Vehicle Thermal Management System

Abstract

To enable temperature adjustment via a heat medium of a different temperature zone while restraining loss of heat in a vehicle heat management system.SOLUTION: A vehicle heat management system includes a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium having exchanged heat with a refrigerant in a refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger provided in the refrigerant circuit circulates. The refrigerant circuit selects two or more of at least three heat exchangers, and sets some of the selected heat exchangers as capacitors and sets the others as evaporators. The refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger uses one of the selected heat exchangers as a first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, and sets another one as a second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger. The heat medium circuit has switching means capable of switching between a circuit state in which the heat medium having exchanged heat in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger flows to the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger and a circuit state in which a circuit in which a flow passage for flowing the heat medium having exchanged heat in the first refrigerant heat exchanger and a flow passage for flowing the heat medium having exchanged heat in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger are independent circuits from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle thermal management system using a heat pump. [Background technology]

[0002] A heat pump-based vehicle thermal management system controls the temperature of a heat medium circuit (water circuit) by utilizing the heat dissipation of the condenser and the heat absorption of the evaporator in the heat pump. The prior art shown in Patent Document 1 below includes a refrigerant circuit equipped with a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion means, etc., a radiator circuit through which a heat medium flows that exchanges heat with the refrigerant via the condenser, and an element circuit through which a heat medium flows that exchanges heat with the refrigerant via the evaporator. The radiator circuit is provided with a radiator (radiator) that is cooled by outside air as the vehicle moves, and the element circuit is provided with an air-conditioning heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air inside the vehicle cabin.

[0003] According to this conventional technology, the radiator circuit and the element circuit, through which the heat medium circulates, each constitute an independent heat medium circuit, thereby performing air conditioning by absorbing heat from the vehicle cabin and radiating it to the outside of the vehicle cabin, and by connecting the radiator circuit and the element circuit in series to form a single circuit, temperature control is performed using a heat medium that is a mixture of hot water from the radiator circuit and cold water from the element circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-505796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a vehicle thermal management system, for example, if cabin air conditioning and battery warm-up are performed simultaneously, the cabin air conditioning requires a heater outlet temperature of approximately 60°C, while the battery warm-up must be performed at or below the battery's upper allowable temperature of 35°C, so heat medium with different temperature ranges is required for the simultaneous temperature controls. If an attempt is made to address this using the conventional technology described above, the different temperature ranges would be obtained by releasing some of the heat from the heat medium at a specified temperature to the outside, resulting in a problem of significant heat loss.

[0006] The present invention addresses these problems by enabling temperature control using heat transfer media of different temperature ranges while suppressing heat loss in a vehicle thermal management system, and by providing a switching means in a heat transfer media circuit through which heat transfer media of different temperature ranges flow, thereby realizing various operating modes of the vehicle thermal management system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve such problems, the present invention has the following configuration. 1. A vehicle thermal management system comprising: a refrigerant circuit that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant; and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in a refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger provided in the refrigerant circuit circulates, wherein the refrigerant circuit selects two or more of at least three heat exchangers, and some of the selected heat exchangers serve as condensers and others as evaporators. One of the selected refrigerant heat medium heat exchangers serves as a first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger and the other serves as a second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger. The vehicle thermal management system is characterized in that the heat medium circuit comprises a switching means that can switch between a circuit state in which the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger flows to the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, and a circuit state in which the flow path in which the heat medium that has heat exchanged in the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger flows and a flow path in which the heat medium that has heat exchanged in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger flows, each of which is independent of the other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The vehicle thermal management system of the present invention having these features can control the temperature using heat transfer media of different temperature ranges while suppressing heat loss. By selectively switching to heat transfer media circuits through which heat transfer media of different temperature ranges flow, various operating modes of the vehicle thermal management system can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a refrigerant circuit in a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the switching states of the first, second, third, and fourth switching means (switching valves V1, V2, V3, and V4) ((a) is the first circuit state, and (b) is the second circuit state). [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a vehicle thermal management system. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of operation mode (1). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of operation mode (2). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of operation mode (3). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of operation mode (4). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation mode (5). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation mode (6). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation mode (7). [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation mode (8). [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation mode (9). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode (10). [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode (11). [Figure 16] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode (12). [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mode (13). [Figure 18]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an auxiliary heating device. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the auxiliary heating device. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the auxiliary heating device. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the auxiliary heating device. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the auxiliary heating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts with the same function, and duplicate explanations in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate. In this specification, a refrigerant is a circulating medium in a refrigerant circuit that undergoes state changes in a heat pump (compression, condensation, expansion, evaporation), and a heat medium is a medium (including water, etc.) that absorbs and releases heat through heat exchange without such state changes.

[0011] [Refrigerant circuit] A vehicle thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit 1 that serves as a heat absorption and radiation source, as shown in Fig. 1. The refrigerant circuit 1 is a circuit that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a circulating refrigerant, and includes a compressor 10 that compresses the refrigerant, and a refrigerant circulation flow path 2 that condenses, expands, and evaporates the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 and returns it to the compressor 10.

[0012] The refrigerant circulation flow path 2 of the refrigerant circuit 1 has at least three heat exchangers. In the illustrated example, the three heat exchangers are a first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 provided downstream of the compressor 10, a second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 provided downstream of the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, and a third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 provided upstream of the compressor 10, but the refrigerant circuit 1 can be provided with four or more heat exchangers as necessary.

[0013] The refrigerant circuit 1 selects two or more of the at least three heat exchangers, and causes some of the selected heat exchangers to function as condensers and the others as evaporators. At this time, the unselected heat exchangers are heat exchangers through which no refrigerant flows.

[0014] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger is selected by selectively opening and closing the bypass refrigerant flow path 3 (31, 32) by opening and closing the on-off valves 31V, 32V, so that the heat exchanger downstream of the compressor 10 and closer to the compressor 10 can function as a condenser, and the heat exchanger downstream of the compressor 10 and farther from the compressor 10 can function as an evaporator.

