Air conditioner for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner for vehicles that can shorten a time to reach to target heating capacity, and improve quick heating performance.SOLUTION: A controller 200 can execute a heat medium endothermic heating mode for heating air, which is supplied to a vehicle interior, by a heater core 12, in such a manner that a coolant absorbs heat of a heat medium circulating in a battery temperature conditioning circuit 40 as an on-vehicle heat-generating equipment temperature conditioning circuit in a low temperature side heat exchanger 14. When starting up the heat medium endothermic heating mode under the condition that the ambient temperature is a prescribed temperature or less, the controller executes a preparation mode in which the coolant is circulated in the same route as in the heat medium endothermic heating mode until the temperature or pressure of the coolant on a high pressure side in a coolant circuit 10 reaches a specified value or more, and heat radiation of the coolant in the heater core 12 is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Air conditioners using a heat pump are known as air conditioners for electric vehicles (EVs) that do not have a combustion heat source such as an engine or for vehicles that have a small amount of heat from a combustion heat source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5821756 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-146935 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6207958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner for a vehicle that can shorten the time required to reach a target heating capacity and improve the quick heating performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner for a vehicle includes a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant and including a compressor, a heater core that heats air supplied to a vehicle interior, a pressure reducing device, a low-temperature side heat exchanger that causes the refrigerant to absorb heat of a heat medium absorbed from an on-vehicle heat generating device, and an accumulator; an on-vehicle heat generating device temperature control circuit configured to circulate a heat medium and including a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the on-vehicle heat generating device and a heat medium heating device that heats the heat medium; an air conditioning unit that houses the heater core and a blower and blows temperature-controlled air into the vehicle interior using the blower; and a low-temperature side heat exchanger that controls the temperature of the on-vehicle heat generating device. and a control device capable of executing a heat medium heat absorption heating mode in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium circulating in the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit in an exchanger, thereby heating the air supplied to the vehicle cabin with the heater core, wherein when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is activated under conditions in which the outside air temperature is below a predetermined temperature, the control device circulates the refrigerant through the same route as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode until the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant on the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and executes a preparatory mode to limit the heat release of the refrigerant in the heater core. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle air conditioner that can shorten the time required to reach a target heating capacity and improve the quick heating performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner in a first embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the vehicle air conditioner when a heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of a control device in the vehicle air conditioner in the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the preparation mode is executed in the vehicle air conditioner in the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing the transition of each element when the vehicle air conditioner in the first embodiment is shifted to the heat medium heat absorption heating mode without shifting to the preparation mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing the transition of each element when the vehicle air conditioner in the first embodiment is shifted to the preparation mode and then to the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner in the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the vehicle air conditioner when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner in the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the vehicle air conditioner when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner in the second embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the vehicle air conditioner when the preparation mode is executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0009] [Configuration of vehicle air conditioning system] Overview of Vehicle Air Conditioning System The vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment is configured to shorten the time required to reach the target heating capacity and improve the quick heating performance.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment.

[0011] The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a battery temperature control circuit 40 configured to circulate a heat transfer medium, such as a fluid such as a coolant.

[0012] The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a control device 200 (see FIG. 2) that controls the operation of various sensors and each part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is controlled based on the detection values ​​of the various sensors, various requests, etc.

[0013] <Refrigerant circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses a gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure and then discharges it, a heater core 12 that is housed in a case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and heats the air to be supplied to the vehicle interior, pressure reducing devices 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d such as expansion valves that expand the liquid refrigerant to a low pressure, a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 that evaporates the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat, an accumulator 15, a cooler core 16 that is housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and cools the air to be supplied to the vehicle interior, and a radiator 17 as an exterior heat exchanger. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump that circulates the refrigerant and repeats compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0014] In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40. In the example shown in the figure, the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 14b through which the heat medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 passes.

[0015] The elements of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected by refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, 10c, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10n, 10p, 10q, 10r, 10s, 10t, 10u, 10v, and 10w.

[0016] A discharge side 11a of the compressor 11 is connected to an inlet side 12a of a heater core 12 via a refrigerant flow path 10a connected thereto, a branch point 18a, and a refrigerant flow path 10b downstream of the branch point 18a.

[0017] The discharge side 11a of the compressor 11 is connected to the inlet side 15a of the accumulator 15 via the refrigerant flow path 10a, the branch point 18a, the refrigerant flow path 10c, the junction 19a, the refrigerant flow path 10e, the junction 19b, and the downstream refrigerant flow path 10f, which are connected to the discharge side 11a. A pressure reducing device 13a is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0018] An outlet side 15b of the accumulator 15 is connected to a suction side 11b of the compressor 11 via a refrigerant flow path 10g connected thereto.

[0019] The outlet side 12b of the heater core 12 is connected to the inlet side 16a of the cooler core 16 via the refrigerant flow path 10j, the branch point 18b, the refrigerant flow path 10k, the junction 19d, the refrigerant flow path 10m, the branch point 18c, and the downstream refrigerant flow path 10n. A flow path opening / closing valve 20a is provided on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10k. A pressure reducing device 13b is provided on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10n.

[0020] The outlet side 16b of the cooler core 16 is connected to the inlet side 15a of the accumulator 15 via the refrigerant flow paths 10p, the junction 19e, the refrigerant flow paths 10q, the junction 19a, the refrigerant flow paths 10e, the junction 19b, and the downstream refrigerant flow path 10f. A check valve 21b is provided on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10q to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the cooler core 16.

