WO2024070359A1 - Vehicular air conditioning device - Google Patents

Vehicular air conditioning device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024070359A1
WO2024070359A1 PCT/JP2023/030498 JP2023030498W WO2024070359A1 WO 2024070359 A1 WO2024070359 A1 WO 2024070359A1 JP 2023030498 W JP2023030498 W JP 2023030498W WO 2024070359 A1 WO2024070359 A1 WO 2024070359A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
oil
air conditioning
evaporator
compressor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/030498
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
俊輔 小寺
史聖 川原
Original Assignee
株式会社村田製作所
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社村田製作所 filed Critical 株式会社村田製作所
Publication of WO2024070359A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024070359A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system that adjusts the room temperature of a vehicle.
  • Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner for vehicles.
  • the air conditioner in Patent Document 1 performs "oil return operation" in which the oil that lubricates the compressor is returned to the compressor by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle so that the refrigerant passes through the evaporator.
  • This type of oil return operation is performed periodically, for example, at predetermined time intervals relative to the operating time of the air conditioner.
  • the compressor may run out of lubricating oil, reducing its reliability.
  • oil may accumulate in undesirable places in the refrigerant circuit (the evaporator or condenser), reducing cooling efficiency.
  • oil return operation may be performed even when there is no shortage of lubricating oil for the compressor.
  • a forced cooling state occurs, which is different from the air conditioning set by the user, and may cause discomfort to the user, such as fogging of windows and excessive cooling.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air conditioning system for vehicles that prevents oil shortages in the compressor, oil retention in undesirable parts of the refrigerant circuit, and discomfort to the user.
  • the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention comprises a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant, an evaporator that vaporizes the reduced pressure refrigerant to absorb heat, and a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is circulated to the compressor and in which oil is sealed together with the refrigerant.
  • the vehicle air conditioning system comprises a control device that controls the operation of the compressor and the expansion valve, and an oil sensor provided in at least one of the pipes that connect the condenser, the evaporator, and the condenser and the evaporator in the refrigerant circuit.
  • the control device performs oil return operation according to the output of the oil sensor.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device performs oil return operation when the oil sensor detects oil, and does not perform oil return operation when oil is not detected. This allows the vehicle air conditioning device to perform oil return when it is necessary to return oil to the compressor.
  • This invention can prevent oil shortages in the compressor, oil retention in undesirable places in the refrigerant circuit, and discomfort to the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the oil return operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a control system of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, a receiver tank 33, an expansion valve 41, an expansion valve 42, an evaporator 511, an evaporator 521, a radiator 512, a radiator 522, an air mix door 61, and an air mix door 62.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a plurality of pipes P11, P12, P13, P14, P21, P22, P31, P32, P41, and P42, and a plurality of circuit valves B10, B21, B22, and B23.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a plurality of fans F10 and F20, and a plurality of air introduction devices D10 and D20.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a control device 20, multiple oil sensors 71, 72, 73, a temperature sensor 191 (see FIG. 2), and an operation unit 192 (see FIG. 2).
  • An exhaust port of the compressor 31 is connected to an inlet of the condenser 32 through a pipe P11.
  • a circuit valve B10 is inserted into the pipe P11.
  • An exhaust port of the condenser 32 is connected to an inlet of the receiver tank 33 through a pipe P12.
  • An exhaust port of the receiver tank 33 is connected to an inlet of the evaporator 511 through a pipe P13.
  • An expansion valve 41 is inserted into the pipe P13.
  • An exhaust port of the evaporator 511 is connected to an inlet of the compressor 31 through a pipe P14.
  • a refrigerant supply valve PR is provided in the pipe P14.
  • the compressor 31, condenser 32, receiver tank 33, expansion valve 41, and evaporator 511 are connected in a loop by multiple pipes P11, P12, P13, and P14 to form a refrigerant circuit for the front seats.
  • This refrigerant circuit is mainly filled with refrigerant, and oil is also filled with the refrigerant.
  • pipe P21 One end of pipe P21 is connected to a portion of pipe P13 that connects the receiver tank 33 and the expansion valve 41. The other end of pipe P21 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 521. An expansion valve 42 is inserted into pipe P21. The outlet of the evaporator 521 is connected to pipe P14 through pipe P22. This forms a refrigerant circuit for the rear seats that is connected to the refrigerant circuit for the front seats.
  • the refrigerant circuit for the front seats and the refrigerant circuit for the rear seats form a refrigerant circuit for the entire vehicle in the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
  • one end of the pipe P31 is connected to a portion of the pipe P11 closer to the compressor 31 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B10.
  • the other end of the pipe P31 is connected to a radiator 512.
  • a circuit valve B21 is inserted into the pipe P31.
  • the radiator 512 is connected through the pipe P32 to a portion of the pipe P11 closer to the condenser 32 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B10.
  • one end of the pipe P41 is connected to a portion of the pipe P31 closer to the radiator 512 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B21.
  • the other end of the pipe P41 is connected to the radiator 522.
  • the circuit valve B22 is inserted into the pipe P41.
  • the radiator 522 is connected through the pipe P42 to a portion of the pipe P32 closer to the radiator 512 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B23.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 forms a refrigerant circuit that can also be used for heating.
  • Oil sensor 71 is installed in evaporator 511.
  • Oil sensor 72 is installed in evaporator 521.
  • Oil sensor 73 is installed in condenser 32.
  • an evaporator 511, a radiator 512, an air mix door 61, and a fan F10 are arranged inside the front seat air duct 91.
  • An air introduction device D10 is arranged at the upstream end of the front seat air duct 91.
  • the fan F10 is arranged upstream of the front seat air duct 91 relative to the evaporator 511, the radiator 512, and the air mix door 61.
  • the air mix door 61 is arranged between the evaporator 511 and the radiator 512 in the flow direction of the front seat air duct 91.
  • an evaporator 521, a radiator 522, an air mix door 62, and a fan F20 are arranged in the rear seat air duct 92.
  • An air introduction device D20 is installed at the upstream end of the rear seat air duct 92.
  • the fan F20 is arranged upstream of the rear seat air duct 92 relative to the evaporator 521, the radiator 522, and the air mix door 62.
  • the air mix door 62 is arranged between the evaporator 521 and the radiator 522 in the flow direction of the rear seat air duct 92.
  • the temperature sensor 191 is not shown in FIG. 1, but is placed in a position where it can measure the temperature that the control device 20 references when conditioning the air inside the vehicle.
  • the operation unit 192 is an air conditioning panel of the vehicle, not shown in FIG. 1, and receives operation inputs for the air conditioning from the user.
  • control device 20 controls the cooling, heating, or dehumidification operation based on the operation input (set temperature, etc.) from the operation unit 192 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 191.
  • the control device 20 controls the operation of the compressor 31 and the expansion valve based on the operation input contents (set temperature, etc.) from the operation unit 192 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 191.
  • the compressor 31 is driven according to this operation control and compresses the refrigerant. As a result, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 31. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the condenser 32 through the circuit valve B10.
  • the condenser 32 liquefies the refrigerant, which is mostly in a gaseous state at high temperature and high pressure, and discharges the refrigerant, which is mostly in a liquid state at low temperature and high pressure.
  • the refrigerant in a liquid state at low temperature and high pressure is injected into the expansion valve 41 through the receiver tank 33.
  • the expansion valve 41 reduces the pressure of the low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant.
  • the expansion valve 41 reduces the pressure and discharges the medium-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant into the evaporator 511.
  • the evaporator 511 vaporizes the refrigerant in a liquid state at medium temperature and low pressure. At this time, the heat of the air flowing through the front seat air duct 91 is absorbed by the refrigerant as it vaporizes. As a result, cooled air is supplied to the front seat air duct 91 and sent out from the front seat air outlet. The vaporized refrigerant is returned to the compressor 31.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can perform cooling.
  • the refrigerant is circulated through the radiator 512 as well as the evaporator 511. Also, although detailed explanations are omitted, in the case of heating, the refrigerant is circulated through the radiator 512.
  • the above explanation also shows a configuration in which the front seats and rear seats can be air-conditioned separately. However, it is also possible to air-condition the entire vehicle using the front seats, in which case the above-mentioned configuration for the rear seats can be omitted.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 further executes an oil return operation as described below.
  • the oil sensor 71 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the evaporator 511.
  • the oil sensor 71 detects whether oil is stagnating whether or not refrigerant is flowing through the evaporator 511.
  • the oil sensor 71 outputs the oil stagnating detection result to the control device 20.
  • the oil sensor 72 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the evaporator 521.
  • the oil sensor 72 detects whether oil is stagnating whether or not refrigerant is flowing through the evaporator 521.
  • the oil sensor 72 outputs the oil stagnating detection result to the control device 20.
  • the oil sensor 73 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the condenser 32.
  • the oil sensor 73 outputs the oil stagnant detection result to the control device 20.
  • Oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 are, for example, ultrasonic sensors. Oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 may be other sensors as long as they are capable of detecting oil retention in evaporators 511 and 521 and oil retention in condenser 32. However, by using ultrasonic sensors as the oil sensors, oil retention in evaporators 511 and 521 and oil retention in condenser 32 can be easily detected with a simple configuration.
  • the control device 20 performs oil return operation in response to the oil retention detection results of the oil sensors 71, 72, and 73.
