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

[0043] The inlet side of the third three-way node 12c is connected to a refrigerant outlet port of the outdoor heat exchanger 15. Another inlet port side of the four-way node 12x is connected to an outlet port of the third three-way node 12c via a first check valve 16a. An inlet port side of the fourth three-way node 12d is connected to the other outlet port of the third three-way node 12c.

[0044] The refrigerant passage from the other outlet port of the third three-way node 12c to an inlet port of the fourth three-way node 12d is a low-pressure side passage 21b. A low-pressure side on / off valve 22b is arranged in the low-pressure side passage 21b.

[0045] The low-pressure side on / off valve 22b is an on / off valve that opens and closes the low-pressure side passage 21b. The basic configuration of the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b is similar to that of the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a. Therefore, the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b is a refrigerant cycle switching unit. The basic configuration of each on / off valve described in the embodiments described later is also similar to that of the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a.

[0046] The first check valve 16a allows the refrigerant to flow from the third three-way node 12c side to the four-way node 12x side and prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the four-way node 12x side to the third three-way node 12c side.

[0047] The refrigerant inlet side of an indoor evaporator 18 is connected to an outlet port of the four-way node 12x via the air cooling expansion valve 14b.

[0048] The air-cooling expansion valve 14b is an indoor evaporator-side expansion unit that expands the refrigerant flowing into the indoor evaporator 18 in an air-cooling mode or the like, which will be described later. The air-cooling expansion valve 14b is also an indoor evaporator-side flow rate regulating unit that regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor evaporator 18.

[0049] The interior evaporator 18 is arranged in an air-conditioning case 51 of the interior air-conditioning unit 50, which will be described later. The interior evaporator 18 is an air-cooling heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant expanded by the air-cooling expansion valve 14b and the ventilation air blown toward the vehicle cabin by an interior blower 52. In the interior evaporator 18, the ventilation air is cooled by evaporating the low-pressure refrigerant to exhibit an endothermic action.

[0050] An inflow port side of the fifth three-way node 12e is connected to a refrigerant outlet port of the indoor evaporator 18 via a second check valve 16b. The second check valve 16b allows the refrigerant to flow from the refrigerant outlet side of the indoor evaporator 18 to the fifth three-way node 12e side and prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the fifth three-way node 12e side to the refrigerant outlet side of the indoor evaporator 18.

[0051] The other inlet port side of the sixth three-way node 12f is connected to another outlet port of the four-way node 12x via the cooling expansion valve 14c. The inlet side of a refrigerant passage in a chiller 20 is connected to an outlet port of the sixth three-way node 12f.

[0052] The cooling expansion valve 14c is a chiller-side expansion unit that expands the refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 in a hot gas air heating mode described later, an operation mode for cooling the battery 70, or the like. The cooling expansion valve 14c is a chiller-side flow rate regulating unit that regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20.

[0053] The chiller 20 is an endothermic heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the low-pressure refrigerant expanded by the cooling expansion valve 14c and the low-temperature side heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40. In the chiller 20, the low-temperature side heat medium is cooled by evaporating the low-pressure refrigerant to exhibit the endothermic action.

[0054] The other inflow port side of the fourth three-way node 12d is connected to an outlet port of the refrigerant passage in the chiller 20. The other inflow port side of the fifth three-way node 12e is connected to an outlet port of the fourth three-way node 12d.

[0055] The inlet side of an accumulator 23 is connected to a discharge port of the fifth three-way node 12e. The accumulator 23 is a low-pressure-side gas / liquid separation device that separates the refrigerant flowing into the accumulator into a gas and a liquid and stores the separated liquid-phase refrigerant as excess refrigerant in the cycle. A gas-phase refrigerant outlet port of the accumulator 23 is connected to the suction port side of the compressor 11.

[0056] Next, the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 30 will be described. The high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit for circulating the high-temperature-side heat medium. In the present embodiment, an aqueous ethylene glycol solution is used as the high-temperature-side heat medium. A high-temperature-side pump 31, a heater core 32, a heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, and the like are arranged in the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 30.

[0057] The high-temperature-side pump 31 is a high-temperature-side heat medium pumping unit that sucks the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing out of the heater core 32 and pumps the high-temperature-side heat medium to the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The high-temperature-side pump 31 is an electric pump whose rotational speed (ie, a pumping capacity) is controlled by a control voltage output from the controller 60.

[0058] The heater core 32 is an air-heating heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the ventilation air that has passed through the interior evaporator 18 to heat the ventilation air. The heater core 32 is arranged in the air conditioning case 51 of the interior air conditioning unit 50. The suction port side of the high-temperature side pump 31 is connected to a heat medium outlet port of the heater core 32.

[0059] Therefore, in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 can flow into the heater core 32 by operating the high-temperature side pump 31. In the heater core 32, heat can be exchanged between the high-temperature side heat medium and the ventilation air to heat the ventilation air.

[0060] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and each component of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are heating units that heat ventilation air as an object to be heated by using the refrigerant flowing out from a discharge port of the first three-way node 12a as a heat source.

[0061] The cooling expansion valve 14c is a heating unit-side expansion unit that expands the refrigerant flowing out of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 constituting the heating unit in the hot-gas air heating mode or the like. The sixth three-way node 12f is a merging portion that, in the hot-gas air heating mode or the like, merges the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the cooling expansion valve 14c and the flow of bypass-side refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d to cause the merged flow of refrigerant to flow to the suction port side of the compressor 11.

[0062] Next, the low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 40 will be described. The low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 40 is a circuit for circulating the low-temperature-side heat medium. In the present embodiment, the same type of fluid as the high-temperature-side heat medium is used as the low-temperature-side heat medium. In the low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 40, a first low-temperature-side pump 41a, a second low-temperature-side pump 41b, a heat medium three-way valve 42, a heat medium four-way valve 43, a heating passage 44a of an electric heat medium heater 44, a cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, and the like are arranged.

[0063] The first low-temperature-side pump 41a is a low-temperature-side heat medium pumping unit that sucks the low-temperature-side heat medium flowing out from one outflow port of the heat medium four-way valve 43 and pumps the low-temperature-side heat medium to the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44. The second low-temperature-side pump 41b is a low-temperature-side heat medium pumping unit that sucks the low-temperature-side heat medium flowing out from another outflow port of the heat medium four-way valve 43 and pumps the low-temperature-side heat medium to the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70.

[0064] The basic configurations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b are similar to that of the high-temperature side pump 31. The first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b can regulate the flow rate of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit. Therefore, the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b of the present embodiment are heat medium flow rate regulating units that regulate the inflow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20.

[0065] The electric heat medium heater 44 is a heat generating unit that generates heat by receiving an input of electric power. In the present embodiment, a PTC heater having a PTC element (ie, a positive characteristic thermistor) is used as the electric heat medium heater 44. The amount of heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 is controlled by the electric power supplied from the controller 60.

[0066] The heating passage 44a is a heat medium passage through which the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a flows. The heating passage 44a is integrally formed with a casing in which the electric heat medium heater 44 is housed. Therefore, when the low-temperature side heat medium is caused to flow through the heating passage 44a, the low-temperature side heat medium can be heated by the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44.

[0067] The inlet port side of the heat medium three-way valve 42 is connected to a heat medium outlet port of the heating passage 44a. The inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20 is connected to an outlet port of the heat medium three-way valve 42. The inlet side of a heat medium bypass passage 45 is connected to the other outlet port of the heat medium three-way valve 42. The heat medium bypass passage 45 is a heat medium passage through which the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heating passage 44a flows while bypassing the heat medium passage of the chiller 20.

[0068] The heat medium three-way valve 42 is a heat medium circuit switching unit that switches the circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40. The operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 is controlled by a control voltage output from the controller 60.

[0069] Specifically, the heat medium three-way valve 42 can switch to a circuit connecting the outlet side of the heating passage 44a and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20. The heat medium three-way valve 42 can also switch to a circuit connecting the outlet side of the heating passage 44a and the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 45.

[0070] An inflow port side of a heat medium three-way node 46 is connected to an outlet port of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20. The other inflow port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 is connected to an outlet port of the heat medium bypass passage 45. An inflow port side of the heat medium four-way valve 43 is connected to an outlet port of the heat medium three-way node 46. The basic configuration of the heat medium three-way node 46 is similar to that of the first three-way node 12a of the heat pump cycle 10 and the like.

[0071] The heat medium four-way valve 43 is a heat medium circuit switching unit that switches the circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40. The operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 is controlled by a control voltage output from the controller 60.

[0072] Specifically, the heat medium four-way valve 43 can switch to a circuit that connects the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and simultaneously connects the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a. The heat medium four-way valve 43 can also switch to a circuit that connects the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, and simultaneously connects the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b.

[0073] The cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is a heat medium passage through which the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b flows. The cooling water passage 70a is formed within a battery-specific casing that accommodates a plurality of stacked battery cells.

[0074] Therefore, the battery 70 can be cooled by the low-temperature side heat medium flowing through the cooling water passage 70a when the battery 70 generates heat. In other words, the low-temperature side heat medium can be heated by the heat generated by the battery 70 by the low-temperature side heat medium flowing through the cooling water passage 70a when the battery 70 generates heat.

[0075] The passage configuration of the cooling water passage 70a is a passage configuration in which a plurality of passages are connected in parallel within the battery-specific casing. As a result, all battery cells can be evenly cooled in the cooling water passage 70a. Another inflow port side of the heat medium four-way valve 43 is connected to an outlet port of the cooling water passage 70a.

[0076] Therefore, the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 of the present embodiment are heat generating units that generate heat for heating the low-temperature side heat medium.

[0077] The amount of heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 can be controlled by the electrical power supplied from the controller 60. Therefore, the electric heat medium heater 44 of the present embodiment is a highly controllable heat generation unit capable of easily controlling the amount of heat generated to an amount desired by the user. The electric heat medium heater 44 is also a priority heat generation unit whose amount of heat generated is controlled with priority to adjust the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium.

[0078] On the other hand, the battery 70 is discharged depending on the needs of various in-vehicle devices during vehicle travel and stop, and is charged during charging in accordance with specifications of a charging device or the like. For this reason, the amount of heat generated by the battery 70 is less easily controlled than the highly controllable heat generating unit. Therefore, the battery 70 of the present embodiment is a low-controllable heat generating unit with lower controllability than the highly controllable heat generating unit. The low-controllable heat generating unit also includes a heat generating unit whose generated heat amount cannot be controlled by the controller 60.The battery 70 is also a low-priority heat generating unit whose amount of heat generated is controlled with a lower priority than the priority heat generating unit.

[0079] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 is a heat medium circuit that circulates the low-temperature side heat medium heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 or the battery 70. The chiller 20 is an endothermic unit that causes the refrigerant flowing out of the sixth three-way node 12f to absorb heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 via the low-temperature side heat medium.

[0080] Next, the interior air conditioning unit 50 is Fig. 2. The interior air conditioning unit 50 is a unit in which a plurality of components are integrated to blow ventilation air, whose temperature has been adjusted to an appropriate temperature for conditioning the vehicle cabin, to an appropriate location in the vehicle cabin. The interior air conditioning unit 50 is arranged within an instrument panel (dashboard) at the frontmost part of the vehicle cabin.

[0081] The interior air conditioning unit 50 is configured by accommodating the interior blower 52, the interior evaporator 18, the heater core 32, and the like in the air conditioning case 51, which forms an air passage for ventilation air. The air conditioning case 51 is made of a resin (e.g., polypropylene) with a certain degree of elasticity and excellent strength.

[0082] An inside and outside air switching device 53 is arranged on the most upstream side of a ventilation air flow in the air conditioning case 51. The inside and outside air switching device 53 alternately introduces inside air (i.e., air inside the vehicle cabin) and / or outside air (i.e., air outside the vehicle cabin) into the air conditioning case 51. The operation of the inside and outside air switching device 53 is controlled by a control signal output from the controller 60.