[0021] The outlet side 12b of the heater core 12 is connected to an inlet of a refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via a refrigerant passage 10j, a branch point 18b, a refrigerant passage 10k, a junction 19d, a refrigerant passage 10m, a branch point 18c, and a downstream refrigerant passage 10r, which are connected to the outlet side 12b. A pressure reducing device 13c is installed on the path of the refrigerant passage 10r.

[0022] The outlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the inlet side 15a of the accumulator 15 via a refrigerant passage 10s connected thereto, a junction 19b, and a refrigerant passage 10f downstream of the junction 19b. A passage opening / closing valve 20d is provided on the path of the refrigerant passage 10s.

[0023] An outlet side 12b of the heater core 12 is connected to an inlet side 17a of a radiator 17 via a refrigerant flow path 10j connected thereto, a branch point 18b, and a downstream refrigerant flow path 10t. A pressure reducing device 13d is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10t.

[0024] The outlet side 17b of the radiator 17 is connected to the inlet side 15a of the accumulator 15 via the refrigerant flow path 10u, the branch point 18d, the refrigerant flow path 10v, the junction 19e, the refrigerant flow path 10q, the junction 19a, the refrigerant flow path 10e, the junction 19b, and the refrigerant flow path 10f downstream thereof. A flow path opening / closing valve 20b is provided on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10v.

[0025] The outlet side 17b of the radiator 17 is connected to the inlet side 16a of the cooler core 16 via the refrigerant flow path 10u, the branch point 18d, the refrigerant flow path 10w, the junction 19d, the refrigerant flow path 10m, the branch point 18c, and the downstream refrigerant flow path 10n. A check valve 21c is provided on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10w to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back to the radiator 17.

[0026] The outlet side 17b of the radiator 17 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the refrigerant flow path 10u, branch point 18d, refrigerant flow path 10w, junction 19d, refrigerant flow path 10m, branch point 18c, and the downstream refrigerant flow path 10r connected thereto.

[0027] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit includes the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 described above and a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The battery 41 is provided with a battery temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the battery 41. The battery temperature control circuit 40 can be used to adjust the temperature of the battery 41.

[0028] Note that a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control circuit 40 can also be applied to other in-vehicle device temperature control circuits having an in-vehicle device temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of other in-vehicle devices that require temperature control in a similar manner, not limited to the battery.

[0029] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the battery temperature control circuit 40 are connected by heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by the heat medium flow path 40a. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by the heat medium flow path 40b.

[0030] On the path of the heat medium flow path 40b, a circulation pump P40 and a heat medium heater 42 are installed in this order from the upstream side. The heat medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P40, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be adjusted.

[0031] <HVAC unit> The heater core 12 and the cooler core 16 of the refrigerant circuit 10 are housed in a case 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The case 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100, and also forms an air flow passage 120 therein.

[0032] The HVAC unit 100 also has an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 closes either an outside air intake port that introduces outside air in the vehicle cabin or an inside air intake port that introduces inside air in the vehicle cabin, and switches the air introduced into the case 110 between outside air in the vehicle cabin (outside air intake) and inside air in the vehicle cabin (inside air circulation). The HVAC unit 100 also has a blower 140 installed adjacent to the intake unit 130 so that the air introduced into the case 110 is sent to the air flow passage 120. The blower 140 blows the air to be heat exchanged in the heater core 12 and the cooler core 16 into the vehicle cabin.

[0033] The cooler core 16 is installed at the upstream side of the air flow passage 120. A heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel at the downstream side of the air flow passage 120. The heater core 12 is provided in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, when the air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the heater core passage 121, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 16 and then to the heater core 12. On the other hand, when the air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 16 and then bypasses the heater core 12. The ratio of the air passing through the heater core passage 121 and the air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by the air mix damper 150. That is, the air mix damper 150 controls the flow rate of the air passing through the heater core 12.

[0034] Control Device FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the control device 200 of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment.

[0035] The control device 200 controls the operation of various sensors and each part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The control device 200 is an air conditioning ECU (Electronic Control Unit) for executing various control modes of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The various control modes executed by the control device 200 include a heat medium heat absorption heating mode that executes heat medium heat absorption heating.

[0036] The control device 200 receives detection information from various sensors. For example, the control device 200 receives detection information from a blower temperature sensor 210, an outside air temperature sensor 220, a refrigerant temperature sensor 230, a refrigerant pressure sensor 240, and a vehicle interior temperature sensor 250. The refrigerant temperature sensor 230 is composed of a plurality of sensors that detect the refrigerant temperature at each point of the refrigerant circuit 10, and includes an inlet side refrigerant temperature sensor 230a that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet side 12a of the heater core 12 and an outlet side refrigerant temperature sensor 230b that detects the temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet side 12b of the heater core 12. The refrigerant pressure sensor 240 is composed of a plurality of sensors that detect the refrigerant pressure at each point of the refrigerant circuit 10, and includes an inlet side refrigerant pressure sensor 240a that detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the inlet side 12a of the heater core 12 and an outlet side refrigerant pressure sensor 240b that detects the pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet side 12b of the heater core 12.