  • the control device 20 may perform oil return operation in response to a single oil retention detection result of the oil sensors 71, 72, and 73, or in response to multiple oil retention detection results.
  • the control device 20 can also perform oil return operation, for example, when oil retention is detected multiple times in succession.
  • the control device 20 performs oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 511.
  • the control device 20 does not perform oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 511.
  • the control device 20 performs an oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 521.
  • the control device 20 does not perform an oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 521.
  • the control device 20 performs oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the condenser 32.
  • the control device 20 does not perform oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the condenser 32.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can perform oil return operation when it is necessary to return oil to the compressor 31. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 does not perform oil return operation when it is not necessary to return oil to the compressor 31.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can minimize the frequency of oil return operation. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can prevent the occurrence of fogging of the vehicle windows and undesirable excessive cooling, and can reduce discomfort to the user.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can maintain a state in which oil is always present inside the compressor 31. As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can prevent insufficient lubrication and improve the reliability of the compressor 31.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can suppress oil retention in the evaporators 511, 521 and the condenser 32. As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can minimize the decrease in cooling capacity and cooling efficiency, and improve power consumption.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 described above is not limited to engine vehicles, but can also be applied to EV vehicles that use refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 for heating.
  • EV vehicles when heating starts, heating with electrical energy alone does not provide sufficient capacity.
  • the oil sensor is disposed in the evaporator 511, 521 and the condenser 32.
  • the oil sensor can be disposed at any position in the refrigerant circuit.
  • the oil sensor is disposed in at least one of the evaporator 511, 521 and the condenser 32.
  • Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an outline of the oil return method. The specific contents of each process (control) in Fig. 3 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.
  • the control device 20 performs normal air conditioning control based on the user's operation and the detected temperature (S11).
  • the oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 detect the presence or absence of oil accumulation in each detection target location (evaporator 511, evaporator 521, and condenser 32).
  • control device 20 When the control device 20 detects that oil is stagnating (S12: YES), it performs the oil return operation (S13). When the control device 20 detects that no oil is stagnating (S12: NO), it does not perform the oil return operation.
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment in that it controls the air mix door. Other controls of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
  • the control device 20 controls the opening degree of the air mix doors 61, 62 during the oil return operation (S13) (S130). More specifically, the control device 20 adjusts the opening degree of the air mix doors 61, 62 so that the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet during the oil return operation corresponds to the specified room temperature.
  • the control device 20 adjusts the opening of the air mix door 61 to adjust the amount of air passing through the evaporator 511 and the amount of air that does not pass through the evaporator 511. This ensures that the air sent out from the front seat air outlet is not overly cooled.
  • the control device 20 adjusts the opening of the air mix door 62 to adjust the amount of air passing through the evaporator 521 and the amount of air that does not pass through the evaporator 521. This ensures that the air sent out from the rear seat air outlet is not overly cooled.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can suppress temperature fluctuations in the air blown into the vehicle cabin during oil return operation.
  • FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10A according to the third embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an oil sensor 74 and a notification unit 193, and in the control content of the control device 20A.
  • the other configurations and controls of the vehicle air conditioning device 10A are the same as those of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and descriptions of similar parts will be omitted.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10A includes an oil sensor 74 and a notification unit 193.
  • the oil sensor 74 like the other oil sensors 71-73, is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor.
  • the notification unit 193 is, for example, a display or a speaker.
  • the oil sensor 74 is disposed near the refrigerant supply valve PR.
  • the oil sensor 74 detects whether oil is stagnating near the refrigerant supply valve PR in the pipe P14 of the refrigerant circuit.
  • the oil sensor 74 outputs the oil stagnation detection result to the control device 20.
  • control device 20A When the control device 20A detects the presence of oil near the refrigerant supply valve PR based on the oil accumulation detection result from the oil sensor 74, it notifies the user of this through the notification unit 193.
  • control device 20A may notify the refrigerant supply valve PR of its prohibition of opening, and may control the prohibition of opening (lock, etc.).
  • the control device 20A allows the refrigerant supply valve to be opened after the oil return operation. This allows the operator to supply the refrigerant safely.
  • FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10B according to the fourth embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the heating system.
  • the other configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device 10B is the same as that of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10B includes a heat exchanger 530B, an electric pump 54B, and pipes P31B1, P32B1, P31B2, and P32B2.
  • Heat exchanger 530B includes heat transfer tubes 531B and 532B that are thermally coupled to each other.
  • Heat transfer tube 531B is connected to circuit valve B21 through pipe P31B1 and to circuit valve B23 through pipe P32B1.
  • Heat transfer tube 532B is connected to pipes P31B2 and P32B2.
  • Pipe P41 is connected to pipe P31B2, and pipe P42 is connected to pipe P32B2.
  • the electric pump 54B is connected to the pipe P42.
  • the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B, the pipe P31B2, the radiator 512, the pipe P32B2, the pipe P41, the radiator 522, the pipe P42, and the electric pump 54B constitute a cooling water circuit.
  • the flow of the cooling water is controlled by the electric pump 54B.
  • the refrigerant sent from the compressor 31 flows through the heat transfer tube 531B of the heat exchanger 530B.
  • the cooling water is heated in the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B and is supplied to the radiator 512 through the pipe P31B2.
  • the radiator 512 radiates heat from the heated cooling water and sends it to the pipe P32B2.
  • the cooling water sent to the pipe P32B2 is returned to the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B.
  • the cooling water heated in the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B is supplied to the radiator 522 through the pipes P31B2 and P41.
  • the radiator 522 radiates heat from the heated cooling water and sends it to the pipe P42.
  • the cooling water sent to the pipe P42 is returned to the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B through the pipe P32B2.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10B uses a refrigerant for cooling and a cooling water for heating. Even with this configuration, the vehicle air conditioning device 10B can achieve the same effects as the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
  • FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10C according to the fifth embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a battery cooling function.
  • the other configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device 10C is the same as that of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10C includes an expansion valve 43, a heat exchanger 530C, an electric pump 54C, a battery cooling device 55C, a heat sink 56C, circuit valves B51 and B52, and pipes P51 and P52.
  • Heat exchanger 530C includes heat transfer tubes 531C and 532C that are thermally coupled to each other.
  • One end of the heat transfer tube 531C is connected to the portion of the pipe P13 between the receiver tank 33 and the expansion valve 41 through the expansion valve 43.
  • the other end of the heat transfer tube 531C is connected to the pipe P14.
  • the heat transfer pipe 532C is connected to the circuit valves B51 and B52 through the pipe P51.
  • the circuit valve B51 is connected to the battery cooling device 55C.
  • the circuit valve B52 is connected to the heat absorber 56C.
  • the battery cooling device 55C and the heat absorber 56C are connected to the heat transfer pipe 532C through the pipe P52.
  • the electric pump 54C is connected to the pipe P52, for example.
  • the heat transfer tube 532C of the heat exchanger 530C, the piping P51, the battery cooling device 55C, the heat sink 56C, the piping P52, and the electric pump 54C form a coolant circuit.
  • the flow of the coolant is controlled by the electric pump 54C.
  • the battery cooling device 55C cools the drive battery (power source for the drive motor) for HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs using cooling water flowing through the cooling water circuit.
  • the circuit valve B51 is open and the circuit valve B52 is closed.
  • the cooling water that has cooled the battery is heated and sent to the heat transfer tube 532C of the heat exchanger 530C.
  • the refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve 41, and absorbs heat from the surroundings as it vaporizes, causing heat to be removed from the heat transfer tube 532C within the heat exchanger 530C and transferred to the heat transfer tube 531C. This allows the heat of the cooling water to be transferred to the heat transfer tube 531C, warming the refrigerant.
  • the cooling water cooled by the heat transfer tube 532C returns to the battery cooling device 55C and cools the battery.
  • circuit valve B51 When the battery is not being cooled, circuit valve B51 is closed and circuit valve B52 is open. Cooling water heated by heat absorber 56C is sent to heat transfer tube 532C of heat exchanger 530C. Heat exchange between heat transfer tube 532C and heat transfer tube 531C transfers the heat of the cooling water to heat transfer tube 531C, warming the refrigerant.
  • circuit valve B51 When it is desired to warm the battery rather than cool it, circuit valve B51 is opened, circuit valve B52 is closed, and expansion valve 43 is closed. In this way, no heat exchange takes place within heat exchanger 530C, and the temperature of the cooling water rises each time it passes through the battery cooling device, allowing the battery to be warmed as electric pump 54C continues to be driven.
  • the vehicle air conditioning device 10C has the function of cooling the battery, while providing the same effects as the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
  • a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant; an evaporator that vaporizes the decompressed refrigerant and absorbs heat; a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is circulated through the compressor and in which oil is sealed together with the refrigerant; A control device for controlling the operation of the compressor and the expansion valve; an oil sensor provided in at least one of the pipings connecting the condenser and the evaporator among the condenser, the evaporator, and the refrigerant circuit; Equipped with The control device performs an oil return operation in response to an output of the oil sensor.
  • An air mix door is further provided in an air duct that introduces air into a vehicle cabin through the evaporator, the air mix door adjusting a flow rate of air passing through the evaporator by an opening degree thereof,
  • the vehicle air conditioning device according to ⁇ 1>, wherein the control device controls the opening degree of the air mix door when performing the oil return operation.
