THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Provided is a heat management system capable of both effectively using heat generated from a drive device and increasing the efficiency of warming a power storage device. This heat management system (1) comprises a power storage device (173) which exchanges heat with a first passage (170b), a drive device (133) which exchanges heat with a second passage (130b), a radiator (122) which is provided to a third passage (130a), a chiller (160) which is provided to a fourth passage (170a), and a switching device (180, 190). During warming of the power storage device (173), the switching device disconnects the third passage from other passages, forms a circuit in which a thermal medium circulates through the first passage and the second passage, and forms a circuit in which a thermal medium circulates through the fourth passage.

Description

1 / 58 “THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM” Technical field of the invention

[001] The present description refers to a thermal management system. Fundamentals of the invention

[002] Japanese Laying-Open Patent (Pending Publication) No. 2010272395 (PTL 1) describes an electric vehicle (electric motor-driven vehicle). The electric vehicle includes an energy storage device (a battery), an inverter, a motor, and a controller. The energy storage device is connected to the inverter. The inverter is connected to the motor. The controller controls the switching of the inverter to control the current in the energy storage device. Thus, the controller controls the heat generated due to power loss in an internal resistor in the energy storage device. As a result, the controller can perform temperature rise control (self-heating of the energy storage device) to raise the temperature of the energy storage device by the current in the energy storage device. List of citations

[003] Patent literature PTL 1: Laying-Open Japanese Patent No. 2010-272395 Summary of the invention Technical problem

[004] In electrical equipment, such as an electric vehicle, it can be important to effectively utilize the heat generated in a drive device, including an inverter and a motor. In addition, it is desirable to efficiently raise the temperature of the energy storage device.

[005] The present description aims to provide a thermal management system capable of achieving both the efficient use of heat generated by a Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 92 / 150 2 / 58 drive device and efficient temperature rise in an energy storage device. Solution to the problem

[006] A thermal management system, according to a first aspect of the present description, is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being capable of flowing through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to provide drive energy to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooler provided in the fourth flow path;It is a switching device capable of switching a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. When the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device disconnects the third flow path from the other flow paths, forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first and second flow paths, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the fourth flow path.

[007] A thermal management system according to the second aspect of the present description is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a compressor that compresses a working medium; an expansion valve that expands the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 93 / 150 3 / 58 the working medium discharged from the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation flow path through which the working medium circulates, the first circulation flow path connecting, in an order, the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger; and an energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path to exchange heat with the working medium flowing through a portion between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path; a bypass flow path from the energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path to bypass the energy storage device; a condenser that condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor, the condenser being provided in the bypass flow path from the energy storage device; a pump that pressurizes the heat medium discharged from the heat exchanger;a radiator that cools the heat medium discharged from the pump; a second circulation flow path through which the heat medium circulates, the second circulation flow path connecting, in an order, the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator; a drive device that provides drive power to the electrical equipment, the drive device being connected to the second circulation flow path to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through a portion between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path; a radiator bypass flow path connected to the second circulation flow path to bypass the radiator;It is a switching device that is capable of switching a flow path through which the heat medium flows and switching a flow path through which the heat medium flows. When the temperature of the energy storage device is high, the switching device disconnects the energy storage device's bypass flow path from the first circulation flow and disconnects the radiator from the second circulation flow path, and the compressor is activated after being; Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 94 / 150 4 / 58 satisfied a heat receiving condition in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger.

[008] A thermal management system, according to a third aspect of the present description, is a thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being capable of flowing through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to provide drive energy to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooler provided in the fourth flow path;It is a switching device capable of switching the connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path. The first flow path and the second flow path are connected to the switching device to be parallel to each other. When the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path, and the switching device forms a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path, and the switching device disconnects each of the first and fourth flow paths from the first and second circuits. Advantageous effects of the invention

[009] According to the present description, it is possible to provide a thermal management system capable of achieving both the efficient use of heat generated by a drive device and the efficient self-heating of a drive device. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 95 / 150 5 / 58 energy storage. Brief description of the drawings

[010] Figure 1 is a diagram that schematically shows an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system in a first embodiment of the present description.

[011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the thermal management system in the first mode.

[012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit in the thermal management system.

[013] Figure 4 is a diagram that schematically shows a first mode of heating of the thermal management circuit during a temperature rise in a battery.

[014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing one way to disconnect the thermal management circuit.

[015] Figure 6 is a flowchart that illustrates details of the thermal management system control.

