Temperature regulation system and control method of the same

Abstract

To improve heat efficiency when a temperature regulation mode in which a temperature regulation object is heated by utilizing power of a compressor is performed.SOLUTION: In a temperature regulation system 100, a heat medium circuit 20 includes: an indoor air conditioning unit 25 which heats or cools a heat regulation object by using a heat medium HM; a three-way valve 26 which branches the heat medium HM into at least one of a condenser pipe L1 and an evaporator pipe L5; a passage joint part C where the heat medium HM circulating in the condenser pipe L1 and the heat medium HM circulating in the evaporator pipe L5 are joined; and a first pump 21 which is disposed at the upstream side of the three-way valve 26 in a circulation direction and the downstream side of the passage joint part C in the circulation direction and pumps the heat medium HM along the circulation direction. A control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 and the first pump 21 so as to perform a first heater mode in which the heat medium HM is branched into the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5 with the three-way valve 26, and then the heat mediums HM are joined at the passage joint part C to be guided to the indoor air conditioning unit 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature control system suitable for use in a vehicle and a method for controlling the temperature control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle heat management system having an operation mode for heating a device to be heated at an early stage when the outside air temperature is low is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle heat management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 arranges a low-pressure side heat exchanger included in a refrigeration cycle in a first heat medium circuit, arranges a high-pressure side heat exchanger included in the refrigeration cycle in a second heat medium circuit, and can switch between a non-connected mode in which the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit are not connected and a connected mode in which the first heat medium circuit and the second heat medium circuit are connected.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when supplying a heat medium to a device to be heated, the heat medium discharged from a pump is branched into three systems, namely, a low-pressure side heat exchanger, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, and a device to be heated, by a first switching valve and supplied to each of them, and the three systems are merged into one by a second switching valve and then led back to the pump again.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, since a part of the flow rate of the heat medium discharged from the pump is guided to the low-pressure side heat exchanger and the high-pressure side heat exchanger by the first switching valve, the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the equipment to be heated is reduced with respect to the flow rate of the heat medium discharged from the pump. In order to heat the equipment to be heated to a desired temperature, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the heat medium by an amount corresponding to the decrease in the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the equipment to be heated, resulting in a decrease in thermal efficiency.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a temperature control system and a temperature control system control method capable of improving the thermal efficiency when executing a temperature control mode for heating a temperature control target using the power of a compressor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The temperature control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates, and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching unit that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging unit that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, and a first pump that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching unit in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging unit in the flow direction and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction. The control unit controls the flow path branching unit, the flow path merging unit, and the first pump so as to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged at the flow path merging unit and guided to the temperature control device.

[0008] In a method for controlling a temperature control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature control system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching unit that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging unit that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, and a first pump that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching unit in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging unit in the flow direction and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction. The control step includes controlling the flow path branching unit, the flow path merging unit, and the first pump so as to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged at the flow path merging unit and guided to the temperature control device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a temperature control system and a method for controlling a temperature control system that can improve the thermal efficiency when executing a temperature control mode for heating a temperature control target using the power of a compressor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a temperature control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle temperature control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped in a vehicle (not shown), such as an electric vehicle that does not include an engine and obtains driving force for vehicle travel from a driving electric motor, or a so-called hybrid vehicle that obtains driving force for vehicle travel from an engine and an electric motor.

[0012] The temperature control system 100 is responsible for air conditioning such as heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and ventilating the passenger compartment where the passengers are on board, as well as heat management of in-vehicle devices such as a battery device (power supply device) mounted on the vehicle, a driving motor, and heat-generating electronic devices, and exhaust heat recovery. The overall term "heat management" refers to air conditioning to an appropriate temperature and humidity and managing in-vehicle devices at an appropriate temperature.

[0013] Power stored in the in-vehicle battery device is supplied to the temperature control system 100 and the electric and electronic devices provided in the in-vehicle devices. The in-vehicle battery device is charged from an external power source when the vehicle is stopped.

[0014] The temperature control system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to allow the refrigerant to circulate, a heat medium circuit 20 configured to allow a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant to circulate, and a control unit 30 that sets the temperature control system 100 to a predetermined operation mode and controls the operation state of the temperature control system 100 according to the operation mode. The temperature control system 100 includes sensors (not shown) such as a sensor that detects the outside air temperature and a sensor that detects the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment.