  • ⁇ 3> The vehicle air conditioning system of ⁇ 1> or ⁇ 2>, wherein the oil sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
  • An air conditioning device for a vehicle according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 3>, further comprising a path between the compressor and the condenser through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through a radiator via an electromagnetic valve and returns to the condenser.
  • ⁇ 5> a refrigerant supply valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor in the refrigerant circuit;
  • the vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 4>, wherein the control device notifies, via the notification unit, that the oil sensor has detected the presence of oil.
  • ⁇ 6> The vehicle air conditioning device of ⁇ 5>, wherein the control device enables the refrigerant supply valve to be opened after the oil return operation is completed.
  • An air conditioning device for a vehicle according to any one of ⁇ 1> to ⁇ 6>, wherein the evaporator is provided with an evaporator for the front seats and an evaporator for the rear seats of the vehicle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

This vehicular air conditioning device (10) comprises: a compressor (31) that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser (32) that liquefies a refrigerant discharged from the compressor (31); expansion valves (41, 42) that decompress the liquefied refrigerant; evaporators (511, 521) that vaporize the decompressed refrigerant and absorb the heat; and a refrigerant circuit which circulates, to the compressor (31), the refrigerant discharged from the evaporators (511, 521), and in which oil is encapsulated together with the refrigerant. The vehicular air conditioning device (10) includes a control device (20) that controls the expansion valves (41, 42) and operation of the compressor (31), and oil sensors (71, 72, 73) provided to at least one among piping connecting the condenser (32) and the evaporators (511, 521), and piping connecting the condenser (32) and the evaporators (511, 521) in the refrigerant circuit. The control device (20) performs an oil return operation in accordance with an output of the oil sensors (71, 72, 73).

Description

車両用空気調和装置Vehicle air conditioning system
　本発明は、車両の室温を調整する車両用空気調和装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system that adjusts the room temperature of a vehicle.
　特許文献１には、車両用の空気調和装置が記載されている。特許文献１の空気調和装置は、蒸発器を通るように冷媒を冷凍サイクルの冷媒回路に循環させることにより、圧縮機を潤滑するオイルを圧縮機に戻す「オイル戻し運転」を行う。 Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner for vehicles. The air conditioner in Patent Document 1 performs "oil return operation" in which the oil that lubricates the compressor is returned to the compressor by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle so that the refrigerant passes through the evaporator.
　このようなオイル戻し運転は、例えば、空気調和装置の運転時間に対して予め決められた時間間隔で定期的に行われている。 This type of oil return operation is performed periodically, for example, at predetermined time intervals relative to the operating time of the air conditioner.
特開２０１８－１７７０３４号公報JP 2018-177034 A
　しかしながら、オイル戻し運転を定期的に行う場合、圧縮機の潤滑用オイルが不足して、圧縮機の信頼性が低下してしまう可能性がある。また、冷媒回路の不所望な箇所（蒸発器や凝縮器）にオイルが滞留し、冷房効率の低下を招く可能性がある。 However, if oil return operation is performed periodically, the compressor may run out of lubricating oil, reducing its reliability. In addition, oil may accumulate in undesirable places in the refrigerant circuit (the evaporator or condenser), reducing cooling efficiency.
　また、圧縮機の潤滑用オイルが不足していないのにオイル戻し運転を行ってしまうことがある。オイル戻し運転の際には、ユーザが設定した空調とは異なり、強制的な冷却状態が発生し、窓の曇りや過度な冷房等のユーザへの不快感を与える可能性がある。 In addition, oil return operation may be performed even when there is no shortage of lubricating oil for the compressor. When oil return operation is performed, a forced cooling state occurs, which is different from the air conditioning set by the user, and may cause discomfort to the user, such as fogging of windows and excessive cooling.
　したがって、本発明の目的は、圧縮機でのオイル不足、冷媒回路の不所望な箇所でのオイルの滞留、ユーザへの不快感を抑制する車両用空気調和装置を提供することにある。 The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an air conditioning system for vehicles that prevents oil shortages in the compressor, oil retention in undesirable parts of the refrigerant circuit, and discomfort to the user.
　この発明の車両用空気調和装置は、冷媒を圧縮する圧縮機と、圧縮機から排出される冷媒を液化させる凝縮器と、液化した冷媒を減圧するための膨張弁と、減圧された冷媒を気化させて吸熱する蒸発器と、蒸発器から排出される冷媒を圧縮機に循環させ、冷媒とともにオイルが封入された冷媒回路と、を備える。車両用空気調和装置は、圧縮機の運転および膨張弁を制御する制御装置と、凝縮器、蒸発器、および冷媒回路のうち凝縮器と蒸発器とを接続する配管の少なくとも１つに設けられたオイルセンサと、を備える。制御装置は、オイルセンサの出力に応じてオイル戻し運転を行う。 The vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention comprises a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant, an evaporator that vaporizes the reduced pressure refrigerant to absorb heat, and a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is circulated to the compressor and in which oil is sealed together with the refrigerant. The vehicle air conditioning system comprises a control device that controls the operation of the compressor and the expansion valve, and an oil sensor provided in at least one of the pipes that connect the condenser, the evaporator, and the condenser and the evaporator in the refrigerant circuit. The control device performs oil return operation according to the output of the oil sensor.
　この構成では、車両用空気調和装置は、オイルセンサがオイルを検知したときにオイル戻し運転を行い、オイルを検知していないときにはオイル戻し運転を行わない。これにより、車両用空気調和装置は、圧縮機へのオイル戻しが必要な時にオイル戻しを行うことができる。 In this configuration, the vehicle air conditioning device performs oil return operation when the oil sensor detects oil, and does not perform oil return operation when oil is not detected. This allows the vehicle air conditioning device to perform oil return when it is necessary to return oil to the compressor.
　この発明によれば、圧縮機でのオイル不足、冷媒回路の不所望な箇所でのオイルの滞留、ユーザへの不快感を抑制できる。 This invention can prevent oil shortages in the compressor, oil retention in undesirable places in the refrigerant circuit, and discomfort to the user.
図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図２は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の制御系の機能ブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図３は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るオイル戻し運転方法の一例を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the oil return operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図４は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係るオイル戻し運転方法の一例を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 図５は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 図６は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の制御系の機能ブロック図である。FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a control system of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 図７は、本発明の第４の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 図８は、本発明の第５の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
　［第１の実施形態］
　本発明の第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置について、図を参照して説明する。図１は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。図２は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の制御系の機能ブロック図である。 [First embodiment]
The vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
　図１、図２に示すように、車両用空気調和装置１０は、圧縮機３１、凝縮器３２、レシーバータンク３３、膨張弁４１、膨張弁４２、蒸発器５１１、蒸発器５２１、放熱器５１２、放熱器５２２、エアミックスドア６１、および、エアミックスドア６２を備える。 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, a receiver tank 33, an expansion valve 41, an expansion valve 42, an evaporator 511, an evaporator 521, a radiator 512, a radiator 522, an air mix door 61, and an air mix door 62.
　車両用空気調和装置１０は、複数の配管Ｐ１１、Ｐ１２、Ｐ１３、Ｐ１４、Ｐ２１、Ｐ２２、Ｐ３１、Ｐ３２、Ｐ４１、Ｐ４２、および、複数の回路弁Ｂ１０、Ｂ２１、Ｂ２２、Ｂ２３を備える。車両用空気調和装置１０は、複数のファンＦ１０、Ｆ２０、および、複数の空気導入装置Ｄ１０、Ｄ２０を備える。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a plurality of pipes P11, P12, P13, P14, P21, P22, P31, P32, P41, and P42, and a plurality of circuit valves B10, B21, B22, and B23. The vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a plurality of fans F10 and F20, and a plurality of air introduction devices D10 and D20.
　車両用空気調和装置１０は、制御装置２０、複数のオイルセンサ７１、７２、７３、温度センサ１９１（図２参照）、および、操作部１９２（図２参照）を備える。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a control device 20, multiple oil sensors 71, 72, 73, a temperature sensor 191 (see FIG. 2), and an operation unit 192 (see FIG. 2).
　（冷媒回路の構成）
　圧縮機３１の排出口は、配管Ｐ１１を通じて凝縮器３２の送入口に接続される。配管Ｐ１１には、回路弁Ｂ１０が挿入されている。凝縮器３２の排出口は、配管Ｐ１２を通じてレシーバータンク３３の送入口に接続される。レシーバータンク３３の排出口は、配管Ｐ１３を通じて蒸発器５１１の送入口に接続される。配管Ｐ１３には、膨張弁４１が挿入されている。蒸発器５１１の排出口は、配管Ｐ１４を通じて圧縮機３１の送入口に接続される。配管Ｐ１４には、冷媒供給バルブＰＲが設けられている。 (Configuration of refrigerant circuit)
An exhaust port of the compressor 31 is connected to an inlet of the condenser 32 through a pipe P11. A circuit valve B10 is inserted into the pipe P11. An exhaust port of the condenser 32 is connected to an inlet of the receiver tank 33 through a pipe P12. An exhaust port of the receiver tank 33 is connected to an inlet of the evaporator 511 through a pipe P13. An expansion valve 41 is inserted into the pipe P13. An exhaust port of the evaporator 511 is connected to an inlet of the compressor 31 through a pipe P14. A refrigerant supply valve PR is provided in the pipe P14.
