U.S. patent application number 12/947271 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for heating and cooling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI. Invention is credited to Taku ADANIYA, Hiroshi Fukasaku, Junya Suzuki, Naoya Yokomachi.
Application Number | 20110113809 12/947271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218900 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110113809 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ADANIYA; Taku ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM
Abstract
A heating and cooling system, which includes a refrigerant
circulation circuit, first and second targets, first and second
refrigerant circuits, a first switching section, and a control
device, is disclosed. The first switching section is selectively
switched between a first position at which a refrigerant discharged
from a discharge area of a compressor is permitted to flow to the
first target and a second position at which the refrigerant is not
permitted to flow to the first target. The control device switches
the first switching section to the first position so that the
refrigerant circulation circuit functions as a first refrigerant
circuit, thereby heating the first target and cooling the second
target. The control device switches the first switching section to
the second position so that the refrigerant circulation circuit
functions as a second refrigerant circuit, thereby cooling only the
second target.
Inventors: |
ADANIYA; Taku; (Kariya-shi,
JP) ; Fukasaku; Hiroshi; (Kariya-shi, JP) ;
Yokomachi; Naoya; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; Suzuki;
Junya; (Kariya-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA
JIDOSHOKKI
Kariya-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
43218900 |
Appl. No.: |
12/947271 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/324.6 ;
62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 31/006 20130101;
B60H 1/3222 20130101; B60K 1/00 20130101; H02K 7/116 20130101; B60K
11/02 20130101; B60K 2001/003 20130101; B60K 6/20 20130101; B60K
2001/001 20130101; H02K 15/125 20130101; H02K 9/20 20130101; H02K
2213/09 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/324.6 ;
62/498 |
International
Class: |
F25B 13/00 20060101
F25B013/00; F25B 1/00 20060101 F25B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 19, 2009 |
JP |
2009-264252 |
Sep 16, 2010 |
JP |
2010-208322 |
Claims
1. A heating and cooling system comprising: a refrigerant
circulation circuit including a compressor, a condenser, and an
expansion valve; a first target and a second target arranged in the
refrigerant circulation circuit, the first and second targets
requiring temperature adjustment; a first refrigerant circuit, in
which, after being discharged from a discharge area of the
compressor and flowing through the first target and the expansion
valve, the refrigerant flows through the second target and into a
suction area of the compressor; a second refrigerant circuit, in
which, after being discharged from the discharge area and flowing
through the condenser and the expansion valve, the refrigerant
flows through the second target and into the suction area; a first
switching section located in the refrigerant circulation circuit,
the first switching section being selectively switched between a
first position, at which the refrigerant discharged from the
discharge area is permitted to flow to the first target, and a
second position, at which the refrigerant is not permitted to flow
to the first target; and a control section for controlling the
first switching section, wherein the control section switches the
first switching section to the first position such that the
refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the first refrigerant
circuit, thereby heating the first target and cooling the second
target, and wherein the control section switches the first
switching section to the second position such that the refrigerant
circulation circuit functions as the second refrigerant circuit,
thereby cooling only the second target.
2. The heating and cooling system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a third refrigerant circuit, in which, after being
discharged from the discharge area and flowing through the
condenser and the expansion valve, the refrigerant flows through
the second target and further through the first target, and then
flows into the suction area, thereby cooling the first target and
the second target; a second switching section located in the
refrigerant circulation circuit, the second switching section being
selectively switched between a first position, at which the
refrigerant that has passed through the second target is permitted
to flow to the first target, and a second position, at which the
refrigerant is not permitted to flow to the first target; and a
third switching section located in the refrigerant circulation
circuit, which is selectively switched between a first position, at
which the refrigerant that has passed through the first target, is
permitted to flow to the suction area, and a second position, at
which the refrigerant is not permitted to flow to the suction area,
wherein, when the refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the
first refrigerant circuit, the control section switches the first
switching section to the first position, the second switching
section to the second position, and the third switching section to
the second position, wherein, when the refrigerant circulation
circuit functions as the second refrigerant circuit, the control
section switches the first switching section to the second position
and the second switching section to the second position, and
wherein, when the refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the
third refrigerant circuit, the control section switches the first
switching section to the second position, the second switching
section to the first position, and the third switching section to
the first position.
3. The heating and cooling system according to claim 2, further
comprising: a bypass path, which connects a section in the
refrigerant circulation circuit downstream of the expansion valve
and upstream of the second target to a section in the refrigerant
circulation circuit downstream of the second target and upstream of
the second switching section, thereby bypassing the second target;
a fourth switching section located in the refrigerant circulation
circuit, which is selectively switched between a first position, at
which the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve
is permitted to flow to the bypass path, and a second position, at
which the refrigerant is not permitted to flow to the bypass path;
a fourth refrigerant circuit, in which, after being discharged from
the discharge area and flowing through the first target and the
expansion valve, the refrigerant flows through the bypass path and
into the suction area, thereby heating only the first target; a
fifth refrigerant circuit, in which, after being discharged from
the discharge area flowing through the condenser and the expansion
valve, the refrigerant flows through the bypass path and into the
suction area, so that the temperature of the first and second
targets are not adjusted; and a sixth refrigerant circuit, in
which, after being discharged from the discharge area and flowing
through the condenser and the expansion valve, the refrigerant
flows through the bypass path, and then through the first target
and into the suction area, thereby cooling only the first target,
wherein, when the refrigerant circulation circuit functions as one
of the first to third refrigerant circuits, the control section
switches the fourth switching section to the second position,
wherein, when the refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the
fourth refrigerant circuit, the control section switches the first
switching section to the first position, the second switching
section to the second position, the third switching section to the
second position, and the fourth switching section to the first
position, wherein, when the refrigerant circulation circuit
functions as the fifth refrigerant circuit, the control section
switches the first switching section to the second position, the
second switching section to the second position, and the fourth
switching section to the first position, and wherein, when the
refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the sixth refrigerant
circuit, the control section switches the first switching section
to the second position, the second switching section to the first
position, the third switching section to the first position, and
the fourth switching section to the first position.
4. The heating and cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the
second target is a drive motor mounted on a vehicle and a motor
housing accommodating the drive motor, wherein the first target is
a gear box arranged next to the drive motor to transmit drive force
of the drive motor to an axle of the vehicle, and wherein a
partition wall is arranged between the motor housing and the gear
box.
5. The heating and cooling system according to claim 4, wherein the
compressor is directly actuated by the drive motor.