[0015] The temperature control system 100 can execute any one of a plurality of driving modes selected by the occupant or by the control unit 30. In the present embodiment, as the driving modes of the temperature control system 100, the first heater mode (FIG. 1), the heat pump mode (FIG. 2), the second heater mode (FIG. 3), and the cooling mode (FIG. 4) are exemplified.

[0016] <Configuration of the refrigerant circuit 10> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses the refrigerant RF, a condenser (high-pressure side heat exchanger) 12, an expansion valve (pressure reducing section) 13, and an evaporator (low-pressure side heat exchanger) 14. In the refrigerant circuit 10, the refrigerant RF circulates according to the refrigeration cycle. As the refrigerant RF enclosed in the refrigerant circuit 10, a single refrigerant or a mixed refrigerant can be used. For example, HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbon) refrigerants such as R410A and R32, HFO (Hydro Fluoro Olefin) refrigerants such as R1234ze and R1234yf, or hydrocarbon (HC)-based refrigerants such as propane and isobutane can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use R1234yf as the refrigerant of the present embodiment.

[0017] When using the fluorocarbon-based or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants listed above, a subcritical refrigeration cycle is configured in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side does not exceed the critical pressure of the refrigerant. When using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the refrigerant, a transcritical refrigeration cycle is configured in which the refrigerant pressure on the high-pressure side exceeds the critical pressure of the refrigerant. Even in that case, since the refrigerant radiates heat by the high-pressure side heat exchanger in the same manner as the condenser 12 of the present embodiment, and the refrigerant absorbs heat by the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the same manner as the evaporator 14 of the present embodiment, a refrigerant that constitutes a transcritical refrigeration cycle such as a carbon dioxide refrigerant can also be adopted in the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0018] The compressor 11 is, for example, an electric compressor equipped with an electric motor (not shown). The rotational speed of the compressor 11 is controlled by the control unit 30. As the compressor 11, for example, a scroll compressor or a rotary compressor is used.

[0019] The condenser 12 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF discharged from the compressor 11 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20.

[0020] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 13, in addition to an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled based on a command from the control unit 30, a thermal expansion valve can also be adopted. Note that a capillary tube may be adopted instead of the expansion valve 13. Also, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 13.

[0021] The evaporator 14 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant RF flowing out from the expansion valve 13 and the heat medium HM flowing through the heat medium circuit 20. The refrigerant RF evaporated by the evaporator 14 is led to the suction side of the compressor 11. An accumulator (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the evaporator 14 and the compressor 11.

[0022] The expansion valve 15 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing out from the condenser 12. As the expansion valve 15, in addition to an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled based on a command from the control unit 30, a thermal expansion valve can also be adopted. Note that a capillary tube may be adopted instead of the expansion valve 15. Also, a receiver (gas-liquid separator) (not shown) may be provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 15.

[0023] The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the evaporator 14, the expansion valve 15, and the refrigerant pipes connecting these elements are installed, for example, outside the passenger compartment.

[0024] <Configuration of the heat medium circuit 20> The heat medium circuit 20 is configured such that the heat medium HM capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant RF by the condenser 12 and the evaporator 14 can circulate. The heat medium HM is used for cooling or heating at least one temperature control target. The temperature control target in this embodiment is the air supplied into the passenger compartment for air conditioning. Also, the temperature control target may be an in-vehicle battery device.

[0025] The heat medium HM enclosed in the heat medium circuit 20 is a liquid such as water or brine that maintains a liquid state and circulates through the heat medium circuit 20. Examples of brine include a mixture of water and propylene glycol, or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0026] The heat medium circuit 20 includes a first pump 21, a second pump 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a circulation flow path 24, an indoor air conditioning unit (temperature control device) 25, a three-way valve (flow path branching section) 26, a three-way valve (flow path switching section) 27, a three-way valve (flow path switching section) 28, and a reserve tank 29.

[0027] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are controlled in terms of their startup, stop, and rotational speed by a control unit 30.

[0028] The first pump 21 is arranged on the upstream side of the heat medium HM in the flow direction from the three-way valve 26 and on the downstream side of the flow path confluence section C in the flow direction, and is a device that pumps the heat medium HM along the flow direction. The first pump 21 is arranged between a first pump inlet pipe L2 connected to a condenser pipe (first heat medium flow path) L1 where the condenser 12 is arranged and a second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger inlet pipe L3. A flow path confluence section C is provided between the condenser pipe L1 and the first pump inlet pipe L2.