　このように、圧縮機３１、凝縮器３２、レシーバータンク３３、膨張弁４１、および、蒸発器５１１が、複数の配管Ｐ１１、Ｐ１２、Ｐ１３、Ｐ１４によってループ状に接続されることで、前席用の冷媒回路が構成される。そして、この冷媒回路には、主として冷媒が封入されており、冷媒とともにオイルが封入されている。 In this way, the compressor 31, condenser 32, receiver tank 33, expansion valve 41, and evaporator 511 are connected in a loop by multiple pipes P11, P12, P13, and P14 to form a refrigerant circuit for the front seats. This refrigerant circuit is mainly filled with refrigerant, and oil is also filled with the refrigerant.
　配管Ｐ２１の一方端は、配管Ｐ１３におけるレシーバータンク３３と膨張弁４１とを接続する部分に接続される。配管Ｐ２１の他方端は、蒸発器５２１の送入口に接続される。配管Ｐ２１には、膨張弁４２が挿入されている。蒸発器５２１の排出口は、配管Ｐ２２を通じて配管Ｐ１４に接続される。これにより、前席用の冷媒回路に接続する後席用の冷媒回路が構成される。 One end of pipe P21 is connected to a portion of pipe P13 that connects the receiver tank 33 and the expansion valve 41. The other end of pipe P21 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 521. An expansion valve 42 is inserted into pipe P21. The outlet of the evaporator 521 is connected to pipe P14 through pipe P22. This forms a refrigerant circuit for the rear seats that is connected to the refrigerant circuit for the front seats.
　そして、前席用の冷媒回路と後席用の冷媒回路によって、車両用空気調和装置１０は、車両全体に対する冷媒回路を構成する。 The refrigerant circuit for the front seats and the refrigerant circuit for the rear seats form a refrigerant circuit for the entire vehicle in the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
　さらに、配管Ｐ３１の一方端は、配管Ｐ１１における回路弁Ｂ１０の挿入位置よりも圧縮機３１側の部分に接続される。配管Ｐ３１の他方端は、放熱器５１２に接続される。配管Ｐ３１には、回路弁Ｂ２１が挿入されている。放熱器５１２は、配管Ｐ３２を通じて配管Ｐ１１における回路弁Ｂ１０の挿入位置よりも凝縮器３２側の部分に接続される。 Furthermore, one end of the pipe P31 is connected to a portion of the pipe P11 closer to the compressor 31 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B10. The other end of the pipe P31 is connected to a radiator 512. A circuit valve B21 is inserted into the pipe P31. The radiator 512 is connected through the pipe P32 to a portion of the pipe P11 closer to the condenser 32 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B10.
　また、配管Ｐ４１の一方端は、配管Ｐ３１における回路弁Ｂ２１の挿入位置よりも放熱器５１２側の部分に接続される。配管Ｐ４１の他方端は、放熱器５２２に接続される。配管Ｐ４１には、回路弁Ｂ２２が挿入されている。放熱器５２２は、配管Ｐ４２を通じて配管Ｐ３２における回路弁Ｂ２３の挿入位置よりも放熱器５１２側の部分に接続される。 Furthermore, one end of the pipe P41 is connected to a portion of the pipe P31 closer to the radiator 512 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B21. The other end of the pipe P41 is connected to the radiator 522. The circuit valve B22 is inserted into the pipe P41. The radiator 522 is connected through the pipe P42 to a portion of the pipe P32 closer to the radiator 512 than the insertion position of the circuit valve B23.
　これにより、車両用空気調和装置１０は、ヒータ用にも利用可能な冷媒回路を構成する。 As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 forms a refrigerant circuit that can also be used for heating.
　オイルセンサ７１は、蒸発器５１１に設置される。オイルセンサ７２は、蒸発器５２１に設置される。オイルセンサ７３は、凝縮器３２に設置される。 Oil sensor 71 is installed in evaporator 511. Oil sensor 72 is installed in evaporator 521. Oil sensor 73 is installed in condenser 32.
　前席用送風管９１内には、蒸発器５１１、放熱器５１２、エアミックスドア６１、ファンＦ１０が配置される。前席用送風管９１の上流端には、空気導入装置Ｄ１０が配置される。ファンＦ１０は、蒸発器５１１、放熱器５１２、エアミックスドア６１よりも前席用送風管９１の上流側に配置される。エアミックスドア６１は、前席用送風管９１の流路方向において蒸発器５１１と放熱器５１２との間に配置される。 Inside the front seat air duct 91, an evaporator 511, a radiator 512, an air mix door 61, and a fan F10 are arranged. An air introduction device D10 is arranged at the upstream end of the front seat air duct 91. The fan F10 is arranged upstream of the front seat air duct 91 relative to the evaporator 511, the radiator 512, and the air mix door 61. The air mix door 61 is arranged between the evaporator 511 and the radiator 512 in the flow direction of the front seat air duct 91.
　後席用送風管９２内には、蒸発器５２１、放熱器５２２、エアミックスドア６２、ファンＦ２０が配置される。後席用送風管９２の上流端には、空気導入装置Ｄ２０が設置される。ファンＦ２０は、蒸発器５２１、放熱器５２２、エアミックスドア６２よりも後席用送風管９２の上流側に配置される。エアミックスドア６２は、後席用送風管９２の流路方向において蒸発器５２１と放熱器５２２との間に配置される。 In the rear seat air duct 92, an evaporator 521, a radiator 522, an air mix door 62, and a fan F20 are arranged. An air introduction device D20 is installed at the upstream end of the rear seat air duct 92. The fan F20 is arranged upstream of the rear seat air duct 92 relative to the evaporator 521, the radiator 522, and the air mix door 62. The air mix door 62 is arranged between the evaporator 521 and the radiator 522 in the flow direction of the rear seat air duct 92.
　温度センサ１９１は、図１には図示していないが、制御装置２０が車両内の空調を行う際に参照する温度を測定可能な位置に配置される。 The temperature sensor 191 is not shown in FIG. 1, but is placed in a position where it can measure the temperature that the control device 20 references when conditioning the air inside the vehicle.
　操作部１９２は、図１には図示していないが、車両の空調パネル等であり、ユーザの空調に対する操作入力を受け付ける。 The operation unit 192 is an air conditioning panel of the vehicle, not shown in FIG. 1, and receives operation inputs for the air conditioning from the user.
　（通常運転）
　制御装置２０は、通常運転時には、操作部１９２からの操作入力内容（設定温度等）と温度センサ１９１の検出温度に基づいて、冷房、暖房、または除湿の運転制御を行う。 (Normal operation)
During normal operation, the control device 20 controls the cooling, heating, or dehumidification operation based on the operation input (set temperature, etc.) from the operation unit 192 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 191.
　一例として、前席に対する冷房の運転制御では、制御装置２０は、操作部１９２からの操作入力内容（設定温度等）と温度センサ１９１の検出温度に基づいて、圧縮機３１の運転制御と膨張弁の制御を行う。 As an example, in controlling the operation of the air conditioner for the front seats, the control device 20 controls the operation of the compressor 31 and the expansion valve based on the operation input contents (set temperature, etc.) from the operation unit 192 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 191.
　圧縮機３１は、この運転制御にしたがって駆動し、冷媒を圧縮する。これにより、圧縮機３１からは、高温高圧で気体状態の冷媒が排出される。高温高圧で気体状態の冷媒は、回路弁Ｂ１０を通じて凝縮器３２に送入される。 The compressor 31 is driven according to this operation control and compresses the refrigerant. As a result, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 31. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the condenser 32 through the circuit valve B10.
　凝縮器３２は、高温高圧でその殆どが気体状態の冷媒を液化し、低温高圧でその殆どが液体状態の冷媒を排出する。低温高圧で液体状態の冷媒は、レシーバータンク３３を通じて、膨張弁４１に挿入される。 The condenser 32 liquefies the refrigerant, which is mostly in a gaseous state at high temperature and high pressure, and discharges the refrigerant, which is mostly in a liquid state at low temperature and high pressure. The refrigerant in a liquid state at low temperature and high pressure is injected into the expansion valve 41 through the receiver tank 33.
　膨張弁４１は、低温高圧で液体状態の冷媒を減圧する。膨張弁４１は、減圧して中温低圧で液体状態の冷媒を蒸発器５１１に排出する。 The expansion valve 41 reduces the pressure of the low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The expansion valve 41 reduces the pressure and discharges the medium-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant into the evaporator 511.
　蒸発器５１１は、中温低圧で液体状態の冷媒を気化させる。この際、前席用送風管９１に流れる空気の熱は、冷媒の気化時に冷媒に吸熱される。これにより、前席用送風管９１には冷却された空気が供給され、前席送風口から送出される。気化した冷媒は、圧縮機３１に戻される。 The evaporator 511 vaporizes the refrigerant in a liquid state at medium temperature and low pressure. At this time, the heat of the air flowing through the front seat air duct 91 is absorbed by the refrigerant as it vaporizes. As a result, cooled air is supplied to the front seat air duct 91 and sent out from the front seat air outlet. The vaporized refrigerant is returned to the compressor 31.
　このように、冷媒を冷媒回路で循環させることで、車両用空気調和装置１０は、冷房を行うことができる。 In this way, by circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can perform cooling.