6. The heating and cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the
first switching section includes a discharge passage that connects
the discharge area to the condenser, a discharge-side switching
valve located in the discharge passage, and a discharge-side
switching passage that connects the discharge-side switching valve
to the first target.
7. The heating and cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the
second switching section includes a suction passage through which
the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve flows,
a suction-side switching valve located in the suction passage, and
a suction-side switching passage that connects the suction-side
switching valve to the first target.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a heating and cooling
system that is arranged in a refrigerant circulation circuit and
includes a first target and a second target that require
temperature adjustment.
[0002] A typical refrigerant circulation circuit of a vehicle air
conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an
expansion valve. The temperature of a refrigerant changes while the
refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circulation circuit.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-357458 discloses a
technique for cooling (temperature adjustment), for example, oil
using the temperature change of the refrigerant. A cooling system
for vehicle electric motor disclosed in the above publication
includes a vehicle electric motor and an oil circulation path. The
vehicle electric motor includes a motor section having a rotor and
a stator, and a motor case accommodating the motor section. The oil
circulation path circulates the oil that cools the motor section in
the motor case between the inside of the motor case and a heat
exchanging section that cools the oil. The oil circulation path
introduces the oil that is circulated by an oil pump to the motor
case. An oil cooler is a container through which a high-pressure
liquid refrigerant that is liquefied by the condenser flows. Part
of the oil circulation path extends through the oil cooler. When
the oil that has cooled the motor section is introduced into the
oil cooler via the oil circulation path, the liquid refrigerant
introduced into the oil cooler cools the oil.
[0003] The oil may also be sealed in, for example, a gear box to
lubricate and cool members in the gear box besides the motor
section. In the case of the gear box, when the temperature of the
gear box is low and the viscosity of the oil is high such as at
starting of the engine in winter, the mechanical loss of the gears
in the gear box is great. Thus, there are some cases that the oil
and the gear box are desired to be heated besides being cooled.
However, the cooling system for vehicle electric motor of the above
publication only cools the oil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a heating and cooling system that adjusts the temperature
of a first target and a second target using temperature change of a
refrigerant in a refrigerant circulation circuit.
[0005] To achieve the foregoing objective and in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention, a heating and cooling system
is provided that includes a refrigerant circulation circuit, first
and second targets, a firs refrigerant circuit, a second
refrigerant circuit, a first switching section, and a control
section. The refrigerant circulation circuit includes a compressor,
a condenser, and an expansion valve. The first target and a second
target are arranged in the refrigerant circulation circuit, and
require temperature adjustment. In the first refrigerant circuit,
after being discharged from a discharge area of the compressor and
flowing through the first target and the expansion valve, the
refrigerant flows through the second target and into a suction area
of the compressor. In the second refrigerant circuit, after being
discharged from the discharge area and flowing through the
condenser and the expansion valve, the refrigerant flows through
the second target and into the suction area. The first switching
section is located in the refrigerant circuit. The first switching
section is selectively switched between a first position, at which
the refrigerant discharged from the discharge area is permitted to
flow to the first target, and a second position, at which the
refrigerant is not permitted to flow to the first target. The
control section controls the first switching section. The control
section switches the first switching section to the first position
such that the refrigerant circulation circuit functions as the
first refrigerant circuit, thereby heating the first target and
cooling the second target. The control section switches the first
switching section to the second position such that the refrigerant
circulation circuit functions as the second refrigerant circuit,
thereby cooling only the second target.
[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description of
the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying
drawings in which,
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating and
cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating and
cooling system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating and
cooling system according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0012] A heating and cooling system S1 of the first embodiment
includes a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The refrigerant
circulation circuit 10 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12,
and an expansion valve 13. Furthermore, the heating and cooling
system S1 includes a first target and a second target in the
refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The first target is a gear box
30 in the first embodiment and requires temperature adjustment by
heating and cooling. The second target is a motor section 14 (heat
exchanger) in the first embodiment and requires temperature
adjustment by cooling. The heating and cooling system S1 of the
first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, which is a hybrid car in
the first embodiment. The hybrid car includes an engine (not shown)
and the motor section 14 both serving as a driving force for
travelling.
[0013] The motor section 14 will now be described. The motor
section 14 includes a tubular motor housing 21, which has an
opening on one end and a bottom portion on the other end, and a
drive motor M, which is accommodated in the motor housing 21. A
partition wall 22, which closes the opening of the motor housing
21, is provided between the motor housing 21 and the gear box 30.
The bottom wall of the motor housing 21 and the partition wall 22
are each provided with a bearing 23. The bearings 23 rotatably
support end portions of a drive shaft 26. A rotor 27 is secured to
the drive shaft 26, and a stator 28 is secured to an inner
circumferential surface of the motor housing 21 to surround the
rotor 27. The rotor 27 and the stator 28 are components of the
drive motor M.
[0014] Radiator fins 28a, which extend along the axial direction of
the drive shaft 26, are arranged on the outer circumferential
surface of the stator 28 at equal intervals in the circumferential
direction of the stator 28. Also, a recess 21c is formed in the
inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 21 to avoid
interference between the radiator fins 28a and the inner
circumferential surface, and to permit the refrigerant to flow
through the recess 21c. Furthermore, an inlet port 21a, which
introduces the refrigerant into the motor housing 21, and an outlet
port 21b, which leads the refrigerant out of the motor housing 21,
are formed at parts of the motor housing 21 close to the bottom
portion.
[0015] The gear box 30 is secured to the wall surface of the
partition wall 22 on the far side from the motor section 14. Gears
for transmitting drive force of the drive motor M to an axle are
accommodated in the gear box 30. The gears are meshed with each
other and connected to the drive shaft 26 and the axle. Also, a
lubricant is sealed in the gear box 30 for lubricating the gears.
Furthermore, a temperature sensor 31, which detects the temperature
of the outer surface of the gear box 30, is located on the outer
surface of the gear box 30.
[0016] A supply port 30a for supplying the refrigerant to the gear
box 30 and an exhaust port 30b for discharging the refrigerant from
the gear box 30 are formed in the gear box 30. The heating and
cooling system S1 of the first embodiment is configured such that
the operation mode is selectively switched among a first cooling
mode, in which a low-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the
gear box 30 (first target) via the supply port 30a, a first heating
mode, in which a high-temperature refrigerant is supplied to the
gear box 30 (first target) via the supply port 30a, and a first
normal mode, in which the refrigerant is not supplied to the gear
box 30 (first target). The refrigerant is introduced into the motor
housing 21 in all the first cooling mode, the first heating mode,
and the first normal mode to cool the motor section 14 (second
target).