[0037] The control device 200 selects a path in the refrigerant circuit 10 by opening and closing the pressure reducing devices 13a-13d and the flow passage opening and closing valves 20a, 20b based on detection information from various sensors. While selecting the path, the control device 200 controls the operation of the compressor 11, the blower 140, the air mix damper 150, the circulation pump P40, and the pressure reducing devices 13a-13d to control the amount of heat released from the refrigerant. The control device 200 also calculates the actual heating capacity value and the target heating capacity by appropriately using detection information from the blower temperature sensor 210, the vehicle interior temperature sensor 250, the inlet side refrigerant temperature sensor 230a, the inlet side refrigerant pressure sensor 240a, the outlet side refrigerant temperature sensor 230b, and the inlet side refrigerant pressure sensor 240a.

[0038] [Operation of vehicle air conditioning system] A specific operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0039] <Heat medium endothermic heating mode> 1 shows a state of the vehicle air conditioner 1 when the outside air temperature is extremely low. At this time, the vehicle interior is heated by executing the heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0040] In the heat medium endothermic heating mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is set as follows: the pressure reducing devices 13a, 13b, and 13d are fully closed, and the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b are opened.

[0041] As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10a and 10b and passes through the heater core 12. The refrigerant that has passed through the heater core 12 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10j, 10k, 10m, and 10r and passes through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10s and 10f and flows into the accumulator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 15 flows through the refrigerant flow path 10g and flows into the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10r, 10s, 10f, and 10g form a circulation path through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 passes through the heater core 12, and the refrigerant circulates through this circulation path. As a result, the heat of the refrigerant dissipated by the heater core 12 heats the vehicle interior.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42 circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by the heat medium being pushed out by the circulation pump P40. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42. This increases the temperature of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11. Therefore, in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, even if the outside air temperature is extremely low, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be increased to increase the heating capacity. At this time, the temperature of the battery 41 is adjusted by the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0043] Preparation mode Since the heat medium endothermic heating mode is executed when the outside air temperature is extremely low, it takes a long time for the temperature in the vehicle cabin to rise to the set temperature when the heat medium endothermic heating mode is activated, and the quick heating may be reduced. Therefore, in order to improve the quick heating of the vehicle cabin by shortening the time to achieve the target heating capacity, which is the heating capacity of the heater core 12 required to achieve the vehicle cabin temperature set by the occupant, the preparation mode may be executed when the heat medium endothermic heating mode is activated.

[0044] In the preparation mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is set as follows: the pressure reducing devices 13a, 13b, and 13d are fully closed, and the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b are opened.

[0045] As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10a and 10b and passes through the heater core 12. The refrigerant that has passed through the heater core 12 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10j, 10k, 10m, and 10r and passes through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows through the refrigerant flow paths 10s and 10f and flows into the accumulator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 15 flows through the refrigerant flow path 10g and flows into the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10r, 10s, 10f, and 10g form a circulation path through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 passes through the heater core 12, and therefore, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the same path as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0046] Furthermore, in the battery temperature control circuit 40, the heat medium heater 42 is activated. As a result, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P40, and the heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42 circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b of the battery temperature control circuit 40. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11 becomes high.

[0047] Moreover, the operation of the blower 140 is stopped, and the heater core passage 121 is blocked by the air mix damper 150 to block the air passing through the heater core 12. This limits the amount of heat radiation from the heater core 12.

[0048] As described above, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the same route in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and while the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium, the amount of heat dissipated from the heater core 12 is limited, so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. Therefore, when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the time until the target blowing temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and the target heating capacity are reached can be shortened, and quick heating can be improved.

[0049] [Control of vehicle air conditioners] Next, the control process performed by the control device 200 in the vehicle air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] Preparation Mode Execution Process

[0051] 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the preparation mode execution process by the control device 200. The preparation mode will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 200 determines whether or not to activate the heat medium heat absorption heating mode (S1). The heat medium heat absorption heating mode is activated, for example, when the outside air temperature becomes extremely low and drops to the activation start temperature of the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. When the control device 200 determines not to activate the heat medium heat absorption heating mode (S1: No), it ends the process.

[0053] When the control device 200 determines to start the heat medium heat absorption heating mode (S1: Yes), it determines whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (S2). When the control device 200 determines that the outside air temperature is not equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (S2: No), it ends the process. When the control device 200 determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature (S2: Yes), it executes the preparation mode (S3).

[0054] Specifically, in the preparation mode, the control device 200 starts the compressor 11, the circulation pump P40, and the heat medium heating device 42. In addition, in the preparation mode, the control device 200 fully closes the pressure reducing devices 13a, 13b, and 13d and opens the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b to set the same path in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. When the compressor 11 is started, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 10 through the same path as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. In addition, the heat medium heating device 42 increases the heat generation amount of the heat medium heating device 42 compared to when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42.

[0055] In addition, the control device 200 stops the operation of the blower 140 in the preparation mode. Furthermore, in the preparation mode, the control device 200 controls the driving of the air mix damper 150, and the air mix damper 150 blocks the heater core passage 121 to block the air passing through the heater core 12. As a result, no air is blown to the heater core 12 in the preparation mode. Therefore, the amount of heat dissipated by the heater core 12 is limited.

[0056] Next, the control device 200 determines whether the temperature and pressure on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 are equal to or higher than predetermined values ​​(S4). In this embodiment, the temperature and pressure on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 are detected by the outlet side refrigerant temperature sensor 230b and the outlet side refrigerant pressure sensor 240b.

[0057] 1, the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 when the heat medium heat absorption mode or the preparation mode is executed are the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the path from the discharge side 11a of the compressor 11 to the pressure reducing device 13c. In other words, the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 are the temperature and pressure of the discharge side 11a of the compressor 11.