　なお、詳細な説明を省略するが、除湿の場合は、蒸発器５１１とともに放熱器５１２に冷媒を循環させる。また、詳細な説明を省略するが、暖房の場合は、放熱器５１２に冷媒を循環させる。 Although detailed explanations are omitted, in the case of dehumidification, the refrigerant is circulated through the radiator 512 as well as the evaporator 511. Also, although detailed explanations are omitted, in the case of heating, the refrigerant is circulated through the radiator 512.
　さらに、これらの説明は、前席用の空調を例に示したが、膨張弁４２、蒸発器５２１、放熱器５２２を用いることで、詳細な説明は省略するが後席用の空調を行うこともできる。 Furthermore, although these explanations have been given with an example of air conditioning for the front seats, it is also possible to provide air conditioning for the rear seats by using the expansion valve 42, evaporator 521, and radiator 522, although a detailed explanation will be omitted.
　また、上述の説明では、前席用と後席用のそれぞれを個別に空調できる態様を示した。しかしながら、前席用で車両全体の空調を行うことも可能であり、この場合、上述の後席用の構成は省略できる。 The above explanation also shows a configuration in which the front seats and rear seats can be air-conditioned separately. However, it is also possible to air-condition the entire vehicle using the front seats, in which case the above-mentioned configuration for the rear seats can be omitted.
　（オイル戻し運転）
　このような構成において、車両用空気調和装置１０は、さらに、次に示すようなオイル戻し運転を実行する。 (Oil return operation)
In such a configuration, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 further executes an oil return operation as described below.
　オイルセンサ７１は、蒸発器５１１内部のオイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７１は、蒸発器５１１に冷媒が流れているときも、流れていないときも、オイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７１は、オイル滞留検知結果を制御装置２０に出力する。 The oil sensor 71 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the evaporator 511. The oil sensor 71 detects whether oil is stagnating whether or not refrigerant is flowing through the evaporator 511. The oil sensor 71 outputs the oil stagnating detection result to the control device 20.
　オイルセンサ７２は、蒸発器５２１内部のオイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７２は、蒸発器５２１に冷媒が流れているときも、流れていないときも、オイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７２は、オイル滞留検知結果を制御装置２０に出力する。 The oil sensor 72 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the evaporator 521. The oil sensor 72 detects whether oil is stagnating whether or not refrigerant is flowing through the evaporator 521. The oil sensor 72 outputs the oil stagnating detection result to the control device 20.
　オイルセンサ７３は、凝縮器３２内部のオイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７３は、オイル滞留検知結果を制御装置２０に出力する。 The oil sensor 73 detects whether oil is stagnating inside the condenser 32. The oil sensor 73 outputs the oil stagnant detection result to the control device 20.
　オイルセンサ７１、オイルセンサ７２、および、オイルセンサ７３は、例えば、超音波センサである。なお、オイルセンサ７１、オイルセンサ７２、および、オイルセンサ７３は、蒸発器５１１、５２１内のオイルの滞留、および、凝縮器３２内のオイルの滞留を検出できるセンサであれば、他のセンサであってもよい。ただし、オイルセンサを超音波センサとすることで、蒸発器５１１、５２１内のオイルの滞留、および、凝縮器３２内のオイルの滞留を、簡素な構成で容易に検知できる。 Oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 are, for example, ultrasonic sensors. Oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 may be other sensors as long as they are capable of detecting oil retention in evaporators 511 and 521 and oil retention in condenser 32. However, by using ultrasonic sensors as the oil sensors, oil retention in evaporators 511 and 521 and oil retention in condenser 32 can be easily detected with a simple configuration.
　制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７１、オイルセンサ７２、オイルセンサ７３のオイル滞留検知結果に応じて、オイル戻し運転を行う。この際、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７１、オイルセンサ７２、オイルセンサ７３の１回のオイル滞留検知結果に応じてもよく、複数回のオイル滞留検知結果に応じてもよい。複数回のオイル滞留検知結果を用いる場合、制御装置２０は、例えば、連続する複数回でオイルの滞留が検知されたときに、オイル戻し運転を行うこともできる。 The control device 20 performs oil return operation in response to the oil retention detection results of the oil sensors 71, 72, and 73. In this case, the control device 20 may perform oil return operation in response to a single oil retention detection result of the oil sensors 71, 72, and 73, or in response to multiple oil retention detection results. When multiple oil retention detection results are used, the control device 20 can also perform oil return operation, for example, when oil retention is detected multiple times in succession.
　具体的には、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７１からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、蒸発器５１１のオイル滞留が有れば、蒸発器５１１を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行う。一方、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７１からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、蒸発器５１１のオイル滞留がなければ、蒸発器５１１を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行わない。 Specifically, if there is oil retention in the evaporator 511 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 71, the control device 20 performs oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 511. On the other hand, if there is no oil retention in the evaporator 511 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 71, the control device 20 does not perform oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 511.
　また、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７２からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、蒸発器５２１のオイル滞留が有れば、蒸発器５２１を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行う。一方、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７２からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、蒸発器５２１のオイル滞留がなければ、蒸発器５２１を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行わない。 In addition, if there is oil retention in the evaporator 521 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 72, the control device 20 performs an oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 521. On the other hand, if there is no oil retention in the evaporator 521 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 72, the control device 20 does not perform an oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the evaporator 521.
　さらに、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７３からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、凝縮器３２のオイル滞留が有れば、凝縮器３２を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行う。一方、制御装置２０は、オイルセンサ７３からのオイル滞留検知結果に基づいて、凝縮器３２のオイル滞留がなければ、凝縮器３２を含む冷媒回路に対するオイル戻し運転を行わない。 Furthermore, if there is oil stagnation in the condenser 32 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 73, the control device 20 performs oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the condenser 32. On the other hand, if there is no oil stagnation in the condenser 32 based on the oil retention detection result from the oil sensor 73, the control device 20 does not perform oil return operation for the refrigerant circuit including the condenser 32.
　このような制御を行うことで、車両用空気調和装置１０は、圧縮機３１へのオイル戻しが必要なときに、オイル戻し運転を行うことができる。また、車両用空気調和装置１０は、圧縮機３１へのオイル戻しが必要でないときには、オイル戻し運転を行わない。 By performing such control, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can perform oil return operation when it is necessary to return oil to the compressor 31. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 does not perform oil return operation when it is not necessary to return oil to the compressor 31.
　これにより、車両用空気調和装置１０は、オイル戻し運転の頻度を必要最小限にできる。したがって、車両用空気調和装置１０は、車両の窓の曇りや不所望な過度の冷却等の発生を抑制でき、ユーザに与える不快感を抑制できる。 As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can minimize the frequency of oil return operation. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can prevent the occurrence of fogging of the vehicle windows and undesirable excessive cooling, and can reduce discomfort to the user.
　また、車両用空気調和装置１０は、オイルが圧縮機３１内に常に存在する状態にできる。このため、車両用空気調和装置１０は、潤滑不足の発生を防ぎ、圧縮機３１の信頼性を向上できる。 Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can maintain a state in which oil is always present inside the compressor 31. As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can prevent insufficient lubrication and improve the reliability of the compressor 31.
　また、車両用空気調和装置１０は、蒸発器５１１、５２１内や凝縮器３２内のオイル滞留を抑制できる。これにより、車両用空気調和装置１０は、冷房能力および冷房効率の低下を最小限に留め、電費を向上できる。 Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can suppress oil retention in the evaporators 511, 521 and the condenser 32. As a result, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can minimize the decrease in cooling capacity and cooling efficiency, and improve power consumption.
　なお、上述の車両用空気調和装置１０は、エンジン車に限るものではなく、圧縮機３１で圧縮した冷媒を暖房に利用するＥＶ車にも適用できる。例えば、ＥＶ車の場合、暖房開始時には、電気エネルギーだけの暖房では十分な能力が得られない。このため、圧縮機３１で圧縮した冷媒を用いた暖房で補助を行うことによって、暖房開始時に所望の暖房を実現できる。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10 described above is not limited to engine vehicles, but can also be applied to EV vehicles that use refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31 for heating. For example, in the case of EV vehicles, when heating starts, heating with electrical energy alone does not provide sufficient capacity. For this reason, by providing supplemental heating using refrigerant compressed by the compressor 31, the desired heating can be achieved when heating starts.
　また、上述の説明では、蒸発器５１１、５２１および凝縮器３２にオイルセンサを配置する態様を示した。しかしながら、オイルセンサは、冷媒回路のいずれの位置に配置することも可能である。ただし、オイルが滞留し易いのは、蒸発器５１１、５２１および凝縮器３２であるので、オイルセンサは、蒸発器５１１、５２１および凝縮器３２の少なくとも１つに配置されてることが好ましい。 In the above explanation, the oil sensor is disposed in the evaporator 511, 521 and the condenser 32. However, the oil sensor can be disposed at any position in the refrigerant circuit. However, since oil is likely to accumulate in the evaporator 511, 521 and the condenser 32, it is preferable that the oil sensor is disposed in at least one of the evaporator 511, 521 and the condenser 32.
　（オイル戻し運転方法）
　図３は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係るオイル戻し運転方法の一例を示すフローチャートである。なお、図３は、オイル戻し方法を概略的に示している。図３の各処理（制御）の具体的な内容は上述しており、ここでの説明は省略する。 (Oil return operation method)
Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows an outline of the oil return method. The specific contents of each process (control) in Fig. 3 have been described above, and therefore will not be described here.