[0017] The compressor 11, which forms part of the refrigerant
circulation circuit 10, is located at the bottom portion of the
motor housing 21. A rotary shaft (not shown) of the compressor 11
is aligned with the drive shaft 26 of the motor section 14. The
rotation of the drive shaft 26 is directly transmitted to the
rotary shaft of the compressor 11. That is, the compressor 11 is
directly actuated by the drive motor M of the motor section 14.
Thus, the compressor 11 is not actuated when the drive motor M is
stopped, and the compressor 11 is actuated when the drive motor M
is in an actuated state.
[0018] A discharge port 11a, which communicates with a discharge
area 11D, is formed in the compressor 11. The condenser 12 is
connected to the discharge port 11a via a discharge passage 41. The
high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the
compressor 11 is introduced to the condenser 12 via the discharge
passage 41, and is cooled in the condenser 12. The condenser 12 is
connected to the inlet port 21a of the motor housing 21 via a
passage 42. The expansion valve 13 is provided in the passage 42.
The expansion valve 13 is formed integrally with the motor housing
21. The expansion valve 13 decompresses and expands the refrigerant
cooled by the condenser 12. The refrigerant that has passed through
the expansion valve 13 is introduced into the motor housing 21 from
the inlet port 21a. The refrigerant that is introduced into the
motor housing 21 exchanges heat with the motor housing 21 and the
drive motor M. Thus, the motor section 14 including the motor
housing 21 and the drive motor M functions as a heat exchanger in
the refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The motor section 14
corresponds to the second target that is cooled by the
refrigerant.
[0019] Also, a suction port 11b of the compressor 11 is connected
to the outlet port 21b of the motor housing 21 via a suction
passage 43. The suction port 11b communicates with a suction area
11S of the compressor 11. A check valve 44 is provided in the
suction passage 43. The check valve 44 permits the refrigerant to
flow only from the motor section 14 to the compressor 11. During
the first normal mode, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor
11 flows out of the discharge area 11D, and passes through the
condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, the motor section 14 (heat
exchanger), and the check valve 44, and then drawn into the suction
area 11S of the compressor 11. The refrigerant circulates in the
refrigerant circulation circuit 10 in this manner.
[0020] Also, a discharge-side switching valve 45 is located in the
discharge passage 41. The supply port 30a of the gear box 30 is
connected to the discharge-side switching valve 45 via a
discharge-side switching passage 46. During the first heating mode,
the discharge-side switching valve 45 prevents the high-temperature
and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 from
flowing toward the condenser 12 via the discharge passage 41, and
permits the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to flow
toward the gear box 30 via the discharge-side switching passage 46.
During the first cooling mode or the first normal mode, the
discharge-side switching valve 45 permits the high-temperature and
high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 to flow
toward the condenser 12 via the discharge passage 41, and prevents
the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from flowing
toward the gear box 30 via the discharge-side switching passage 46.
The discharge passage 41, the discharge-side switching valve 45,
and the discharge-side switching passage 46 form a first switching
section located in the refrigerant circulation circuit 10. When
switched to a first position, the first switching section permits
the refrigerant discharged from the discharge area 11D to flow to
the gear box 30 (first target). When switched to a second position,
the first switching section does not permit the refrigerant
discharged from the discharge area 11D to flow to the gear box 30
(first target), and permits the refrigerant to flow to the
condenser 12.
[0021] Also, a suction-side switching valve 47 is provided in the
suction passage 43. A suction-side switching passage 48 is
connected to the suction-side switching valve 47. The suction-side
switching passage 48 is connected to the supply port 30a of the
gear box 30 via the discharge-side switching passage 46.
[0022] During the first cooling mode, the suction-side switching
valve 47 permits the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 to flow toward the gear box 30 via the
suction-side switching passage 48 after flowing through the motor
section 14, and prevents the refrigerant from flowing toward the
suction area 11S via the suction passage 43. During the first
heating mode or the first normal mode, the suction-side switching
valve 47 prevents the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 from flowing toward the gear box 30 via the
suction-side switching passage 48 after flowing through the motor
section 14, and permits the low-temperature refrigerant to flow
toward the suction area 11S via the suction passage 43. The suction
passage 43, the suction-side switching valve 47, and the
suction-side switching passage 48 form a second switching section
located in the refrigerant circulation circuit 10. When switched to
a first position, the second switching section permits the
refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 to flow
to the gear box 30 (first target). When switched to a second
position, the second switching section prevents the refrigerant
that has passed through the expansion valve 13 from flowing to the
gear box 30, and permits the refrigerant to flow to the suction
area 11S.
[0023] An exhaust passage 49 is connected to the exhaust port 30b
of the gear box 30. The exhaust passage 49 is connected to the
expansion valve 13 via the passage 42. Also, an exhaust-side
switching valve 50 is located in the exhaust passage 49. An
exhaust-side switching passage 51 is connected to the exhaust-side
switching valve 50. The exhaust-side switching passage 51 is
connected to the suction area 11S via the suction passage 43.
[0024] During the first cooling mode, the exhaust-side switching
valve 50 prevents the refrigerant that has passed through the gear
box 30 from flowing toward the expansion valve 13 via the exhaust
passage 49 and the passage 42, and permits the refrigerant to flow
toward the suction area 11S via the exhaust-side switching passage
51 and the suction passage 43. During the first heating mode, the
exhaust-side switching valve 50 permits the refrigerant that has
passed through the gear box 30 to flow toward the expansion valve
13 via the exhaust passage 49 and the passage 42, and prevents the
refrigerant from flowing toward the suction area 11S via the
exhaust-side switching passage 51 and the suction passage 43. The
exhaust passage 49, the exhaust-side switching valve 50, and the
exhaust-side switching passage 51 form a third switching section
located in the refrigerant circulation circuit 10. When switched to
a first position, the third switching section permits the
refrigerant that has passed through the gear box 30 to flow to the
suction area 11S. When switched to a second position, the third
switching section does not permit the refrigerant that has passed
through the gear box 30 to flow to the suction area 11S, and
permits the refrigerant to flow to the expansion valve 13.
