WO2021187005A1

WO2021187005A1 - Vehicle air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2021187005A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/006336
Authority: WO
Inventors: 徹也石関
Original assignee: サンデン・オートモーティブクライメイトシステム株式会社
Priority date: 2020-03-18
Filing date: 2021-02-19
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: CN115551728A; JP7425636B2; JP2021146860A

Abstract

[Problem] To optimize the balance between battery cooling and cabin cooling without sacrificing comfort in the cabin of a vehicle. If a battery 43 is being charged from an external power source (step S101, "Yes") and cooling operation is demanded (step S105, "Yes"), it is determined whether or not a refrigeration cycle circuit 12 has excess cooling capacity (step S106). In the case of determining that the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 has excess cooling capacity (step S106, "Yes"), a cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 and the battery 43 is also cooled by a heat exchanger 45 (step S107). In the case of determining that the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 does not have excess cooling capacity (step S106, "No"), only the cooling operation by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is performed (step S108).

Description

Vehicle air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner for vehicles.

As shown in Patent Document 1, when the battery of a vehicle is quickly charged, an external cooling circuit is connected to cool the battery, and a refrigeration cycle for air conditioning is used to cool the battery.

JP-A-2019-75248

If the battery is cooled by utilizing the refrigeration cycle for air conditioning during rapid charging, the cooling power of the refrigeration cycle is consumed by the cooling of the battery. Therefore, when the occupant wants the cooling operation, the cooling capacity in the vehicle interior may be insufficient and the comfort may be reduced.
An object of the present invention is to optimize the balance between battery cooling and vehicle interior cooling without sacrificing vehicle interior comfort.

The vehicle air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention uses a cooling circuit for circulating a cooling heat medium and an air conditioning heat medium for air conditioning in the vehicle interior in a vehicle equipped with a battery that supplies power to an electric motor. A vehicle air conditioner with a circulating refrigeration cycle circuit, the cooling circuit being supplied by an external cooling device, with a battery requiring cooling and when the battery is being charged from an external power source. A first heat exchanger that cools the battery by exchanging heat between the external heat medium and the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit, and at least a part of the air conditioning heat medium cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit. A second heat exchanger that cools the battery by exchanging heat with the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit is provided, and cooling operation is required when the battery is being charged from an external power source. In this case, the circuit switching control unit includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the cooling power of the refrigeration cycle circuit has surplus power, and a circuit switching control unit that switches the circuit according to the determination result of the determination unit. When it is determined that there is spare capacity in the unit, the refrigeration cycle circuit performs cooling operation, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger cool the battery, and the determination unit determines that there is no surplus capacity. When it is done, it is characterized in that the cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit and the battery is cooled by the first heat exchanger.

According to the present invention, the battery is cooled by the heat medium for air conditioning cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit only when the cooling power of the refrigeration cycle circuit is sufficient, so that the comfort in the vehicle interior is not sacrificed. The balance between battery cooling and vehicle interior cooling can be optimized.

It is a figure which shows the air conditioner for a vehicle. It is a figure which shows the heating operation. It is a figure which shows the dehumidifying heating operation. It is a figure which shows the dehumidifying cooling operation. It is a figure which shows the cooling operation. It is a block diagram of the air conditioner for a vehicle. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control process at the time of charging. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a bypass control process. It is a figure which shows the cooling operation + battery cooling assistance. It is a figure which shows the cooling operation (without battery cooling assistance). It is a figure which shows the heating operation + battery cooling assistance. It is a figure which shows the battery cooling assistance. It is a figure which shows cooling operation + battery cooling assistance (radiator addition).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each drawing is a schematic one and may differ from the actual one. In addition, the following embodiments exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and do not specify the configuration to the following. That is, the technical idea of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

<< One Embodiment >>
"composition"
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a part of an air conditioner for a vehicle.
The vehicle is a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that can charge the battery 43 by charging from an external power source and drives an electric motor by the electric power charged in the battery 43 to travel. The vehicle air conditioner 11 is mounted on the vehicle and is driven by the electric power of the battery 43. The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a refrigeration cycle circuit 12 and an HVAC unit 13, and selectively performs each air conditioning operation of heating operation, dehumidifying heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidifying and cooling operation by a heat pump using a heat medium for air conditioning. Execute and air-condition the passenger compartment.

First, the basic components of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.
The refrigeration cycle circuit 12 includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, an indoor expansion valve 25, a heat absorber 26, and an accumulator 27.
The compressor 21 compresses a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium, which is a gas phase, to boost the pressure to a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily liquefied. For example, a scroll compressor, a swash plate compressor, or the like. The drive source of the compressor 21 is, for example, an electric motor. The compressor 21 is a refueling type in which lubrication is performed by oil circulating together with the heat medium for air conditioning, and the oil concentration with respect to the heat medium for air conditioning is about several percent.

The radiator 22 is provided in the HVAC unit 13 and exchanges heat between the air passing around the heat radiating fins and the high-temperature and high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium (heat medium) passing through the tube. That is, the air-conditioning heat medium in the tube is condensed and liquefied by heat dissipation, thereby heating the air around the heat-dissipating fins.
The outdoor expansion valve 23 atomizes a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium in a liquid phase and blows it out to reduce the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized, and the opening degree can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open. Is.