　制御装置２０は、ユーザからの操作内容、検知温度に基づいて、通常の空調制御を行う（Ｓ１１）。オイルセンサ７１、７２、７３は、それぞれの検知対象箇所（蒸発器５１１、蒸発器５２１、凝縮器３２）のオイルの滞留の有無を検知する。 The control device 20 performs normal air conditioning control based on the user's operation and the detected temperature (S11). The oil sensors 71, 72, and 73 detect the presence or absence of oil accumulation in each detection target location (evaporator 511, evaporator 521, and condenser 32).
　制御装置２０は、オイルの滞留が有ることを検知すると（Ｓ１２：ＹＥＳ）、オイル戻し運転を行う（Ｓ１３）。制御装置２０は、オイルの滞留が無いことを検知すると（Ｓ１２：ＮＯ）、オイル戻し運転を行わない。 When the control device 20 detects that oil is stagnating (S12: YES), it performs the oil return operation (S13). When the control device 20 detects that no oil is stagnating (S12: NO), it does not perform the oil return operation.
　［第２の実施形態］
　本発明の第２の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置について、図を参照して説明する。図４は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係るオイル戻し運転方法の一例を示すフローチャートである。 Second Embodiment
A vehicle air conditioning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of an oil return operation method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
　第２の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成は、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置と同様である。図４に示すように、第２の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置は、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置に対して、エアミックスドアの制御を行う点で異なる。第２の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の他の制御については、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置と同様であり、同様の箇所の説明は省略する。 The configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment in that it controls the air mix door. Other controls of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the second embodiment are similar to those of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the first embodiment, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
　制御装置２０は、オイル戻し運転時（Ｓ１３）に、エアミックスドア６１、６２の開度を制御する（Ｓ１３０）。より具体的には、制御装置２０は、オイル戻し運転時に、送風口から送出される空気の温度が指定された室温に対応するように、エアミックスドア６１、６２の開度を調整する。 The control device 20 controls the opening degree of the air mix doors 61, 62 during the oil return operation (S13) (S130). More specifically, the control device 20 adjusts the opening degree of the air mix doors 61, 62 so that the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet during the oil return operation corresponds to the specified room temperature.
　オイル戻し運転時には、蒸発器５１１、５２１にて、設定室温に対する冷却量よりも大きな冷却量で空気が冷却される。したがって、制御装置２０は、エアミックスドア６１の開度を調整し、蒸発器５１１を通る空気量と、蒸発器５１１を通らない空気量とを調整する。これにより、前席送風口からの送出される空気は過度に冷却されていない空気となる。同様に、制御装置２０は、エアミックスドア６２の開度を調整し、蒸発器５２１を通る空気量と、蒸発器５２１を通らない空気量とを調整する。これにより、後席送風口からの送出される空気は過度に冷却されていない空気となる。 During oil return operation, the air is cooled by the evaporators 511 and 521 at a rate greater than the rate for the set room temperature. Therefore, the control device 20 adjusts the opening of the air mix door 61 to adjust the amount of air passing through the evaporator 511 and the amount of air that does not pass through the evaporator 511. This ensures that the air sent out from the front seat air outlet is not overly cooled. Similarly, the control device 20 adjusts the opening of the air mix door 62 to adjust the amount of air passing through the evaporator 521 and the amount of air that does not pass through the evaporator 521. This ensures that the air sent out from the rear seat air outlet is not overly cooled.
　このような制御を行うことで、車両用空気調和装置１０は、オイル戻し運転中の車室内送風空気の温度変動を抑制できる。 By performing this type of control, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 can suppress temperature fluctuations in the air blown into the vehicle cabin during oil return operation.
　［第３の実施形態］
　本発明の第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置について、図を参照して説明する。図５は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。図６は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の制御系の機能ブロック図である。 [Third embodiment]
A vehicle air conditioning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of a control system of the vehicle air conditioning device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
　図５、図６に示すように、第３の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０Ａは、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０に対して、オイルセンサ７４、通知部１９３を備える点、制御装置２０Ａの制御内容において異なる。車両用空気調和装置１０Ａの他の構成および制御は、車両用空気調和装置１０と同様であり、同様の箇所の説明は省略する。 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle air conditioning device 10A according to the third embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an oil sensor 74 and a notification unit 193, and in the control content of the control device 20A. The other configurations and controls of the vehicle air conditioning device 10A are the same as those of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and descriptions of similar parts will be omitted.
　車両用空気調和装置１０Ａは、オイルセンサ７４および通知部１９３を備える。オイルセンサ７４は、他のオイルセンサ７１－７３と同様に、例えば、超音波センサである。通知部１９３は、例えば、表示器やスピーカ等である。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10A includes an oil sensor 74 and a notification unit 193. The oil sensor 74, like the other oil sensors 71-73, is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. The notification unit 193 is, for example, a display or a speaker.
　オイルセンサ７４は、冷媒供給バルブＰＲの近傍に配置される。オイルセンサ７４は、冷媒回路の配管Ｐ１４における冷媒供給バルブＰＲの近傍でのオイルの滞留の有無を検知する。オイルセンサ７４は、オイル滞留検知結果を制御装置２０に出力する。 The oil sensor 74 is disposed near the refrigerant supply valve PR. The oil sensor 74 detects whether oil is stagnating near the refrigerant supply valve PR in the pipe P14 of the refrigerant circuit. The oil sensor 74 outputs the oil stagnation detection result to the control device 20.
　制御装置２０Ａは、オイルセンサ７４からのオイル滞留検知結果から、冷媒供給バルブＰＲの近傍にオイルが存在したことを検知すると、通知部１９３を通じて、この旨を通知する。 When the control device 20A detects the presence of oil near the refrigerant supply valve PR based on the oil accumulation detection result from the oil sensor 74, it notifies the user of this through the notification unit 193.
　これにより、ユーザや冷媒供給を行う作業者は、冷媒供給バルブＰＲの近傍にオイルが存在（滞留）していることを確認できる。したがって、冷媒の供給作業時に冷媒供給バルブＰＲを開放した際にオイルが噴き出す可能性があることを、作業者に注意勧告できる。 This allows the user or the worker supplying the refrigerant to confirm that oil is present (accumulating) near the refrigerant supply valve PR. Therefore, the worker can be warned that there is a possibility that oil may spray out when the refrigerant supply valve PR is opened during the refrigerant supply operation.
　この際、制御装置２０Ａは、冷媒供給バルブＰＲの開放の禁止の通知、および、開放の禁止制御（ロック等）を行ってもよい。冷媒供給バルブＰＲの開放の禁止制御を行う場合、制御装置２０Ａは、オイル戻し運転後に冷媒供給バルブを開栓可能にする。これにより、作業者は、冷媒の供給を安全に行うことができる。 At this time, the control device 20A may notify the refrigerant supply valve PR of its prohibition of opening, and may control the prohibition of opening (lock, etc.). When controlling the refrigerant supply valve PR to prohibit its opening, the control device 20A allows the refrigerant supply valve to be opened after the oil return operation. This allows the operator to supply the refrigerant safely.
　［第４の実施形態］
　本発明の第４の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置について、図７を参照して説明する。図７は、本発明の第４の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。 [Fourth embodiment]
A vehicle air conditioning device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
　図７に示すように、第４の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０Ｂは、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０に対して、暖房系の構成において異なる。車両用空気調和装置１０Ｂの他の構成は、車両用空気調和装置１０と同様であり、同様の箇所の説明は省略する。 As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle air conditioning device 10B according to the fourth embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the heating system. The other configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device 10B is the same as that of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
　車両用空気調和装置１０Ｂは、熱交換器５３０Ｂ、電動ポンプ５４Ｂ、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ１、Ｐ３２Ｂ１、Ｐ３１Ｂ２、Ｐ３２Ｂ２を備える。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10B includes a heat exchanger 530B, an electric pump 54B, and pipes P31B1, P32B1, P31B2, and P32B2.
　熱交換器５３０Ｂは、互いに熱的に結合する伝熱管５３１Ｂと伝熱管５３２Ｂとを備える。伝熱管５３１Ｂは、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ１を通じて回路弁Ｂ２１に接続され、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ１を通じて回路弁Ｂ２３に接続される。伝熱管５３２Ｂは、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ２、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２に接続される。配管Ｐ４１は、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ２に接続され、配管Ｐ４２は、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２に接続される。 Heat exchanger 530B includes heat transfer tubes 531B and 532B that are thermally coupled to each other. Heat transfer tube 531B is connected to circuit valve B21 through pipe P31B1 and to circuit valve B23 through pipe P32B1. Heat transfer tube 532B is connected to pipes P31B2 and P32B2. Pipe P41 is connected to pipe P31B2, and pipe P42 is connected to pipe P32B2.
　電動ポンプ５４Ｂは、配管Ｐ４２に接続される。 The electric pump 54B is connected to the pipe P42.
　熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３２Ｂ、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ２、放熱器５１２、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２、配管Ｐ４１、放熱器５２２、配管Ｐ４２、電動ポンプ５４Ｂは、冷却水回路を構成する。冷却水の流れは、電動ポンプ５４Ｂによって制御される。 The heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B, the pipe P31B2, the radiator 512, the pipe P32B2, the pipe P41, the radiator 522, the pipe P42, and the electric pump 54B constitute a cooling water circuit. The flow of the cooling water is controlled by the electric pump 54B.
　熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３１Ｂには、圧縮機３１から送出される冷媒が流れる。 The refrigerant sent from the compressor 31 flows through the heat transfer tube 531B of the heat exchanger 530B.
　冷却水は、熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３２Ｂにおいて温められ、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ２を通じて放熱器５１２に供給される。放熱器５１２は、温められた冷却水を放熱し、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２に送出する。配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２に送出された冷却水は、熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３２Ｂに戻される。また、熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３２Ｂにおいて温められた冷却水は、配管Ｐ３１Ｂ２、Ｐ４１を通じて放熱器５２２に供給される。放熱器５２２は、温められた冷却水を放熱し、配管Ｐ４２に送出する。配管Ｐ４２に送出された冷却水は、配管Ｐ３２Ｂ２を通じて熱交換器５３０Ｂの伝熱管５３２Ｂに戻される。 The cooling water is heated in the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B and is supplied to the radiator 512 through the pipe P31B2. The radiator 512 radiates heat from the heated cooling water and sends it to the pipe P32B2. The cooling water sent to the pipe P32B2 is returned to the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B. The cooling water heated in the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B is supplied to the radiator 522 through the pipes P31B2 and P41. The radiator 522 radiates heat from the heated cooling water and sends it to the pipe P42. The cooling water sent to the pipe P42 is returned to the heat transfer tube 532B of the heat exchanger 530B through the pipe P32B2.
　このように、車両用空気調和装置１０Ｂは、冷房に冷媒を用いて、暖房に冷却水を用いる。そして、このような構成であっても、車両用空気調和装置１０Ｂは、車両用空気調和装置１０と同様の作用効果を奏することができる。 In this way, the vehicle air conditioning device 10B uses a refrigerant for cooling and a cooling water for heating. Even with this configuration, the vehicle air conditioning device 10B can achieve the same effects as the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
　［第５の実施形態］
　本発明の第５の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置について、図８を参照して説明する。図８は、本発明の第５の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置の構成図である。 [Fifth embodiment]
A vehicle air conditioning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle air conditioning device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
　図８に示すように、第５の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０Ｃは、第１の実施形態に係る車両用空気調和装置１０に対して、バッテリの冷却機能を備える点で異なる。車両用空気調和装置１０Ｃの他の構成は、車両用空気調和装置１０と同様であり、同様の箇所の説明は省略する。 As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle air conditioning device 10C according to the fifth embodiment differs from the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a battery cooling function. The other configuration of the vehicle air conditioning device 10C is the same as that of the vehicle air conditioning device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.
　車両用空気調和装置１０Ｃは、膨張弁４３、熱交換器５３０Ｃ、電動ポンプ５４Ｃ、バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃ、吸熱器５６Ｃ、回路弁Ｂ５１、Ｂ５２、および、配管Ｐ５１、Ｐ５２を備える。 The vehicle air conditioning device 10C includes an expansion valve 43, a heat exchanger 530C, an electric pump 54C, a battery cooling device 55C, a heat sink 56C, circuit valves B51 and B52, and pipes P51 and P52.
　熱交換器５３０Ｃは、互いに熱的に結合する伝熱管５３１Ｃと伝熱管５３２Ｃを備える。 Heat exchanger 530C includes heat transfer tubes 531C and 532C that are thermally coupled to each other.
　伝熱管５３１Ｃの一方端は、膨張弁４３を通じて配管Ｐ１３におけるレシーバータンク３３と膨張弁４１との間の部分に接続される。伝熱管５３１Ｃの他方端は、配管Ｐ１４に接続される。 One end of the heat transfer tube 531C is connected to the portion of the pipe P13 between the receiver tank 33 and the expansion valve 41 through the expansion valve 43. The other end of the heat transfer tube 531C is connected to the pipe P14.
　伝熱管５３２Ｃは、配管Ｐ５１を通じて回路弁Ｂ５１と回路弁Ｂ５２に接続される。回路弁Ｂ５１は、バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃに接続される。回路弁Ｂ５２は、吸熱器５６Ｃに接続される。バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃおよび吸熱器５６Ｃは、配管Ｐ５２を通じて伝熱管５３２Ｃに接続される。電動ポンプ５４Ｃは、例えば、配管Ｐ５２に接続される。 The heat transfer pipe 532C is connected to the circuit valves B51 and B52 through the pipe P51. The circuit valve B51 is connected to the battery cooling device 55C. The circuit valve B52 is connected to the heat absorber 56C. The battery cooling device 55C and the heat absorber 56C are connected to the heat transfer pipe 532C through the pipe P52. The electric pump 54C is connected to the pipe P52, for example.
　熱交換器５３０Ｃの伝熱管５３２Ｃ、配管Ｐ５１、バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃ、吸熱器５６Ｃ、配管Ｐ５２、および、電動ポンプ５４Ｃは、冷却水回路を構成する。冷却水の流れは、電動ポンプ５４Ｃによって制御される。 The heat transfer tube 532C of the heat exchanger 530C, the piping P51, the battery cooling device 55C, the heat sink 56C, the piping P52, and the electric pump 54C form a coolant circuit. The flow of the coolant is controlled by the electric pump 54C.
　バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃは、ＨＥＶ、ＰＨＥＶ、ＥＶ用の駆動バッテリ（駆動用モータの電力源）を、冷却水回路を流れる冷却水によって冷却する。このバッテリの冷却時、回路弁Ｂ５１は開放であり、回路弁Ｂ５２は遮断である。 The battery cooling device 55C cools the drive battery (power source for the drive motor) for HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs using cooling water flowing through the cooling water circuit. When cooling the battery, the circuit valve B51 is open and the circuit valve B52 is closed.
　バッテリを冷却した冷却水は温められ、熱交換器５３０Ｃの伝熱管５３２Ｃに送入される。膨張弁４１によって冷媒が減圧され、気化する際に周囲の熱を吸熱するので、それによって熱交換器５３０Ｃ内で伝熱管５３２Ｃから熱が奪われ、伝熱管５３１Ｃに熱が移動する。これによって、冷却水の熱は、伝熱管５３１Ｃに伝搬され、冷媒を温める。 The cooling water that has cooled the battery is heated and sent to the heat transfer tube 532C of the heat exchanger 530C. The refrigerant is decompressed by the expansion valve 41, and absorbs heat from the surroundings as it vaporizes, causing heat to be removed from the heat transfer tube 532C within the heat exchanger 530C and transferred to the heat transfer tube 531C. This allows the heat of the cooling water to be transferred to the heat transfer tube 531C, warming the refrigerant.
　さらに、伝熱管５３２Ｃで冷却された冷却水は、バッテリ冷却装置５５Ｃに戻り、バッテリを冷却する。 Furthermore, the cooling water cooled by the heat transfer tube 532C returns to the battery cooling device 55C and cools the battery.
　バッテリの冷却を行わないときは、回路弁Ｂ５１は遮断であり、回路弁Ｂ５２は開放である。吸熱器５６Ｃで温められた冷却水が熱交換器５３０Ｃの伝熱管５３２Ｃに送入される。伝熱管５３２Ｃと伝熱管５３１Ｃとの熱交換によって、冷却水の熱は、伝熱管５３１Ｃに伝搬され、冷媒を温める。また、バッテリを冷却ではなく温めたいときは、回路弁Ｂ５１を開放、回路弁Ｂ５２を遮断し、膨張弁４３は遮断する。こうすることで、熱交換器５３０Ｃ内で熱交換が行われず、冷却水はバッテリ冷却装置を通る度に温度上昇するので、電動ポンプ５４Ｃを駆動し続けて行くにつれてバッテリを温めることができる。 When the battery is not being cooled, circuit valve B51 is closed and circuit valve B52 is open. Cooling water heated by heat absorber 56C is sent to heat transfer tube 532C of heat exchanger 530C. Heat exchange between heat transfer tube 532C and heat transfer tube 531C transfers the heat of the cooling water to heat transfer tube 531C, warming the refrigerant. When it is desired to warm the battery rather than cool it, circuit valve B51 is opened, circuit valve B52 is closed, and expansion valve 43 is closed. In this way, no heat exchange takes place within heat exchanger 530C, and the temperature of the cooling water rises each time it passes through the battery cooling device, allowing the battery to be warmed as electric pump 54C continues to be driven.
　このように、車両用空気調和装置１０Ｃは、バッテリの冷却する機能を有しながら、車両用空気調和装置１０と同様の作用効果を奏することができる。 In this way, the vehicle air conditioning device 10C has the function of cooling the battery, while providing the same effects as the vehicle air conditioning device 10.
　＜１＞　冷媒を圧縮する圧縮機と、
　前記圧縮機から排出される前記冷媒を液化させる凝縮器と、
　液化した前記冷媒を減圧するための膨張弁と、
　減圧された前記冷媒を気化させて吸熱する蒸発器と、
　前記蒸発器から排出される前記冷媒を前記圧縮機に循環させ、前記冷媒とともにオイルが封入された冷媒回路と、
　前記圧縮機の運転および前記膨張弁を制御する制御装置と、
　前記凝縮器、前記蒸発器、及び前記冷媒回路のうち、前記凝縮器と前記蒸発器の間を接続する配管の少なくとも１つに設けられたオイルセンサと、
　を備え、
　前記制御装置は、前記オイルセンサの出力に応じてオイル戻し運転を行う、車両用空気調和装置。 <1> A compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant discharged from the compressor;
an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant;
an evaporator that vaporizes the decompressed refrigerant and absorbs heat;
a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is circulated through the compressor and in which oil is sealed together with the refrigerant;
A control device for controlling the operation of the compressor and the expansion valve;
an oil sensor provided in at least one of the pipings connecting the condenser and the evaporator among the condenser, the evaporator, and the refrigerant circuit;
Equipped with
The control device performs an oil return operation in response to an output of the oil sensor.