[0083] The interior fan 52 is arranged downstream of the ventilation air flow from the inside and outside air switching device 51. The interior fan 52 is a fan unit that blows air introduced through the inside and outside air switching device 53 toward the vehicle cabin. The rotational speed (i.e., a blowing capacity) of the interior fan 52 is controlled by a control voltage output from the controller 60.

[0084] The interior evaporator 18 and the heater core 32 are arranged on the downstream side of the ventilation air flow from the interior blower 52. The interior evaporator 18 is arranged on the upstream side of the ventilation air flow from the heater core 32. A cold air bypass passage 55, through which the ventilation air that has passed through the interior evaporator 18 flows while bypassing the heater core 32, is formed in the air conditioning case 51.

[0085] An air mix door 54 is arranged on the downstream side of the ventilation air flow from the indoor evaporator 18 in the air conditioning case 51 and on the upstream side of the ventilation air flow from the heater core 32 and the cold air bypass passage 55 in the air conditioning case 51.

[0086] The air mix damper 54 adjusts the air volume ratio of the ventilation air that has passed through the interior evaporator 18 between the air volume of the ventilation air that passes through the heater core 32 and the air volume of the ventilation air that passes through the cold air bypass passage 55. The operation of an actuator for driving the air mix damper 54 is controlled by a control signal output from the controller 60.

[0087] A mixing space 56 is formed on the downstream side of the ventilation air flow from the heater core 32 and the cold air bypass passage 55. The mixing space 56 is a space where the ventilation air heated by the heater core 32 and the ventilation air that has passed through the cold air bypass passage 55 and has not been heated are mixed.

[0088] Therefore, in the interior air conditioning unit 50, the temperature of the ventilation air (ie, the air-conditioning air) mixed in the mixing space 56 and blown into the vehicle cabin can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the air mix door 54. The air mix door 54 of the present embodiment is an air flow rate regulating unit that regulates the flow rate of the ventilation air subjected to heat exchange at the heater core 32.

[0089] A plurality of opening holes (not shown) for blowing air conditioning air to various locations in the vehicle cabin are formed at the most downstream portion of the ventilation air flow in the air conditioning case 51. A blow mode damper (not shown) that opens and closes each opening hole is disposed in each of the plurality of opening holes. The operation of an actuator for driving the blow mode damper is controlled by a control signal output from the controller 60.

[0090] Therefore, in the interior air conditioning unit 50, the air conditioning air whose temperature has been adjusted to an appropriate temperature can be blown to an appropriate location in the vehicle cabin by switching the opening holes opened and closed by the blowing mode doors.

[0091] Next, an electrical control unit of the present embodiment will be described. The control device 60 includes a known microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and its surrounding circuits. The control device 60 performs various calculations and processing based on a control program stored in the ROM. The control device 60 then controls operations of various control target devices connected to the output side based on the calculation and processing results.

[0092] As shown in the block diagram of Fig. 3, a control sensor group is connected to the input side of the controller 60, and the control sensor group includes an indoor air temperature sensor 61a, an outdoor air temperature sensor 61b, a solar radiation amount sensor 61c, a discharge refrigerant temperature sensor 62a, a high-pressure side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62b, an outdoor unit side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62c, an evaporator temperature sensor 62d, a chiller-side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62e, a high-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 63a, a low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 63b, a battery temperature sensor 64, an air-conditioning air temperature sensor 65, and the like.

[0093] The inside air temperature sensor 61a is an inside air temperature detection unit that detects a vehicle cabin temperature (an inside air temperature) Tr. The outside air temperature sensor 61b is an outside air temperature detection unit that detects a vehicle exterior temperature (an outside air temperature) Tam. The solar radiation amount sensor 61c is a solar radiation amount detection unit that detects the solar radiation amount As irradiated into the vehicle cabin.

[0094] The discharge refrigerant temperature sensor 62a is a discharge refrigerant temperature detecting unit that detects a discharge refrigerant temperature Td of the discharge refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0095] The high-pressure side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62b is a high-pressure side refrigerant temperature / pressure detection unit that detects a high-pressure side refrigerant temperature T1, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, and a discharge refrigerant pressure Pd, which is the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The discharge refrigerant pressure Pd can be used as the pressure of the discharge refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0096] The outdoor unit-side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62c is an outdoor unit-side refrigerant temperature / pressure detection unit that detects an outdoor unit-side refrigerant temperature T2, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and an outdoor unit-side refrigerant pressure P2, which is the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 15. Specifically, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet port of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 through the refrigerant passage to the inflow port of the third three-way node 12c.

[0097] The evaporator temperature sensor 62d is an evaporator temperature detection unit that detects a refrigerant evaporation temperature (evaporator temperature) Tefin in the interior evaporator 18. Specifically, the evaporator temperature sensor 62d detects a heat exchange fin temperature of the interior evaporator 18.

[0098] The chiller-side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62e is a chiller-side refrigerant temperature / pressure detection unit that detects a chiller-side refrigerant temperature Tc, which is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage in the chiller 20, and a chiller-side refrigerant pressure Pc, which is the pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage in the chiller 20. The chiller-side refrigerant pressure Pc of the present embodiment can be used as the suction refrigerant pressure Ps, which is the pressure of the suction refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11.

[0099] In the present embodiment, as the refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor, a detection unit in which the pressure detection unit and the temperature detection unit are integrated is used, but it is needless to say that the pressure detection unit and the temperature detection unit configured separately may be used.

[0100] The high-temperature-side heat medium temperature sensor 63a is a high-temperature-side heat medium temperature detecting unit that detects a high-temperature-side heat medium temperature TWH, which is the temperature of the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing into the heater core 32.

[0101] The low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 63b is a low-temperature side heat medium temperature detection unit that detects a low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL, which is the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing from the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44 into the heat medium three-way valve 42. The low-temperature side heat medium temperature TWL of the present embodiment can be used as an inflow temperature TWLC, which is the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the heat medium three-way valve 42 into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20.

[0102] The battery temperature sensor 64 is a battery temperature detection unit that detects a battery temperature TB, which is the temperature of the battery 70. The battery temperature sensor 64 includes a plurality of temperature sensors and detects temperatures at a plurality of locations on the battery 70. Therefore, the controller 60 can detect a temperature difference between and a temperature distribution of the individual battery cells that make up the battery 70. An average value of detection values ​​from the plurality of temperature sensors is used as the battery temperature TB.

[0103] The air conditioning temperature sensor 65 is an air conditioning temperature detection unit that detects a temperature TAV of ventilation air blown into the vehicle cabin from the mixing chamber 56. The ventilation air temperature TAV is an object temperature of the ventilation air as an object to be heated.

[0104] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an operation panel 69, located near the instrument panel at the front of the vehicle cabin, is connected to the input side of the control device 60 in a wired or wireless manner. Operation signals from various operation switches provided on the operation panel 69 are input to the control device 60.

[0105] Specific examples of the various operation switches provided on the operation panel 69 include an automatic switch, an air conditioning switch, an air volume adjustment switch, and a temperature adjustment switch.

[0106] The automatic switch is an automatic control setting unit that sets or cancels the automatic control operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The air conditioning switch is a cooling request unit that requests that the interior evaporator 18 cool the ventilation air. The air volume setting switch is an air volume setting unit that manually adjusts the air volume of the interior blower 52. The temperature setting switch is a temperature setting unit that sets a setting temperature Tset in the vehicle cabin.

[0107] The control device 60 of the present embodiment is integrally configured with control units that control various control target devices connected to the output side thereof. Therefore, the configuration (hardware and software) that controls the operation of each control target device configures the control unit that controls the operation of each control target device.

[0108] For example, in the control device 60, the configuration that controls the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor 11 configures a discharge capacity control unit 60a. The configuration that controls the amount of heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 as the highly controllable heat generation unit configures a heat generation amount control unit 60b. The configuration that controls the operations of the heat medium three-way valve 42 and the heat medium four-way valve 43 as heat medium circuit switching units configures a heat medium circuit control unit 60c. The configuration that controls the operations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as heat medium flow rate regulating units configures an inflow rate regulating unit 60d.

[0109] The configuration that determines an upper limit speed Nclmt of the compressor 11 configures an upper limit speed determining unit 60e. As shown in the control characteristic diagram of Fig. As shown in Fig. 4, in the upper-limit speed determining unit 60e of the present embodiment, the upper-limit speed Nclmt is reduced along with a reduction in a vehicle speed Vv within the range of a maximum speed Ncmax or less determined from the durability of the compressor 11. This is because the noise level allowable for the compressor 11 decreases as the vehicle speed Vv decreases.

[0110] The configuration that determines a target heat medium temperature TWLCO of the inlet temperature TWLC configures a target heat medium temperature determination unit 60f. The target heat medium temperature TWLCO is determined to be higher than the chiller-side refrigerant temperature Tc detected by the chiller-side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62e. In other words, it is determined that the low-pressure refrigerant can absorb heat from the low-temperature-side heat medium in the chiller 20.

[0111] In the target heat medium temperature determination unit 60f of the present embodiment, as shown in the control characteristic diagram of Fig. 5, the target heat medium temperature TWLCO increases as the upper limit speed Nclmt decreases. That is, the total amount of heat generated by the battery 70 and the electric heat medium heater 44 increases as the upper limit speed Nclmt increases. This is because the compression workload of the compressor 11 tends to decrease as the upper limit speed Nclmt decreases.

[0112] Next, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, various operation modes are switched to perform air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and temperature adjustment of the battery 70. The switching of the operation mode is performed by executing a control program stored in advance in the controller 60.

[0113] In the control program, the detection signals of the control sensor group and the operation signals of the operation panel 69 described above are read. A target blowout temperature TAO, which is a target temperature of ventilation air blown into the vehicle cabin, is calculated based on the readout detection signal and the operation signal. Furthermore, the operation mode is selected based on the detection signal, the operation signal, the target blowout temperature TAO, and the like, and the operations of various control target devices are controlled based on the selected operation mode.

[0114] Thereafter, the control routine of reading the detection signal and the operation signal, calculating the target blow-out temperature TAO, selecting the operation mode, and controlling various control target devices is repeated every predetermined control cycle until the termination condition of the control program is satisfied.

[0115] The target discharge temperature TAO is calculated using the following formula F1. TAO=Kset×Tset−Kr×Tr−Kam×Tam−Ks×As+C

[0116] Tset is a set temperature in the vehicle cabin, which is set by the temperature setting switch. Tr is an indoor air temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 61a. Tam is an outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor 61b. As is a solar radiation amount detected by the solar radiation amount sensor 61c. Kset, Kr, Kam, and Ks are control gains, and C is a correction constant. Each operation mode is described below. (a) Air cooling mode

[0117] The air cooling mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is cooled by blowing cooled ventilation air into the vehicle cabin. The air cooling mode tends to be selected when the outside air temperature Tam is relatively high (equal to or higher than 25°C in the present embodiment) or when the target blowout temperature TAO is a relatively low value in a state where the automatic switch and the air conditioning switch are turned on.

[0118] The air cooling mode includes a simple air cooling mode and a cooling and air cooling mode. The simple air cooling mode is an operating mode in which the vehicle cabin is cooled without cooling the battery 70. The cooling and air cooling mode is an operating mode in which the battery 70 is cooled and the vehicle cabin is cooled simultaneously.

[0119] In the control program of the present embodiment, an operation mode for cooling the battery 70 is executed when the battery temperature TB detected by the battery temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference cooling temperature KTB1. The same applies to other operation modes described below. (a-1) Simple air cooling mode

[0120] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple air-cooling mode, the controller 60 brings the air-heating expansion valve 14a into a fully open state, brings the air-cooling expansion valve 14b into a throttling state exhibiting the refrigerant expansion action, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into a fully closed state, and brings the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d into a fully closed state. The controller 60 closes the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a and closes the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b.