[0015] In FIG. 1 , the refrigerant circulation flow path 2 of the refrigerant circuit 1 includes a refrigerant flow path 20 having one end connected to an outlet of the compressor 10 and the other end connected to an inlet of a first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11, a refrigerant flow path 21 having one end connected to an outlet of the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the other end connected to an inlet of a second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12, a refrigerant flow path 22 having one end connected to the outlet of the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 and the other end connected to an inlet of a third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13, and a refrigerant flow path 23 having one end connected to the outlet of the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger and the other end connected to an inlet of the compressor 10.

[0016] The refrigerant circuit 1 also includes a pressure reduction unit 14. The pressure reduction unit 14 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 10 to a predetermined pressure. In the example of Fig. 1, a first pressure reduction unit 14A is provided in a refrigerant flow path 21 between the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 11 and the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 12, and a second pressure reduction unit 14B is provided in a refrigerant flow path 22 between the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 12 and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 13. The first pressure reduction unit 14A and the second pressure reduction unit 14B are independently adjustable, and can be adjusted to a predetermined reduced pressure by arbitrarily adjusting them from a fully open state to a fully closed state.

[0017] 1, a bypass refrigerant flow path 3 provided in a refrigerant circulation flow path 2 is provided so as to be able to selectively bypass either a second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 or a third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13. In the illustrated example, the bypass refrigerant flow path 3 includes a bypass refrigerant flow path 31 that can bypass the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12, and a bypass refrigerant flow path 32 that can bypass the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0018] The bypass refrigerant flow path 31 has a branching section 31A provided in the refrigerant flow path 21 and a confluence section 31B provided in the refrigerant flow path 22, with the branching section 31A being provided upstream of the first pressure reduction section 14A and the confluence section 31B being provided upstream of the second pressure reduction section 14B.

[0019] The bypass refrigerant flow path 32 has a branching portion 32A provided in the refrigerant flow path 22 and a junction portion 32B provided in the refrigerant flow path 23, and the branching portion 32A is provided upstream of the junction portion 31B of the bypass refrigerant flow path 31. As a result, the junction portion 31B of the bypass refrigerant flow path 31 is provided between the branching portion 32A of the bypass refrigerant flow path 32 and the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchange portion 13.

[0020] In addition, the branching portion 32A of the bypass refrigerant flow path 32 is provided upstream of the confluence portion 31B of the second pressure reduction portion 14B and the bypass refrigerant flow path 31, and a backflow prevention means (e.g., a check valve) 15 is provided between the branching portion 32A of the bypass refrigerant flow path 32 and the confluence portion 31B of the bypass refrigerant flow path 31.

[0021] The refrigerant circuit 1 can produce a heat medium in a predetermined temperature range from a selected heat medium exchanger among the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 11, the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 12, and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchange unit 13 by selecting the bypass refrigerant flow path 3 and controlling the pressure reducing unit 14. In combination with switching of the heat medium circuit, which will be described later, various heat management operation modes can be implemented.

[0022] In addition, the refrigerant circuit 1 can accommodate the refrigerant circulation flow path 2, including the bypass refrigerant flow path 3, within the unit U shown by the dashed line in the figure, and the compact unitized refrigerant circuit 1 makes it easier to maintain the refrigerant flow paths 20-23 and the bypass refrigerant flow path 3.

[0023] [Heat medium circuit] The vehicle thermal management system of this embodiment includes a heat medium circuit (e.g., a water circuit) in which a heat medium that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant in refrigerant heat medium heat exchangers (in the illustrated example, a first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, a second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and a third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13) provided in the refrigerant circuit 1 described above circulates.

[0024] In the vehicle thermal management system of this embodiment, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the heat medium in at least two selected heat exchangers out of the at least three heat exchangers provided in the refrigerant circuit 1, thereby generating heat medium of various temperature ranges, and this heat medium circulates through the heat medium circuit, thereby enabling thermal management of various temperature control targets.

[0025] A specific example of the configuration of a heat medium circuit will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The heat medium circuit 100 shown in Fig. 2 includes a heat medium flow path 101 passing through a first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, a heat medium flow path 102 passing through a second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and a heat medium flow path 103 passing through a third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0026] The heat medium flow path 101 is provided with a circulation pump P1 that sends the heat medium to the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, the heat medium flow path 102 is provided with a circulation pump P2 that sends the heat medium to the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and the heat medium flow path 103 is provided with a circulation pump P3 that sends the heat medium to the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0027] The heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 may be provided with an auxiliary heating device 4 at the inlet or outlet of the refrigerant heat medium heat exchangers (first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13) as needed. Figure 2 shows an example in which the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided at the outlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 in the heat medium flow path 102.

[0028] The heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that make up the heat medium circuit 100 are configured so that the heat medium can flow through different heat exchangers that are temperature-controlled.

[0029] 2, the heat medium flow path 101 can cause the heat medium to flow to a heater core (heat exchanger for air conditioning in the vehicle interior) 51 of the interior air conditioner 50, the heat medium flow path 102 can cause the heat medium to flow to a heat exchanger 60 (61, 62, 63) for a temperature-controlled object such as a battery, and the heat medium flow path 103 can cause the heat medium to flow to a cooler core (heat exchanger for air conditioning in the vehicle interior) 52 of the interior air conditioner 50. The illustrated heat exchangers 60, 61, 62, 63 for temperature-controlled objects are provided in, for example, a battery, an inverter, a motor, or a power control unit.

[0030] Furthermore, the heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that make up the heat medium circuit 100 can all pass through an external heat exchanger (radiator) 5 that exchanges heat with outside air, and as needed, the heat of the heat medium can be released to the outside or the heat of the outside air can be absorbed by the heat medium.

[0031] The heat medium circuit 100 also includes a storage unit (tank) 6 that stores the heat medium to allow the heat medium to flow at a predetermined flow rate or to store heat. In the illustrated example, the storage unit 6 is located downstream of the heat medium flow path 102 or downstream of the heater core 51. When a switching means, which will be described later, is provided, the storage unit 6 is preferably located on the outlet side of the switching means that is most frequently used in various operating modes.

[0032] [Means for switching heat medium circuits] The heat medium circuit 100 includes a switching means for switching the flow path through which the heat medium flows so that the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 can be used for a desired purpose or in a desired temperature range. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the switching means is composed of switching valves (three-way valves) V11, V12, V21, V22, V31, V32, V41, V42, V5, and V6, and switches the flow paths by selectively opening and closing two outlets of the connected flow paths.