　＜２＞　前記蒸発器を通り車両の室内に空気を導入する送風管に、前記蒸発器を通る空気の流量を開度によって調整するエアミックスドアをさらに備え、
　前記制御装置は、前記オイル戻し運転を行う際に、前記エアミックスドアの前記開度を制御する、＜１＞の車両用空気調和装置。 <2> An air mix door is further provided in an air duct that introduces air into a vehicle cabin through the evaporator, the air mix door adjusting a flow rate of air passing through the evaporator by an opening degree thereof,
The vehicle air conditioning device according to <1>, wherein the control device controls the opening degree of the air mix door when performing the oil return operation.
　＜３＞　前記オイルセンサは、超音波センサである、＜１＞または＜２＞の車両用空気調和装置。 <3> The vehicle air conditioning system of <1> or <2>, wherein the oil sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
　＜４＞　前記圧縮機と前記凝縮器の間に、前記圧縮機から排出される前記冷媒が電磁弁を介して放熱器を通り、前記凝縮器に戻ってくる経路をさらに備えた、＜１＞乃至＜３＞のいずれかの車両用空気調和装置。 <4> An air conditioning device for a vehicle according to any one of <1> to <3>, further comprising a path between the compressor and the condenser through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through a radiator via an electromagnetic valve and returns to the condenser.
　＜５＞　前記冷媒回路における前記蒸発器と前記圧縮機の間に設けられた冷媒供給バルブと、
　外部に情報提供を行う通知部と、
　を備え、
　前記オイルセンサは、前記冷媒供給バルブの近傍に配置され、
　前記制御装置は、前記オイルセンサがオイルの存在を検知したことを前記通知部を通じて通知する、＜１＞乃至＜４＞のいずれかの車両用空気調和装置。 <5> a refrigerant supply valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor in the refrigerant circuit;
A notification section that provides information to the outside;
Equipped with
the oil sensor is disposed near the refrigerant supply valve;
The vehicle air conditioning device according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the control device notifies, via the notification unit, that the oil sensor has detected the presence of oil.
　＜６＞　前記制御装置は、前記オイル戻し運転を終了した後に前記冷媒供給バルブを開栓可能にする、＜５＞の車両用空気調和装置。 <6> The vehicle air conditioning device of <5>, wherein the control device enables the refrigerant supply valve to be opened after the oil return operation is completed.
　＜７＞　前記蒸発器は、車両の前席用の蒸発器と後席用の蒸発器とをそれぞれに備える、＜１＞乃至＜６＞のいずれかの車両用空気調和装置。 <7> An air conditioning device for a vehicle according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the evaporator is provided with an evaporator for the front seats and an evaporator for the rear seats of the vehicle.
１０、１０Ａ、１０Ｂ、１０Ｃ：車両用空気調和装置
２０、２０Ａ：制御装置
３１：圧縮機
３２：凝縮器
３３：レシーバータンク
４１、４２、４３：膨張弁
５４Ｂ、５４Ｃ：電動ポンプ
５５Ｃ：バッテリ冷却装置
５６Ｃ：吸熱器
６１、６２：エアミックスドア
７１、７２、７３、７４：オイルセンサ
９１：前席用送風管
９２：後席用送風管
１９１：温度センサ
１９２：操作部
１９３：通知部
５１１、５２１：蒸発器
５１２、５２２：放熱器
５３０Ｂ、５３０Ｃ：熱交換器
５３１Ｂ、５３２Ｂ、５３１Ｃ、５３２Ｃ：伝熱管
Ｂ１０、Ｂ２１、Ｂ２２、Ｂ２３、Ｂ５１、Ｂ５２：回路弁
Ｄ１０、Ｄ２０：空気導入装置
Ｆ１０、Ｆ２０：ファン
Ｐ１１、Ｐ１２、Ｐ１３、Ｐ１４、Ｐ２１、Ｐ２２、Ｐ３１、Ｐ３２、Ｐ３１Ｂ１、Ｐ３２Ｂ１、Ｐ３１Ｂ２、Ｐ３２Ｂ２、Ｐ４１、Ｐ４２、Ｐ５１、Ｐ５２：配管
ＰＲ：冷媒供給バルブ 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: Vehicle air conditioning device 20, 20A: Control device 31: Compressor 32: Condenser 33: Receiver tank 41, 42, 43: Expansion valve 54B, 54C: Electric pump 55C: Battery cooling device 56C: Heat absorber 61, 62: Air mix door 71, 72, 73, 74: Oil sensor 91: Front seat air duct 92: Rear seat air duct 191: Temperature sensor 192: Operation unit 193: Notification unit 511, 521: Evaporation 531B, 532B, 531C, 532C: heat transfer tubes B10, B21, B22, B23, B51, B52: circuit valves D10, D20: air introduction devices F10, F20: fans P11, P12, P13, P14, P21, P22, P31, P32, P31B1, P32B1, P31B2, P32B2, P41, P42, P51, P52: piping PR: refrigerant supply valve

Claims (7)

  1. 　冷媒を圧縮する圧縮機と、
    　前記圧縮機から排出される前記冷媒を液化させる凝縮器と、
    　液化した前記冷媒を減圧するための膨張弁と、
    　減圧された前記冷媒を気化させて吸熱する蒸発器と、
    　前記蒸発器から排出される前記冷媒を前記圧縮機に循環させ、前記冷媒と共にオイルが封入された冷媒回路と、
    　前記圧縮機の運転および前記膨張弁を制御する制御装置と、
    　前記凝縮器、前記蒸発器、及び前記冷媒回路のうち、前記凝縮器と前記蒸発器の間を接続する配管の少なくとも１つに設けられたオイルセンサと、
    　を備え、
    　前記制御装置は、前記オイルセンサの出力に応じてオイル戻し運転を行う、
    　車両用空気調和装置。     A compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
    a condenser that liquefies the refrigerant discharged from the compressor;
    an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant;
    an evaporator that vaporizes the decompressed refrigerant and absorbs heat;
    a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator is circulated to the compressor and in which oil is sealed together with the refrigerant;
    A control device for controlling the operation of the compressor and the expansion valve;
    an oil sensor provided in at least one of the pipings connecting the condenser and the evaporator among the condenser, the evaporator, and the refrigerant circuit;
    Equipped with
    The control device performs an oil return operation in response to an output of the oil sensor.
    Vehicle air conditioning system.
  2. 　前記蒸発器を通り車両の室内に空気を導入する送風管に、前記蒸発器を通る空気の流量を開度によって調整するエアミックスドアをさらに備え、
    　前記制御装置は、前記オイル戻し運転を行う際に、前記エアミックスドアの前記開度を制御する、
    　請求項１に記載の車両用空気調和装置。     An air mix door is further provided in an air duct that introduces air into a vehicle cabin through the evaporator, the air mix door adjusting the flow rate of air passing through the evaporator by changing the opening degree of the air mix door.
    The control device controls the opening degree of the air mix door when performing the oil return operation.
    The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記オイルセンサは、超音波センサである、
    　請求項１または請求項２に記載の車両用空気調和装置。     The oil sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.
    The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.
  4. 　前記圧縮機と前記凝縮器の間に、前記圧縮機から排出される前記冷媒が電磁弁を介して放熱器を通り、前記凝縮器に戻ってくる経路をさらに備えた、
    　請求項１乃至請求項３のいずれかに記載の車両用空気調和装置。     Between the compressor and the condenser, a path is further provided through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor passes through a radiator via an electromagnetic valve and returns to the condenser.
    4. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.
  5. 　前記冷媒回路における前記蒸発器と前記圧縮機の間に設けられた冷媒供給バルブと、
    　外部に情報提供を行う通知部と、
    　を備え、
    　前記オイルセンサは、前記冷媒供給バルブの近傍に配置され、
    　前記制御装置は、前記オイルセンサがオイルの存在を検知したことを前記通知部を通じて通知する、
    　請求項１乃至請求項４のいずれかに記載の車両用空気調和装置。     a refrigerant supply valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor in the refrigerant circuit;
    A notification section that provides information to the outside;
    Equipped with
    the oil sensor is disposed near the refrigerant supply valve;
    The control device notifies the user through the notification unit that the oil sensor has detected the presence of oil.
    5. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.
  6. 　前記制御装置は、前記オイル戻し運転を終了した後に前記冷媒供給バルブを開栓可能にする、
    　請求項５に記載の車両用空気調和装置。     The control device enables the refrigerant supply valve to be opened after the oil return operation is completed.
    The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 5.
  7. 　前記蒸発器は、車両の前席用の蒸発器と後席用の蒸発器とをそれぞれに備える、
    　請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれかに記載の車両用空気調和装置。     The evaporator includes an evaporator for a front seat of a vehicle and an evaporator for a rear seat of the vehicle.
    7. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.
PCT/JP2023/030498 2022-09-28 2023-08-24 Vehicular air conditioning device WO2024070359A1 (en)

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