[0121] In the heat pump cycle 10, the controller 60 controls the operation of the expansion valve in the throttling state so that the suction refrigerant introduced into the accumulator 23 is close to a saturated gas-phase refrigerant.

[0122] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple air cooling mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air heating expansion valve 14a in the fully open state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the throttling state, the indoor evaporator 18, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0123] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple air-cooling mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 to exhibit a predetermined reference pumping capacity. Therefore, in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple air-cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium pumped from the high-temperature side pump 31 circulates in this order through the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the heater core 32, and the suction port of the high-temperature side pump 31.

[0124] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the simple air cooling mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b.

[0125] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the interior blower 52 with reference to a control map stored in advance in the controller 60 based on the target blowout temperature TAO.

[0126] The control device 60 adjusts the opening of the air mix damper 54 so that the ventilation air temperature TAV, which is detected by the air conditioning air temperature sensor 65, approaches the target discharge temperature TAO. Furthermore, the control device 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0127] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple air-cooling mode, a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers, dissipating the heat of the refrigerant and condensing the refrigerant, and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant. In the operating mode in which the indoor evaporator 18 evaporates the refrigerant, the refrigerant evaporation temperature at the indoor evaporator 18 is adjusted within a range in which frost formation at the indoor evaporator 18 can be reduced or prevented.

[0128] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple air-cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to be heated. The high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 and exchanges heat with the ventilation air. As a result, the ventilation air is heated.

[0129] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air cooling mode, the ventilation air blown from the interior blower 52 is cooled by heat absorbed by the refrigerant passing through the interior evaporator 18. The ventilation air cooled by the interior evaporator 18 exchanges heat with the high-temperature side heat medium in the heater core 32 and is reheated depending on the opening of the air mix door 54. The ventilation air, whose temperature has been adjusted to approach the target blowout temperature TAO, is blown into the vehicle cabin, thus cooling the vehicle cabin. (a-2 cooling and air cooling mode)

[0130] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and air cooling mode, the controller 60 brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into the throttling state compared to the simple air cooling mode.

[0131] For this reason, in the heat pump cycle 10, in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates as in the simple air-cooling mode. At the same time, the refrigerant circuit is switched to a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates, in this order, through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air-heating expansion valve 14a in the fully open state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttle state, the chiller 20, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant circuit is switched to a refrigerant circuit in which the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow.

[0132] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air-cooling mode.

[0133] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the heating passage 44a in the electric heat medium heater 44 and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20.

[0134] The controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 to connect the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and simultaneously connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a.

[0135] Furthermore, the controller 60 operates the first low-temperature-side pump 41a and the second low-temperature-side pump 41b to exhibit a predetermined reference pumping capacity in the cooling and air-cooling modes. The controller 60 stops supplying electrical power to the electric heat-medium heater 44.

[0136] Therefore, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a flows through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44, the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the second low-temperature side pump 41b in this order. Furthermore, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 41a in this order.

[0137] When the interior air conditioning unit 50 is in the cooling and air cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the interior fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0138] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and air cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers and the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 function as evaporators.

[0139] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air-cooling mode.

[0140] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the low-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 exchanges heat with the low-pressure refrigerant expanded by the cooling expansion valve 14c to be cooled. The low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 and absorbs heat generated by the battery 70. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled.

[0141] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the cooling and air cooling mode, as in the simple cooling mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin, so that the vehicle cabin is cooled. (b) Dehumidification and air heating mode

[0142] The dehumidification and air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated by reheating cooled and dehumidified ventilation air and blowing the heated ventilation air into the vehicle cabin. The dehumidification and air heating mode tends to be selected when the outside air temperature Tam is in a medium temperature range (equal to or higher than 0°C and lower than 25°C in the present embodiment) or when the target blowout temperature TAO is in the medium temperature range in a state where the automatic switch and the air conditioning switch are turned on.

[0143] The dehumidification and air heating mode includes a simple dehumidification and air heating mode and a cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode. The simple dehumidification and air heating mode is an operating mode in which the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated without cooling the battery 70. The cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode is an operating mode in which the battery 70 is cooled and the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated simultaneously. (b-1) Simple dehumidification and air heating mode

[0144] With the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the throttling state, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the fully closed state, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14c in the fully closed state. The controller 60 closes the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a and closes the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b.

[0145] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the throttling state, the indoor evaporator 18, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0146] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0147] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0148] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0149] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0150] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as a condenser when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is higher than the outside air temperature Tam. When the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is lower than the outside air temperature Tam, the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator.

[0151] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0152] With the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the ventilation air blown by the interior blower 52 is cooled and humidified by the interior evaporator 18. The ventilation air cooled and dehumidified by the interior evaporator 18 is reheated by the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the air mix door 54. The ventilation air, whose temperature has been adjusted to approach the target blowout temperature TAO, is blown into the vehicle cabin, thus dehumidifying and heating the vehicle cabin. (b-2) Cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode

[0153] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into the throttling state compared to the simple dehumidification and air heating mode.

[0154] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating modes, just like in the simple dehumidifying and air heating mode. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates, in this order, through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, the chiller 20, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow.

[0155] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0156] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium four-way valve 43, the first low-temperature side pump 41a, and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as in the cooling and air cooling mode.

[0157] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is operating in the cooling, dehumidifying, and air heating modes, the controller 60 controls the speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0158] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, as in the simple dehumidifying and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 function as evaporators.

[0159] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as a condenser, as in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, when the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is higher than the outside air temperature Tam. When the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is lower than the outside air temperature Tam, the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator.

[0160] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0161] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the cooling and air cooling mode to cool the battery 70.

[0162] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the simple dehumidifying and air heating mode, so that the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated. (c) Endothermic outside air and air heating mode

[0163] The endothermic outside air and air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated by blowing heated ventilation air into the vehicle cabin. The endothermic outside air and air heating mode tends to be selected when the outside air temperature Tam is relatively low (equal to or higher than -10°C and lower than 0°C in the present embodiment) or when the target blowout temperature TAO is a relatively high value in a state where the automatic switch or the air conditioning switch is turned on.

[0164] The endothermic outside air and air heating mode includes a simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode and an endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode. The simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode is an operating mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated without cooling the battery 70. The endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode is an operating mode in which the battery 70 is cooled and the vehicle cabin is heated simultaneously. (c-1) Simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode

[0165] With the heat pump cycle 10 operating in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the fully closed state, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the fully closed state, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d in the fully closed state. The controller 60 closes the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a and opens the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b.

[0166] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the low-pressure side passage 21b, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0167] The controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 within a range not exceeding the upper limit rotational speed Nclmt so that the discharge refrigerant pressure Pd detected by the high-pressure side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62b approaches a target high pressure PDO. The target high pressure PDO is determined based on the target discharge temperature TAO with reference to the control map stored in advance in the controller 60. In the control map, the target high pressure PDO is determined to increase as the target discharge temperature TAO increases.

[0168] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0169] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0170] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is operating in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0171] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator.

[0172] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0173] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the ventilation air blown by the interior blower 52 passes through the interior evaporator 18. The ventilation air that has passed through the interior evaporator 18 is heated by the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the air mix door 54 to approach the target blowout temperature TAO. The temperature-adjusted ventilation air is blown into the vehicle cabin, thus heating the vehicle cabin. (c-2) Endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode

[0174] When the heat pump cycle 10 is operating in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttled state, as compared to the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode. The controller 60 opens the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a.

[0175] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the endothermic cooling and outdoor air and air heating mode, just like in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates, in this order, through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the high-pressure side passage 21a, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, the chiller 20, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow.

[0176] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0177] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium four-way valve 43, the first low-temperature side pump 41a, and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as in the cooling and air cooling mode.

[0178] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the endothermic cooling and outdoor air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and the chiller 20 function as evaporators.

[0179] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0180] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the cooling and air cooling mode to cool the battery 70.

[0181] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, so that the vehicle cabin is heated. (d) Hot gas air heating mode

[0182] The hot gas air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated with a higher heating capacity than in the endothermic outside air and air heating mode. The hot gas air heating mode is selected when the outside air temperature Tam is extremely low (lower than -10°C in the present embodiment) in a state where the automatic switch and the air conditioning switch are turned on, or when it is determined that the ventilation air heating capacity in the heater core 32 is insufficient during the endothermic outside air and air heating mode.

[0183] In the control program of the present embodiment, it is determined that the ventilation air heating capacity is insufficient when the rotational speed of the compressor 11 reaches the upper limit rotational speed Nclmt and the ventilation air temperature TAV is lower than the target discharge temperature TAO during the endothermic outside air and air heating mode.

[0184] With the heat pump cycle 10 in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the air heating expansion valve 14a to the fully closed state, brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c to the throttling state, and brings the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d to the throttling state. The controller 60 opens the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a and closes the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b.

[0185] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the high-pressure side passage 21a, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, the chiller 20, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d in the throttling state arranged in the bypass passage 21c, the accumulator 23, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0186] The controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the compressor 11 within the range not exceeding the upper limit rotational speed Nclmt so that the suction refrigerant pressure Ps detected by the chiller-side refrigerant temperature / pressure sensor 62e approaches a target low pressure PSO.

[0187] Controlling the chiller-side refrigerant pressure Pc according to the suction refrigerant pressure Ps to approach a constant pressure is effective for stabilizing a discharge flow rate Gr (mass flow rate) of the compressor 11. Specifically, by using a saturated gas-phase refrigerant with a constant pressure as the suction refrigerant, the density of the suction refrigerant becomes constant. Therefore, when the suction refrigerant pressure Ps is controlled to approach a constant value, the discharge flow rate Gr of the compressor 11 is easily stabilized at the same rotational speed.

[0188] The controller 60 controls the throttle opening of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d so that the discharge refrigerant pressure Pd approaches the target high pressure PDO.

[0189] The controller 60 controls the throttle opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c so that the refrigerant on the outlet side of the chiller 20 is close to the saturated gas-phase refrigerant.

[0190] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0191] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0192] When the interior air conditioning unit 50 is in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the speed of the interior fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. In the hot gas air heating mode, the opening of the air mix door 54 is often controlled so that approximately the entire volume of ventilation air blown by the interior fan 52 passes through the heater core 32.

[0193] The controller 60 controls the operation of the indoor and outdoor air switching device 53 to introduce indoor air into the air conditioning case 51. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0194] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the hot-gas air heating mode, the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is branched at the first three-way node 12a. Refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a flows into the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The refrigerant flowing into the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 transfers heat to the high-temperature side heat medium. As a result, the high-temperature side heat medium is heated.

[0195] The refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the high-pressure side passage 21a. The refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side passage 21a flows into the cooling expansion valve 14c as the heating unit-side expansion unit and is expanded. The refrigerant with a comparatively low enthalpy, which is expanded by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows into the other inflow port of the sixth three-way node 12f.

[0196] The other refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a flows into the bypass passage 21c. The refrigerant flowing into the bypass passage 21c undergoes flow rate regulation at the bypass-side flow rate regulation valve 14d to be expanded. The refrigerant with a comparatively high enthalpy, which is expanded by the bypass-side flow rate regulation valve 14d, flows into an inflow port of the sixth three-way node 12f.

[0197] At the sixth three-way node 12f, the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the cooling expansion valve 14c and the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d are combined and mixed. The refrigerant flowing out of the sixth three-way node 12f flows into the chiller 20 and continues to be homogeneously mixed. In the hot gas air heating mode, no heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the low-temperature side heat medium in the chiller 20 because the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b are stopped.