[0033] The switching valve V11 makes it possible to switch whether the heat medium flow path 101, which passes through the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11, is an independent circuit or is merged with another flow path. In the example of Fig. 2, when the heat medium flow path 101 is an independent circuit, the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 always flows to the heater core 51, flows through flow path 110, enters the switching valve V11, exits the switching valve V11, flows through flow path 111, and returns to the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11. On the other hand, when the heat medium flow path 101 is merged with another flow path, the heat medium that has exited the switching valve V11 flows through flow path 112 and is temporarily stored in the storage unit 6.

[0034] The switching valve V12 can switch between making the heat medium flow path 102, which passes through the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12, an independent circuit, or connecting the heat medium flow path 102 to the heat medium flow path 101 and connecting the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 in series. In the example of FIG. 2 , when the heat medium flow path 102 is made an independent circuit, the heat medium that enters the switching valve V12 from the heat medium flow path 102 flows through flow path 112 and is stored in the reservoir 6. On the other hand, when the heat medium flow path 102 is connected to the heat medium flow path 101, the heat medium that leaves the switching valve V12 flows through flow path 111 and enters the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11.

[0035] The switching valves V11 and V12 can be configured as an integrated switching valve V1 (first switching means) that can be switched in conjunction with each other, as shown in Fig. 3. This switching valve V1 can switch between a first circuit state in which the flow path 110 is connected to the flow path 111 and the heat medium flow path 102 is connected to the flow path 112, as shown in Fig. 3(a), and a second circuit state in which the flow path 110 is connected to the flow path 112 and the heat medium flow path 102 is connected to the flow path 111, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0036] This switching valve V1 is capable of switching between a circuit state in which the heat medium that has passed through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 flows to the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 (i.e., a circuit state in which the heat medium flow path 102 and the heat medium flow path 101 are connected), and a circuit state in which the heat medium flow path 101, in which the heat medium that has passed through the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 flows, and the heat medium flow path 102, in which the heat medium that has passed through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 flows, are independent circuits.

[0037] By providing the switching valve V1, it is possible to switch between an operating mode in which the heat medium flow paths 101 and 102 are connected and the heat dissipation destination is dispersed to various locations, and an operating mode in which the heat medium flow paths 101 and 102 are each independent and heat medium of different temperature ranges is sent to each location.

[0038] The switching valve V21 is capable of switching whether the heat medium leaving the storage section 6 and flowing through the flow path 120 is to flow to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object via the flow path 121 or to the external heat exchanger 5 via the flow path 122. In addition, the switching valve V22 is capable of switching whether the heat medium entering the switching valve V22 from the flow path 123 is to flow to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object or to the external heat exchanger 5 via the flow path 122.

[0039] The switching valves V21 and V22 can be configured as an integrated switching valve V2 (second switching means) that can be switched in conjunction with each other, as shown in Fig. 3. This switching valve V2 can switch between a first circuit state in which the flow path 123 is connected to the flow path 121 and the flow path 120 is connected to the flow path 122, as shown in Fig. 3(a), and a second circuit state in which the flow path 123 is connected to the flow path 122 and the flow path 120 is connected to the flow path 121, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0040] This switching valve V2 switches whether the heat medium coming out of the switching valve V1 (first switching means) flows to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object or to the external heat exchanger 5. In addition, the switching valve V2 switches whether the heat medium coming out of the switching valve V4 (described later) flows to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object or to the external heat exchanger 5.

[0041] By providing such a switching valve V2, it becomes possible to switch between flowing the heat of the heat medium coming out of the switching valve V1 directly to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature-control object to control the temperature of the object, or flowing it to the external heat exchanger 5 to dissipate the heat.

[0042] The switching valve V31 is capable of switching between flow path 131 and flow path 132 for the heat medium that leaves the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object and flows through flow path 130. In addition, the switching valve V32 is capable of switching between flow path 131 and flow path 132 for the heat medium that leaves the external heat exchanger 5 and enters the switching valve V32 from flow path 133.

[0043] The switching valves V31 and V32 can be configured as an integrated switching valve V3 (third switching means) that can be switched in conjunction with each other, as shown in Fig. 3. This switching valve V3 makes it possible to switch between a first circuit state in which the flow path 130 is connected to the flow path 131 and the flow path 133 is connected to the flow path 132, as shown in Fig. 3(a), and a second circuit state in which the flow path 130 is connected to the flow path 132 and the flow path 133 is connected to the flow path 131, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0044] Here, the switching valve V3 is switched in conjunction with the switching valve V2 (second switching means). That is, when the switching valve V2 is in the first circuit state (see FIG. 3(a)), the switching valve V3 is in the second circuit state (see FIG. 3(b)), and when the switching valve V2 is in the second circuit state (see FIG. 3(b)), the switching valve V3 is in the first circuit state (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0045] The heat medium flowing toward the temperature adjustment object heat exchanger 60 by the switching valve V2 is switched by the switching valve V3 to either flow to the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 via the flow path 131 and the switching valve V5 (fifth switching means) or to flow to the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 via the flow path 132 and the switching valve V4 (described later). Also, the heat medium flowing toward the external heat exchanger 5 by the switching valve V2 is switched by the switching valve V3 to either flow to the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 via the flow path 132 and the switching valve V4 (described later) or to the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 via the flow path 131 and the switching valve V5 (fifth switching means).

[0046] The switching valve V41 is capable of switching the heat medium flowing through the flow path 132 between flow path 141 and flow path 142. In addition, the switching valve V42 is capable of switching the heat medium that leaves the cooler core 52 and enters the switching valve V42 from flow path 140 between flow path 141 and flow path 142.

[0047] The switching valves V41 and V42 can be configured as an integrated switching valve V4 (fourth switching means) that can be switched in conjunction with each other, as shown in Fig. 3. The switching valve V4 can switch between a first circuit state in which the flow path 140 is connected to the flow path 141 and the flow path 132 is connected to the flow path 142, as shown in Fig. 3(a), and a second circuit state in which the flow path 140 is connected to the flow path 142 and the flow path 132 is connected to the flow path 141, as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0048] Here, the switching valve V4 switches whether the heat medium coming out of the cooler core 52 (heat exchanger for vehicle interior air conditioning) flows to the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 or flows into the switching valve V2 (second switching means). As described above, the switching valve V2 (second switching means) also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium coming out of the switching valve V4 (fourth switching means) flows to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature-controlled object or to the external heat exchanger 5.