[0029] The second pump 22 is connected to a circulation flow path 24 branched at a branch position B from an evaporator pipe (second heat medium flow path) L5 where the evaporator 14 is arranged. The second pump 22 is arranged in the circulation flow path 24 and is a device that pumps the heat medium HM from the evaporator pipe L5 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0030] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a device that exchanges heat between outside air outside the vehicle compartment and the heat medium. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is arranged, for example, near an air inlet of the vehicle. The outside air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the running of the vehicle and the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger fan 23a dissipates or absorbs heat based on the temperature difference between the outside air and the heat medium.

[0031] The circulation passage 24 is a passage that branches the heat medium HM from the evaporator pipe L5 on the downstream side of the heat medium HM in the flow direction from the evaporator 14 and allows the heat medium HM to flow into the evaporator pipe L5 by the three-way valve 27 on the upstream side in the flow direction from the evaporator 14.

[0032] The indoor air-conditioning unit 25 includes an indoor air-conditioning fan 25a, a first indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b, a second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c, and a damper 25d. The indoor air-conditioning unit 25 supplies conditioned air to the vehicle interior by heat-exchanging the air sent by the indoor air-conditioning fan 25a and the heat medium. The indoor air-conditioning fan 25a is driven by an electric motor based on a command from the control unit 30, and blows the air (inside air) or outside air, or a mixture of inside air and outside air in the vehicle interior toward the first indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b and the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c. When the temperature control system 100 executes the first heater mode, the second heater mode, and the heat pump mode described later, the damper 25d is arranged at a position retracted from the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c so that the air blown from the indoor air-conditioning fan 25a flows through the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c.

[0033] A second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger outlet pipe L6 is provided on the heat medium outlet side of the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c. The second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger outlet pipe L6 is connected to the three-way valve 26.

[0034] The three-way valve 26 is arranged on the downstream side of the heat medium HM in the flow direction from the indoor air-conditioning unit 25, and is a device that branches the heat medium HM to at least one of a condenser pipe L1 that guides the heat medium HM to the condenser 12 and an evaporator pipe L5 that guides the heat medium HM to the evaporator 14. The three-way valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 30, and the connection direction is switched according to the operation mode.

[0035] The three-way valve 27 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat medium HM flows through the circulation passage 24 and a non-circulating state in which the heat medium HM does not flow through the circulation passage 24. The three-way valve 27 is disposed in the circulation passage 24 on the downstream side in the flow direction from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and on the upstream side in the flow direction from the evaporator 14. The three-way valve 27 is controlled by the control unit 30 and can switch the connection direction or stop the flow of the heat medium according to the operation mode.

[0036] The three-way valve 28 is a device that switches between a circulating state in which the heat medium HM flows through the circulation passage 24 and a non-circulating state in which the heat medium HM does not flow through the circulation passage 24. The three-way valve 28 is disposed in the circulation passage 24 on the downstream side in the flow direction from the second pump 22 and on the upstream side in the flow direction from the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The three-way valve 28 is controlled by the control unit 30 and can switch the connection direction or stop the flow of the heat medium according to the operation mode.

[0037] The reserve tank 29 is disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium HM from the branch position B from the evaporator pipe L5 to the circulation passage 24 and is a device that stores the heat medium HM. When the heat medium HM enclosed in the heat medium circuit 20 expands as the temperature rises, the reserve tank 29 receives the heat medium HM exceeding the volume of the pipes of the heat medium circuit 20 inside the tank.

[0038] Also, when the volume of the heat medium HM decreases as the temperature drops, the heat medium HM is replenished from the reserve tank 29 to the evaporator pipe L5, so that the inside of the evaporator pipe L5 is maintained in a state filled with the heat medium HM. That is, the reserve tank 29 can prevent the internal pressure of the evaporator pipe L5 from becoming excessive or the inside of the evaporator pipe L5 from becoming a negative pressure. The inside of the reserve tank 29 is open to the atmosphere. Note that the reserve tank 29 may be sealed and adjusted to a desired constant pressure.

[0039] The reserve tank 29 is preferably arranged at a position closer to the flow path confluence portion C than the branch position B in a part of the evaporator pipe L5 from the branch position B to the flow path confluence portion C. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the suction pressure of the first pump 21 from becoming negative and a negative pressure region being formed in the heat medium circuit 20. Further, the three-way valve 27 and the three-way valve 28 may be an integrated valve using the same actuator. Further, a flow path switching valve may be provided at the flow path confluence portion C. Further, a temperature control target may be cooled by guiding the heat medium cooled by the evaporator 14 to the temperature control device using a flow path switching valve (not shown).