[0198] The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage of the chiller 20 flows into the accumulator 23. The gas-phase refrigerant separated in the accumulator 23 is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

[0199] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0200] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin in a similar manner to the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, so that the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0201] The hot gas air heating mode is executed when the outside air temperature Tam is extremely low. Therefore, when the refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the refrigerant can dissipate heat to the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 15. If the refrigerant dissipates heat to the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the ventilation air in the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 decreases, and the ventilation air heating capacity decreases.

[0202] On the other hand, in the hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle that does not allow the refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 15, so that the refrigerant can be reduced or prevented from dissipating heat to the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

[0203] In the hot-gas air heating mode, the throttle opening of the cooling expansion valve 14c is controlled so that the refrigerant on the outlet side of the chiller 20 is close to the saturated gas-phase refrigerant. Accordingly, the suction refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11 can be maintained in an appropriate state even when the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor 11 is increased and the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the high-temperature side heat medium in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 is increased. Therefore, the cycle can be operated stably.

[0204] As a result, in the hot gas air heating mode, heat generated by the compression work of the compressor 11 can be effectively used to heat ventilation air even when the outside air temperature Tam is extremely low, and the vehicle cabin can be heated. (e) Endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0205] The endothermic hot gas air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode. The endothermic hot gas air heating mode is selected when it is determined that the ventilation air heating capacity in the heater core 32 is insufficient and the vehicle cabin can be heated using heat generated by the heat generation unit during the hot gas air heating mode.

[0206] In the control program of the present embodiment, it is determined that the ventilation air heating capability is insufficient when the rotational speed of the compressor 11 reaches the upper limit rotational speed Nclmt and the ventilation air temperature TAV is lower than the target discharge temperature TAO during the hot gas air heating mode.

[0207] When the inflow temperature TWLC detected by the low-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 63b is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO during the hot gas air heating mode, it is determined that the vehicle cabin can be heated by using the heat generated by the heat generation unit.

[0208] The endothermic hot gas air heating mode includes a first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and a second endothermic hot gas air heating mode.

[0209] The first endothermic hot gas air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated using both heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 as the highly controllable heat generation unit and heat generated by the battery 70 as the low-controllable heat generation unit. The first endothermic hot gas air heating mode is selected when it is determined that the vehicle cabin can be heated using the heat generated by the battery 70.

[0210] The second endothermic hot gas air heating mode is an operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated using only the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44. The second endothermic hot gas air heating mode is selected when it is not determined that the vehicle cabin can be heated using the heat generated by the battery 70.

[0211] In the control program of the present embodiment, it is determined that the vehicle cabin can be heated using the heat generated by the battery 70 when the battery temperature TB detected by the battery temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than a predetermined endothermic reference temperature KTB2. The endothermic reference temperature KTB2 is set to a value lower than the reference cooling temperature KTB1 and the target heat medium temperature TWLCO. (e-1) First endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0212] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the high pressure side on / off valve 22a, and the low pressure side on / off valve 22b as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0213] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the first hot gas air heating mode as in the hot gas air heating mode, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 6 is specified.

[0214] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode. Therefore, the high-temperature side heat medium pumped by the high-temperature side pump 31 circulates in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode as in the simple air cooling mode, as indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. 6 is specified.

[0215] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the heating passage 44a in the electric heat medium heater 44 and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20 in a manner similar to the cooling and air cooling mode.

[0216] The controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 to connect the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and simultaneously connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a.

[0217] The controller 60 operates the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b. In the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the rotational speeds of the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b are increased as the inlet temperature TWLC increases. That is, as the inlet temperature TWLC increases, the inflow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 is increased.

[0218] In addition, the control device 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric heat medium heater 44 so that the inflow temperature TWLC is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO.

[0219] Therefore, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a flows in this order through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44, the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, as shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 6. In addition, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 41a in this order.

[0220] In the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode of the indoor air conditioning unit 50, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0221] Therefore, in the heat pump circuit 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the state of the refrigerant changes as shown in the Mollier diagram of Fig. 7 is shown.

[0222] First, a flow of the discharge refrigerant (point a7 in Fig. 7) discharged from the compressor 11 is branched at the first three-way node 12a. A refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a flows into the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and dissipates heat to the high-temperature side heat medium to reduce enthalpy (from point a7 to point b7 in Fig. 7). As a result, the high-temperature side heat medium is heated.

[0223] The refrigerant flowing out of the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the high-pressure side passage 21a. The refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side passage 21a flows into the cooling expansion valve 14c as the heating unit side expansion unit and is expanded (from point b7 to point c7 in Fig. 7). The refrigerant with a comparatively low enthalpy, which is expanded by the cooling expansion valve 14c, flows into the other inlet port of the sixth three-way node 12f.

[0224] The other refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a flows into the bypass passage 21c. The refrigerant flowing into the bypass passage 21c is subjected to flow rate regulation at the bypass-side flow rate regulation valve 14d to be expanded (from point a7 to point d7 in Fig. 7). The refrigerant with a comparatively high enthalpy, which is expanded by the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d, flows into an inlet port of the sixth three-way node 12f.

[0225] At the sixth three-way node 12f, the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the cooling expansion valve 14c and the flow of refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d are combined and mixed (from point c7 to point e7 and from point d7 to point e7 in Fig. 7). The refrigerant flowing out of the sixth three-way node 12f flows into the chiller 20 and is further mixed homogeneously.

[0226] The refrigerant flowing into the chiller 20 absorbs heat from the low-temperature side heat medium to increase its enthalpy. The refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant passage of the chiller 20 flows into the accumulator 23. The gas-phase refrigerant (point f7 in Fig. 7), which is separated in the accumulator 23, is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed again.

[0227] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0228] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a is heated to rise in temperature as it flows through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44. The low-temperature side medium flowing out of the heating passage 44a flows into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 via the heat medium three-way valve 42.

[0229] The low-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 is absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage to be cooled. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 is sucked into the second low-temperature side pump 41b via the heat medium four-way valve 43.

[0230] The low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b absorbs the heat generated by the battery 70 to rise in temperature as it flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is sucked into the first low-temperature side pump 41a via the heat medium four-way valve 43.

[0231] That is, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium heated while flowing through the cooling water passage 70a is heated by the electric heat medium heater 44. The low-temperature side heat medium heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 then flows into the chiller 20.

[0232] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the hot gas air heating mode, so that the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0233] In the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 as heat generating units can be used to heat ventilation air. Therefore, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. (e-2) Second endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0234] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the high pressure side on / off valve 22a, and the low pressure side on / off valve 22b as in the first hot gas air heating mode.

[0235] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode as in the hot gas air heating mode, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 8 is specified.

[0236] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the control device 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode. Therefore, the high-temperature side heat medium pumped by the high-temperature side pump 31 circulates in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode in the simple air cooling mode, as shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 8 is specified.

[0237] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the heating passage 44a in the electric heat medium heater 44 and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20.

[0238] The controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 to connect the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, and simultaneously connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b.

[0239] Furthermore, the control device 60 operates at least the first low-temperature-side pump 41a. In the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, at least the rotational speed of the first low-temperature-side pump 41a is increased as the inflow temperature TWLC increases. That is, the inflow rate is increased as the inflow temperature TWLC increases.

[0240] The control device 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric heat medium heater 44 as in the endothermic hot gas air heating mode.

[0241] Therefore, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a flows in this order through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, as shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 8 is specified.

[0242] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0243] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10, in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium is heated as in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode.

[0244] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0245] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a flows into the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heating passage 44a is heated and rises in temperature as it flows through the heating passage 44a. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heating passage 44a flows into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 via the heat medium three-way valve 42.

[0246] The low-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 is absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage to be cooled. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 is drawn into the first low-temperature side pump 41a via the heat medium four-way valve 43. That is, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 flows into the chiller 20.

[0247] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the hot gas air heating mode, so that the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0248] In the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 as the heat generating unit can be used to heat the ventilation air. Therefore, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11.

[0249] Further, in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 does not flow into the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70. As a result, it is possible to reduce or prevent the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 from being absorbed by the battery 70 with a large heat capacity. (f) Endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode

[0250] The endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is an operation mode for increasing the inlet air temperature TWLC. The endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is selected when the inlet air temperature TWLC is lower than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO and the endothermic hot gas air heating mode cannot be executed, even if it is determined that the ventilation air heating capacity in the heater core 32 is insufficient during the hot gas air heating mode.

[0251] The endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode includes a first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode and a second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode.

[0252] The first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is an operation mode in which the inlet temperature TWLC is increased by using both the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the heat generated by the battery 70. The first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is selected when it is determined that the heat generated by the battery 70 can be used to increase the inlet temperature TWLC.

[0253] The second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is an operation mode in which the inlet temperature TWLC is increased using only the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44. The second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is selected when it is not determined that heat generated by the battery 70 can be used to increase the inlet temperature TWLC.

[0254] In the control program of the present embodiment, it is determined that the heat generated by the battery 70 can be used to increase the inflow temperature TWLC when the battery temperature TB detected by the battery temperature sensor 64 is equal to or higher than a predetermined endothermic reference temperature KTB2. (f-1) First endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode

[0255] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the high pressure side on / off valve 22a, and the low pressure side on / off valve 22b as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0256] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the hot gas air heating mode, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 9 is specified.

[0257] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode. Therefore, the high-temperature side heat medium pumped by the high-temperature side pump 31 circulates in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the simple air cooling mode, as indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. 9 is specified.

[0258] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the heating passage 44a in the electric heat medium heater 44 and the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 45.

[0259] The controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 to connect the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and simultaneously connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a.

[0260] In addition, the controller 60 operates the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b to have a predetermined pumping capacity.

[0261] In addition, the control device 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric heat medium heater 44 so that the inflow temperature TWLC is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO.

[0262] Therefore, in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b flows in this order through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44, the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium bypass passage 45, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the second low-temperature side pump 41b, as shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 9. In addition, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium four-way valve 43, and the suction port of the first low-temperature side pump 41a in this order.

[0263] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52, the opening of the air mix door 54, and the like, as in the simple air cooling mode. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0264] Therefore, the state of the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle 10 changes in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0265] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0266] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a is heated to rise in temperature as it flows through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heating passage 44a is sucked into the second low-temperature side pump 41b via the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium bypass passage 45, and the heat medium four-way valve 43.

[0267] The low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the second low-temperature side pump 41b absorbs heat generated by the battery 70 while flowing through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 to rise in temperature. The heat medium flowing out of the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is sucked into the first low-temperature side pump 41a via the heat medium four-way valve 43. As a result, the low-temperature side heat medium rises in temperature, so that the inflow temperature TWLC is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO.

[0268] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0269] Therefore, the inlet temperature TWLC can be increased in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode to quickly shift to the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode. Even though the ventilation air heating capacity is insufficient, heating equivalent to that in the hot gas air heating mode can be maintained. (f-2) Second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode

[0270] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the second hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the high pressure side on / off valve 22a, and the low pressure side on / off valve 22b as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0271] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10 in the second hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the hot gas air heating mode, as shown by solid arrows in Fig. 10 is specified.

[0272] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second hot-gas air heating preparation mode, the control device 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 as in the simple air cooling mode. Therefore, the high-temperature side heat medium pumped by the high-temperature side pump 31 circulates in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second hot-gas air heating preparation mode as in the simple air cooling mode, as indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. 10 is specified.

[0273] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the heating passage 44a in the electric heat medium heater 44 and the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 45.

[0274] The controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium four-way valve 43 to connect the discharge port side of the heat medium three-way node 46 and the suction port side of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, and simultaneously connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the suction port side of the second low-temperature side pump 41b.

[0275] The control device 60 operates at least the first low-temperature side pump 41a to have a predetermined pumping capacity.