The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is provided inside the front grill of the vehicle body, and exchanges heat between the outside air passing around the heat radiation fins and the heat medium for air conditioning passing through the tube. The outside air is mainly a running wind, but when a sufficient running wind cannot be obtained, the blower 28 is driven to blow the outside air to the heat radiating fins. During heating or dehumidifying heating, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator, that is, a heat absorber, and is used between the outside air passing around the heat radiation fins and the low-temperature air-conditioning heat medium (refrigerant) passing through the tube. Perform heat exchange. That is, the heat medium for air conditioning in the tube absorbs heat and evaporates and vaporizes. On the other hand, during dehumidifying cooling or cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a condenser, that is, a radiator, and the outside air passing around the heat radiating fins and the high-temperature air-conditioning heat medium (heat medium) passing through the tube. Heat exchange between them. That is, heat is dissipated to the heat medium for air conditioning in the tube to form a condensed liquid.

The indoor expansion valve 25 atomizes a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium in a liquid phase and blows it out to reduce the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized, and the opening degree can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open. Is.
The heat absorber 26 is provided in the HVAC unit 13 and exchanges heat between the air passing around the heat radiation fins and the low-temperature air-conditioning heat medium (refrigerant) passing through the tube. That is, the heat medium for air conditioning in the tube evaporates and vaporizes by absorbing heat, thereby cooling the air around the heat radiation fins and causing dew condensation on the surface of the heat radiation fins to dehumidify.
Gas-liquid separation is performed between the accumulator 27 and the heat medium for air conditioning, and only the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is supplied to the compressor 21.

Next, the basic circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.
In the figure, the flow path of the heat medium for air conditioning is shown by a solid line. The outlet of the compressor 21 communicates with the inlet of the radiator 22 via the pipe 31a. The outlet of the radiator 22 communicates with the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 via the pipe 31b, and the pipe 31b is provided with the outdoor expansion valve 23.
The outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 communicates with the inlet of the compressor 21 via the pipe 31c, and the pipe 31c has an on-off valve 32 from the side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 toward the side of the radiator 22. , The check valve 33, and the accumulator 27 are provided in this order. The on-off valve 32 opens or closes the pipe 31c. The check valve 33 allows the passage from the on-off valve 32 side to the accumulator 27 side and blocks the passage in the reverse direction.

Of the pipe 31b, there is a branch point 34 between the radiator 22 and the outdoor expansion valve 23, and this branch point 34 communicates with the inlet of the heat absorber 26 via the pipe 31d, and the pipe 31d has a branch point 34. The on-off valve 35 and the indoor expansion valve 25 are provided in this order from the branch point 34 side to the heat absorber 26 side. The on-off valve 35 opens or closes the pipe 31d.
In the pipe 31c, there is a branch point 36 between the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the on-off valve 32, and in the pipe 31d, there is a branch point 37 between the on-off valve 35 and the indoor expansion valve 25. The branch point 36 communicates with the branch point 37 via the pipe 31e, and the check valve 38 is provided in the pipe 31e. The check valve 38 allows the passage from the side of the branch point 36 to the side of the branch point 37 and blocks the passage in the opposite direction.
Of the pipe 31c, there is a branch point 39 between the on-off valve 32 and the check valve 33, and the outlet of the heat absorber 26 communicates with the branch point 39 via the pipe 31f.

Next, the basic configuration of the HVAC unit 13 will be described.
The HVAC unit 13 (HVAC: Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) is arranged inside the dashboard, and is formed by a duct that introduces outside air and inside air from one end side and supplies air to the vehicle interior from the other end side. There is. Inside the HVAC unit 13, a blower fan 14, a heat absorber 26, a radiator 22, an air mix damper 15, and a heater 18 are provided. The blower fan 14 is provided on one end side of the HVAC unit 13, and when driven, sucks outside air or inside air and discharges it to the other end side. The heat absorber 26 is provided on the downstream side of the blower fan 14. All the air blown out from the blower fan 14 passes through the heat absorber 26. Inside the HVAC unit 13, on the downstream side of the heat absorber 26, a flow path 16 that passes through the radiator 22 and a flow path 17 that bypasses the radiator 22 are formed. The downstream side of the flow path 16 and the flow path 17 merge.

The air mix damper 15 is rotatable between a position where the flow path 16 is opened to close the flow path 17 and a position where the flow path 16 is closed and the flow path 17 is opened. When the air mix damper 15 is in a position where the flow path 16 is opened and the flow path 17 is closed, all the air that has passed through the heat absorber 26 passes through the radiator 22. When the air mix damper 15 is in a position where the flow path 16 is closed and the flow path 17 is opened, all the air that has passed through the heat absorber 26 bypasses the radiator 22. When the air mix damper 15 is in a position to open both the flow path 16 and the flow path 17, part of the air that has passed through the heat absorber 26 passes through the radiator 22 and the rest bypasses the radiator 22. , The air that has passed through the radiator 22 and the air that has bypassed the radiator 22 are mixed on the downstream side of the HVAC unit 13.
The heater 18 is, for example, a PTC heater (PTC: Positive Temperature Coefficient) whose resistance value changes depending on the temperature, and is provided on the downstream side of the radiator 22 of the flow path 16. The heater 18 can be switched ON / OFF, and heats the air passing through when it is ON.