[0058] 1, the temperature and pressure of the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 when the heat medium heat absorption mode or the preparation mode is executed are the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the path from the pressure reducing device 13c to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11. In other words, the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 are the temperature and pressure of the suction side 11b of the compressor 11.

[0059] When the control device 200 determines that the temperature and pressure on the high pressure side are not equal to or higher than the predetermined values ​​(S4: No), it repeats the determination. When the control device 200 determines that the temperature and pressure on the high pressure side are equal to or higher than the predetermined values ​​(S4: Yes), it ends the preparation mode and starts the heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0060] That is, the control device 200 controls the driving of the air mix damper 150 to open the heater core passage 121 so as to guide the air blown by the blower 140 to the heater core 12 (S5). Then, the control device 200 starts the blower 140 (S6). At this time, for example, the control device 200 starts the blower 140 at a minimum air volume.

[0061] Next, the control device 200 adjusts the air volume of the blower 140 (S7). For example, the control device 200 increases the air volume of the blower 140 in accordance with the temperature and pressure on the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0062] As described above, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the same route in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and while the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium, the amount of heat dissipated from the heater core 12 is limited, so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. Therefore, when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the time until the target blowing temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and the target heating capacity are reached can be shortened, and quick heating can be improved.

[0063] The target heating capacity is calculated by the following formula (1), and the actual heating capacity is calculated by the following formula (2). In the preparation mode, air is not sent to the heater core 12, so the air temperature on the leeward side of the heater core rises. This increases the actual heating capacity, so the time required to reach the target heating capacity can be shortened.

[0064] TGQh = (THO-Te) × Ga (1) TGQh: Target heating capacity (kW) THO: Target heater core downwind air temperature (℃) Te: Air temperature upwind of heater core (℃) Ga: Volume of air passing through the air flow passage 120 (m3 / s)

[0065] Qhp = (Thp - Te) × Ga (2) Qhp: Actual heating capacity (kW) Thp: Air temperature downwind of heater core (℃) Te: Air temperature upwind of heater core (℃) Ga: Volume of air passing through the air flow passage 120 (m3 / s)

[0066] The target heater core downwind air temperature THO is calculated based on the difference between the set temperature in the vehicle interior and the actual temperature measured when the target heating capacity is calculated. The air volume Ga is estimated from the blower voltage BLV of the blower 140, etc.

[0067] In addition, in the preparation mode, the heat medium heater 42 is started, so that the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant can be secured, and the quick heating performance can be improved.

[0068] In addition, when the preparation mode is executed, the heat generation amount of the heat medium heating device 42 is increased compared to when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. Therefore, in the preparation mode, it is possible to ensure a larger amount of heat absorption by the refrigerant than in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, thereby improving the rapid heating performance.

[0069] In addition, when the preparation mode is executed, the operation of the blower 140 is stopped and the air mix damper 150 blocks the air passing through the heater core 12, so that it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from radiating heat in the heater core 12, and the condition of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 can be improved quickly. Therefore, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be improved quickly.

[0070] In the process of step S4, it may be determined whether or not either the temperature or the pressure on the high pressure side is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

[0071] <Transition of each element when preparation mode is active and not active> Next, an example of the changes in the rotation speed NC of the compressor 11, the heater core downwind air temperature Thp, the high-pressure side pressure Pd in ​​the refrigerant circuit 10, and the air flow rate Ga of the blower 140 when the preparation mode is executed and when the preparation mode is not executed will be explained using Figures 4 and 5.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows the transition of each element when the preparation mode is not executed when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. That is, it shows the transition of each element when the process of Fig. 3 is not executed when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 4, when the preparation mode is not executed, the compressor 11 starts when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. The blower 140 blows air at a constant air volume Ga. This causes the constant air volume Ga to be blown to the heater core 12. In this case, the high-pressure side pressure Pd in ​​the refrigerant circuit 10 increases gradually over time, and the heater core leeward air temperature Thp increases gradually accordingly.

[0074] Fig. 5 shows the transition when the preparation mode is executed when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. That is, it shows the transition of each element when the process of Fig. 3 is executed when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 5, when the preparation mode is executed before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the compressor 11 is started. In addition, the operation of the blower 140 is stopped and the airflow Ga of the blower 140 is set to 0. In addition, the air passing through the heater core 12 is blocked by the air mix damper 150. Therefore, the airflow to the heater core 12 becomes 0. During the preparation mode, the pressure Pd on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 rises more rapidly than in the state of Fig. 4, and accordingly the heater core leeward air temperature Thp rises more rapidly than in the state of Fig. 4. This shortens the time to reach the target heating capacity, and improves the quick heating of the vehicle interior.

[0076] Then, when the pressure Pd on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the preparation mode is terminated and the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is activated. When the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is activated, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. Also, the blower 140 is activated to blow air at a minimum volume. This stops the increase in the pressure Pd on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10, and the increase in the heater core leeward air temperature Thp slows down. Then, by gradually increasing the volume of air of the blower 140 according to the pressure Pd on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10, the transition of the pressure Pd on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be stabilized. Accordingly, the transition of the heater core leeward air temperature Thp can be stabilized.

[0077] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Note that detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] [Configuration of vehicle air conditioning system] Overview of Vehicle Air Conditioning System The vehicle air conditioner of this embodiment is configured to shorten the time required to reach the target heating capacity and improve the quick heating performance.