[0276] The controller 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric heat medium heater 44 as in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode.

[0277] Therefore, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a circulates in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 10 is specified.

[0278] As a result, the state of the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle 10 changes in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0279] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0280] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the first low-temperature side pump 41a is heated to rise in temperature while flowing through the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heating passage 44a is sucked into the first low-temperature side pump 41a via the heat medium three-way valve 42 and the heat medium four-way valve 43. As a result, the low-temperature side heat medium rises in temperature, so that the inflow temperature TWLC is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO.

[0281] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0282] Therefore, the inlet temperature TWLC can be increased in the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode to quickly shift to the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode. Even though the ventilation air heating capacity is insufficient, air heating equivalent to that in the hot gas air heating mode can be continued.

[0283] As described above, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, comfortable air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and appropriate temperature adjustment of the battery 70, which is an in-vehicle device, can be performed by switching the operation mode.

[0284] For the compressor 11 of the heat pump cycle 10, the upper limit speed Nclmt is set, which is determined from the durability of the compressor 11 and a noise allowable for the compressor 11. For this reason, in the operation mode in which the vehicle cabin is heated by utilizing the heat generated by the compression work of the compressor 11, as in the hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air heating performance cannot be improved when the speed of the compressor 11 reaches the upper limit speed Nclmt.

[0285] In contrast, the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment can implement the endothermic hot gas air heating mode. In the endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-pressure refrigerant expanded at the cooling expansion valve 14c in the chiller 20 absorbs the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 as heat generating units via the low-temperature side heat medium.

[0286] Therefore, the amount of heat dissipated from the refrigerant to the high-temperature side heat medium can be increased without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11 by increasing the amount of heat absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant. As a result, the ventilation air heating capacity in the endothermic hot-gas air heating mode can be improved compared to the hot-gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11.

[0287] In the endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs the heat generated by the heat generating unit. Accordingly, the temperature of the heat generating unit can be made lower than in the case where the high-temperature side heat medium or the ventilation air is directly heated by the heat generated by the heat generating unit. As a result, even the heat generated by the low-level controllable heat generating unit, whose generated heat quantity is less easily adjusted than that of the high-level controllable heat generating unit, is easily used to heat the ventilation air.

[0288] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 is switched so that the low-temperature side heat medium flows into the chiller 20 when the inlet temperature TWLC of the low-temperature side heat medium is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO. That is, when the inlet temperature TWLC of the low-temperature side heat medium is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO, the endothermic hot gas air heating mode is executed.

[0289] Accordingly, the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 as heat generating units can be reliably absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant via the low-temperature side heat medium. This means that the ventilation air heating capacity can be reliably improved.

[0290] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium heated by the battery 70 as the low-level controllable heat generating unit is heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 as the high-level controllable heat generating unit. The circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 is switched so that the low-temperature side heat medium heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 flows into the heat medium circuit of the chiller 20.

[0291] That is, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the circuit configuration of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 is switched so that the low-temperature side heat medium flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heating passage 44a of the electric heat medium heater 44, and the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 in this order. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated by the highly controllable heat generation unit can be appropriately controlled depending on the amount of heat generated by the low-controllable heat generation unit.

[0292] For example, in a case where the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium heated in the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is lower than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO, electric power may be supplied to the electric heat medium heater 44 so that the inflow temperature TWLC is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO.

[0293] In a case where the temperature of the low-temperature side heat medium heated in the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO, the supply of electric power to the electric heat medium heater 44 may be stopped. As a result, unnecessary energy consumption can be reduced or prevented.

[0294] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode are switched depending on the battery temperature TB of the battery 70 as the low-level controllable heat generating unit. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the heat generated by the low-level controllable heat generating unit can be used to heat ventilation air, and effectively utilize the heat generated by the low-level controllable heat generating unit and the heat generated by the high-level controllable heat generating unit.

[0295] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the target heat medium temperature TWLCO is increased as the upper limit rotation speed Nclmt decreases. Accordingly, the amount of heat generated by the highly controllable heat generation unit can be more appropriately controlled in the endothermic hot gas air heating mode based on the compression workload that can be presented by the compressor 11.

[0296] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 includes the heat medium bypass passage 45. When the inlet temperature TWLC is equal to or lower than the target heat medium temperature TWLCO, the endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode is executed. Accordingly, the inlet temperature TWLC can be quickly increased to shift to the endothermic hot gas air heating mode, even when the vent air heating capacity is insufficient during the hot gas air heating mode.

[0297] In the vehicle air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode are switched depending on the battery temperature TB of the battery 70 as the low-level controllable heat generating unit. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the heat generated by the low-level controllable heat generating unit can be used to increase the inlet air temperature TWLC, and effectively utilize the heat generated by the low-level controllable heat generating unit and the heat generated by the high-level controllable heat generating unit. (Second embodiment)

[0298] In the present embodiment, the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle air conditioner 1a shown in an overall configuration diagram of Fig. 11. The vehicle air conditioner 1a is an air conditioner with a temperature adjusting function of an in-vehicle device similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0299] In the heat pump cycle 10 of the vehicle air conditioner 1a, a heating passage 84a of an electric refrigerant heater 84 is arranged in a refrigerant passage from the outlet port of the fifth three-way node 12e to the inlet port of the accumulator 23. The basic configuration of the electric refrigerant heater 84 is similar to the electric heat medium heater 44 described in the first embodiment.

[0300] Therefore, the electric refrigerant heater 84 is a highly controllable heat generation unit. The heating passage 84a of the electric refrigerant heater 84 is an endothermic unit. Specifically, the chiller 20 of the first embodiment is an endothermic unit that causes a low-pressure refrigerant to absorb heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 indirectly via a low-temperature side heat medium. On the other hand, the heating passage 84a of the present embodiment is an endothermic unit that causes the low-pressure refrigerant to directly absorb the heat generated by the electric refrigerant heater 84.

[0301] In the vehicle air conditioner 1a, a low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 40a is used instead of the low-temperature-side heat medium circuit 40 described in the first embodiment.

[0302] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a, the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the heat medium three-way valve 42, and the electric heat medium heater 44 are eliminated. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a includes the low-temperature side pump 41, the heat medium three-way valve 42, the heat medium bypass passage 45, the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, and the like. The low-temperature side pump 41 is a low-temperature side heat medium pump unit corresponding to the second low-temperature side pump 41b of the first embodiment.

[0303] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a, the inflow port side of the heat medium three-way valve 42 is connected to the outlet port of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70. The suction port side of the low-temperature side pump 41 is connected to the outlet port of the heat medium three-way node 46.

[0304] A suction refrigerant temperature sensor 62f is connected to the input side of the controller 60 in the vehicle air conditioner 1a. The suction refrigerant temperature sensor 62f is a suction refrigerant temperature detection unit that detects a suction refrigerant temperature Ts, which is the temperature of the suction refrigerant drawn into the compressor 11. Specifically, the suction refrigerant temperature sensor 62f detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet port portion of the accumulator 23. Other configurations are similar to those of the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0305] Next, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1a of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. The vehicle air conditioner 1a can perform (a) an air cooling mode, (b) a dehumidification and air heating mode, (c) an endothermic outside air and air heating mode, and (d) a hot gas air heating mode, as with the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0306] In the above operating modes, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20 when the battery 70 is cooled. Furthermore, the low-temperature side pump 41 is operated to exhibit a predetermined pumping capacity. (e) Endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0307] The endothermic hot gas air heating mode of the present embodiment is selected when it is determined that the ventilation air heating capability in the heater core 32 is insufficient during the hot gas air heating mode. (e-1) First endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0308] In the heat pump circuit 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the control device 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric refrigerant heater 84.

[0309] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the inlet side of the heat medium passage in the chiller 20.

[0310] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the low-temperature side pump 41 circulates in this order through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70, the heat medium passage of the chiller 20, and the suction port of the low-temperature side pump 41. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0311] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant mixed at the sixth three-way node 12f absorbs heat from the low-temperature side heat medium in the chiller 20 to increase its enthalpy. The refrigerant flowing out of the fifth three-way node 12e is heated by the electric refrigerant heater 84 while passing through the heating passage 84a to increase its enthalpy.

[0312] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0313] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the low-temperature side heat medium heated by flowing through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 flows into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20.

[0314] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment, so that the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0315] In the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the heat generated by the electric heat medium heater 44 and the battery 70 as heat generating units can be used to heat ventilation air. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a greater heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. (e-2) Second endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0316] In the heat pump circuit 10 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the control device 60 supplies electrical energy to the electric refrigerant heater 84.

[0317] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the heat medium three-way valve 42 to connect the outlet side of the cooling water passage 70a in the battery 70 and the inlet side of the heat medium bypass passage 45. Therefore, the low-temperature side heat medium pumped by the low-temperature side pump 41 circulates in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40a in this order through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 and the suction port of the low-temperature side pump 41. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0318] In the heat pump cycle 10 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the fifth three-way node 12e is heated by the electric refrigerant heater 84 while passing through the heating passage 84a to increase an enthalpy.

[0319] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air whose temperature has been adjusted is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment, so that the vehicle cabin is heated.

[0320] In the second endothermic hot-gas air heating mode, the heat heated by the electric heat medium heater 44 as the heat generating unit can be used to heat the ventilation air. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot-gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. In the second endothermic hot-gas air heating mode, the low-temperature side pump 41 can be stopped.

[0321] As described above, in the vehicle air conditioner 1a of the present embodiment, comfortable air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and appropriate temperature adjustment of the battery 70, which is an in-vehicle device, can be performed by switching the operation mode.

[0322] Since the endothermic hot gas air heating mode can be implemented in the vehicle air conditioner 1a, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved. That is, in the endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air heating capacity can be improved compared to the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. (Third embodiment)

[0323] In the present embodiment, the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle air conditioner 1b shown in the overall configuration diagram of Fig. 12, the vehicle air conditioner 1b is an air conditioner with a temperature adjustment function of an in-vehicle device similar to that of the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioner 1b includes a heat pump cycle 10b.

[0324] In the heat pump cycle 10b, the accumulator 23 and the like are eliminated from the heat pump cycle 10 described in the first embodiment, and a collector 24 and the like are used.

[0325] In the heat pump cycle 10b, the inlet side of the collector 24 is connected to the other outlet port of the second three-way node 12b. The refrigerant passage from the other outlet port of the second three-way node 12b to the inlet port of the collector 24 is an inlet-side passage 21d. A first inlet-side on / off valve 22c and a seventh three-way node 12g are arranged in the inlet-side passage 21d.

[0326] The receiver 24 is a high-pressure side gas / liquid separation unit that separates the refrigerant flowing into the receiver into a gas and a liquid and stores the separated liquid-phase refrigerant as excess refrigerant in the cycle. In the receiver 24, a portion of the separated liquid-phase refrigerant flows downstream from a liquid-phase refrigerant outlet port.

[0327] The first inlet-side on / off valve 22c is an on / off valve that opens and closes the inlet-side passage 21d. Specifically, the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c opens and closes a refrigerant passage from the other outflow port of the second three-way node 12b to an inflow port of the seventh three-way node 12g in the inlet-side passage 21d. The first inlet-side on / off valve 22c is a refrigerant cycle switching unit.

[0328] An inflow port side of an eighth three-way node 12h is connected to an outflow port of the second three-way node 12b. A second inlet-side on / off valve 22d is arranged in a refrigerant passage from an outflow port of the second three-way node 12b to an inflow port of the eighth three-way node 12h. The second inlet-side on / off valve 22d opens and closes the refrigerant passage from an outflow port of the second three-way node 12b to an inflow port of the eighth three-way node 12h. The second inlet-side on / off valve 22d is a refrigerant cycle switching unit.