[0049] The switching valve V3 (third switching means) also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium coming out of the external heat exchanger 5 flows into the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 or is input to the switching valve V4 (fourth switching means). The switching valve V4 (fourth switching means) also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium coming out of the switching valve V3 (third switching means) flows into the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 or is input to the switching valve V2 (second switching means).

[0050] The switching valve V5 (fifth switching means) switches whether or not the heat medium exiting the heat exchanger 60 for a temperature adjustment object or the external heat exchanger 5 via the switching valve V3 and the flow path 131 is to flow to the other heat exchangers 61, 62, and 63 for temperature adjustment objects. When the heat medium is to flow to the other heat exchangers 61, 62, and 63 for temperature adjustment objects, the heat medium flowing through the flow path 131 flows through the flow path 150, passes through the heat exchangers 61, 62, and 63 for temperature adjustment objects, and merges with the heat medium flow path 102 at the junction 150A. When the heat medium is not to flow to the other heat exchangers 61, 62, and 63 for temperature adjustment objects, the heat medium flowing through the flow path 131 flows directly to the heat medium flow path 102 without passing through the flow path 150.

[0051] Here, the switching valves V2, V3, V4, and V5 allow the heat medium flowing through flow path 120 (heat medium coming out of storage section 6) to flow to switching valve V3 via switching valve V2, to flow to switching valve V5 via switching valve V3, and to flow to second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 via switching valve V5, and also allow the heat medium flowing through flow path 123 to flow to switching valve V3 via switching valve V2, to flow to switching valve V4 via switching valve V3, and to flow to switching valve V2 via switching valve V4.

[0052] The switching valve V6 (sixth switching means) switches whether the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 flows from the heat medium flow path 103 to the cooler core (heat exchanger for vehicle interior air conditioning) 52 or to the switching valve V2 (second switching means) via the flow path 123. When the switching valve V6 is switched in one direction, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 flows through the flow path 160 toward the cooler core 52, and when the switching valve V6 is switched in another direction, the heat medium flows through the flow path 161 and merges with the flow path 123 at the junction 161A.

[0053] [Operation mode (control unit)] 4, the vehicle thermal management system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit (thermal management ECU) 300 that controls the refrigerant circuit 1 and the heat medium circuit 100 described above to execute various operation modes. The control unit 300 receives air conditioning operation signals and signals from other ECUs provided in the vehicle, and controls the compressor 10, the pressure reducing unit 14 (14A, 14B), the on-off valves 31V, 32V of the bypass refrigerant flow path 3 (31, 32), etc. in the refrigerant circuit 1 in response to the input signals, and also controls the switching means (switching valves V1 to V6) of the heat medium circuit 100, the auxiliary heating device 6, the interior air conditioning device 50, etc., to execute various operation modes described below.

[0054] In the following drawings, unused flow paths in the refrigerant circuit 1 and the heat medium circuit 100 are indicated by dashed lines, the open directions of the switching valves and on-off valves are indicated by white paint, and the closed directions are indicated by black paint.

[0055] The operation mode (1) shown in Fig. 5 is an operation mode in which the battery is cooled while the indoor air conditioner 50 is operating in cooling mode. In this operation mode (1), the refrigerant circuit 1 closes both on-off valves 31V and 32V, thereby closing both bypass refrigerant flow paths 31 and 32. In the refrigerant circuit 1, the amount of pressure reduction in the pressure reduction sections 14A and 14B is appropriately adjusted, with the pressure reduction section 14A being substantially fully open and the desired pressure reduction being achieved in the pressure reduction section 14B. In this refrigerant circuit 1, the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 function as condensers (heat release side), and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator (heat absorption side).

[0056] In the heat medium circuit 100, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 via the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 becomes cold water by absorbing heat in the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13, and enters the cooler core 52 of the indoor air conditioner 50 via the switching valve V6 to cool the room. The heat medium leaving the cooler core 52 enters the switching valve V2 via the switching valve V4, flows through the flow path 121, and cools the battery in the heat exchanger 60 for a temperature adjustment object. The heat medium leaving the heat exchanger 60 for a temperature adjustment object returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valves V3 and V4.

[0057] At this time, the heat medium (cold water) flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side forms an independent circulation circuit, and the heat exchanged between the cooler core 52 and the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature-controlled object is efficiently absorbed in the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0058] In addition, in this operation mode (1), the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side passes through the heater core 51 of the indoor air conditioning unit 50, the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the temperature-controlled object, flows into the heat medium flow path 102 via the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0059] In this way, in operation mode (1), the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 are on the heat dissipation side, and the heat medium flow paths 101, 102 on the heat dissipation side are connected, so that the heat dissipation destinations are distributed to heat storage in the storage section 6, release to the outside air in the external heat exchanger 5, and temperature control in the heat exchangers 63, 61, 62 for temperature control objects. This allows for efficient heat utilization by distributing and dissipating heat absorbed by actively performing air conditioning and battery cooling in various locations.

[0060] 6 is an operation mode in which the cooling of the battery in the operation mode (1) is stopped and the indoor air conditioner 50 is operated in cooling mode. In this operation mode (2), the refrigerant circuit 1 is the same as in the operation mode (1), and in the heat medium circuit 100, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 enters the cooler core 52 via the switching valve V6, and the heat medium leaving the cooler core 52 returns directly to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve V4. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow paths 101 and 102 in the heat medium circuit 100 is the same as in the operation mode (1).

[0061] The operation mode (3) shown in FIG. 7 is an operation mode in which the cooling operation of the indoor air conditioner 50 in the operation mode (1) is stopped and the battery is actively cooled. In this operation mode (3), the refrigerant circuit 1 is the same as in the operation mode (1), and in the heat medium circuit 100, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side flows via the switching valves V6 and V2 to the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object for the battery, and the heat medium that has left the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valves V3 and V4. At this time, the switching valve V6 is switched to stop the heat medium from flowing through the flow path 160, thereby stopping the flow of the heat medium passing through the cooler core 52. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow paths 101 and 102 on the heat release side of the heat medium circuit 100 is the same as in the operation mode (1).