[0040] <Configuration of the control unit 30> The control unit 30 is a device that controls the refrigerant circuit 10 and the heat medium circuit 20. The control unit 30 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium, etc. And a series of processes for realizing various functions are stored in a storage medium, etc. in the form of a program as an example. The CPU reads this program into the RAM, etc., and executes information processing and arithmetic processing, whereby various functions are realized. Note that the program may be in a form pre-installed in the ROM or other storage media, a form provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, a form distributed via wired or wireless communication means, etc. A computer-readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0041] Next, the control of the temperature control system 100 having the above configuration will be described. <First heater mode: Figure 1> The first heater mode (temperature control mode) is suitable for heating when heat absorption from the outside air to the heat medium HM cannot be achieved due to low outside air temperature. In the first heater mode, while avoiding heat dissipation from the heat medium HM to the outside air, a heat quantity corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source is conveyed to the passenger compartment by the heat medium HM. Thereby, the heating capacity can be ensured even in a situation where the outside air temperature significantly drops below 0°C. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in FIG. 1, the locations where the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed lines, and the locations where the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0042] According to the command of the control unit 30, the refrigerant circuit 10 is activated. Thereby, the refrigerant RF is compressed by the compressor 11 and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, the refrigerant RF dissipates heat by exchanging heat with the heat medium HM, and the refrigerant RF condenses and liquefies. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the evaporator 14 after being decompressed by the expansion valve 13.

[0043] In the evaporator 14, the refrigerant RF evaporates by obtaining the latent heat of vaporization through heat exchange with the heat medium HM and becomes a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant RF. The refrigerant RF that exits the evaporator 14 is guided to the compressor 11 and repeats the above-described refrigeration cycle. In the refrigerant circuit 10 shown in FIG. 1, the locations where the refrigerant RF flows are indicated by thick solid lines, and the locations where the refrigerant RF does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0044] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided to the inlet pipe L3 for the second in-vehicle air conditioner heat exchanger through the condenser pipe L1 and the flow path junction C by the action of the first pump 21. Then, the heat medium HM provides warmth to the air (or outside air) in the passenger compartment led from the in-vehicle air conditioner fan 25a in the second in-vehicle air conditioner heat exchanger 25c to perform heating. The heat medium HM that has provided warmth and been cooled is guided to the three-way valve 26 through the outlet pipe L6 of the second in-vehicle air conditioner heat exchanger.

[0045] The control unit 30 branches the heat medium HM with the three-way valve 26 into the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5, guides the heat medium HM branched into the evaporator pipe L5 with the three-way valves 27 and 28 from the evaporator pipe L5 to the flow path confluence part C, and executes the first heater mode of merging the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5 at the flow path confluence part C and guiding it to the indoor air conditioning unit 25, and controls the three-way valve 26, the three-way valve 27, the three-way valve 28, and the first pump 21.

[0046] The heat medium HM flowing into the condenser 12 takes heat from the refrigerant RF flowing through the condenser 12 and liquefies the refrigerant RF. The heat medium HM flowing into the evaporator 14 gives the latent heat of evaporation to the refrigerant RF flowing through the evaporator 14 and evaporates the refrigerant RF.

[0047] The three-way valve 26 is configured to be able to adjust the first flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the condenser pipe L1 and the second flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the evaporator pipe L5. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on, for example, the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14. When the control unit 30 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so that the second flow rate decreases. The control unit 30 may, for example, reduce the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the evaporator 14 by reducing the rotational speed of the first pump 21.

[0048] Also, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on, for example, the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12. When the control unit 30 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12, the control unit 30 controls the three-way valve 26 so that the first flow rate increases. The control unit 30 may, for example, increase the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the condenser 12 by increasing the rotational speed of the first pump 21. Further, the control unit 30 may control the rotational speed of the compressor 11 based on the temperature of the heat medium HM flowing into the second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c.

[0049] <Heat pump mode: Figure 2> In the heat pump mode, heat is drawn from the outside air as a heat source to heat the interior of the vehicle. Since the operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same as that in the first heater mode, the description thereof is omitted.

[0050] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided by the action of the first pump 21 through the condenser pipe L1 to the inlet pipe L3 of the second in-vehicle air-conditioning heat exchanger. Then, the heat medium HM gives heat to the air (or outside air) in the vehicle interior led from the in-vehicle air-conditioning fan 25a in the second in-vehicle air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c to perform heating. The heat medium HM cooled by giving heat is guided to the three-way valve 26 through the outlet pipe L6 of the second in-vehicle air-conditioning heat exchanger.