[0329] The other inflow port side of the eighth three-way node 12h is connected to a liquid-phase refrigerant outlet port of the receiver 24. The refrigerant passage from the outlet port of the receiver 24 to the other inflow port of the eighth three-way node 12h is an outlet-side passage 21e. A ninth three-way node 12i and a third check valve 16c are arranged in the outlet-side passage 21e.

[0330] The third check valve 16c allows the refrigerant to flow from the ninth three-way node 12i side to the eighth three-way node 12h side, and prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the eighth three-way node 12h side to the ninth three-way node 12i side. The inlet side of the air heating expansion valve 14a is connected to an outlet port of the eighth three-way node 12h.

[0331] The inlet port side of a tenth three-way node 12j is connected to the other outlet port of the ninth three-way node 12i. The refrigerant inlet side of the indoor evaporator 18 is connected to an outlet port of the tenth three-way node 12j via the air-cooling expansion valve 14b. The other inlet port side of the sixth three-way node 12f is connected to the other outlet port of the tenth three-way node 12j via the cooling expansion valve 14c.

[0332] Other configurations of the vehicle air conditioner 1b are similar to those of the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0333] Next, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1b of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the vehicle air conditioner 1b, as in the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment, various operation modes are switched. Each operation mode is described below. (a-1) Simple air cooling mode

[0334] With the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple cooling mode, the controller 60 brings the air heating expansion valve 14a to a fully open state, brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b to a throttling state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c to a fully closed state, and brings the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d to a fully closed state. The controller 60 closes the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b, closes the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and opens the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d.

[0335] In the heat pump cycle 10b, the controller 60 controls the operation of the expansion valve in the throttling state so that the superheat degree SH of a suction refrigerant sucked into the compressor 211 is close to a predetermined reference superheat degree KSH (5°C in the present embodiment).

[0336] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple air-cooling mode, the refrigerant circuit is switched to a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates, in this order, through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air-heating expansion valve 14a in the fully open state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the accumulator 24, the air-cooling expansion valve 14b, the indoor evaporator 18, and the suction port of the compressor 11. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0337] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple air cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0338] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple air cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0339] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air cooling mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is cooled. (a-2 cooling and air cooling mode)

[0340] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 places the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, as compared to the single air-cooling mode. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0341] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the cooling and air cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0342] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0343] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the first embodiment. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled.

[0344] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is cooled. (b-1) Simple dehumidification and air heating mode

[0345] With the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the throttling state, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the fully closed state, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d in the fully closed state. The controller 60 closes the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b, closes the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and opens the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d.

[0346] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the refrigerant circuit is switched to a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the air-heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the accumulator 24, the air-cooling expansion valve 14b, the indoor evaporator 18, and the suction port of the compressor 11. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0347] As a result, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0348] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0349] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated.

[0350] The heat pump circuit 10b includes the accumulator 24. Therefore, the dehumidification and air heating mode is executed in a temperature range in which the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is higher than the outdoor air temperature Tam. (b-2) Cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode

[0351] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the cooling and dehumidification and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttled state, compared to the simple dehumidification and air heating mode. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0352] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b, in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 function as condensers and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0353] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0354] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the cooling and dehumidifying and air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the first embodiment. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled.

[0355] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the cooling, dehumidifying, and air-heating modes, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is dehumidified and heated. (c-1) Simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode

[0356] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the air heating expansion valve 14a in the throttling state, the air cooling expansion valve 14b in the fully closed state, the cooling expansion valve 14c in the fully closed state, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d in the fully closed state. The controller 60 opens the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b, opens the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and closes the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d.

[0357] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b, in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, the refrigerant circuit is switched to a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the inlet-side passage 21d, the accumulator 24, the outlet-side passage 21e, the air heating expansion valve 14a, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the low-pressure side passage 21b, and the suction port of the compressor 11. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0358] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator.

[0359] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0360] In the cabin air conditioning unit 50 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air conditioning is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (c-2) Endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode

[0361] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 places the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, compared to the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0362] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the endothermic cooling and outdoor air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and the chiller 20 function as evaporators.

[0363] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0364] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the first embodiment. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled.

[0365] In the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the endothermic cooling and outside air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (d) Hot gas air heating mode

[0366] With the heat pump cycle 10b in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the air heating expansion valve 14a to the fully closed state, brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b to the fully closed state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c to the throttling state, and brings the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d to the throttling state. The controller 60 closes the low-temperature side on / off valve 22b, opens the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and closes the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d.

[0367] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the inlet-side passage 21d, the accumulator 24, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the sixth three-way node 12f, the chiller 20, and the suction port of the compressor 11. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d arranged in the bypass passage 21c, the sixth three-way node 12f, and the suction port of the compressor 11. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0368] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10b in the hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium is heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 as in the first embodiment.

[0369] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 in the hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 as in the first embodiment.

[0370] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the hot gas air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (e) Endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0371] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b, the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d, as in the hot gas air heating mode. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0372] Therefore, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode as in the first embodiment, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode. (f) Endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode

[0373] In the heat pump cycle 10b in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air heating expansion valve 14a, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d, the low-pressure side on / off valve 22b, the first inlet-side on / off valve 22c, and the second inlet-side on / off valve 22d, as in the hot gas air heating mode. Other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0374] Therefore, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode as in the first embodiment, the inflow temperature TWLC of the low-temperature side heat medium can be increased and air heating equivalent to that in the hot gas air heating mode can be continued.

[0375] As described above, in the vehicle air conditioner 1b of the present embodiment, comfortable air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and appropriate temperature adjustment of the battery 70, which is an in-vehicle device, can be performed by switching the operation mode.

[0376] Since the endothermic hot gas air heating mode can be implemented in the vehicle air conditioner 1b, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved. That is, in the endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the ventilation air heating capacity can be improved compared to the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. (Fourth embodiment)

[0377] In the present embodiment, the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle air conditioner 1c shown in the overall configuration diagram of Fig.13. The vehicle air conditioner 1c is an air conditioner with a temperature adjustment function of an in-vehicle device, similar to that of the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioner 1c includes a heat pump circuit 10c, a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c, and a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c.

[0378] In the heat pump cycle 10c of the present embodiment, the air heating expansion valve 14a, the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the low-pressure side passage 21b, the inlet-side passage 21d, the outlet-side passage 21e, and the like are eliminated from the heat pump cycle 10b described in the third embodiment.

[0379] In the heat pump cycle 10c, the inlet side of the accumulator 24 is connected to the outlet side of a refrigerant passage in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The inlet port side of the tenth three-way node 12j is connected to an outlet port of the accumulator 24. Other configurations of the heat pump cycle 10c are similar to those of the heat pump cycle 10b described in the third embodiment.

[0380] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c, a high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 and a high-temperature side radiator 34 are added to the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 described in the first embodiment.

[0381] The high-temperature-side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 is a three-way flow rate regulating unit capable of continuously regulating the flow rate ratio between the flow rate of a heat medium flowing into the heater core 32 and the flow rate of a heat medium flowing into the high-temperature-side radiator 34 for the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13. The operation of the high-temperature-side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 is controlled by a control signal output from the controller 60.

[0382] The high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 can allow the entire flow rate of the high-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 to flow into the heater core 32. The high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 can allow the entire flow rate of the high-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 to flow into the high-temperature side radiator 34.

[0383] The high-temperature-side radiator 34 is a high-temperature-side water / outside air heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing out of the high-temperature-side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 and the outside air. The high-temperature-side radiator 34 is arranged on the front side of a drive unit chamber.

[0384] One inlet port side of the high-temperature side heat medium three-way node 35 is connected to a heat medium outlet port of the high-temperature side radiator 34. In the present embodiment, the other inlet port side of the high-temperature side heat medium three-way node 35 is connected to a heat medium outlet port of the heater core 32. The suction port side of the high-temperature side pump 31 is connected to an outlet port of the high-temperature side heat medium three-way node 35.

[0385] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c, a low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47, a low-temperature side radiator 48, and a third low-temperature side pump 41c are added to the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 described in the first embodiment.

[0386] The low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 is a three-way flow rate regulating unit capable of continuously regulating the flow rate ratio between the flow rate of a heat medium flowing into the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a and the flow rate of a heat medium drawn into the third low-temperature side pump 41c for the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the heat medium passage of the chiller 20. The basic configuration of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 is similar to that of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33. Therefore, the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 functions as a heat medium circuit switching unit.

[0387] The first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a is a three-way node corresponding to the heat medium three-way node 46 described in the first embodiment. The third low-temperature side pump 41c is a low-temperature side heat medium pumping unit that sucks the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 and pumps the low-temperature side heat medium to the heat medium inlet side of the low-temperature side radiator 48. The basic configuration of the third low-temperature side pump 41c is similar to that of the first low-temperature side pump 41a.

[0388] The low-temperature-side radiator 48 is a low-temperature-side water / outside air heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the low-temperature-side heat medium pumped by the third low-temperature-side pump 41c and outside air. The low-temperature-side radiator 48 is arranged together with the high-temperature-side radiator 34 on the front side of the drive unit chamber.

[0389] One inlet port side of a second low-temperature-side heat medium three-way node 46b is connected to a heat medium outlet port of the low-temperature-side radiator 48. In the present embodiment, the other inlet port side of the second low-temperature-side heat medium three-way node 46b is connected to an outlet port of the heat medium three-way valve 42. The inlet side of a heat medium passage in the chiller 20 is connected to an outlet port of the second low-temperature-side heat medium three-way node 46b.

[0390] Other configurations of the vehicle air conditioner 1c are similar to those of the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0391] Next, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1c of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. In the vehicle air conditioner 1c, as in the vehicle air conditioner 1 described in the first embodiment, various operation modes are switched. Each operation mode is described below. (a-1) Simple air cooling mode

[0392] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple air cooling mode, the controller 60 brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b into a throttling state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into a fully closed state, and brings the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d into the fully closed state.

[0393] In the heat pump cycle 10c, the controller 60 controls the operation of the expansion valve in the throttling state so that the superheat degree SH of a suction refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 approaches a predetermined reference superheat degree KSH (5°C in the present embodiment).

[0394] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple air cooling mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the receiver 24, the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the indoor evaporator 18, and the suction port of the compressor 11 in this order.

[0395] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the simple air-cooling mode, the controller 60 operates the high-temperature side pump 31 to exhibit a predetermined reference pumping capacity. The controller 60 controls the operation of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 so that the high-temperature side heat medium temperature TWH detected by the high-temperature side heat medium temperature sensor 63a approaches the predetermined high-temperature side reference heat medium temperature KTWH.

[0396] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the simple air cooling mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and the third low-temperature side pump 41c.

[0397] In the interior air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the interior blower 52 and the opening of the air mix door 54 as in the first embodiment. In addition, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0398] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple air cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the indoor evaporator 18 functions as an evaporator.

[0399] In the high-temperature-side heat medium circuit 30 in the simple air-cooling mode, the high-temperature-side heat medium flowing into the heat medium passage of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 to be heated. The high-temperature-side heat medium heated by the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the high-temperature-side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33.

[0400] In the cabin air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air-cooling mode, the temperature-adjusted air conditioning is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is cooled. In the simple air-cooling mode of the present embodiment, the vehicle cabin can be dehumidified and heated by increasing the flow rate of the high-temperature side heat medium flowing into the heater core 32 through the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c as the temperature of the target blowout temperature TAO increases. (a-2 cooling and air cooling mode)

[0401] In the heat pump circuit 10c in the cooling and air cooling mode, the controller 60 places the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state, compared to the simple air cooling mode. Other configurations of the heat pump circuit 10c are similar to those in the simple air cooling mode.

[0402] For this reason, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in the heat pump cycle 10c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, just like in the simple air-cooling mode. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the receiver 24, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the chiller 20, and the suction port of the compressor 11 in this order. That is, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel to the refrigerant flow.