[0079] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment.

[0080] The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, a battery temperature control circuit 40, a motor temperature control circuit 50, and an exterior heat exchange circuit 60 configured to circulate a heat medium, such as a coolant. Of these circuits, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70 such as an eight-way valve. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other to form a circulation path in which these circuits work together to circulate the heat medium, or can separate one or more circuits from the other circuits to make them independent.

[0081] The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a control device 200 (see FIG. 2) that controls the operation of various sensors and each part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 is controlled based on the detection values ​​of the various sensors, various requests, etc.

[0082] <Refrigerant circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 differs from the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the first embodiment in that the branch point 18a, the refrigerant flow path 10c, the pressure reducing device 13a, and the junction point 19a, i.e., the bypass route, which are included in the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the first embodiment, are not included. With the elimination of the branch point 18a, the refrigerant flow paths 10a and 10b in the first embodiment are replaced with the refrigerant flow path 10a in the second embodiment. The discharge side 11a of the compressor 11 is connected to the inlet side 12a of the heater core 12 via the refrigerant flow path 10a connected thereto. The other configurations are the same as those of the refrigerant circuit 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0083] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 includes the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit through which the heat medium that has been cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 circulates.

[0084] The flow path of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the flow path of the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the flow path of the motor temperature control circuit 50 can be connected to one another by a flow path switching device 70. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can also be used for controlling the temperature of the battery 41 and the motor 51 by forming a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50. In other words, in this case, the exhaust heat of the battery 41 and the motor 51 can be used as a heat absorption source for the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0085] In the example shown in the figure, the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is connected by heat medium passages 30a, 30b. The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the passage switching device 70 by the heat medium passage 30a. The inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the passage switching device 70 by the heat medium passage 30b.

[0086] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is connected to at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, and can cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0087] In the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium is circulated by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40 of the battery temperature control circuit 40 or the circulation pump P50 of the motor temperature control circuit 50, which are connected via the flow path switching device 70. When the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, heat is discharged to the refrigerant circuit 10 and cooled. The heat medium that has passed through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, which are connected via the flow path switching device 70, and then heads again toward the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0088] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit includes a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The battery 41 is provided with a battery temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the battery 41. The battery temperature control circuit 40 can be used to adjust the temperature of the battery 41.

[0089] Note that a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control circuit 40 can also be applied to other in-vehicle device temperature control circuits having an in-vehicle device temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of other in-vehicle devices that require temperature control in a similar manner, not limited to the battery.

[0090] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the battery temperature control circuit 40 are connected by heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching valve 43a by the heat medium flow path 40a. The flow path switching valve 43a is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40b. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching valve 43b by the heat medium flow path 40c. The flow path switching valve 43b is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40d. The flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b are connected by the heat medium flow path 40e. By switching the flow path by the flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b, it is possible to select a heat medium circulation path formed by the heat medium flow paths 40a and 40c that passes through the battery 41 and a heat medium circulation path formed by the heat medium flow path 40e that bypasses the battery 41.

[0091] The battery temperature control circuit 40 can form a circulation path for independently circulating the heat medium by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the battery temperature control circuit 40 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0092] On the heat medium flow path 40b, a circulation pump P40 and a heat medium heater 42 are installed in this order from the upstream side. Even if the battery temperature control circuit 40 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits, or even if a circulation pump is not installed in the other circuit that cooperates with the battery temperature control circuit 40 to form a circulation path, the heat medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P40, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be adjusted.

[0093] <Motor temperature control circuit> The motor temperature control circuit 50 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit includes a motor 51 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The motor 51 is provided with a motor temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the motor 51. The motor temperature control circuit 50 can be used to circulate a heat medium to adjust the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 1 can use the motor 51, which constantly generates heat while driving, as a heat source via the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0094] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the motor temperature control circuit 50 are connected by heat medium flow paths 50a, 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50b. The motor temperature control circuit 50 connects the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to each other by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path that circulates the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0095] A circulation pump P50 is installed on the heat medium flow path 50a. Even if the motor temperature control circuit 50 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits, or even if a circulation pump is not installed in the other circuit that cooperates with the motor temperature control circuit 50 to form a circulation path, the heat medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P50, and the temperature of the motor 51 can be adjusted.

[0096] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit> The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 as an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate a heat medium and exchange heat between the heat medium and outdoor air.

[0097] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected by heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60a. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60b.

[0098] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be separated from the other circuits and made independent by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0099] <HVAC unit> The HVAC unit 100 has the same configuration as the HVAC unit 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0100] Control Device As shown in FIG. 2, the configuration of a control device 200 of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is similar to the configuration of the control device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0101] [Operation of vehicle air conditioning system] A specific operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment, a first heat medium heat absorption heating mode and a second heat medium heat absorption heating mode can be executed as the heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0102] <First heat medium endothermic heating mode> Fig. 6 shows the state of the vehicle air conditioner 1 when the outside air temperature is extremely low. At this time, the vehicle interior is heated by executing the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the first heat medium heat absorption heating mode, which does not use the exhaust heat of the motor 51, is executed.

[0103] In the first heat medium heat absorption heating mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is set as follows: the pressure reducing devices 13b and 13d are fully closed, and the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b are opened.