[0051] The control unit 30 forms the first circulation system by guiding the heat medium HM from the outlet pipe L6 of the second in-vehicle air-conditioning heat exchanger only to the condenser pipe L1 with the three-way valve 26 and guiding the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser pipe L1 to the in-vehicle air-conditioning unit 25 with the three-way valve 28, and executes the heat pump mode that forms the second circulation system by guiding the heat medium HM from the evaporator pipe L5 to the circulation passage 24 with the three-way valves 27 and 28. The control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, the first pump 21, and the second pump 22 so as to execute the heat pump mode.

[0052] <Second Heater Mode: Figure 3> The second heater mode (temperature control mode) is suitable for heating when removing frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the second heater mode, a heat quantity corresponding to the power of the compressor 11 as a heat source is conveyed to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the vehicle interior by the heat medium HM. Thereby, it is possible to ensure both the defrosting and heating capabilities of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the heat medium circuit 20 shown in FIG. 3, the locations where the heat medium HM flows are indicated by thick dashed-dotted lines, and the locations where the heat medium HM does not flow are indicated by thin dotted lines.

[0053] In the first heater mode, the heat medium HM is branched from the three-way valve 26 into two paths, namely the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5. On the other hand, the heat medium HM is not supplied from the evaporator pipe L5 to the circulation passage 24. Therefore, in the first heater mode, the heat medium HM does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0054] On the other hand, in the second heater mode, the heat medium HM is branched from the three-way valve 26 into two paths, namely the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5, and the heat medium HM is supplied from the evaporator pipe L5 to the circulation passage 24. Therefore, in the second heater mode, the heat medium HM flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 23. According to the second heater mode, in a situation where the outside air temperature is significantly lower than 0°C, defrosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be performed while ensuring the heating capacity.

[0055] In the second heater mode, the operation of the refrigerant circuit 10 is the same as that in the first heater mode, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0056] The control unit 30 controls the three-way valves 26, 27, 28, and the first pump 21 to execute the second heater mode in which the heat medium HM is branched by the three-way valve 26 into the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5, the heat medium HM passing through the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5 is merged at the flow path merging portion C, and the heat medium HM is guided to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the three-way valves 27 and 28. The heat medium HM branched from the inlet pipe L3 of the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger to the three-way valve 28 is guided to the circulation passage 24, passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the heat medium HM is supplied to the three-way valve 27.

[0057] <Cooling mode: Figure 4> In the cooling mode, cold air is supplied to the passenger compartment using the indoor air-conditioning unit 25.

[0058] The refrigerant circuit 10 is activated by a command from the control unit 30. As a result, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 11 and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the condenser 12. In the condenser 12, heat is dissipated by exchanging heat with the heat medium HM, and the refrigerant RF condenses and liquefies. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant RF is supplied to the first indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b after being depressurized by the expansion valve 15. In the first indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25b, the air in the vehicle interior (or outside air) guided from the indoor air-conditioning fan 25a is cooled by receiving cold heat from the refrigerant RF. Thereby, the vehicle interior is air-conditioned to a desired temperature.

[0059] The heat medium HM heated by the refrigerant RF in the condenser 12 is guided to the inlet pipe L3 of the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger through the condenser pipe L1 and the flow path junction C by the action of the first pump 21. Then, the heat medium HM passes through the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and is guided to the three-way valve 26. The heat medium HM guided to the circulation flow path 24 exchanges heat with the outside air guided from the outdoor heat exchanger fan 23a in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and dissipates heat. The heat medium HM cooled by dissipating heat is guided to the condenser 12 through the three-way valve 26. In this way, in the cooling mode, the heat medium HM circulates between the condenser 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 by the first pump 21.

[0060] The temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment described above has the following operations and effects. According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, by executing the first heater mode, the heat medium HM branches into the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5 at the three-way valve 26 disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium HM from the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 that heats or cools the air, and the heat medium HM that has passed through the condenser pipe L1 and the evaporator pipe L5 merges at the flow path junction C. The merged heat medium HM is pumped to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 by the first pump 21 disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction from the flow path junction C.

[0061] All of the heat medium HM discharged from the first pump 21 is guided to the indoor air conditioning unit 25 that heats or cools the air. Therefore, the temperature difference of the heat medium HM required to heat the air to a desired temperature can be reduced as compared with the case where a part of the heat medium HM discharged from the first pump 21 is not guided to the indoor air conditioning unit 25. Accordingly, the thermal efficiency when executing the first heater mode of heating the air using the power of the compressor 11 can be improved.