[0403] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air-cooling mode.

[0404] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 so that the entire flow rate of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the chiller 20 flows into the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a. The controller 60 stops the third low-temperature side pump 41c.

[0405] The controller 60 controls the operations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, the heat medium three-way valve 42, and the heat medium four-way valve 43 as in the first embodiment.

[0406] When the interior air conditioning unit 50 is in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the interior fan 52 and the opening of the air mix door 54 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0407] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the cooling and air cooling mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 function as evaporators.

[0408] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33, as in the simple air-cooling mode.

[0409] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70 as in the first embodiment. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled.

[0410] In the cabin air conditioning unit 50 in the simple air-cooling mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is cooled. In the cooling and air-cooling mode of the present embodiment, the vehicle cabin can be dehumidified and heated as in the simple air-cooling mode. (c-1) Simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode

[0411] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b into the fully closed state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into the throttling state, and brings the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d into the fully closed state.

[0412] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates through the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the receiver 24, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the chiller 20, and the suction port of the compressor 11 in this order.

[0413] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air cooling mode. In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 so that the entire flow rate of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the chiller 20 flows into the third low-temperature side pump 41c.

[0414] The controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b. The controller 60 operates the third low-temperature side pump 41c to exhibit a predetermined reference pumping capacity.

[0415] In the indoor air conditioning unit 50 in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52 and the opening of the air mix door 54 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0416] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the simple endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and the chiller 20 functions as an evaporator.

[0417] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33, as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0418] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the cooling and air-cooling mode, the low-temperature side heat medium cooled by the chiller 20 is sucked into the third low-temperature side pump 41c via the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47. The low-temperature side heat medium with a low temperature pumped by the third low-temperature side pump 41c flows into the low-temperature side radiator 48. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing into the low-temperature side radiator 48 absorbs heat from outside air.

[0419] The low-temperature-side heat medium, whose enthalpy has been increased by the low-temperature-side radiator 48, flows into the heat medium passage of the chiller 20. In the chiller 20, the low-pressure refrigerant and the low-temperature-side heat medium exchange heat. As a result, the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs the heat of the low-temperature-side heat medium (ie, heat absorbed by the low-temperature-side heat medium from the outside air).

[0420] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the simple air cooling mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (c-2) Endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode

[0421] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b into the fully closed state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into the throttling state, and brings the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d into the fully closed state, as in the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode.

[0422] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0423] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 so that the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the chiller 20 flows into both the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a and the third low-temperature side pump 41c. The controller 60 operates the third low-temperature side pump 41c to exhibit a predetermined reference pumping capacity.

[0424] The controller 60 controls the operations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, the heat medium three-way valve 42, and the heat medium four-way valve 43 as in the first embodiment.

[0425] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52 and the opening of the air mix door 54 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0426] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, like the simple endothermic outside air and air heating mode, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured in which the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser and chiller 20 functions as an evaporator.

[0427] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33, as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0428] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the endothermic cooling and outside air and air heating mode, the low-temperature side heat medium flowing from the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 into the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a flows through the cooling water passage 70a of the battery 70. As a result, the battery 70 is cooled. The low-temperature side heat medium flowing from the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 into the third low-temperature side pump 41c absorbs heat from the outside air in the low-temperature side radiator 48.

[0429] In the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the endothermic cooling and outside air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (d) Hot gas air heating mode

[0430] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 brings the air cooling expansion valve 14b into the fully closed state, brings the cooling expansion valve 14c into the throttling state, and brings the bypass side flow rate regulating valve 14d into the throttling state.

[0431] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the hot gas air heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13, the receiver 24, the cooling expansion valve 14c, the sixth three-way node 12f, the chiller 20, and the suction port of the compressor 11. At the same time, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 circulates in this order through the first three-way node 12a, the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d arranged in the bypass passage 21c, the sixth three-way node 12f, and the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0432] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0433] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 stops the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, and the third low-temperature side pump 41c as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0434] When the indoor air conditioning unit 50 is in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the rotational speed of the indoor fan 52 and the opening of the air mix door 54 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the controller 60 appropriately controls the operations of other control target devices.

[0435] Therefore, in the heat pump cycle 10c in the hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium is heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 as in the first embodiment.

[0436] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the hot gas air heating mode, the high-temperature side heat medium heated by the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 flows into the heater core 32 depending on the opening of the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33, as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0437] With the cabin air conditioning unit 50 operating in the hot gas air heating mode, the temperature-adjusted air is blown into the vehicle cabin as in the first embodiment. As a result, the vehicle cabin is heated. (e) Endothermic hot gas air heating mode

[0438] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0439] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0440] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 so that the entire flow rate of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the chiller 20 flows into the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a. The controller 60 stops the third low-temperature side pump 41c.

[0441] The controller 60 controls the operations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, the heat medium three-way valve 42, and the heat medium four-way valve 43 as in the first embodiment.

[0442] Therefore, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the vehicle cabin can be heated with a higher heating capacity than in the hot gas air heating mode as in the first embodiment, without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11. (f) Endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode

[0443] In the heat pump cycle 10c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the air cooling expansion valve 14b, the cooling expansion valve 14c, and the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d as in the hot gas air heating mode.

[0444] In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 30c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operations of the high-temperature side pump 31 and the high-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 33 as in the simple air cooling mode.

[0445] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40c in the first endothermic hot gas air heating mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 controls the operation of the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 so that the entire flow rate of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing out of the chiller 20 flows into the first low-temperature side heat medium three-way node 46a. The controller 60 stops the third low-temperature side pump 41c.

[0446] The controller 60 controls the operations of the first low-temperature side pump 41a, the second low-temperature side pump 41b, the heat medium three-way valve 42, and the heat medium four-way valve 43 as in the first embodiment.

[0447] Therefore, in the first endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode and the second endothermic hot gas air heating preparation mode, the inflow temperature TWLC of the low-temperature side heat medium can be increased as in the first embodiment, and air heating equivalent to that in the hot gas air heating mode can be continued.

[0448] As described above, in the vehicle air conditioner 1c of the present embodiment, comfortable air conditioning in the vehicle cabin and appropriate temperature adjustment of the battery 70, which is an in-vehicle device, can be performed by switching the operation mode.

[0449] Since the endothermic hot gas air heating mode can be implemented in the vehicle air conditioner 1c, effects similar to those of the first embodiment can be achieved. In the endothermic hot gas air heating mode, the ventilation air heating capacity can be improved compared to the hot gas air heating mode without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11.

[0450] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be variously modified as follows without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0451] The example in which the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is applied to the vehicle air conditioner has been described in the above embodiments, but the application target of the heat pump cycle device is not limited to the vehicle air conditioner. For example, it can be applied to a water heater or the like that heats domestic water as an object to be heated.

[0452] The configuration of the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments.

[0453] The example in which the battery 70, which is a temperature adjustment target of the vehicle air conditioner, is used as the low-level controllable heat generation unit has been described in the above embodiments, but the low-level controllable heat generation unit is not limited to the battery 70. For example, in a case where the heat pump cycle device is applied to a vehicle air conditioner, a motor generator, an inverter, a PCU, an ADAS controller, and the like, which are objects to be cooled, can be used as low-level controllable heat generation units.

[0454] The motor generator is an electric motor that functions both as a motor that outputs driving power and as a generator. The inverter supplies electrical power to the motor generator or similar device. The PCU is a power control unit that performs power conversion and distribution. The ADAS control unit is a control unit for an advanced driver assistance system.

[0455] Furthermore, the battery, motor generator, inverter, PCU, ADAS, and the like can control the amount of heat generated by operating inefficiently. Therefore, the battery, motor generator, inverter, PCU, ADAS, and the like can be used as highly controllable heat generation units.

[0456] The example in which the heat generation amount control unit 60b controls the amount of heat generated by the highly controllable heat generation unit has been described in the above embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the heat generation amount control unit 60b may be capable of controlling the amount of heat generated by both the highly controllable heat generation unit and the low-controllable heat generation unit.

[0457] The example in which the heating unit includes the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 and the components of the high-temperature side heat medium circuits 30 and 30c in the heat pump circuits 10 to 10c of the above embodiments has been described, but is not limited thereto.

[0458] For example, an indoor condenser can be used as the heating unit. The indoor condenser is a heating heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between a discharge refrigerant branched at the first three-way node 12a and ventilation air flowing through the indoor evaporator 18 to heat the ventilation air. The indoor condenser can be arranged in the air passage of the indoor air conditioning unit 50 in the same manner as the heater core 32.

[0459] The example in which the sixth three-way node 12f is arranged as the mixing unit on the upstream side of the refrigerant flow from the chiller 20 in the heat pump cycles 10 to 10c of the above embodiments has been described, but is not limited thereto.

[0460] For example, the sixth three-way node may be arranged on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow from the chiller 20 in the heat pump cycle 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the sixth three-way node may be arranged on the downstream side of the heating passage 84a in the electric refrigerant heater 84 in the heat pump cycle 10 of the second embodiment. Even with such a configuration, the heat generated by the electric refrigerant heater 84 can be absorbed by the refrigerant flowing out of the cooling expansion valve 14c in the heating passage 84a.

[0461] In the first to fourth embodiments, instead of the sixth three-way node 12f, a specific mixing device may be provided that homogeneously mixes the refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating valve 14d and the refrigerant flowing out of the cooling expansion valve 14c. In the first and second embodiments, the sixth three-way node 12f may be eliminated, and the end of the bypass passage 21c may be directly connected to the accumulator 23.

[0462] The example using the second check valve 16b has been described in the above embodiments, but an evaporation pressure regulating valve may be used instead of the second check valve 16b. The evaporation pressure regulating valve is a variable throttling mechanism that maintains a refrigerant evaporation temperature in the indoor evaporator 18 at a predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature at which the indoor evaporator 18 can be suppressed) or higher.

[0463] As the evaporation pressure regulating valve, a variable throttle mechanism having a mechanical mechanism that increases a valve opening as the refrigerant pressure on the refrigerant outlet side of the indoor evaporator 18 increases may be used. As the evaporation pressure regulating valve, a variable throttle mechanism having an electrical mechanism similar to that of the air-heating expansion valve 14a, or the like, may be used.

[0464] The control sensor group connected to the input side of the controller 60 is not limited to the sensing units disclosed in the above embodiments. Various sensing units can be added as necessary.

[0465] The example in which R1234yf is used as the refrigerant has been described in the above embodiments, but is not limited thereto. For example, R134a, R600a, R410A, R404A, R32, R407C, and the like can be used. Alternatively, a mixed refrigerant obtained by mixing a plurality of these types of refrigerants, etc., can be used. Furthermore, carbon dioxide can be used as the refrigerant to form a supercritical refrigeration cycle in which the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure is equal to or higher than the critical pressure of the refrigerant.

[0466] The example in which a PAG oil is used as the refrigeration oil has been described in the above embodiments, but is not limited thereto. For example, a POE (i.e., a polyol ester) or the like can be used.

[0467] The example in which an aqueous ethylene glycol solution is used as the low-temperature side heat medium and the high-temperature side heat medium has been described in the above embodiments, but is not limited thereto. For example, dimethylpolysiloxane, a solution containing a nanofluid, or the like, an antifreeze, an aqueous liquid refrigerant containing alcohol, or the like, a liquid medium containing oil, or the like, and the like can be used as the high-temperature side heat medium and the low-temperature side heat medium.

[0468] The control mode of the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the control modes described in the above embodiments.

[0469] The example in which the upper-limit speed determination unit 60e decreases the upper-limit speed Nclmt as the vehicle speed Vv decreases has been described in the above embodiments, but is not limited thereto. For example, the upper-limit speed determination unit 60e may further decrease the upper-limit speed Nclmt within the range of the maximum speed Ncmax or less as the speed of the interior blower 52 decreases.