Next, an additional configuration will be described.
The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a cooling circuit 41 and cools the battery 43 by circulating a cooling heat medium. The cooling heat medium is, for example, water, but other fluids such as a refrigerant and a coolant may be used.
First, the main components of the cooling circuit 41 will be described.
The cooling circuit 41 includes a pump 42, a battery 43, a heat exchanger 44 (first heat exchanger), a heat exchanger 45 (second heat exchanger), and a radiator 46.

The pump 42 circulates the cooling heat medium by sucking the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit 41 from one side and discharging it to the other side.
The battery 43 is a storage battery that supplies electric power to an electric motor for traveling a vehicle (not shown), and is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The cooling heat medium flows through the water jacket formed on the battery 43 to cool the battery 43.
The heat exchanger 44 includes a cooling heat medium flow path 44A through which the cooling heat medium passes and an external heat medium flow path 44B through which the external heat medium passes, and charges the battery 43 from an external power source (not shown). At that time, heat exchange is performed between the external heat medium supplied from the external cooling device 47 and the cooling heat medium. The external heat medium is, for example, water, but other fluids such as a refrigerant and a coolant may be used. The heat exchanger 44 and the external cooling device 47 are detachably connected by a connector (not shown). A heat exchanger may be further interposed between the heat exchanger 44 and the connector.

The heat exchanger 45 includes a cooling heat medium flow path 45A through which the cooling heat medium passes and an air conditioning heat medium flow path 45B through which the air conditioning heat medium passes, and air-conditions a part of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12. Heat exchange is performed between the heat medium for cooling and the heat medium for cooling of the cooling circuit 41.
The radiator 46 is arranged on the leeward side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, exchanges heat between the cooling heat medium passing through the inside and the outside air passing around the inside, and dissipates heat to the cooling heat medium in the tube. A blower 28 is provided on the windward side of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and by driving the blower 28 even when the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and Air is supplied to the radiator 46.

Next, the circuit configuration of the cooling circuit 41 will be described.
In the figure, the flow path of the cooling heat medium is shown by a broken line. The outlet of the pump 42 communicates with the inlet of the radiator 46 via the pipe 51a. The outlet of the radiator 46 communicates with the inlet of the pump 42 via the pipe 51b. The pipe 51a is provided with a branch point 48 between the outlet side of the pump 42 and the inlet side of the radiator 46. The pipe 51b has a three-way valve 49, a cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and a cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45 from the outlet side of the radiator 46 toward the inlet side of the pump 42. , Are provided in order. In the three-way valve 49, one inlet communicates with the outlet of the radiator 46, the other inlet communicates with the branch point 48 via the pipe 51c (bypass flow path), and the outlet communicates with the cooling heat medium flow in the heat exchanger 44. It communicates with the road 44A.

Next, additional components of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.
The refrigeration cycle circuit 12 includes an expansion valve 55 and a heat exchanger 45.
The expansion valve 55 atomizes a high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium in a liquid phase and blows it out to reduce the pressure to a low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium that is easily vaporized, and the opening degree can be adjusted from fully closed to fully open. be.
Next, an additional circuit configuration of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 will be described.
In the pipe 31d, there is a branch point 48 between the branch point 37 and the indoor expansion valve 25, and in the pipe 31c, there is a branch point 57 between the check valve 33 and the accumulator 27. The branch point 56 communicates with the inlet of the air-conditioning heat medium flow path 45B in the heat exchanger 45 via the pipe 31g, and the outlet of the air-conditioning heat medium flow path 45B in the heat exchanger 45 branches via the pipe 31h. It communicates with point 57. The expansion valve 55 is provided in the pipe 31 g.

Next, the basic operation of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.
The controller 61 is, for example, a microcomputer, and selectively executes each air conditioning operation of heating operation, dehumidifying and heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidifying and cooling operation in response to an operation request from the user to air-condition the vehicle interior. Here, in order to explain the basic operation, the operation of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 and the operation of the HVAC unit 13 will be described. That is, the controller 61 drives and controls the compressor 21, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the on-off valve 32, the on-off valve 35, the indoor expansion valve 25, the expansion valve 55, the blower 28, the blower fan 14, and the air mix damper 15.

[Heating operation]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a heating operation.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. When the heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. In this state, the compressor 21 is driven.

As a result, the heat medium for air conditioning includes the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, and the branch. It circulates through the point 57 and the accumulator 27 in order. In this circulation path, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the radiator 22 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the outdoor heat exchanger 24, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 17 while adjusting the ratio of passing through the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and warm air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Further, when the heater 18 is driven, it is further heated.

In the heating operation, since the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator, the surroundings of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 are cooled, so that the moisture in the air sublimates and frost may occur on the heat radiation fins. .. Further, when frost grows and the ventilation passage of the heat radiation fin is blocked, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 decreases. Therefore, when the occurrence of frost formation is detected from the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the defrosting operation is performed. When performing the defrosting operation, except that the blower fan 14 is stopped and the flow path 16 is blocked by the air mix damper 15. It is the same as heating operation. As a result, the heat radiation for air conditioning is suppressed in the radiator 22, so that the heat medium is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 at a high temperature, and the frost is melted.