[0025] During the first heating mode, the refrigerant discharged
from the discharge area 11D flows through the gear box 30, the
expansion valve 13, and the motor section 14, and then flows into
the suction area 11S. The compressor 11, the discharge passage 41,
the discharge-side switching valve 45, the discharge-side switching
passage 46, the gear box 30, the exhaust passage 49, the
exhaust-side switching valve 50, the passage 42, the expansion
valve 13, the motor housing 21, the suction-side switching valve
47, the check valve 44, and the suction passage 43, through which
the refrigerant flows during the first heating mode, form a first
refrigerant circuit.
[0026] Also, during the first normal mode, the refrigerant
discharged from the discharge area 11D flows to the suction area
11S without flowing through the gear box 30. The compressor 11, the
discharge-side switching valve 45, the discharge passage 41, the
condenser 12, the passage 42, the expansion valve 13, the motor
housing 21, the suction-side switching valve 47, the check valve
44, and the suction passage 43, through which the refrigerant flows
during the first normal mode, form a second refrigerant
circuit.
[0027] During the first cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged
from the discharge area 11D flows through the condenser 12 and the
expansion valve 13, and then flows through the motor section 14 and
the gear box 30, and reaches the suction area 11S. The compressor
11, the discharge-side switching valve 45, the discharge passage
41, the condenser 12, the passage 42, the expansion valve 13, the
motor housing 21, the suction passage 43, the suction-side
switching valve 47, the suction-side switching passage 48, the
discharge-side switching passage 46, the gear box 30, the exhaust
passage 49, the exhaust-side switching valve 50, and the
exhaust-side switching passage 51, through which the refrigerant
flows during the first cooling mode, form a third refrigerant
circuit.
[0028] The heating and cooling system S1 includes a control
section, which is a control device 52 in the first embodiment. The
temperature sensor 31, the discharge-side switching valve 45, the
suction-side switching valve 47, and the exhaust-side switching
valve 50 are electrically connected to the control device 52. The
control device 52 controls opening and closing of the switching
valves 45, 47, 50. The temperature sensor 31 detects the
temperature of the outer surface of the gear box 30, and the
detected temperature information is sent to the control device 52.
The control device 52 determines the temperature in the gear box 30
from the temperature of the outer surface of the gear box 30 based
on a map prepared in advance. The control device 52 controls
opening and closing of the switching valves 45, 47, 50 based on the
temperature in the gear box 30. As a result, the refrigerant
circulation circuit 10 serves as one of the first to third
refrigerant circuits.
[0029] When the temperature in the gear box 30 is within a
predetermined temperature range, the control device 52 controls
opening and closing of the switching valves 45, 47, 50 such that
the heating and cooling system S1 operates in the first normal
mode. When the temperature in the gear box 30 exceeds the
predetermined temperature range, the control device 52 switches the
operation mode of the heating and cooling system S1 from the first
normal mode to the first cooling mode such that the temperature in
the gear box 30 falls within the predetermined temperature range
(target temperature). When the temperature in the gear box 30 is
below the predetermined temperature range, the control device 52
switches the operation mode of the heating and cooling system S1
from the first normal mode to the first heating mode such that the
temperature in the gear box 30 falls within the predetermined
temperature range (target temperature).
[0030] The flow of the refrigerant in the heating and cooling
system S1 will now be described.
[0031] When the temperature in the gear box 30 is within the
predetermined temperature range, the control device 52 switches the
operation mode of the heating and cooling system S1 to the first
normal mode. The control device 52 controls the discharge-side
switching valve 45 to permit the refrigerant in the discharge area
11D to flow toward the condenser 12 and to prevent the refrigerant
from flowing toward the gear box 30. Also, the control device 52
controls the suction-side switching valve 47 to prevent the
refrigerant that has passed through the motor housing 21 from
flowing toward the gear box 30 and to permit the refrigerant to
flow toward the suction area 11S. The control device 52 controls
the discharge-side switching valve 45 and the suction-side
switching valve 47 in this manner so that the refrigerant flows
through the second refrigerant circuit.
[0032] That is, the control device 52 switches the first switching
section to the second position to prevent the high-temperature and
high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor 11 from
flowing to the gear box 30, and switches the second switching
section to the second position to permit the refrigerant that has
passed through the expansion valve 13 and flowed through the motor
housing 21 to flow to the suction area 11S such that the
refrigerant circulation circuit 10 functions as the second
refrigerant circuit.
[0033] As a result, the high-temperature refrigerant is introduced
into the condenser 12 via the discharge-side switching valve 45 and
the discharge passage 41. After being cooled and condensed in the
condenser 12, the refrigerant is decompressed and expanded in the
expansion valve 13. The refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is introduced into the motor housing 21 via the
inlet port 21a, and is subjected to heat exchange in the motor
housing 21. The low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through
the motor housing 21 is led out to the suction passage 43 from the
outlet port 21b, flows through the suction-side switching valve 47
and the check valve 44, and then drawn into the suction area 11S
via the suction port 11b.
[0034] As a result, during the first normal mode, the refrigerant
flows through the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion
valve 13, and the motor housing 21 (heat exchanger), which form the
second refrigerant circuit. Accordingly, the motor section 14 is
cooled while the gear box 30 is not cooled or heated (temperature
adjustment is not performed).
[0035] When the temperature in the gear box 30 is below the
predetermined temperature range, for example, during starting of
the hybrid car in winter, the control device 52 switches the
operation mode of the heating and cooling system S1 from the first
normal mode to the first heating mode. During starting of the
hybrid car, the motor section 14 is actuated, thereby actuating the
compressor 11 and operating the gear box 30.
[0036] During the first heating mode, the control device 52
controls the discharge-side switching valve 45 to permit the
refrigerant in the discharge area 11D to flow toward the gear box
30 and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing toward the condenser
12. Also, the control device 52 controls the exhaust-side switching
valve 50 to permit the refrigerant in the gear box 30 to flow
toward the expansion valve 13 and to prevent the refrigerant from
flowing toward the suction area 11S. Furthermore, the control
device 52 controls the suction-side switching valve 47 to permit
the refrigerant in the motor housing 21 to flow toward the suction
area 11S and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing toward the
gear box 30. The control device 52 controls the discharge-side
switching valve 45, the suction-side switching valve 47, and the
exhaust-side switching valve 50 in this manner so that the
refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant circuit.