[0470] The example in which the rotational speeds of the first low-temperature side pump 41a and the second low-temperature side pump 41b, which are heat medium flow rate regulating units, are increased when the inflow temperature TWLC is increased in the endothermic hot gas air heating mode has been described in the above embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0471] For example, instead of the heat medium three-way valve 42, a three-way flow rate regulating valve with a similar configuration to the low-temperature side three-way flow rate regulating valve 47 described in the fourth embodiment may be used to increase the flow rate of the low-temperature side heat medium flowing in the heat medium passage of the chiller 20 as the inlet temperature TWLC increases. In this case, the three-way flow rate regulating valve is the heat medium flow rate regulating unit.

[0472] The vehicle air conditioners 1 to 1c capable of performing various operation modes have been described in the above embodiments. However, the heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure is not necessarily capable of performing all of the above operation modes.

[0473] The heat pump cycle device according to the present disclosure can achieve the effects described in the above embodiments as long as the endothermic hot gas air heating mode can be implemented. That is, the ventilation air heating capacity can be improved without increasing the rotational speed of the compressor 11.

[0474] Furthermore, other operating modes may be capable of being executed. For example, the hot gas dehumidification and air heating mode may be capable of being executed in the vehicle air conditioners 1 to 1b of the first to third embodiments.

[0475] Specifically, in a simple hot gas dehumidification and air heating mode, as in the hot gas air heating mode, the controller 60 causes the refrigerant to circulate and simultaneously switches the refrigerant cycle to a refrigerant cycle in which the air-cooling expansion valve 14b is placed in a throttling state and the low-pressure refrigerant flows into the indoor evaporator 18. That is, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the indoor evaporator 18 and the chiller 20 are connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow. Therefore, ventilation air can be cooled and dehumidified in the indoor evaporator 18.

[0476] In the simple hot gas dehumidification and air heating mode, the refrigerant with a comparatively high enthalpy can flow into the sixth three-way node 12f via the bypass passage 21c. Therefore, a decrease in the suction refrigerant pressure Ps can be reduced or prevented even if the refrigerant discharge capacity of the compressor 11 is increased. As a result, the amount of heat dissipated from the discharge refrigerant to the high-temperature side heat medium in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 13 can be increased without causing frost formation in the indoor evaporator 18.

[0477] That is, in the simple hot gas dehumidification and air heating mode, the vehicle cabin can be dehumidified and heated with a higher heating capacity than in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode. Furthermore, as in the cooling and dehumidification and air heating modes of the first to third embodiments, a cooling hot gas dehumidification and air heating mode can be implemented by controlling the operations of the components in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40.

[0478] In a case where the heat pump cycles 10 and 10b of the first to third embodiments have the evaporation pressure regulating valve described above, a parallel dehumidification and air heating mode may be able to be executed.

[0479] Specifically, the controller 60 causes the refrigerant to circulate in a simple parallel dehumidification and air heating mode, as in the endothermic outdoor air and air heating mode, and simultaneously switches the refrigerant cycle to a refrigerant cycle in which the high-pressure side on / off valve 22a is opened, the air-cooling expansion valve 14b is placed in the throttling state, and the low-pressure refrigerant flows into the indoor evaporator 18. That is, the refrigerant cycle is switched to a refrigerant cycle in which the indoor evaporator 18 and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 are connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow. Therefore, ventilation air can be cooled and dehumidified in the indoor evaporator 18.

[0480] In the simple parallel dehumidification and air heating mode, the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 can be made lower than the refrigerant evaporation pressure in the indoor evaporator 18 through the action of the evaporation pressure regulating valve. As a result, the amount of heat dissipated from the discharge refrigerant to the high-temperature side heat medium in the water / refrigerant heat exchanger 13 can be increased without causing frost formation in the indoor evaporator 18.

[0481] That is, in the simple parallel dehumidification and air heating mode, the vehicle cabin can be dehumidified and heated with a higher heating capacity than in the simple dehumidification and air heating mode. Furthermore, the parallel cooling-dehumidification and air heating mode can be implemented by placing the cooling expansion valve 14c in the throttling state and controlling the operation of each component of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 as in the cooling-dehumidification and air heating modes of the first to third embodiments.

[0482] A device cooling mode in which only the battery 70 is cooled without performing air conditioning in the vehicle cabin may be able to be executed. Specifically, the controller 60 switches the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump cycle 10 as in the cooling and air cooling mode to bring the air cooling expansion valve 14b into the fully closed state when the device cooling mode is executed. Furthermore, the controller 60 may stop the interior blower 52.

[0483] The means disclosed in each of the above embodiments can be appropriately combined within a feasible range. For example, the electric refrigerant heater 84 described in the second embodiment can be used, and the heating passage 84a can be arranged in the heat pump circuits 10 to 10c as in the second embodiment.

[0484] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 40 described in the first embodiment can be applied to the vehicle air conditioner 1a described in the second embodiment. In this case, electric power can be supplied to the heat medium electric heater 44 as in the refrigerant electric heater 84.

[0485] The features of the heat pump cycle device described in the embodiment of the present disclosure include at least the following items. (Item 1)

[0486] A heat pump cycle device comprising: a compressor (11) configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant; a branching section (12a) configured to branch a flow of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a heating unit (13, 30, 30c) configured to heat an object to be heated by using the refrigerant flowing out of a discharge port of the branching section as a heat source; a heating unit-side expansion unit (14c) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit; a bypass passage (21c) through which another refrigerant branched at the branching section flows; a bypass-side flow rate regulating unit (14d) configured to regulate a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage;a joining section (12f) configured to join a flow of refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating unit and a flow of refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit, and to cause a joining flow of refrigerant to flow into a suction port side of the compressor; a heat generating unit (44, 70, 84) configured to generate heat; and an endothermic unit (20, 84a) configured to cause at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating-unit-side expansion unit to absorb heat generated by the heat generating unit (44, 70, 84); (Item 2)

[0487] The heat pump cycle device according to item 1, further comprising a heat medium circuit (40, 40c) in which a heat medium heated by the heat generation unit circulates, wherein the endothermic unit is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant, and the heat medium circuit is configured to cause the heat medium to flow into the endothermic unit when an inflow temperature (TWLC) of the heat medium flowing into the endothermic unit is equal to or higher than a target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). (Item 3)

[0488] The heat pump cycle device according to item 2, further comprising a heat generation amount control unit (60b) configured to control an amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit, wherein the heat generation amount control unit controls the amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit such that the inlet temperature (TWLC) is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). (Item 4)

[0489] The heat pump cycle device according to item 3, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a heat medium circuit switching unit (42, 43, 47) configured to switch a circuit configuration of the heat medium circuit, and a heat medium bypass passage (45) through which the heat medium heated by the heat generating unit flows while bypassing the endothermic unit, and the heat medium circuit switching unit switches to a circuit in which the heat medium heated by the heat generating unit flows into the heat medium bypass passage when the inflow temperature (TWLC) is lower than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). (Item 5)

[0490] The heat pump cycle device according to item 3 or 4, wherein the heat medium circuit has a heat medium circuit switching unit (42, 43, 47) configured to switch a circuit configuration of the heat medium circuit, the heat generation unit has a highly controllable heat generation unit (44) and a low-controllable heat generation unit (70), the low-controllable heat generation unit has a controllable heat quantity lower than that generated by the highly controllable heat generation unit, and the heat medium circuit switching unit switches to a circuit in which the heat medium flowing out of the low-controllable heat generation unit is heated by the highly controllable heat generation unit, and the heat medium heated by the highly controllable heat generation unit flows into the endothermic unit,when the inlet temperature (TWLC) is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). (Item 6)

[0491] The heat pump cycle device according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a heat medium flow rate regulating unit (41a, 41b) configured to regulate an inflow rate of the heat medium flowing into the endothermic unit, and the heat medium flow rate regulating unit increases the inflow rate as the inflow temperature (TWLC) increases. (Item 7)

[0492] The heat pump cycle device according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising: an upper limit speed determination unit (60e) configured to determine an upper limit speed (Nclmt) of the compressor; and a heat generation amount control unit (60b) configured to control an amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit, wherein the heat generation amount control unit controls an operation of the heat generation unit such that a total amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit increases as the upper limit speed (Nclmt) decreases.

[0493] The present disclosure has been described in accordance with examples, but it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within a range of equivalence. Furthermore, various combinations and modes, as well as other combinations and modes including only one element, more elements, or fewer elements, are also included within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. 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 2022-179483

[0001] JP-2021-156567-A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Heat pump circuit device with: a compressor (11) configured to compress and discharge a refrigerant; a branching portion (12a) configured to branch a flow of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a heating unit (13, 30, 30c) configured to heat an object to be heated by using the refrigerant flowing out of a discharge port of the branch portion as a heat source; a heating unit-side expansion unit (14c) configured to expand the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit; a bypass passage (21c) through which another refrigerant branched at the branching portion flows; a bypass-side flow rate regulating unit (14d) configured to regulate a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass passage; a joining portion (12f) configured to join a flow of the refrigerant flowing out of the bypass-side flow rate regulating unit and a flow of the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit, and to cause a joining flow of the refrigerant to flow into a suction port side of the compressor; a heat generating unit (44, 70, 84) configured to generate heat; and an endothermic unit (20, 84a) configured to cause at least the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit-side expansion unit to absorb heat generated by the heat generation unit (44, 70, 84). [2] Heat pump cycle device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat medium circuit (40, 40c) in which a heat medium heated by the heat generating unit circulates, wherein the endothermic unit is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the refrigerant, and the heat medium circuit is configured to cause the heat medium to flow into the endothermic unit when an inflow temperature (TWLC) of the heat medium flowing into the endothermic unit is equal to or higher than a target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). [3] Heat pump cycle device according to claim 2, further comprising a heat generation amount control unit (60b) configured to control an amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit, wherein the heat generation amount control unit controls the amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit so that the inlet temperature (TWLC) is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). [4] The heat pump cycle device according to claim 3, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a heat medium circuit switching unit (42, 43, 47) configured to switch a circuit configuration of the heat medium circuit, and a heat medium bypass passage (45) through which the heat medium heated by the heat generating unit flows while bypassing the endothermic unit, and the heat medium circuit switching unit switches to a cycle in which the heat medium heated by the heat generating unit flows into the heat medium bypass passage when the inflow temperature (TWLC) is lower than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). [5] The heat pump cycle device according to claim 3, wherein the heat medium circuit has a heat medium circuit switching unit (42, 43, 47) configured to switch a circuit configuration of the heat medium circuit, the heat generating unit comprises a highly controllable heat generating unit (44) and a low-controllable heat generating unit (70), the low-level controllable heat generating unit has a controllable amount of heat that is lower than that generated by the high-level controllable heat generating unit, and the heat medium circuit switching unit switches to a circuit in which the heat medium flowing out of the low-level controllable heat generation unit is heated by the high-level controllable heat generation unit and the heat medium heated by the high-level controllable heat generation unit flows into the endothermic unit when the inflow temperature (TWLC) is equal to or higher than the target heat medium temperature (TWLCO). [6] Heat pump cycle device according to claim 2, wherein the heat medium circuit comprises a heat medium flow rate regulating unit (41a, 41b) configured to regulate an inflow rate of the heat medium flowing into the endothermic unit, and the heat medium flow rate regulating unit increases the inflow rate as the inflow temperature (TWLC) increases. [7] Heat pump cycle device according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an upper limit speed determining unit (60e) configured to determine an upper limit speed (Nclmt) of the compressor; and a heat generation amount control unit (60b) configured to control an amount of heat generated by the heat generation unit, wherein the heat generation amount control unit controls an operation of the heat generation unit such that a total heat amount generated by the heat generation unit increases as the upper limit speed (Nclmt) decreases.

Images