[Dehumidifying and heating operation]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a dehumidifying and heating operation.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. When the dehumidifying and heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is opened, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is opened. The compressor 21 is driven in the closed state.

As a result, the heat medium for air conditioning includes the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the on-off valve 32, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, and the branch. It circulates through the point 57 and the accumulator 27 in order. A part of the heat medium for air conditioning that has passed through the radiator 22 is split from the branch point 34 and branched via the on-off valve 35, the branch point 37, the branch point 48, the indoor expansion valve 25, and the heat absorber 26. Join point 39. In these circulation paths, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the radiator 22 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the outdoor heat exchanger 24, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature. Further, a part of the heat medium for air conditioning in the liquid phase is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 17 while adjusting the ratio of passing through the radiator 22. As a result, after the introduced air is dehumidified by the heat absorber 26, it is heated by the radiator 22 and the dehumidified warm air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Further, when the heater 18 is driven, it is further heated.

[Dehumidifying and cooling operation]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a dehumidifying / cooling operation.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the medium-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is indicated by a thick broken line, and the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown. It is shown by a thick solid line, the open on-off valve is shown in white, and the closed on-off valve is shown in black. When the dehumidifying and cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is opened. The compressor 21 is driven in the closed state.

As a result, the heat medium for air conditioning is the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the check valve 38, the branch point 37, the branch point 48, and the room. It circulates through the expansion valve 25, the heat exchanger 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. In this circulation path, the heat medium for air conditioning of the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 to a medium pressure, and radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. Become. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16 while adjusting the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is dehumidified and cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

[Cooling operation]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cooling operation.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. When the cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is closed. In this state, the compressor 21 is driven.

As a result, the heat medium for air conditioning is the compressor 21, the radiator 22, the branch point 34, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the branch point 36, the check valve 38, the branch point 37, the branch point 48, and the room. It circulates through the expansion valve 25, the heat exchanger 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. In this circulation path, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16 while adjusting the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

Next, the main control processing of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an air conditioner for a vehicle.
The vehicle air conditioner 11 includes a controller 61, an occupant sensor 62 (occupant detection unit), an outside air temperature sensor 63, an evaporator temperature sensor 64, a compressor rotation sensor 65, and a water temperature sensor 66.
The occupant sensor 62 detects whether or not there is an occupant in the vehicle interior. For example, a motion sensor or a seating sensor. The outside air temperature sensor 63 detects the outside air temperature Ta. The evaporator temperature sensor 64 detects the surface temperature Te of the heat absorber 26. The compressor rotation sensor 65 detects the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21. The water temperature sensor 66 detects the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43. The output of each sensor is input to the controller 61.

The controller 61 executes the charging control process and the bypass control process, and drives and controls the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the HVAC unit 13, and the cooling circuit 41. That is, the controller 61 drives and controls the compressor 21, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the on-off valve 32, the on-off valve 35, the indoor expansion valve 25, the expansion valve 55, and the blower 28 of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12. Further, the controller 61 drives and controls the blower fan 14, the air mix damper 15, and the heater 18 of the HVAC unit 13. Further, the controller 61 drives and controls the pump 42 of the cooling circuit 41 and the three-way valve 49.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging control process.
The charging control process is executed as a timer interrupt process at predetermined time intervals.
In step S101, it is determined whether or not the quick charging of the battery 43 is being executed. When the quick charge of the battery 43 is not executed, the program returns to the predetermined main program as it is. On the other hand, when the quick charge of the battery 43 is being executed, the process proceeds to step S102.
In step S102, the battery 43 is cooled by the external heat medium supplied from the external cooling device 47. Specifically, the pump 42 is driven to circulate the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit 41, and the heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the external heat medium and the cooling heat medium.
In the following step S103, it is detected whether or not there is an occupant in the vehicle interior. When there is no occupant, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when there is an occupant, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning operation is required. When air conditioning is not required, the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the air conditioning operation is required, the process proceeds to step S105.
In step S105, it is determined whether or not the cooling operation is required. When the cooling operation is not required, that is, the heating operation is required, the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, when the cooling operation is required, the process proceeds to step S106. Here, for the sake of simplicity, it is simply determined whether or not the cooling operation is required. However, since the cooling operation and the dehumidifying cooling operation are equivalent in terms of cooling the passenger compartment, the cooling operation and the dehumidifying cooling operation are performed. It shall also include determining whether or not any of the dehumidifying and cooling operations is required. Similarly, since the heating operation and the dehumidifying heating operation are equivalent in terms of warming the passenger compartment, the requirement for the heating operation includes the requirement for either the heating operation or the dehumidifying heating operation. Dehumidify.

In step S106, ^{whether or not the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 in the cooling operation has a surplus capacity based on the target temperature Te * of} the endothermic device 26, the surface temperature Te of the endothermic device 26, and the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21. To judge. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the surface temperature Te of the endothermic absorber 26 ^{has achieved the target temperature Te *} and the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Nth. If the maximum rotation speed Nmax of the compressor 21 is about 7,000 to 9000 rotations, the threshold value Nth is set to about 4000 to 5000 rotations. Here, when the surface temperature Te of the endothermic absorber 26 ^{has achieved the target temperature Te *} and the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Nth, it is determined that there is a surplus cooling power. The process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, when the surface temperature Te of the endothermic absorber 26 ^{does not reach the target temperature Te *} or the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21 exceeds the threshold value Nth, it is determined that there is no surplus cooling power, and step S108 is performed. Transition.