[0104] As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10a and passes through the heater core 12. The refrigerant that has passed through the heater core 12 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10j, 10k, 10m, and 10r and passes through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10s and 10f and flows into the accumulator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 15 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10g and flows into the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant flow passages 10a, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10r, 10s, 10f, and 10g form a circulation path through which the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 11 passes through the heater core 12, and the refrigerant circulates through this circulation path. As a result, the heat of the refrigerant dissipated by the heater core 12 heats the interior of the vehicle.

[0105] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows.

[0106] That is, the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0107] In the battery temperature adjustment circuit 40, the flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b switch the path to the heat medium flow paths 40a and 40c that pass through the battery 41.

[0108] As a result, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P40, and the heat medium circulates through a circulation path formed by the heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d passing through the battery 41. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42. This increases the temperature of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11. Therefore, in the first heat medium heat absorption heating mode, even if the outside air temperature is extremely low, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be increased to increase the heating capacity. At this time, the temperature of the battery 41 is adjusted by the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0109] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the motor temperature adjustment circuit 50 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. That is, the flow path switching device 70 connects the heat medium flow paths 50a, 50b passing through the motor 51 and the heat medium flow paths 60b, 60b passing through the radiator 61.

[0110] Thus, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P50, and the heat medium circulates through a circulation path formed by the heat medium flow paths 50a, 50b of the motor temperature control circuit 50 and the heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b of the exterior heat exchange circuit 60. As a result, the temperature of the motor 51 is controlled by the heat medium whose heat has been dissipated to the outside air by the radiator 61, and the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin is operated in heating mode in the first heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0111] <Second heat medium endothermic heating mode> Fig. 7 shows the state of the vehicle air conditioner 1 when the outside air temperature is extremely low. At this time, the vehicle interior is heated by executing the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the second heat medium heat absorption heating mode that utilizes the exhaust heat of the motor 51 is executed.

[0112] In the second heat medium heat absorption heating mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is set as follows: the pressure reducing devices 13b and 13d are fully closed, and the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b are opened.

[0113] As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10a and passes through the heater core 12. The refrigerant that has passed through the heater core 12 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10j, 10k, 10m, and 10r and passes through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10s and 10f and flows into the accumulator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 15 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10g and flows into the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant flow passages 10a, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10r, 10s, 10f, and 10g form a circulation path through which the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 11 passes through the heater core 12, and the refrigerant circulates through this circulation path. As a result, the heat of the refrigerant dissipated by the heater core 12 heats the interior of the vehicle.

[0114] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows.

[0115] In other words, the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50, so that the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0116] In the battery temperature adjustment circuit 40, the flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b switch the circulation path of the heat medium to the heat medium flow paths 40a and 40c that pass through the battery 41.

[0117] As a result, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P40 and the circulation pump P50, and the heat medium circulates through a circulation path formed by the heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d passing through the battery 41, and the heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium that absorbs the exhaust heat of the motor 51 and the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11 increases. Therefore, in the second heat medium heat absorption heating mode, even if the outside air is extremely low temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be increased to increase the heating capacity. In addition, by utilizing the exhaust heat of the motor 51, the heating capacity can be increased in the second heat medium heat absorption heating mode compared to the first heat medium heat absorption heating mode. At this time, the temperatures of the battery 41 and the motor 51 are adjusted by the heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0118] Preparation mode Since the heat medium endothermic heating mode is executed when the outside air temperature is extremely low, it takes a long time for the temperature in the vehicle cabin to rise to the set temperature when the heat medium endothermic heating mode is activated, and the quick heating may be reduced. Therefore, in order to improve the quick heating of the vehicle cabin by shortening the time required to achieve the target heating capacity, which is the heating capacity of the heater core 12 required to achieve the vehicle cabin temperature set by the occupant, the preparation mode may be executed when the heat medium endothermic heating mode is activated. Figure 8 shows the state of the vehicle air conditioner 1 in the preparation mode.

[0119] In the preparation mode, the refrigerant circuit 10 is set as follows: the pressure reducing devices 13b and 13d are fully closed, and the flow passage opening / closing valves 20a and 20b are opened.

[0120] As a result, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10a and passes through the heater core 12. The refrigerant that has passed through the heater core 12 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10j, 10k, 10m, and 10r and passes through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows into the refrigerant flow passages 10s and 10f and flows into the accumulator 15. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 15 flows into the refrigerant flow passage 10g and flows into the compressor 11. That is, the refrigerant flow passages 10a, 10j, 10k, 10m, 10r, 10s, 10f, and 10g form a circulation path through which the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 11 passes through the heater core 12, and the refrigerant circulates through this circulation path. Therefore, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit 10 in the same path as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode.

[0121] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows.

[0122] That is, the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0123] In the battery temperature adjustment circuit 40, the flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b switch the circulation path of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 40e that bypasses the battery 41, and the heat medium heater 42 is started up.

[0124] As a result, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P40, and the heat medium circulates through a circulation path formed by the heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the heat medium flow paths 40b, 40d, and 40e that bypass the battery 41. As a result, in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11 becomes high.

[0125] Moreover, the operation of the blower 140 is stopped, and the heater core passage 121 is blocked by the air mix damper 150 to block the air passing through the heater core 12. This limits the amount of heat radiation from the heater core 12.

[0126] As described above, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the same route in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and while the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium, the amount of heat dissipated from the heater core 12 is limited, so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. Therefore, when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the time until the target blowing temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and the target heating capacity are reached can be shortened, and quick heating can be improved.