[0037] That is, the control device 52 switches the first switching
section to the first position to permit the high-temperature and
high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 to flow
to the gear box 30, and switches the third switching section to the
second position to permit the refrigerant that has passed through
the gear box 30 to flow to the expansion valve 13 such that the
refrigerant circulation circuit 10 functions as the first
refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the control device 52 switches
the second switching section to the second position to prevent the
refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 from
flowing to the gear box 30. As a result, the high-temperature
refrigerant flows toward the gear box 30 via the discharge-side
switching valve 45 and the discharge-side switching passage 46, and
the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is supplied to
the gear box 30 via the supply port 30a. Then, the refrigerant
exchanges heat with the lubricant and the gears in the gear box 30
so that the lubricant and the gears are heated and the refrigerant
is cooled and condensed.
[0038] Also, the refrigerant that is cooled in the gear box 30 is
discharged from the gear box 30 via the exhaust port 30b, flows
through the exhaust passage 49, the exhaust-side switching valve
50, and the passage 42, and then is introduced into the expansion
valve 13. The refrigerant is decompressed and expanded by the
expansion valve 13. Thereafter, the refrigerant that has passed
through the expansion valve 13 is introduced into the motor housing
21 via the inlet port 21a. Furthermore, the low-temperature
refrigerant that has passed through the motor housing 21 is led out
to the suction passage 43 from the outlet port 21b, flows through
the suction-side switching valve 47 and the check valve 44, and is
then drawn into the suction area 11S via the suction port 11b.
[0039] As a result, during the first heating mode, the refrigerant
flows through the compressor 11, the gear box 30 (condenser), the
expansion valve 13, and the motor section 14 (heat exchanger),
which form the first refrigerant circuit. Accordingly, the
high-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the gear box 30 so
that the gear box 30 is heated, and the low-temperature refrigerant
is introduced into the motor section 14 so that the motor section
14 is cooled. That is, heating of the gear box 30 and cooling of
the motor section 14 are performed during the first heating
mode.
[0040] When the temperature in the gear box 30 exceeds the
predetermined temperature range, for example, during high-load
operation of the hybrid car in summer, the control device 52
switches the operation mode of the heating and cooling system S1
from the first normal mode to the first cooling mode. During
high-load operation of the hybrid car, the motor section 14 is
actuated, thereby actuating the compressor 11 and operating the
gear box 30.
[0041] The control device 52 controls the discharge-side switching
valve 45 to permit the refrigerant in the discharge area 11D to
flow toward the condenser 12 and prevents the refrigerant from
flowing toward the gear box 30. Also, the control device 52
controls the suction-side switching valve 47 to permit the
refrigerant that has passed through the motor housing 21 to flow
toward the gear box 30 and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing
toward the suction area 11S. Furthermore, the control device 52
controls the exhaust-side switching valve 50 to permit the
refrigerant that has passed through the gear box 30 to flow toward
the suction area 11S and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing
toward the expansion valve 13. The control device 52 controls the
discharge-side switching valve 45, the suction-side switching valve
47, and the exhaust-side switching valve 50 in this manner so that
the refrigerant flows through the third refrigerant circuit.
[0042] That is, the control device 52 switches the first switching
section to the second position to prevent the high-temperature and
high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor 11 from
flowing to the gear box 30, and switches the second switching
section to the first position to permit the refrigerant that has
passed through the expansion valve 13 to flow to the gear box 30
such that the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 functions as the
third refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the control device 52
switches the third switching section to the first position to
permit the refrigerant that has passed through the gear box 30 to
flow to the suction area 11S.
[0043] Then, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
that is compressed in the compressor 11 is introduced into the
condenser 12 via the discharge-side switching valve 45 and the
discharge passage 41. After being cooled and condensed in the
condenser 12, the refrigerant is decompressed and expanded in the
expansion valve 13. The refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is introduced into the motor housing 21 via the
inlet port 21a, and exchanges heat in the motor housing 21.
[0044] The refrigerant that has passed through the motor housing 21
is supplied to the gear box 30 from the supply port 30a via the
suction passage 43, the suction-side switching valve 47, the
suction-side switching passage 48, and the discharge-side switching
passage 46. In the gear box 30, the refrigerant exchanges heat with
the lubricant and the gears so that the lubricant and the gears are
cooled and the refrigerant is heated. The refrigerant in the gear
box 30 is discharged from the exhaust port 30b to the exhaust
passage 49, flows through the exhaust-side switching valve 50, the
exhaust switching passage 51, the suction passage 43, and the check
valve 44, and is drawn into the suction area 11S via the suction
port 11b.
[0045] As a result, during the first cooling mode, the refrigerant
flows in the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve
13, the motor housing 21 (heat exchanger), and the gear box 30,
which form the third refrigerant circuit.
[0046] Accordingly, the low-temperature refrigerant is introduced
into the gear box 30 so that the gear box 30 is cooled, and the
low-temperature refrigerant is introduced into the motor section 14
so that the motor section 14 is cooled. That is, cooling of the
gear box 30 and cooling of the motor section 14 are performed
during the first cooling mode.
[0047] The first embodiment has the following advantages.
[0048] (1) When the temperature in the gear box 30 is below the
predetermined temperature range, the refrigerant circulation
circuit 10 functions as the first refrigerant circuit. The
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit 10
is permitted to flow through the first refrigerant circuit so that
the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is supplied to
the gear box 30. Since the temperature of the refrigerant
discharged from the compressor 11 is high, the high-temperature
refrigerant heats the lubricant and the gears in the gear box 30.
Also, when the temperature in the gear box 30 is within the
predetermined temperature range, the refrigerant circulation
circuit 10 functions as the second refrigerant circuit. The
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit 10
is thus permitted to flow through the second refrigerant circuit so
that the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13
is supplied to the motor section 14, and not supplied to the gear
box 30. Since the temperature of the refrigerant that has passed
through the expansion valve 13 is low, the low-temperature
refrigerant cools the motor section 14. Thus, cooling and heating
of the gear box 30 (temperature adjustment) and cooling of the
motor section 14 (temperature adjustment) are performed using the
refrigerant by integrating the gear box 30 (first target) and the
motor section 14 (second target) in the refrigerant circulation
circuit 10, and switching the passage through which the refrigerant
flows between the first refrigerant circuit and the second
refrigerant circuit.