In step S107, the cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the battery 43 is assisted by a part of the heat medium for air conditioning supplied from the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the program returns to a predetermined main program. Specifically, in addition to performing normal cooling operation, the expansion valve 55 is opened, and a heat exchanger 45 exchanges heat between a part of the heat medium for air conditioning and the heat medium for cooling. At this time, the target temperature Te ^* of the heat absorber 26 is increased and corrected. For example, it may be corrected according to a predetermined rate of increase, or it may be corrected by a predetermined amount of increase.
In step S108, only the normal cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the program returns to a predetermined main program.

In step S109, the heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the cooling of the battery 43 is assisted by the heat medium for air conditioning supplied from the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the program returns to a predetermined main program. Specifically, in addition to performing normal heating operation, the on-off valve 35 is opened, the expansion valve 55 is opened, and the heat exchanger 45 exchanges heat between the heat medium for air conditioning and the heat medium for cooling.
In step S110, the cooling of the battery 43 is assisted by all of the heat media for air conditioning supplied from the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, and the program returns to a predetermined main program. Specifically, from the state of normal cooling operation, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, the expansion valve 55 is opened, and the heat exchanger 45 exchanges heat between the heat medium for air conditioning and the heat medium for cooling. Do it.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of bypass control processing.
The bypass control process is executed as a timer interrupt process at predetermined time intervals.
In step S121, it is determined whether or not the quick charging of the battery 43 is being executed. When the quick charge of the battery 43 is not executed, the program returns to the predetermined main program as it is. On the other hand, when the quick charge of the battery 43 is being executed, the process proceeds to step S122.
In step S122, it is determined whether or not the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta. When the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta, the process proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, when the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium exceeds the outside air temperature Ta, the process proceeds to step S124.
In step S123, the three-way valve 49 is controlled, the radiator 46 is bypassed by the cooling heat medium, and the program returns to a predetermined main program.
In step S124, the three-way valve 49 is controlled, the radiator 46 is passed through the cooling heat medium, and the program returns to a predetermined main program.

Next, the main operation of the vehicle air conditioner 11 will be described.
[Cooling operation + battery cooling assistance]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing cooling operation + battery cooling assistance.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. Further, the flow path through which the cooling heat medium and the external heat medium pass is indicated by a thick broken line.

Here, the operation when there is a cooling request at the time of quick charging, the cooling power of the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 has a surplus, and the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta will be described. do. At the time of rapid charging, an external heat medium cooled by the external cooling device 47 is supplied. When the cooling operation and the cooling of the battery 43 are performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, and the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened. , The compressor 21 is driven with the expansion valve 55 slightly opened. Further, the pump 42 is driven in a state where the radiator 46 is bypassed by the three-way valve 49.
As a result, the external heat medium first circulates through the external cooling device 47 and the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44 in order. In this circulation path, the external heat medium is cooled by dissipating heat in the external cooling device 47, and becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44.

The heat medium for air conditioning includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a branch point 34, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, a branch point 36, a check valve 38, a branch point 37, a branch point 56, and indoor expansion. It circulates through the valve 25, the heat exchanger 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. A part of the heat medium for air conditioning that has passed through the branch point 37 is split from the branch point 56 and merges with the branch point 57 via the expansion valve 55 and the heat medium flow path 45B for air conditioning in the heat exchanger 45. do. In these circulation paths, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature. Further, a part of the liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the expansion valve 55 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat in the air-conditioning heat medium flow path 45B in the heat exchanger 45, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

The cooling heat medium passes through the pump 42, the battery 43, the branch point 48, the three-way valve 49, the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and the cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45 in this order. And circulate. In this circulation path, the cooling heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the battery 43, radiates heat in the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and becomes low temperature, and further cools heat in the heat exchanger 45. By radiating heat in the medium flow path 45A, the temperature becomes lower.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16 while adjusting the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

[Cooling operation (without battery cooling assistance)]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cooling operation (without battery cooling assistance).
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. Further, the flow path through which the cooling heat medium and the external heat medium pass is indicated by a thick broken line.
Here, the operation when there is a cooling request at the time of quick charging, the cooling power of the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 is insufficient, and the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta will be described. do. At the time of rapid charging, an external heat medium cooled by the external cooling device 47 is supplied. When only the cooling operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened, and the expansion valve 55 is opened. The compressor 21 is driven in the closed state. Further, the pump 42 is driven in a state where the radiator 46 is bypassed by the three-way valve 49.