[0062] The operation mode (4) shown in FIG. 8 is an operation mode for performing dehumidifying cooling (heat radiation temperature control), and similarly to the operation mode (1), the battery is cooled while the indoor air conditioner 50 is operating in cooling mode, and dehumidification is performed by independently flowing the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat radiation side into the heater core 51 of the indoor air conditioner 50.

[0063] In the operation mode (4), the refrigerant circuit 1 closes both of the bypass refrigerant flow paths 31 and 32, as in the operation mode (1), but the pressure reduction in the pressure reduction sections 14A and 14B is performed stepwise between the pressure reduction sections 14A and 14B. In the heat medium circuit 100, the heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 are each independent circuits.

[0064] In operation mode (4), the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat release side becomes hot water due to heat release in the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 11, enters the heater core 51, and independently performs air conditioning temperature control in the heater core 51. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat release side becomes hot water at a lower temperature than the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 due to heat release in the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 12, and returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the object to be temperature-controlled. Similarly to operation mode (1), the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side forms a circulation flow path that passes through the cooler core 52 and the heat exchanger 60 for the object to be temperature-controlled (for the battery).

[0065] In this operation mode (4), air conditioning and dehumidification and battery cooling are performed on the heat absorption side, while on the heat release side, air conditioning to a target blowing temperature is performed using a high-temperature heat medium flowing through an independent heat medium flow path 101, and temperature control in each location is performed using a low-temperature heat medium flowing through an independent heat medium flow path 102.

[0066] 9 is an operation mode for performing dehumidifying heating (endothermic temperature control). In this operation mode (5), the refrigerant circuit 1 opens both bypass refrigerant passages 31 and 32, and configures a first refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant flows from the compressor 10 via the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, the bypass refrigerant passage 31, and the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 back to the compressor 10 (bypassing the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12), and a second refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant flows from the compressor 10 via the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and the bypass refrigerant passage 32 back to the compressor 10 (bypassing the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13).

[0067] In this refrigerant circuit 1, the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 functions as a condenser (heat release side), the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator (heat absorption side) in the refrigerant circuit of the second system, and the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator (heat absorption side) in the refrigerant circuit of the first system.

[0068] In the operation mode (5), the heat medium circuit 100 has independent heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103. That is, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51 independently, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0069] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on one heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the temperature control object, and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the other heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve V6, the cooler core 52, and the switching valve V4.

[0070] In this operation mode (5), the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat release side is limited and directed to the heater core 51 to perform heating operation, and the heat required for heating operation is absorbed from each location by distributing the heat on the heat absorption side to the heat medium flow path 102 via the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 and the heat medium flow path 103 via the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13. In addition, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side is independently directed to the cooler core 51 to effectively dehumidify the vehicle interior.

[0071] 10 is an operation mode in which heat is absorbed from outside air and the battery is heated (warmed up) while the indoor air conditioner 50 is operating in a heating mode. In the refrigerant circuit 1 in the operation mode (6), both of the bypass refrigerant flow paths 31 and 32 are closed, and similarly to the operation mode (4), the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 serve as condensers (heat release sides), the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 serves as an evaporator (heat absorption side), and the amount of pressure reduction in the pressure reduction sections 14A and 14B is adjusted to perform stepwise heat release between the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12.

[0072] In the operation mode (6), the heat medium circuit 100 has heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that each constitute an independent circuit, and the high-temperature heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side independently enters the heater core 51, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0073] The relatively low-temperature heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat release side passes through the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object (for the battery), the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V5, and returns to the heat medium flow path 102. The heat medium flowing through the heat absorption side heat medium flow path 103 passes through the switching valve V6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V4, and returns to the heat medium flow path 103 to absorb heat from the outside air.

[0074] At this time, the heat medium circuit 100 stops the flow of the heat medium through the cooler core 52 by stopping the flow of the heat medium through the flow path 160 with the switching valve V6. Also, the heat medium is stopped from flowing through the flow path 150 with the switching valve V5.

[0075] In this operation mode (6), high-temperature hot water flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side is circulated through the heater core 51 to perform heating operation of the indoor air conditioner 50, and relatively low-temperature hot water flowing through the other heat medium flow path 102 on the heat dissipation side is circulated through the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature-controlled object to heat the battery. In this way, by generating heat media of different temperature ranges using the refrigerant circuit 1, it is possible to perform heating and battery heating at desired temperatures with high thermal efficiency.

[0076] 11 is an operation mode in which heat is absorbed from outside air and heat is stored in and wasted from a temperature-controlled object such as a battery while the indoor air conditioner 50 performs heating operation. In the operation mode (7), the refrigerant circuit 1 opens the bypass refrigerant flow path 31, closes the bypass refrigerant flow path 32, and closes the pressure reduction section 14A, thereby forming a circuit in which refrigerant flows from the compressor 10 via the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, the bypass refrigerant flow path 31, and the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 and returns to the compressor 10 (bypassing the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12).

[0077] In this refrigerant circuit 1, the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 becomes a condenser (heat release side), the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 becomes an evaporator (heat absorption side), and the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 is removed from the refrigerant circuit 1.

[0078] In the operation mode (7), the heat medium circuit 100 has heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that each constitute an independent circuit. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51 independently, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0079] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object (the battery), the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the other temperature control objects. At this time, the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 is not included in the refrigerant circuit 1, so no heat exchange takes place there. The heat medium flowing through the heat absorption side heat medium flow path 103 returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve V6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V4 to absorb heat from the outside air.

[0080] In this operation mode (7), while the indoor air conditioner 50 performs heating operation by absorbing heat from outside air, the heat medium flowing through the heat exchangers 60, 61, 62, 63 for the temperature-controlled object is made into a circuit separate from the refrigerant circuit 1, and the circuit is provided with a heat storage section 6 for storing or discharging heat. This allows the heat of the temperature-controlled object, such as a battery, to be efficiently stored and discharged.

[0081] 12 is an operation mode in which heat is absorbed from outside air and the indoor air conditioner 50 is operated for heating while utilizing the heat stored in a temperature-controlled object such as a battery. In the operation mode (8), the refrigerant circuit 1 opens the bypass refrigerant flow paths 31 and 32, and similarly to the operation mode (5), a first refrigerant circuit bypasses the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 and a second refrigerant circuit bypasses the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0082] In the operation mode (7), the heat medium circuit 100 has heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that each constitute an independent circuit, and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat release side enters the heater core 51 independently, and the heat medium that leaves the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1. In addition, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve V6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V4 to absorb heat from the outside air.