[0049] (2) When the temperature in the gear box 30 exceeds the
predetermined temperature range, the refrigerant circulation
circuit 10 functions as the third refrigerant circuit. The
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circulation circuit 10
is permitted to flow through the third refrigerant circuit so that
the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 is
supplied to the gear box 30. Since the temperature of the
refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 is low,
the low-temperature refrigerant cools the lubricant and the gears
in the gear box 30. Thus, the gear box 30 is cooled using the
refrigerant by integrating the gear box 30 in the refrigerant
circulation circuit 10, and switching the refrigerant circuit to
the third refrigerant circuit among the first to third refrigerant
circuits. Therefore, the structure for cooling and heating the gear
box 30 is simplified as compared to, for example, the case in which
a cooling portion for cooling the gear box 30 and a heating portion
for heating the gear box 30 are separately provided.
[0050] (3) The motor section 14 functions as the heat exchanger
during the first heating mode and the first cooling mode in
addition to the first normal mode. That is, the low-temperature
refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 is
introduced into the motor housing 21. Thus, the low-temperature
refrigerant cools the motor housing 21 and the drive motor M while
exchanging heat of the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13.
[0051] (4) The refrigerant circulation circuit 10 includes the gear
box 30 as the first target. Since the gear box 30 is for
transmitting drive power of the drive motor M to the axle, the
motor section 14 is arranged next to the gear box 30. According to
the heating and cooling system S1, the drive motor M and the motor
housing 21 of the motor section 14 arranged next to the gear box 30
are permitted to function as the heat exchanger while it is
possible to cool and heat the gear box 30. Thus, the size of the
heating and cooling system S1 is reduced as compared to the case in
which the heat exchanger is separately provided.
[0052] (5) The compressor 11 is directly actuated by the drive
force of the drive motor M. That is, the drive force of the hybrid
car is used as the drive force of the air conditioning system. When
the drive motor M is actuated and the gear box 30 is operating, the
compressor 11 is actuated. Thus, the refrigerant is compressed, and
the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circulation circuit
10. Thus, cooling and heating of the gear box 30 and cooling of the
motor section 14 are reliably performed using the refrigerant that
circulates in the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 while changing
its temperature.
[0053] (6) The expansion valve 13 is integrated with the motor
housing 21 of the motor section 14. Thus, the refrigerant that has
passed through the expansion valve 13 is directly introduced into
the motor section 14. This increases the amount of energy used for
the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the motor section 14,
thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the motor
section 14 and the refrigerant as compared to, for example, the
case in which a passage is arranged between the expansion valve 13
and the motor section 14. Thus, the drive motor M and the motor
housing 21 are efficiently cooled.
[0054] (7) The radiator fins 28a are formed on the stator 28 of the
drive motor M. The radiator fins 28a increase the contact area
between the stator 28 and the refrigerant. Thus, the stator 28 is
efficiently cooled.
[0055] (8) The partition wall 22 is arranged between the motor
housing 21 of the motor section 14 and the gear box 30. The
partition wall 22 partitions the gear box 30 and the motor housing
21. Thus, during the first heating mode, the high-temperature
refrigerant supplied to the gear box 30 to heat the gear box 30 is
prevented from flowing into the motor housing 21. This prevents the
drive motor M in the motor housing 21 from being heated.
[0056] (9) The heating and cooling system S1 includes the third
switching section, which switches the communication of the exhaust
port 30b of the gear box 30 with the suction area 11S or the
expansion valve 13. The third switching section includes the
exhaust passage 49, which connects the exhaust port 30b to the
expansion valve 13 via the passage 42, the exhaust-side switching
valve 50 located in the exhaust passage 49, and the exhaust
switching passage 51, which connects the exhaust-side switching
valve 50 to the suction area 11S via part of the suction passage
43. The third switching section permits the refrigerant heated in
the gear box 30 to be drawn into the suction area 11S, and the
refrigerant cooled in the gear box 30 to be introduced into the
expansion valve 13, and forms the refrigerant circulation circuit
10.
[0057] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIG. 2. In the following description,
like or the same reference numerals are given to those components
that are like or the same as the corresponding components of the
first embodiment and detailed explanations are omitted or
simplified.
[0058] The refrigerant circulation circuit 10 of a heating and
cooling system S2 according to the second embodiment includes the
first target, which is the gear box 30 in the second embodiment,
and the second target, which is the motor section (heat exchanger)
in the second embodiment, in addition to the compressor 11, the
condenser 12, and the expansion valve 13. In the second embodiment,
the compressor 11 is not actuated by the drive fore of the drive
motor M in the motor section 14, but is actuated by a
non-illustrated drive source (for example, an electric motor).
[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the condenser 12 is connected to the
discharge port 11a of the compressor 11 via the discharge passage
41. The inlet port 21a of the motor housing 21 is connected to the
condenser 12 via the passage 42. The expansion valve 13 is
integrally formed with the motor housing 21 in the passage 42.
[0060] Also, the suction port 11b of the compressor 11 is connected
to the outlet port 21b of the motor housing 21 via the suction
passage 43. The suction port 11b communicates with the suction area
11S of the compressor 11. The check valve 44 is located in the
suction passage 43. Also, the discharge-side switching valve 45 is
provided in the discharge passage 41 in the heating and cooling
system S2. The supply port 30a of the gear box 30 is connected to
the discharge-side switching valve 45 via the discharge-side
switching passage 46. The discharge-side switching valve 45, the
discharge passage 41, and the discharge-side switching passage 46
form the first switching section as in the first embodiment.
[0061] Also, the suction-side switching valve 47 is provided in the
suction passage 43. The suction-side switching passage 48 is
connected to the suction-side switching valve 47. The suction-side
switching passage 48 is connected to the supply port 30a of the
gear box 30 via the discharge-side switching passage 46. The
suction passage 43, the suction-side switching valve 47, and the
suction-side switching passage 48 form the second switching section
as in the first embodiment.
[0062] The exhaust passage 49 is connected to the exhaust port 30b
of the gear box 30. The exhaust passage 49 is connected to the
condenser 12 via the passage 42. The exhaust-side switching valve
50 is provided in the exhaust passage 49. The exhaust-side
switching passage 51 is connected to the exhaust-side switching
valve 50. The exhaust-side switching passage 51 is connected to the
suction area 11S via the suction passage 43. The exhaust-side
switching valve 50 switches the paths between the first cooling
mode and the first heating mode as in the first embodiment. The
exhaust passage 49, the exhaust-side switching valve 50, and the
exhaust-side switching passage 51 form the third switching section
as in the first embodiment.
[0063] Also, in the motor housing 21, the inlet port 21a is located
in the motor housing 21 close to the bottom portion. The outlet
port 21b is located in the motor housing 21 close to the partition
wall 22. An oil return passage 21d, which connects the inlet port
21a to the outlet port 21b, is formed in the circumferential wall
of the motor housing 21, that is, at the section between the outer
circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of
the motor housing 21.