[0062] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, by adjusting the first flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the condenser pipe L1 and the second flow rate of the heat medium HM guided to the evaporator pipe L5 with the three-way valve 26, the air can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0063] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14, by adjusting the first flow rate and the second flow rate, fluctuations in the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the indoor air conditioning unit 25 can be suppressed, and the air can be maintained at a desired temperature.

[0064] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the evaporator 14, by decreasing the second flow rate and increasing the first flow rate, fluctuations in the temperature of the air flowing out of the indoor air conditioning unit 25 due to an excessive decrease in the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing through the second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c can be suppressed.

[0065] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12, by adjusting the first flow rate and the second flow rate, fluctuations in the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing into the indoor air conditioning unit 25 can be suppressed, and the air can be maintained at a desired temperature.

[0066] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant RF flowing into the condenser 12, by increasing the first flow rate and decreasing the second flow rate, it is possible to suppress excessive increase in the flow rate of the heat medium HM flowing through the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger 25c and fluctuations in the temperature of the air flowing out from the indoor air-conditioning unit 25.

[0067] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, when executing the heat pump mode, the heat medium HM is guided from the outlet pipe L6 of the second indoor air-conditioning heat exchanger to the condenser pipe L1 by the three-way valve 26, and the heat medium HM passing through the condenser pipe L1 is guided to the indoor air-conditioning unit 25 by the three-way valve 28, thereby forming the first circulation system. Also, the second circulation system is formed by guiding the heat medium HM from the evaporator pipe L5 to the circulation passage 24 by the three-way valves 27 and 28.

[0068] When executing the heat pump mode, since the heat medium HM flowing through the first circulation system and the heat medium HM flowing through the second circulation path do not mix, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat efficiency due to their mixing and heat exchange between the heat media HM. Also, when executing the first heater mode, since the second pump 22 that pumps the heat medium HM to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is arranged in the circulation passage 24, the heat medium HM flowing through the evaporator pipe L5 does not flow through the second pump 22. Therefore, in the first heater mode, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat efficiency due to the heat medium HM passing through the second pump 22.

[0069] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, since the reserve tank 29 is arranged on the downstream side in the flow direction from the branch position B, it is possible to suppress the suction pressure of the first pump 21 from becoming negative and a negative pressure region from being formed in the heat medium circuit 20.

[0070] According to the temperature control system 100 of the present embodiment, since the reserve tank 29 is arranged at a position closer to the flow path junction C than the branch position B, it is possible to more reliably suppress the suction pressure of the first pump 21 from becoming negative.

[0071] The temperature control system and the control method of the temperature control system described in each of the above embodiments can be understood as follows, for example.

[0072] The temperature control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor (11), a high-pressure side heat exchanger (12), a decompression unit (13), and a low-pressure side heat exchanger (14), a heat medium circuit (20) in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulates in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a control unit (30) that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device (25) that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching unit (26) that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path (L1) that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path (L5) that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging unit (27) that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, and a first pump (21) that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching unit in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging unit and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction. The control unit controls the flow path branching unit, the flow path merging unit, and the first pump so as to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged at the flow path merging unit and guided to the temperature control device.

[0073] According to the temperature control system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, by executing the temperature control mode, the heat medium branches into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit disposed downstream of the temperature control device that heats the temperature control target in the flow direction of the heat medium, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path merges at the flow path merging unit. The heat medium that has merged is pumped to the temperature control device by the first pump disposed downstream of the flow path merging unit in the flow direction.

[0074] All of the heat medium discharged from the first pump is guided to the temperature control device that heats the object to be temperature-controlled. Therefore, compared with the case where a part of the heat medium discharged from the first pump is not guided to the temperature control device, the temperature difference of the heat medium required to heat the object to be temperature-controlled to the desired temperature can be reduced. Therefore, the thermal efficiency when executing the temperature control mode of heating the object to be temperature-controlled using the power of the compressor can be improved.

[0075] The temperature control system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect. That is, the flow path branching portion is configured to be able to adjust the first flow rate of the heat medium guided to the first heat medium flow path and the second flow rate of the heat medium guided to the second heat medium flow path.

[0076] According to the temperature control system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, by adjusting the first flow rate of the heat medium guided to the first heat medium flow path and the second flow rate of the heat medium guided to the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching portion, the object to be temperature-controlled can be adjusted to the desired temperature.