[0083] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side passes through the switching valve V1, the storage unit 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object (the battery), the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the other temperature control objects, before returning to the heat medium flow path 102. Here, the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 on the heat absorption side absorbs the heat stored in the storage unit 6 and the temperature control object such as the battery in the above-mentioned operation mode (6), thereby obtaining the heat required for heating in addition to the heat absorption from the outside air.

[0084] 13 is an operation mode in which the indoor air conditioner 50 performs heating operation by utilizing heat storage. In this operation mode (9), the refrigerant circuit 1 configures a refrigerant circuit that bypasses the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 by closing the bypass refrigerant flow path 31, opening the bypass refrigerant flow path 32, and closing the pressure reduction section 14B. At this time, the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 is removed from the refrigerant circuit 1, and the heat medium flow path 103 that passes through the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 and the flow path that passes the heat medium to the cooler core 52 are not in use.

[0085] In the heat medium circuit 100 in the operation mode (9), the heat medium flow path 101 and the heat medium flow path 102 are independent circuits, and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51 independently, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0086] As in operation mode (8), the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object (the battery), the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the other temperature control objects. Here, the refrigerant circuit 1 performs heating operation in the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side by absorbing the heat stored in the storage section 6 and the temperature control object such as the battery in operation mode (6).

[0087] 14 shows an operation mode (10) in which defrosting and heating are performed while the vehicle is stopped by utilizing stored heat. In the refrigerant circuit 1 in this operation mode (10), similarly to the operation mode (4), both of the bypass refrigerant passages 31 and 32 are closed, and the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 and the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 function as condensers (heat release side), and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator (heat absorption side).

[0088] In the operation mode (10), the heat medium circuit 100 has heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 that each constitute an independent circuit. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat release side enters the heater core 51, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat release side returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V5. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve 5, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object (for the battery), the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V4.

[0089] According to this operation mode (10), the heat stored in the battery is absorbed by the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 to operate the refrigerant circuit 1, and the heat medium heated by the heat released in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 and the heat stored in the storage section 6 is passed through the external heat exchanger 5 to defrost the external heat exchanger 5.

[0090] The operation mode (11) shown in Fig. 15 is an operation mode in which defrosting and heating are performed while the vehicle is running by utilizing stored heat. This operation mode (11) is the same as the operation mode (10) except for the switching state of the selector valve V5. In this operation mode (11), heat generated during operation from temperature-controlled objects (such as the inverter, motor, and power control unit), heat dissipated by the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12, and heat stored in the storage section 6 are utilized for defrosting the external heat exchanger 5.

[0091] In the operation mode (12) shown in Fig. 16, the battery is heated while the indoor air conditioner 50 is performing a heating operation by absorbing heat from the auxiliary heating device 4 and operating the refrigerant circuit. This operation mode (12) is the same as the operation mode (9) except for the switching of the selector valve V5.

[0092] In the operation mode (12), the heat medium circuit 100 has a heat medium flow path 101 and a heat medium flow path 102 which are independent circuits. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0093] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side is heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 and returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V5. At this time, the heat added by the auxiliary heating device 4 is absorbed by the refrigerant in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, and in the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object, the battery is heated by the heat added by the auxiliary heating device 4 and the heat accumulated in the storage section 6.

[0094] In this case, the temperature of the heat medium used for heating the battery can be adjusted appropriately by the heat generation amount of the auxiliary heating device 4, so that it can be adjusted to a temperature range different from the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the independent heat dissipation side, making it possible to heat the battery while performing heating operation at an appropriate temperature.

[0095] In the operation mode (13) shown in FIG. 17, the heating operation of the interior air conditioner 50 is performed by adding heat from the auxiliary heating device 4 while operating the refrigerant circuit to absorb heat from the interior of the vehicle and waste heat and stored heat from the temperature control object.

[0096] The refrigerant circuit 1 in this operation mode (13) is similar to the operation mode (8), and both of the bypass refrigerant flow paths 31, 32 are opened to form a first refrigerant circuit that bypasses the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 and a second refrigerant circuit that bypasses the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0097] In the operation mode (13), the heat medium circuit 100 has heat medium flow paths 101, 102, and 103 which are independent circuits. The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51, and the heat medium leaving the heater core 51 returns to the heat medium flow path 101 via the switching valve V1.

[0098] The heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side is heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 and returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V1, the storage section 6, the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature adjustment object, the switching valve V3, the switching valve V5, and the heat exchangers 63, 61, and 62 for the temperature adjustment object. In addition, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 103 on the heat absorption side returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the switching valve V5, the cooler core 52, and the switching valve V4.

[0099] In the operation mode (13), in the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13 functioning as an evaporator of the first system, the heat in the vehicle cabin recovered through the cooler core 52 is absorbed by the refrigerant, and in the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 functioning as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit of the second system, the heat added by the auxiliary heating device 4, the heat stored in the storage section 6, and the stored waste heat of temperature-controlled objects such as the battery are absorbed by the refrigerant.

[0100] [Direct air conditioning using refrigerant] 18 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle thermal management system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the previous embodiment is that in the refrigerant circuit 1 having a plurality of heat exchangers, one selected heat exchanger is used as an evaporator for the vehicle interior air conditioning. That is, in the illustrated example, the refrigerant flow paths 22A and 22B are drawn out from the unit U, and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 is brought out of the unit U and used as a cooler core for the interior air conditioning device 50.

[0101] The illustrated state shows an operation mode in which the battery is cooled while the indoor air conditioner 50 is operating in cooling mode. Here, the refrigerant circuit 1 closes both the bypass refrigerant flow path 31 and the bypass refrigerant flow path 32, with the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11 in the unit U serving as a condenser (heat release side), the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12 in the unit U serving as an evaporator (heat absorption side), and the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 provided in the indoor air conditioner 50 outside the unit serving as an evaporator (heat absorption side).