As a result, the external heat medium first circulates through the external cooling device 47 and the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44 in order. In this circulation path, the external heat medium is cooled by dissipating heat in the external cooling device 47, and becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44.
The heat medium for air conditioning includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a branch point 34, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, a branch point 36, a check valve 38, a branch point 37, a branch point 56, and indoor expansion. It circulates through the valve 25, the heat exchanger 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. In this circulation path, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

The cooling heat medium includes the pump 42, the battery 43, the branch point 48, the three-way valve 49, the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and the cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45 in this order. It circulates via. In this circulation path, the cooling heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the battery 43, and becomes low temperature by radiating heat in the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16 while adjusting the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

[Heating operation + battery cooling assistance]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing heating operation + battery cooling assistance.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. Further, the flow path through which the cooling heat medium and the external heat medium pass is indicated by a thick broken line.
Here, the operation when there is a heating request at the time of quick charging and the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta will be described. At the time of rapid charging, an external heat medium cooled by the external cooling device 47 is supplied. When the heating operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is slightly opened, the on-off valve 32 is opened, the on-off valve 35 is opened, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is slightly opened. The compressor 21 is driven in the open state. Further, the pump 42 is driven in a state where the radiator 46 is bypassed by the three-way valve 49.

As a result, the external heat medium first circulates through the external cooling device 47 and the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44 in order. In this circulation path, the external heat medium is cooled by dissipating heat in the external cooling device 47, and becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44.
The heat medium for air conditioning includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a branch point 34, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, a branch point 36, an on-off valve 32, a branch point 39, a check valve 33, and a branch point. It circulates through 57 and the accumulator 27 in order. A part of the heat medium for air conditioning that has passed through the radiator 22 is split from the branch point 34, and the heat medium for air conditioning in the on-off valve 35, the branch point 37, the branch point 56, the expansion valve 55, and the heat exchanger 45. It joins the branch point 57 via the flow path 45B. In these circulation paths, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the radiator 22 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 23 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the outdoor heat exchanger 24, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature. Further, a part of the liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the expansion valve 55 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the heat exchanger 45, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

The cooling heat medium includes the pump 42, the battery 43, the branch point 48, the three-way valve 49, the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and the cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45 in this order. It circulates via. In this circulation path, the cooling heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the battery 43, radiates heat in the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and becomes low temperature, and further cools heat in the heat exchanger 45. By radiating heat in the medium flow path 45A, the temperature becomes lower.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 17 while adjusting the ratio of passing through the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is heated by the radiator 22, and warm air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Further, when the heater 18 is driven, it is further heated.

[Battery cooling assistance]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing battery cooling assistance.
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. Further, the flow path through which the cooling heat medium and the external heat medium pass is indicated by a thick broken line.
Here, the operation when there is no occupant in the vehicle interior and the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta during quick charging will be described. At the time of rapid charging, an external heat medium cooled by the external cooling device 47 is supplied. When the battery 43 is assisted in cooling by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, the indoor expansion valve 25 is closed, and the expansion valve 55 is opened. The compressor 21 is driven in a slightly open state. Further, the pump 42 is driven in a state where the radiator 46 is bypassed by the three-way valve 49.

As a result, the external heat medium first circulates through the external cooling device 47 and the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44 in order. In this circulation path, the external heat medium is cooled by dissipating heat in the external cooling device 47, and becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44.
The heat medium for air conditioning includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a branch point 34, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, a branch point 36, a check valve 38, a branch point 37, a branch point 56, and an expansion valve. 55, the heat exchanger 45 circulates through the air-conditioning heat medium flow path 45B, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. In this circulation path, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the expansion valve 55 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the heat exchanger 45, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

The cooling heat medium includes the pump 42, the battery 43, the branch point 48, the three-way valve 49, the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and the cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45 in this order. It circulates via. In this circulation path, the cooling heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the battery 43, radiates heat in the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and becomes low temperature, and further cools heat in the heat exchanger 45. By radiating heat in the medium flow path 45A, the temperature becomes lower.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is stopped, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path passing through the radiator 22. As a result, the air conditioning is stopped.

[Cooling operation + battery cooling assistance (additional radiator)]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing cooling operation + battery cooling assistance (addition of radiator).
In the figure, the flow path through which the low-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick dotted line, the flow path through which the high-pressure air-conditioning heat medium passes is shown by a thick solid line, and the opened on-off valve is shown in white and closed. The on-off valve is shown in black. Further, the flow path through which the cooling heat medium and the external heat medium pass is indicated by a thick broken line.
Here, regarding the operation when there is a cooling request at the time of quick charging, the cooling power of the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 is sufficient, and the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium on the outlet side of the battery 43 exceeds the outside air temperature Ta. explain. At the time of rapid charging, an external heat medium cooled by the external cooling device 47 is supplied. When the cooling operation and the cooling of the battery 43 are performed by the refrigeration cycle circuit 12, the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened, the on-off valve 32 is closed, the on-off valve 35 is closed, and the indoor expansion valve 25 is slightly opened. , The compressor 21 is driven with the expansion valve 55 slightly opened. Further, the pump 42 is driven in a state where the radiator 46 is passed by the three-way valve 49.

As a result, the external heat medium first circulates through the external cooling device 47 and the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44 in order. In this circulation path, the external heat medium is cooled by dissipating heat in the external cooling device 47, and becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the external heat medium flow path 44B in the heat exchanger 44.
The heat medium for air conditioning includes a compressor 21, a radiator 22, a branch point 34, an outdoor expansion valve 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, a branch point 36, a check valve 38, a branch point 37, a branch point 56, and indoor expansion. It circulates through the valve 25, the heat exchanger 26, the branch point 39, the check valve 33, the branch point 57, and the accumulator 27 in this order. A part of the heat medium for air conditioning that has passed through the branch point 37 is split from the branch point 56 and merges with the branch point 57 via the expansion valve 55 and the heat medium flow path 45B for air conditioning in the heat exchanger 45. do. In these circulation paths, the heat medium for air conditioning in the gas phase is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high pressure, and is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to be condensed and liquefied to a low temperature. The liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 25 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the endothermic device 26, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature. Further, a part of the liquid phase air-conditioning heat medium is expanded by the expansion valve 55 to a low pressure, and by absorbing heat by the heat exchanger 45, it evaporates and vaporizes to a high temperature.