[0077] The temperature control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the second aspect. That is, the control unit controls the flow path branching portion so as to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger.

[0078] According to the temperature control system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, by adjusting the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger, fluctuations in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the temperature control device can be suppressed, and the object to be temperature-controlled can be maintained at the desired temperature.

[0079] The temperature control system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the third aspect. That is, when the control unit reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger, the control unit controls the flow path branching portion so that the second flow rate decreases.

[0080] According to the temperature control system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger, by decreasing the second flow rate and increasing the first flow rate, it is possible to suppress excessive decrease in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second indoor heat exchanger and suppress fluctuations in the temperature of the air flowing out from the temperature control device.

[0081] The temperature control system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the second aspect. That is, the control unit controls the flow path branching unit so as to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger.

[0082] According to the temperature control system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, by adjusting the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the temperature control device and maintain the temperature control target at a desired temperature.

[0083] The temperature control system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the fifth aspect. That is, when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the control unit controls the flow path branching unit so that the first flow rate increases.

[0084] According to the temperature control system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger, by increasing the first flow rate and decreasing the second flow rate, it is possible to suppress excessive increase in the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the second indoor heat exchanger and suppress fluctuations in the temperature of the air flowing out from the temperature control device.

[0085] The temperature control system according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the heat medium circuit branches the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction and allows the heat medium to flow into the second heat medium flow path upstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction. A circulation flow path (24), an outdoor heat exchanger (23) disposed in the circulation flow path for exchanging heat between the outside air and the heat medium, and a flow path switching unit (27, 28) for switching between a circulation state in which the heat medium flows through the circulation flow path and a non-circulation state in which the heat medium does not flow through the circulation flow path. And a second pump (22) disposed in the circulation flow path for pumping the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path to the outdoor heat exchanger. The control unit forms a first circulation system by guiding the heat medium to the first heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit, and forms a second circulation system by guiding the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path to the circulation flow path at the flow path switching unit in the circulation state. Controls the flow path branching unit, the flow path switching unit, the first pump, and the second pump to execute the heat pump mode.

[0086] According to the temperature control system according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, when the heat pump mode is executed, a first circulation system is formed by guiding the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path to the temperature control device at the flow path merging unit, and the heat medium is guided from the second heat medium flow path to the circulation flow path at the flow path switching unit in the circulation state. A second circulation system is formed.

[0087] When the heat pump mode is executed, the heat medium flowing through the first circulation system and the heat medium flowing through the second circulation path do not mix, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat efficiency due to the mixing of these and the heat exchange between the heat media. Further, when the temperature control mode is executed, since the second pump for pumping the heat medium to the outdoor heat exchanger is disposed in the circulation flow path, the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path does not flow through the second pump. Therefore, in the temperature control mode, it is possible to suppress a decrease in heat efficiency due to the heat medium passing through the second pump.

[0088] The temperature control system according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the seventh aspect. That is, the heat medium circuit has a reserve tank that is disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction from the branch position (B) from the second heat medium flow path to the circulation flow path and stores the heat medium.

[0089] According to the temperature control system according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, since the reserve tank is disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction from the branch position, it is possible to suppress the suction pressure of the first pump from becoming negative and a negative pressure region being formed in the heat medium circuit.

[0090] The temperature control system according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the eighth aspect. That is, the reserve tank is disposed at a position closer to the flow path junction than the branch position.

[0091] According to the temperature control system according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, since the reserve tank is disposed at a position closer to the flow path junction than the branch position, it is possible to more reliably suppress the suction pressure of the first pump from becoming negative.

[0092] In the control method of the temperature control system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature control system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching section that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging section that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, and a first pump that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging section in the flow direction and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction. The control step of controlling the flow path branching section, the flow path merging section, and the first pump is provided so as to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching section and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged at the flow path merging section and guided to the temperature control device.

[0093] According to the control method of the temperature control system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, by executing the temperature control mode, the heat medium branches into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching section disposed downstream of the temperature control device that heats the temperature control target in the flow direction of the heat medium, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path merges at the flow path merging section. The merged heat medium is pumped to the temperature control device by the first pump disposed downstream of the flow path merging section in the flow direction.