[0127] By setting a circulation path for the heat medium that bypasses the battery 41, it becomes possible for the heat medium heater 42 to heat the heat medium to a temperature exceeding the upper limit temperature of the battery 41. This makes it possible to increase the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant compared to the heat medium passing through the battery 41. This makes it possible to improve the condition of the refrigerant returning to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to achieve the target heating capacity and further improve the quick heating performance.

[0128] Even if the route is switched to one that passes through the battery 41, the heat medium can be heated by the heat medium heating device 42 to close to the upper limit temperature of the battery 41, so that the target heating capacity can be reached more quickly than with normal heat pump heating.

[0129] In this way, the flow path switching device 70 can connect the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 when executing the heat medium endothermic heating mode, but when executing the preparation mode, it connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 without connecting the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0130] Therefore, in the heat medium endothermic heating mode, the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42 flows through the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, whereas in the preparation mode, the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42 flows through the battery temperature control circuit 40 but does not flow through the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0131] As a result, in the preparation mode, the amount of heat medium heated by the heat medium heater 42 can be made smaller than in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. Therefore, in the preparation mode, it is possible to quickly increase the temperature of the heat medium that the refrigerant absorbs heat, and the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant can be quickly increased. As a result, in the preparation mode, the condition of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 can be quickly improved, and the quick heating performance can be improved. Also, in the preparation mode, the amount of heat medium heated in the preparation mode can be made smaller than in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, so that an increase in power consumption in the preparation mode can be suppressed.

[0132] 6 to 8, the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 when the heat medium heat absorption mode or the preparation mode is executed is the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the path from the discharge side 11a of the compressor 11 to the pressure reducing device 13c. In other words, the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 is the temperature and pressure of the discharge side 11a of the compressor 11.

[0133] 6 to 8, the temperature and pressure of the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 when the heat medium heat absorption mode or the preparation mode is executed is the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant in the path from the pressure reducing device 13c to the suction side 11b of the compressor 11. In other words, the temperature and pressure of the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the temperature and pressure of the suction side 11b of the compressor 11.

[0134] [Control of vehicle air conditioners] Next, the control process performed by the control device 200 in the vehicle air conditioner 1 will be described.

[0135] Preparation Mode Execution Process The preparation mode execution process in the second embodiment is executed by the control device 200 in the same steps as the process shown in FIG.

[0136] However, in the second embodiment, when executing the preparation mode in step S3, the control device 200 further executes a process of switching the circulation path of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 40e, which is a bypass that bypasses the battery 41, by controlling the operation of the flow path switching valve 43a and the flow path switching valve 43b, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0137] In the second embodiment, when executing the preparation mode, the control device 200 uses the flow path switching device 70 to connect the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 without connecting the motor temperature control circuit 50 (see FIG. 8).

[0138] In the second embodiment, the control device 200 further executes a process of switching the circulation path of the heat medium to the heat medium paths 40a, 43c, which are paths passing through the battery 41, by controlling the operation of the path switching valve 43a and the path switching valve 43b, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0139] When the control device 200 ends the preparation mode and executes the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, the flow path switching device 70 connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 to at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, thereby forming a heat medium circulation path as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

[0140] As described above, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the same route in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and while the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium, the amount of heat dissipated from the heater core 12 is limited, so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. Therefore, when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the time until the target blowing temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and the target heating capacity are reached can be shortened, and quick heating can be improved.

[0141] In addition, in the preparation mode, the heat medium heater 42 is started, so that the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant can be secured, and the quick heating performance can be improved.

[0142] In addition, when the preparation mode is executed, the heat generation amount of the heat medium heating device 42 is increased compared to when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed. Therefore, in the preparation mode, it is possible to ensure a larger amount of heat absorption by the refrigerant than in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, thereby improving the rapid heating performance.

[0143] In addition, when the preparation mode is executed, the operation of the blower 140 is stopped and the air mix damper 150 blocks the air passing through the heater core 12, so that it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from radiating heat in the heater core 12, and the condition of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 can be improved quickly. Therefore, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can be improved quickly.

[0144] In the process of step S4, it may be determined whether or not either the temperature or the pressure on the high pressure side has reached a predetermined value or higher.

[0145] [Effects of this embodiment] (1) A refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant includes a compressor 11, a heater core 12 that heats air to be supplied to the vehicle interior, pressure reducing devices 13a to 13e, a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 that causes the refrigerant to absorb heat of the heat medium absorbed from a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat generating device, and an accumulator 15; a battery temperature control circuit 40 as an in-vehicle heat generating device temperature control circuit configured to circulate a heat medium, the battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat generating device, and the battery temperature control circuit 40 including a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat generating device and a heat medium heating device 42 that heats the heat medium; and an HVAC system configured to accommodate the heater core 12 and a blower 140 and blow temperature-controlled air into the vehicle interior using the blower 140. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a VAC unit 100 and a control device 200 capable of executing a heat medium heat absorption heating mode in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from a heat medium circulating in a battery temperature control circuit 40 serving as an in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit in a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, thereby heating air supplied to the vehicle cabin with a heater core 12. When the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is activated under conditions in which the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device 200 circulates the refrigerant through the same route as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode until the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant on the high-pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and executes a preparation mode in which the heat radiation of the refrigerant in the heater core 12 is restricted. Therefore, in the preparation mode, the refrigerant circulates through the same route in the refrigerant circuit 10 as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and while the refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium, the amount of heat released from the heater core 12 is limited, so that the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit 10 can be increased before the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started. Therefore, when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started, the time until the target blowing temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and the target heating capacity are reached can be shortened, and quick heating can be improved.