The cooling heat medium includes the pump 42, the battery 43, the branch point 48, the radiator 46, the three-way valve 49, the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44, and the cooling heat medium flow path in the heat exchanger 45. It circulates through 45A in order. In this circulation path, the cooling heat medium becomes high temperature by absorbing heat in the battery 43, becomes low temperature by radiating heat in the radiator 46, and becomes low temperature by radiating heat in the cooling heat medium flow path 44A in the heat exchanger 44. Further, heat is dissipated in the cooling heat medium flow path 45A in the heat exchanger 45, so that the temperature becomes lower.
On the other hand, in the HVAC unit 13, the blower fan 14 is driven, and the air mix damper 15 closes the flow path 16 while adjusting the ratio of bypassing the radiator 22. As a result, the introduced air is cooled by the heat absorber 26, and cool air is supplied to the vehicle interior.

From the above, the cooling circuit 41 corresponds to the "cooling circuit", the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 corresponds to the "refrigeration cycle circuit", the battery 43 corresponds to the "battery", and the heat exchanger 44 corresponds to the "first heat exchange". The heat exchanger 45 corresponds to the "second heat exchanger". Further, the processing of step S106 corresponds to the "determination unit", the processing of steps S107 and S108, and the processing of steps S122 to S124 correspond to the "circuit switching control unit". Further, the occupant sensor 62 corresponds to the "occupant detection unit".

《Action》
Next, the main effects of one embodiment will be described.
During rapid charging in which a large amount of current flows in a short time, the battery 43 is cooled by an external heat medium supplied from the external cooling device 47 (step S102). As a result, the temperature rise of the battery 43 can be suppressed. Further, if the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is also used to assist the cooling of the battery 43, the cooling effect is further improved. However, when the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is used, the cooling power of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is consumed by the cooling assistance of the battery 43. Therefore, when the occupant wants the cooling operation, the cooling capacity in the vehicle interior may be insufficient and the comfort may be reduced.

Therefore, when the battery 43 is being charged from an external power source (the determination in step S101 is “Yes”) and the cooling operation is requested (the determination in step S105 is “Yes”), the cooling force of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 It is determined whether or not there is spare capacity in the battery (step S106). Then, when it is determined that the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 has a surplus cooling power (the determination in step S106 is “Yes”), the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 performs the cooling operation, and the heat exchanger 45 assists the cooling of the battery 43. (Step S107). In this way, the cooling effect is improved by cooling the battery 43 by the cooling power of both the external cooling device 47 and the refrigeration cycle circuit 12.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 has no surplus cooling power (the determination in step S106 is “No”), the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 does not assist the cooling of the battery 43, but only performs the cooling operation (step). S108). At this time, the minimum cooling effect can be ensured by cooling the battery 43 only by the cooling power of the external cooling device 47.
In this way, the cooling of the battery 43 is assisted by the heat medium for air conditioning cooled by the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 only when the cooling power of the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 has a surplus. Therefore, the balance between the cooling of the battery 43 and the cooling of the vehicle interior can be optimized without sacrificing the comfort of the vehicle interior.

Further, when it is detected that there is an occupant in the vehicle interior (the determination in step S103 is “Yes”) and the cooling operation is requested (the determination in step S105 is “Yes”), the cooling force of the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 Determine if there is spare capacity. In this way, since the presence of the occupant is added under the AND condition, the accuracy that the cooling operation is required is increased, and the reliability of the vehicle air conditioner 11 is improved.
Further, based on the target temperature Te ^{* of} the endothermic device 26, the surface temperature Te of the endothermic device 26, and the rotation speed Nc of the compressor 21, it is determined whether or not the refrigerating cycle circuit 12 has a surplus cooling power. As described above, since the general arguments (or parameters) required for controlling the compressor 21 are used, it is possible to easily determine the presence or absence of the surplus power.

Further, when it is determined that there is a surplus capacity, the target temperature Te ^* of the heat absorber 26 in the refrigeration cycle circuit 12 is increased and corrected. Thereby, the cooling power consumed by the cooling can be reduced. Therefore, the cooling power that can be consumed for cooling the battery 43 is relatively increased, and the cooling capacity can be improved.
Further, since cooling is used when the outside air temperature Ta is high, the heat exchanger 45 has a higher cooling capacity for the cooling heat medium than the radiator 46. Therefore, in the cooling circuit 41, the radiator 46 is provided on the downstream side of the battery 43 and on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 45. That is, first, the radiator 46 cools the cooling heat medium, and then the heat exchanger 45 cools the cooling heat medium. As a result, the cooling effect of the radiator 46 can be enhanced.