[0094] All of the heat medium discharged from the first pump is guided to the temperature control device that heats the object to be temperature-controlled. Therefore, compared with the case where a part of the heat medium discharged from the first pump is not guided to the temperature control device, the temperature difference of the heat medium required to heat the object to be temperature-controlled to the desired temperature can be reduced. Accordingly, the thermal efficiency when executing the temperature control mode of heating the object to be temperature-controlled using the power of the compressor can be improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Compressor 12 Condenser 13 Expansion valve 14 Evaporator 15 Expansion valve 20 Heat medium circuit 21 First pump 22 Second pump 23 Outdoor heat exchanger 23a Outdoor heat exchanger fan 24 Circulation flow path 25 Indoor air conditioning unit (temperature control device) 25a Indoor air conditioning fan 25b First indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 25c Second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger 26 Three-way valve (flow path branching section) 27 Three-way valve (flow path switching section) 28 Three-way valve (flow path switching section) 29 Reservoir tank 30 Control unit 100 Temperature control system B Branch position C Flow path merging section HM Heat medium L1 Condenser pipe (first heat medium flow path) L2 First pump inlet pipe L3 Second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger inlet pipe L5 Evaporator pipe (second heat medium flow path) L6 Second indoor air conditioning heat exchanger outlet pipe RF Refrigerant

Claims

1. A refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression section, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger, a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulates in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger, and a control unit that controls the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit, wherein the heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium, a flow path branching section that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger, a flow path merging section that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path, and a first pump that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging section in the flow direction and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction, and the control unit executes a temperature control mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching section, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged and guided to the temperature control device, and controls the flow path branching section, the flow path merging section, and the first pump.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, wherein the flow path branching section is configured to be able to adjust a first flow rate of the heat medium guided to the first heat medium flow path and a second flow rate of the heat medium guided to the second heat medium flow path.

3. The temperature control system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the flow path branching section so as to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger.

4. The temperature control system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the flow path branching section so that the second flow rate decreases when the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the low-pressure side heat exchanger is reduced.

5. The temperature control system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the flow path branching section so as to adjust the first flow rate and the second flow rate based on the pressure and / or temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger.

6. The temperature control system according to claim 5, wherein when the control unit reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side heat exchanger, the control unit controls the flow path branching unit so that the first flow rate increases.

7. The heat medium circuit includes a circulation flow path that branches the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path downstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction and allows the heat medium to flow into the second heat medium flow path upstream of the low-pressure side heat exchanger in the flow direction; an outdoor heat exchanger that is disposed in the circulation flow path and exchanges heat between the outside air and the heat medium; a flow path switching unit that switches between a circulation state in which the heat medium flows through the circulation flow path and a non-circulation state in which the heat medium does not flow through the circulation flow path; and a second pump that is disposed in the circulation flow path and pumps the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path to the outdoor heat exchanger. The control unit controls the flow path branching unit, the flow path switching unit, the first pump, and the second pump so as to execute a heat pump mode in which a first circulation system is formed by guiding the heat medium to the first heat medium flow path at the flow path branching unit, and a second circulation system is formed by guiding the heat medium from the second heat medium flow path to the circulation flow path at the flow path switching unit in the circulation state. The temperature control system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The temperature control system according to claim 7, wherein the heat medium circuit has a reserve tank that is disposed downstream of the branching position from the second heat medium flow path to the circulation flow path in the flow direction and stores the heat medium.

9. The temperature control system according to claim 8, wherein the reserve tank is disposed at a position closer to the flow path merging portion than the branching position.

10. A method for controlling a temperature control system, wherein the temperature control system includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates through a compressor, a high-pressure side heat exchanger, a decompression unit, and a low-pressure side heat exchanger; and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the high-pressure side heat exchanger and the low-pressure side heat exchanger circulates. The heat medium circuit includes a temperature control device that heats a temperature control target using the heat medium; a flow path branching unit that is disposed downstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction of the heat medium and branches the heat medium into at least one of a first heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the high-pressure side heat exchanger and a second heat medium flow path that guides the heat medium to the low-pressure side heat exchanger. A flow path merging section that is disposed upstream of the temperature control device in the flow direction and merges the heat medium flowing through the first heat medium flow path and the heat medium flowing through the second heat medium flow path. A first pump that is disposed upstream of the flow path branching section in the flow direction and downstream of the flow path merging section in the flow direction and pumps the heat medium along the flow direction. A control method for a temperature control system, comprising a control step of controlling the flow path branching section and the first pump so as to execute a heater mode in which the heat medium is branched into the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path at the flow path branching section, and the heat medium that has passed through the first heat medium flow path and the second heat medium flow path is merged at the flow path merging section and guided to the temperature control device.

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