[0102] In this embodiment, the heat medium circuit 100 is provided with switching valves V01 and V02 as switching means for switching between a circuit state in which a heat medium flow path 101 passing through the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 and a heat medium flow path 102 passing through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 are independent circuits, and a circuit state in which the heat medium that has passed through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger flows to the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 101. In addition, a switching valve V03 is provided for switching whether the heat medium flowing through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12 flows through the heat exchanger 60 for a temperature control object for a battery.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 on the heat dissipation side enters the heater core 51, flows from the heater core 51 through flow path 200 and into the switching valve V01, passes through the external heat exchanger 5, the heat exchanger 62 for the temperature-controlled object and the storage section 6 in flow path 201, enters the switching valve V02, and circulates through an independent circuit from flow path 203 via the switching valve V01, through flow path 202 and back to the heat medium flow path 101.

[0104] In addition, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 102 on the heat absorption side enters the switching valve V02, flows through flow path 204, enters the switching valve V03, and circulates through an independent circuit that returns to the heat medium flow path 102 via the heat exchanger 60 for the temperature control object for the battery at flow path 205.

[0105] According to the illustrated circuit state of this embodiment, cooling operation by the indoor air conditioner 50 is performed by direct heat absorption by the refrigerant in the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 and temperature control by the heat medium flowing through the heat release side heat medium flow path 101. In addition, battery cooling is performed by an independent circuit of the heat medium flowing through the heat absorption side heat medium flow path 102. In this case, the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 12, which absorbs heat in the heat medium flow path 102, has its heat absorption amount suppressed by the gradual pressure reduction in the pressure reduction section 14A, so that the heat absorption during cooling is effectively ensured while the battery is cooled thermally efficiently with moderate heat absorption.

[0106] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, by appropriately switching the switching valves V01, V02, and V03, the heat medium can be set to an appropriate temperature range, and operation modes such as heating operation and battery heating (warm-up) can be performed with high thermal efficiency.

[0107] [Auxiliary heating device placement] As described above, the auxiliary heating device 4 provided in the heat medium circuit 100 is preferably provided on the inlet side or the outlet side of the first, second and third refrigerant heat medium heat exchangers 11, 12 and 13, and by appropriately setting the position of the auxiliary heating device 4, it is possible to achieve the desired function in each of the operation modes described above.

[0108] First, as shown in the above-described embodiment, when the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side or the inlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, in the operation mode (12) shown in FIG. 16 , the heat of the auxiliary heating device 4 is absorbed to operate the refrigerant circuit 1, thereby enabling heating in a low-temperature environment.

[0109] 16, when an auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 enters the storage section 6 via the switching valve V1, and flows through a circulation flow path from the storage section 6 to the heat medium flow path 102 via the switching valve V2, the heat exchanger for the temperature-adjusted object 60, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V5. In this circulation flow path, the temperature-adjusted object heat exchanger 60 can absorb waste heat from the battery, the motor, etc., so that a heat pump with a COP (Coefficient of Performance) exceeding 1 can be realized. In addition, the temperature of the battery can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature via the temperature-adjusted object heat exchanger 60 by the auxiliary heating device 4.

[0110] In this case, when the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the inlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 flows through the circulation flow path as described above, but the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 directly enters the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12, so the amount of heat absorption on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 can be directly adjusted by the auxiliary heating device 4, and temperature control during heating can be performed with good thermal efficiency.

[0111] Fig. 19 shows another example of operation when the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side or the inlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12. The example shown in Fig. 19 is an example in which defrosting of the external heat exchanger 5 is performed during heat storage recovery heating in the operation mode (7) shown in Fig. 11.

[0112] Here, by switching the selector valve V2, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 enters the storage section 6 via the selector valve V1, and flows through a circulation flow path that returns from the storage section 6 to the heat medium flow path 102 via the selector valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the selector valve V3, and the selector valve V5. The heat medium flowing through this circulation flow path can defrost the external heat exchanger 5 during heat storage recovery heating. In this case, the same function can be obtained whether the auxiliary heating device 4 is located on the outlet side or the inlet side of the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 12.

[0113] 20 shows an example of operation in which the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13. Here, in the operation mode (7) shown in FIG. 11, by switching the selector valves V2 and V3, the heat medium that leaves the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13 and is heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 flows through the circulation flow path that returns to the heat medium flow path 103 via the sixth selector valve V6, the second selector valve V2, the heat exchanger for the temperature adjustment object 60, the third selector valve V3, and the fourth selector valve V4.

[0114] The heat of the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 and flowing through the circulation flow path is absorbed by the low-pressure refrigerant circuit 1 in the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13, and is dissipated to the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 101 in the high-pressure first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11, and is provided for heating in the heater core 51. As a result, even in a low-temperature environment, the refrigerant circuit 1 absorbs the heat supplied by the auxiliary heating device 4, allowing for heating operation. At this time, since the heat exchanger 60 for the object to be temperature-controlled is provided in the circulation flow path, it is possible to simultaneously control the temperature of a battery, etc.

[0115] In this operation example, when the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13, the temperature of the battery or the like via the heat exchanger for temperature control object 60 can be directly controlled by adjusting the temperature of the auxiliary heating device 4. Furthermore, when the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the inlet side of the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13, the heat absorption on the low-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit 1 can be directly adjusted by the auxiliary heating device 4.

[0116] Fig. 21 shows another example of operation in which the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13. In this example, in the operation mode (9) shown in Fig. 13, heat from the auxiliary heating device 4 is used to defrost the external heat exchanger 5 when frost forms during heat storage recovery heating.

[0117] In this example, aside from the refrigerant circuit 1, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 is circulated via the switching valve V6, the switching valve V2, the external heat exchanger 5, the switching valve V3, and the switching valve V4 to defrost the external heat exchanger 5. In this case, the auxiliary heating device 4 can be disposed on either the outlet side or the inlet side of the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 13, with the same function being obtained.

[0118] 22 shows an example of operation in which the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger 11. In this case, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 is circulated directly to the heater core 51 through a short flow path, thereby enabling heating with little heat loss, and also enabling the auxiliary heating device 4 to adjust the heating temperature.

[0119] In this operation example, if the compressor 10, expansion valve 14B (or expansion valve 14A), circulation pump P3, or the like fails, heating operation can be performed by forming independent circulation paths for the circulation pump P1, auxiliary heating device 4, heater core 51, switching valve V1, and circulation pump P1, as shown in the figure. Also, by appropriately switching the switching valves V1 to V6 to connect the paths of the heat medium circuit 100 in series, even if a failure occurs in the refrigerant circuit 1 as described above, it is possible to achieve both heating operation by the auxiliary heating device 4 and temperature control of a battery or the like via the heat exchanger 60 for a temperature-controlled object.