Further, when the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature Ta (the determination in step S122 is “Yes”), the cooling heat medium bypasses the radiator 46 (step S123). This prevents the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium from rising due to endothermic heat from the outside air. On the other hand, when the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium exceeds the outside air temperature Ta (the determination in step S122 is “No”), the radiator 46 is passed through the cooling heat medium (step S124). As a result, the temperature Tw of the cooling heat medium can be reliably lowered by dissipating heat to the outside air.

<< Modification example >>
In the present embodiment, in the cooling circuit 41, whether the radiator 46 is passed through or bypassed by the cooling heat medium is switched by the three-way valve 49, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a two-way valve that can be opened and closed is provided in each of the flow path passing through the radiator 46 and the flow path bypassing the radiator 46 so that the other is closed when one is opened and the other is opened when one is closed. You may.
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the outdoor expansion valve 23 is fully opened during cooling has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a bypass flow path that bypasses the outdoor expansion valve 23 may be provided so that the bypass flow path can be opened and closed. As a result, the pressure loss can be reduced by closing the outdoor expansion valve 23 and opening the bypass flow path during cooling.

Although the above description has been made with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of rights is not limited to them, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure are obvious to those skilled in the art.

11 ... Vehicle air conditioner, 12 ... Refrigeration cycle circuit, 13 ... HVAC unit, 14 ... Blower fan, 15 ... Air mix damper, 16 ... Flow path, 17 ... Flow path, 18 ... Heater, 21 ... Compressor, 22 ... radiator, 23 ... outdoor expansion valve, 24 ... outdoor heat exchanger, 25 ... indoor expansion valve, 26 ... heat absorber, 27 ... accumulator, 28 ... blower, 31a ... piping, 31b ... piping, 31c ... piping, 31d ... Piping, 31e ... Piping, 31f ... Piping, 31g ... Piping, 31h ... Piping, 32 ... On / off valve, 33 ... Check valve, 34 ... Branch point, 35 ... On / off valve, 36 ... Branch point, 37 ... Branch point, 38 ... Check valve, 39 ... Branch point, 41 ... Cooling circuit, 42 ... Pump, 43 ... Battery, 44 ... Heat exchanger, 44A ... Cooling heat medium flow path, 44B ... External heat medium flow path, 45 ... Heat exchange Vessel, 45A ... Cooling heat medium flow path, 45B ... Air conditioning heat medium flow path, 46 ... Radiator, 47 ... External cooling device, 48 ... Branch point, 49 ... Three-way valve, 51a ... Piping, 51b ... Piping, 51c ... Piping, 55 ... expansion valve, 56 ... branch point, 57 ... branch point, 61 ... controller, 62 ... occupant sensor, 63 ... outside temperature sensor, 64 ... evaporator temperature sensor, 65 ... compressor rotation sensor, 66 ... water temperature sensor

Claims

In a vehicle equipped with a battery that supplies power to an electric motor
A cooling circuit that circulates a cooling heat medium and
An air conditioner for vehicles equipped with a refrigeration cycle circuit that circulates a heat medium for air conditioning to air-condition the interior of the vehicle.
The cooling circuit
The battery that needs cooling and
When the battery is being charged from an external power source, the first is to cool the battery by exchanging heat between the external heat medium supplied from the external cooling device and the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit. Heat exchanger and
A second heat exchanger that cools the battery by exchanging heat between at least a part of the heat medium for air conditioning cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit and the heat medium for cooling of the cooling circuit. , Equipped with
When cooling operation is required while the battery is being charged from an external power source, a determination unit for determining whether or not the cooling power of the refrigeration cycle circuit has surplus power, and a determination unit.
A circuit switching control unit that switches circuits according to the determination result of the determination unit is provided.
The circuit switching control unit
When the determination unit determines that there is spare capacity, the refrigeration cycle circuit performs cooling operation, and the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger cool the battery.
An air conditioner for a vehicle, characterized in that, when the determination unit determines that there is no spare capacity, the refrigeration cycle circuit performs a cooling operation and the first heat exchanger cools the battery.
Equipped with an occupant detection unit that detects whether or not there are occupants in the passenger compartment
The determination unit
The first aspect of claim 1, wherein when the occupant detection unit detects the presence of an occupant and a cooling operation is required, it is determined whether or not there is a surplus cooling force in the refrigeration cycle circuit. Air conditioner for vehicles.
The determination unit
It is determined whether or not the cooling power of the refrigerating cycle circuit has a surplus based on the target temperature of the evaporator in the refrigerating cycle circuit, the temperature of the evaporator, and the rotation speed of the compressor in the refrigerating cycle circuit. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.
The circuit switching control unit
The vehicle air conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that there is a surplus capacity, the target temperature of the endothermic heater in the refrigeration cycle circuit is increased and corrected. Device.
The cooling circuit
The battery is cooled by exchanging heat between the outside air and the cooling heat medium of the cooling circuit, which is provided on the downstream side of the battery and on the upstream side of the second heat exchanger. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a radiator.
The cooling circuit
A bypass flow path that bypasses the radiator is provided.
The circuit switching control unit
When the temperature of the cooling heat medium that has passed through the battery is equal to or lower than the outside air temperature, the cooling heat medium is passed through the bypass flow path, and the temperature of the cooling heat medium that has passed through the battery is higher than the outside air temperature. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein when the temperature is high, the radiator is passed through the cooling heat medium.