[0146] (2) The control device 200 activates the heat medium heater 42 when the preparation mode is executed. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the amount of heat absorption by the refrigerant, and the quick heating property can be improved.

[0147] (3) When the preparation mode is executed, the control device 200 increases the amount of heat generated by the heat medium heater 42 compared to when the heat medium endothermic heating mode is executed. Therefore, in the preparation mode, it is possible to ensure a larger amount of heat absorption by the refrigerant than in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, thereby improving the rapid heating performance.

[0148] (4) The control device 200 stops the operation of the blower 140 when the preparation mode is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the refrigerant from losing heat in the heater core 12, and quickly improve the condition of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11. This makes it possible to quickly improve the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0149] (5) The HVAC unit 100 as an air conditioning unit includes an air mix damper 150 that controls the flow rate of air passing through the heater core 12, and the control device 200 controls the operation of the air mix damper 150 so that the air mix damper 150 blocks the air passing through the heater core 12 when the preparation mode is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the refrigerant from losing heat in the heater core 12, and quickly improve the condition of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11. This makes it possible to quickly improve the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.

[0150] (6) A low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 configured to circulate a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with a refrigerant via a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, a motor temperature control circuit 50 configured to circulate a heat medium and serving as a second on-board heat-generating device temperature control circuit including a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of a motor 51 as an on-board heat-generating device different from a battery 41 as an on-board heat-generating device, and mutual connections between the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40 as an on-board heat-generating device temperature control circuit, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 as the second on-board heat-generating device temperature control circuit. and an independent flow path switching device 70 configured to be able to switch between the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40 as the in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 as the second in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit when executing the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, and to connect the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 as the in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit without connecting the motor temperature control circuit 50 as the second in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit when executing the preparation mode. Therefore, in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42 flows through the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, while in the preparation mode, the heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42 flows through the battery temperature control circuit 40 but does not flow through the motor temperature control circuit 50. As a result, in the preparation mode, the amount of heat medium heated by the heat medium heating device 42 can be reduced compared to the heat medium heat absorption heating mode. Therefore, in the preparation mode, it is possible to increase the temperature of the heat medium that the refrigerant absorbs heat at an early stage, and the amount of heat absorbed by the refrigerant can be increased at an early stage. As a result, in the preparation mode, the state of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11 can be improved at an early stage, and the quick heating performance can be improved. In addition, in the preparation mode, the amount of heat medium heated in the preparation mode can be reduced compared to the heat medium heat absorption heating mode, so that an increase in power consumption in the preparation mode can be suppressed.

[0151] Although the present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1: Vehicle air conditioning system 10: refrigerant circuit, 11: compressor, 12: heater core, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d: pressure reducing device, 14: low-temperature side heat exchanger, 15: accumulator, 16: cooler core, 17: radiator 30: Low temperature side heat medium circuit 40: Battery temperature control circuit, 41: Battery, P40: Circulation pump 50: Motor temperature control circuit, 51: Motor, P50: Circulation pump 60: outdoor heat exchange circuit, 61: radiator 70: Flow path switching device 100: HVAC unit, 110: case, 120: air flow passage, 121: heater core passage, 122: bypass passage, 140: blower, 150: air mix damper

Claims

1. a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant, the refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a heater core that heats air supplied to a vehicle interior, a pressure reducing device, a low-temperature side heat exchanger that causes the refrigerant to absorb heat of a heat medium that has absorbed heat from an on-board heat generating device, and an accumulator; a heat medium circulating circuit for controlling a temperature of the heat-generating device in the vehicle, the heat medium circulating circuit including a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature of the heat-generating device in the vehicle and a heat medium heating device for heating the heat medium; an air conditioning unit that houses the heater core and a blower and blows temperature-controlled air into a vehicle interior using the blower; a control device capable of executing a heat medium heat absorption heating mode in which air supplied to a vehicle interior is heated by the heater core by a refrigerant absorbing heat of a heat medium circulating in the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit in the low-temperature side heat exchanger, The control device includes: When the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is started under the condition that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the same route as in the heat medium heat absorption heating mode until the temperature or pressure of the refrigerant on the high pressure side in the refrigerant circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and a preparation mode is executed to limit the heat radiation of the refrigerant in the heater core.

1. A vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

2. The control device includes: The heat medium heating device is started when the preparation mode is executed.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The control device includes: When the preparation mode is executed, the heat generation amount of the heat medium heater is increased compared to when the heat medium heat absorption heating mode is executed.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The control device includes: The operation of the blower is stopped when the preparation mode is executed.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. The air conditioning unit includes an air mix damper that controls a flow rate of air passing through the heater core, The control device includes: When the preparation mode is executed, the driving of the air mix damper is controlled so that the air mix damper blocks air passing through the heater core.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. a low-temperature side heat medium circuit configured to circulate a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant through the low-temperature side heat exchanger; a second vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit configured to circulate a heat medium and including a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of a vehicle-mounted heat-generating device different from the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device; a flow path switching device configured to switch between connection and independence of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit, the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit, and the second vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit, The flow path switching device is When the heat medium endothermic heating mode is executed, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit, the in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit, and the second in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control circuit are connected to each other, When the preparation mode is executed, the second vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit is not connected, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit and the vehicle-mounted heat-generating device temperature control circuit are connected.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

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