[0120] 22 shows a case where the refrigerant circuit 1 has failed, but when the refrigerant circuit 1 is operable, providing the auxiliary heating device 4 on the outlet side of the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 can increase the COP (coefficient of performance) during operation with the auxiliary heating device 4 added to the refrigerant circuit 1, rather than providing the auxiliary heating device 4 on the inlet side of the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11. However, during operation with the auxiliary heating device 4 added to the refrigerant circuit 1, providing the auxiliary heating device 4 on the inlet side of the first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 11 can increase the heat medium temperature and raise the high-pressure side temperature of the refrigerant circuit 1 immediately after startup by operating the auxiliary heating device 4, thereby improving the start-up performance of the refrigerant circuit 1.

[0121] 23 shows an example of operation in which the refrigerant circuit 1 fails as described above, and the auxiliary heating device 4 is provided on the outlet side of the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13. Even in this example of operation, the heat medium heated by the auxiliary heating device 4 can be circulated through the cooler core 52 (used as a heater core) to perform heating operation, and as shown in the figure, the heat medium that has left the cooler core 52 can be circulated through the heat exchangers 60, 61, 62, and 63 for objects to be temperature-controlled, thereby simultaneously controlling the temperature of the battery, etc.

[0122] In this case, for example, heating is performed by setting the temperature of the heat medium fed into cooler core 52 used as a heater core to 50°C, and heat is dissipated in external heat exchanger 5 so that the temperature of the heat medium fed into heat exchanger 60 for the battery temperature control object is below the upper limit temperature of 35°C. This makes it possible to perform heating and battery temperature control at appropriate temperatures. In such an operation example, the same function can be obtained by providing auxiliary heating device 4 on the inlet side of third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 13.

[0123] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purposes, configurations, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1: refrigerant circuit, 2: refrigerant circulation flow path, 3 (31, 32): bypass refrigerant flow path, 4: Auxiliary heating device, 5: External heat exchanger, 6: Storage section, 10: Compressor, 11: first refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, 12: second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, 13: Third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, 14, 14A, 14B: Pressure reduction section, 15: Backflow prevention means, 20, 21, 22, 23: Refrigerant flow path, 31A, 32A: Branching section, 31B, 32B: Confluence section, 31V, 32V: On-off valve, 50: Indoor air conditioning unit, 51: Heater core, 52: Cooler core, 60, 61, 62, 63: Heat exchanger for temperature control object, 100: Heat medium circuit, 101, 102, 103: Heat medium flow path, 110,111,112,120,121,122,123, 130,131,132,133,140,141,142, 150,160,161,200,201,202,203, 204, 205: flow path, 150A, 160A, 161A: confluence, 300: Control unit, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V11, V12, V21, V22, V31, V32, V41, V42, V01, V02, V03: Switching valve, U: Unit, P1, P2, P3: Circulation pump

Claims

1. a refrigerant circuit that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant; a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant in a refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger provided in the refrigerant circuit circulates, The refrigerant circuit includes: at least three heat exchangers: a first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger functioning as a condenser, a second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger provided downstream of the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger and functioning as a condenser or an evaporator, and a third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger provided downstream of the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger; a first pressure reducing unit provided downstream of the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger and upstream of the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, and a second pressure reducing unit provided downstream of the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger and upstream of the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, selecting two or more of the at least three heat exchangers including the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger and the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, and using some of the selected heat exchangers as condensers and other as evaporators; The heat medium circuit includes: a switching means for switching between a circuit state in which the heat medium that has passed through the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger flows to the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger and a circuit state in which the flow path of the heat medium that has passed through the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger and the flow path of the heat medium that has passed through the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger are independent circuits from each other.

2. The refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger includes: When three of the heat exchangers are selected, the other one is designated as the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger, 2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein a flow path of the heat medium passing through the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger is a circuit independent of a flow path of the heat medium passing through the first refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger or the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger.

3. 3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium passing through the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger flows through a heat exchanger for air conditioning in a vehicle interior.

4. The heat medium circuit includes:

4. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary heating device provided on an inlet side or an outlet side of the refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger.

5. The heat medium circuit includes:

5. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, further comprising a reservoir for storing the heat medium on the outlet side of the switching means.

6. 6. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the heat exchanger in the refrigerant circuit is performed by opening or closing a bypass refrigerant flow path that bypasses one of the heat exchangers.

7. 3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger is an evaporator.

8. The refrigerant circuit includes:

2. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein one of the selected heat exchangers is an evaporator for air conditioning the interior of the vehicle.

9. The switching means is a first switching means, 3. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 2, further comprising a second switching means for switching whether the heat medium discharged from the first switching means flows to the heat exchanger for the temperature control object or to the external heat exchanger.

10. a third switching means that is switched in conjunction with the second switching means; The third switching means is 10. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein the second switching means switches whether the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger for the temperature control object flows through the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger or the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger, and the second switching means switches whether the heat medium flowing through the external heat exchanger flows through the third refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger or the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger.

11. a heat exchanger for vehicle interior air conditioning through which the heat medium that has been heat exchanged in the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger flows; a fourth switching means for switching whether the heat medium discharged from the heat exchanger for vehicle interior air conditioning is to be passed through the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger or the second switching means; 11. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 10, wherein the second switching means also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium discharged from the fourth switching means flows to the heat exchanger for the temperature control object or to the external heat exchanger.

12. 12. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 11, wherein the third switching means also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium output from the external heat exchanger is to flow into the second refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger or into the fourth switching means.

13. 13. The vehicle thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein the fourth switching means also serves as a means for switching whether the heat medium output from the third switching means flows into the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger or into the second switching means.

14. A vehicle thermal management system as described in any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it is provided with a fifth switching means for switching whether or not the heat medium coming out of the heat exchanger for the temperature control object flows to another heat exchanger for the temperature control object.

15. The vehicle thermal management system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a sixth switching means for switching whether the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the third refrigerant / heat medium heat exchanger flows to the heat exchanger for vehicle interior air conditioning or to the second switching means.

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