[0064] The second embodiment has the following advantages in
addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.
[0065] (10) The refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant
circulation circuit 10, the first refrigerant circuit, the second
refrigerant circuit, and the third refrigerant circuit includes a
refrigerating machine oil. Since the oil return passage 21d is
formed in the motor housing 21, the refrigerating machine oil is
returned to the outlet port 21b passing through the oil return
passage 21d when the refrigerating machine oil is separated from
the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13.
Since the refrigerating machine oil returned to the outlet port 21b
is directly introduced into the compressor 11 during the first
heating mode and the normal mode, the refrigerating machine oil
lubricates the compressor 11. The refrigerating machine oil
returned to the outlet port 21b is supplied to the gear box 30 to
cool the gear box 30, and further introduced into the compressor 11
to lubricate the compressor 11 during the first cooling mode.
[0066] (11) The inlet port 21a is formed in the motor housing 21
close to the bottom portion, and the outlet port 21b is formed in
the motor housing 21 close to the partition wall 22. Thus, the
refrigerant introduced into the motor section 14 via the inlet port
21a flows across the entire motor housing 21 and is led to the
outside of the motor housing 21 from the outlet port 21b.
Accordingly, the refrigerant efficiently cools the motor housing 21
and the drive motor M.
[0067] A third embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIG. 3. In the following description,
like or the same reference numerals are given to those components
that are like or the same as the corresponding components of the
first embodiment and detailed explanations are omitted or
simplified.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, in a heating and cooling system S3, the
expansion valve 13 and the inlet port 21a are connected to each
other by a connection passage 53. A passage switching valve 54 is
provided in the connection passage 53 downstream of the expansion
valve 13 and upstream of the motor section 14. The suction passage
43 is connected to the passage switching valve 54 via a bypass path
55. The bypass path 55 connects the passage switching valve 54 to
the section in the suction passage 43 downstream of the motor
section 14 and upstream of the suction-side switching valve 47. The
connection passage 53, the passage switching valve 54, the bypass
path 55, and the suction passage 43 form a fourth switching
section. The bypass path 55 may be located in the circumferential
wall of the motor housing 21 of the motor section 14, that is, at
the section between the outer circumferential surface and the inner
circumferential surface of the motor housing 21. Alternatively, the
bypass path 55 may be formed by a tube separate from the motor
housing 21.
[0069] When the fourth switching section is switched to a first
position, the passage switching valve 54 prevents the refrigerant
that has passed through the expansion valve 13 from flowing toward
the motor section 14 from the connection passage 53, and permits
the refrigerant to flow toward the suction passage 43 via the
bypass path 55. When the fourth switching section is switched to a
second position, the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is permitted to flow toward the motor section 14
from the connection passage 53, and the refrigerant is prevented
from flowing toward the bypass path 55.
[0070] Also, a temperature sensor 32, which detects the temperature
of the outer surface of the motor housing 21, is provided on the
outer surface of the motor housing 21 of the motor section 14. The
temperature sensor 32 establishes a signaling connection to the
control device 52, and the temperature information detected by the
temperature sensor 32 is sent to the control device 52. The control
device 52 estimates the temperature in the motor section 14 from
the temperature of the outer surface of the motor housing 21 based
on a map prepared in advance. When the temperature in the motor
section 14 exceeds the predetermined temperature range, the control
device 52 switches the operation mode of the heating and cooling
system S3 to the first normal mode, the first heating mode, or the
first cooling mode such that the temperature in the motor section
14 falls within the predetermined temperature range (target
temperature) while considering the temperature in the gear box
30.
[0071] When the temperature in the motor section 14 is below the
predetermined temperature range and it is not necessary to cool the
motor section 14, the control device 52 switches the operation mode
of the heating and cooling system S3 to a second normal mode, a
second heating mode, or a second cooling mode while considering the
temperature in the gear box 30. The second heating mode is a mode
in which the gear box 30 is heated while the fourth switching
section is switched to the first position so that the motor section
14 is not cooled. During the second heating mode, the refrigerant
discharged from the discharge area 11D flows through the gear box
30 and the expansion valve 13, and then flows through the bypass
path 55 bypassing the motor section 14, and reaches the suction
area 11S. The compressor 11, the discharge passage 41, the
discharge-side switching valve 45, the discharge-side switching
passage 46, the gear box 30, the exhaust passage 49, the
exhaust-side switching valve 50, the passage 42, the expansion
valve 13, the connection passage 53, the passage switching valve
54, the bypass path 55, the suction-side switching valve 47, and
the suction passage 43, through which the refrigerant flows during
the second heating mode, form a fourth refrigerant circuit. Also,
when the refrigerant flows through the fourth refrigerant circuit,
the control device 52 switches the first switching section to the
first position, the second switching section to the second
position, and the third switching section to the second
position.
[0072] Also, the second normal mode is a mode in which the fourth
switching section is switched to the first position so that the
motor section 14 is not cooled and the gear box 30 is also not
cooled. During the second normal mode, the refrigerant discharged
from the discharge area 11D flows through the condenser 12 and the
expansion valve 13, and then flows through the bypass path 55
bypassing the motor section 14, and reaches the suction area 11S
without flowing through the gear box 30. The compressor 11, the
discharge-side switching valve 45, the discharge passage 41, the
condenser 12, the passage 42, the expansion valve 13, the
connection passage 53, the passage switching valve 54, the bypass
path 55, the suction-side switching valve 47, and the suction
passage 43, through which the refrigerant flows during the second
normal mode, form a fifth refrigerant circuit. Also, when the
refrigerant flows through the fifth refrigerant circuit, the
control device 52 switches the first switching section to the
second position, and the second switching section to the second
position.
[0073] The second cooling mode is a mode in which the gear box 30
is cooled while the fourth switching section is switched to the
first position so that the motor section 14 is not cooled. During
the second cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the
discharge area 11D flows through the condenser 12 and the expansion
valve 13, and then flows through the bypass path 55 bypassing the
motor section 14 into the gear box 30, and reaches the suction area
11S. The compressor 11, the discharge-side switching valve 45, the
discharge passage 41, the condenser 12, the passage 42, the
expansion valve 13, the connection passage 53, the passage
switching valve 54, the bypass path 55, the suction-side switching
valve 47, the suction-side switching passage 48, the discharge-side
switching passage 46, the gear box 30, the exhaust passage 49, the
exhaust-side switching valve 50, and the exhaust-side switching
passage 51 form a sixth refrigerant circuit. When the refrigerant
flows through the sixth refrigerant circuit, the control device 52
switches the first switching section to the second position, the
second switching section to the first position, and the third
switching section to the first position.
[0074] Thus, the heating and cooling system S3 of the third
embodiment permits the refrigerant to flow through one of the first
to sixth refrigerant circuits by switching the first to fourth
switching sections by the control device 52.
[0075] The third embodiment has the following advantages in
addition to the advantages of the first embodiment.
[0076] (12) The bypass path 55 connects the section in the
connection passage 53 downstream of the expansion valve 13 and
upstream of the motor section 14 to the section in the suction
passage 43 downstream of the motor section 14 and upstream of the
suction-side switching valve 47. Furthermore, the heating and
cooling system S3 includes the passage switching valve 54, which is
switched to permit the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 to flow to the bypass path 55 or to prevent the
refrigerant from flowing to the bypass path 55. When it is not
necessary to cool the motor section 14, the passage switching valve
54 is switched to permit the refrigerant that has passed through
the expansion valve 13 to flow to the bypass path 55. Thus, only
the gear box 30 is cooled or heated without cooling the motor
section 14 by providing the passage switching valve 54 and the
bypass path 55.
[0077] The above embodiments may be modified as follows.
[0078] In each of the embodiments, the discharge-side switching
valve 45 is provided in the discharge passage 41, which connects
the discharge area 11D to the condenser 12. The discharge-side
switching valve 45 is connected to the gear box 30 by the
discharge-side switching passage 46. The discharge-side switching
valve 45 switches the destination of the refrigerant discharged
from the discharge area 11D. However, the discharge area 11D may be
connected to the gear box 30 and the condenser 12 by separate tubes
without using the discharge-side switching valve 45, and the tube
into which the refrigerant is permitted to flow may be changed in
accordance with the mode.
[0079] In each of the embodiments, the suction-side switching valve
47 is provided in the suction passage 43, which connects the motor
section 14 to the suction area 11S. The suction-side switching
valve 47 is connected to the gear box 30 by the suction-side
switching passage 48. The destination of the refrigerant that has
passed through the expansion valve 13 is switched by the
suction-side switching valve 47. However, the motor section 14 may
be connected to the gear box 30 and the suction area 11S by
separate tubes without using the suction-side switching valve 47,
and the tube into which the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is permitted to flow may be changed in
accordance with the mode.
[0080] In the second embodiment, the oil return passage 21d may be
omitted.
[0081] In the first or third embodiment, the outlet port 21b may be
located in the motor housing 21 close to the partition wall 22, and
the oil return passage 21d, which connects the inlet port 21a to
the outlet port 21b, may be formed in the motor housing 21.
[0082] In the first and second embodiments, the expansion valve 13
may not be formed integrally with the motor housing 21, and may be
located in the passage 42 between the inlet port 21a and the
condenser 12.
[0083] In each of the embodiments, the radiator fins 28a of the
stator 28 may be omitted.
[0084] In each of the embodiments, the temperature in the gear box
30 may be directly detected by a temperature sensor located in the
gear box 30, or may be detected by the temperature sensor located
in the gear box 30 based on the temperature of the lubricant.
[0085] During the first and second heating modes, if the effect of
the gear box 30 is insufficient as the condenser, a passage that
connects the exhaust passage 49 to the discharge passage 41, which
is between the condenser 12 and the discharge-side switching valve
45, may be separately formed such that the refrigerant flows into
the expansion valve 13 via the condenser 12.
[0086] In each of the embodiments, the supply port 30a and the
exhaust port 30b may be connected to each other by a circulation
path in the gear box 30. In this case, the refrigerant supplied to
the gear box 30 is permitted to flow through the circulation path
to exchange heat in the circulation path.
[0087] In each of the embodiments, if the effect of the motor
section 14 is not sufficient as the heat exchanger, an additional
heat exchanger may be provided.
[0088] In each of the embodiments, after the refrigerant discharged
from the discharge area 11D flowed through the condenser 12 and
passed through the expansion valve 13, the refrigerant may be
introduced into the gear box 30 before being introduced into the
motor section 14, and the refrigerant that flowed through the gear
box 30 may be introduced into the motor section 14. In this case,
the second switching section is provided in a passage that connects
the expansion valve 13 to the inlet port 21a of the motor section
14.
[0089] In the first embodiment, the compressor 11 is provided at
the bottom portion of the motor housing 21, but the compressor 11
may be located on the partition wall 22.
[0090] In each of the embodiments, the kinds of the switching
valves 45, 47, 50, 54 may be changed as required.
[0091] The first target may be a fuel cell mounted on a vehicle,
which is a fuel cell vehicle. In this case, during the first and
second cooling modes, the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is introduced into the fuel cell. After the
refrigerant has cooled the fuel cell, the refrigerant that has
exchanged heat with the fuel cell is introduced into the compressor
11. Furthermore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11
is condensed in the condenser 12, and then passes through the
expansion valve 13. Thus, the fuel cell functions as the heat
exchanger and the second target. During the first and second
heating modes, the refrigerant that has passed through the
expansion valve 13 is introduced into a separately provided heat
exchanger, and then introduced into the compressor 11. Furthermore,
the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is introduced
into the fuel cell. After the refrigerant has heated the fuel cell,
the refrigerant condensed in the fuel cell is introduced into the
expansion valve 13.
[0092] In the first embodiment, the heating and cooling system S1
is configured such that the refrigerant circulation circuit 10
functions as the first to third refrigerant circuits. However, the
heating and cooling system S1 may be configured in such a manner
that the discharge-side switching valve 45, the suction-side
switching valve 47, and the exhaust-side switching valve 50 are
controlled by the control device 52 such that the refrigerant
circulation circuit 10 serves as at least one of the first to third
refrigerant circuits.
[0093] In the third embodiment, the heating and cooling system S3
is configured such that the refrigerant circulation circuit 10
serves as the first to sixth refrigerant circuits. However, the
heating and cooling system S3 may be configured in such a manner
that the discharge-side switching valve 45, the suction-side
switching valve 47, the exhaust-side switching valve 50, and the
passage switching valve 54 are controlled by the control device 52
such that the refrigerant circulation circuit 10 serves as at least
one of the first to sixth refrigerant circuits.
* * * * *