[016] Figure 7 is a diagram that schematically shows a way of disconnecting the radiator from the thermal management circuit.

[017] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management system in a second embodiment of the present description.

[018] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit in the thermal management system.

[019] Figure 10 is a diagram that schematically shows a heating mode of the thermal management circuit during a temperature rise in a battery.

[020] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management system in a third embodiment of the present description. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 96 / 150 6 / 58

[021] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit in the thermal management system.

[022] Figure 13 is a diagram that schematically shows a heating mode of the thermal management circuit during a temperature rise in a battery.

[023] Figure 14 is a diagram that schematically shows a disconnection mode of the thermal management circuit.

[024] Figure 15 is a diagram that schematically shows a way of disconnecting the radiator from the thermal management circuit.

[025] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit of the present description.

[026] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration including a battery, a converter, an inverter and a motor.

[027] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit in a fifth embodiment of the present description.

[028] Figure 19 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management circuit in a sixth embodiment of the present description. Description of the modalities

[029] Next, the first embodiment of the present description will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which the same portions or corresponding portions are indicated by the same reference characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[030] The following describes an example of a configuration in which a thermal management system, according to the present description, is mounted on an electric vehicle 1a (see Figure 1). The electric vehicle 1a is preferably a vehicle in which a battery 173 for displacement is mounted and is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The electric vehicle 1a may be an electric vehicle Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 97 / 150 7 / 58 hybrid (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the intended use of the thermal management system, according to the present description, is not limited to use for vehicles. Electric vehicle 1a is an example of the electrical equipment in the present description. First option General configuration

[031] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a general configuration of a thermal management system 1, according to the first embodiment of the present description. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500 and a human-machine interface (HMI) 600. The ECU 500 is an example of the “controller” in the present description.

[032] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured so that a medium (water or similar) for heat exchange circulates through it. As shown in Figure 2, the thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a cooler 160, a battery circuit 170, and five-way valves 180 and 190. Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 is an example of the switching device in the present description.

[033] The high temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (BA) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, a reservoir tank (TR) 115 and a heat medium (water or similar).

[034] Radiator 120 is connected (i.e., shared) with the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. Radiator 120 includes a Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 98 / 150 8 / 58 high temperature (HT) radiator 121 (see Figure 3) and a low temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see Figure 3). The low temperature radiator 122 is an example of the radiator in the present description.

[035] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, an intelligent power unit (UPI) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (R / O) 134, a step-up and step-down converter 135, a reservoir tank 136 and a heat medium (water or similar) (not shown). The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are an example of the drive device in the present description.

[036] The condenser 140 is connected to the high temperature circuit 110 and to the refrigeration cycle 150.

[037] The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, an expansion valve 155 and a working medium (water, a medium with a boiling point lower than that of water, or the like) (not shown).

[038] Refrigerator 160 is connected to refrigeration cycle 150 and battery circuit 170.

[039] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174 and a battery temperature sensor 175. The water pump 171 and the battery 173 are examples of the “pump” and the energy storage device in the present description.

[040] Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 3.

[041] The UCE 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The UCE 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503 and a Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 99 / 150 9 / 58 interface 504.

[042] Processor 501 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU). Memory 502 is, for example, random access memory (RAM). Storage 503 is rewritable non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), and flash memory. Storage 503 stores a system program, including an operating system (OS), and a control program, including computer-readable code necessary for a control operation. Processor 501 reads the system program and the control program, loads these programs into memory 502, and executes them to implement various processes. Interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components that make up the thermal management circuit 100.

[043] The UCE 500 generates a control command based on sensor values ​​acquired from various sensors (e.g., battery temperature sensor 175) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operation received by the HMI 600, and similar. The UCE 500 then sends the generated control command to the thermal management circuit 100. The UCE 500 can be divided into a plurality of UCEs for each function. Figure 2 shows an example where the UCE 500 includes a processor 501, but the UCE 500 can include a plurality of processors. The same applies to memory 502 and storage 503.

[044] In this descriptive report, the processor is not limited to a processor in the strict sense that performs processing in a stored-program scheme, and may include a wired circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Thus, the term processor may also be read interchangeably as a processing circuit for which processing is defined. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 100 / 150 10 / 58 previously by computer-readable codes and / or a wired circuit.

[045] The HMI 600 is a screen (display) equipped with a touch panel, an operating panel, a console or similar. The HMI 600 receives an operation from the user to control the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 emits a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500. Thermal Management Circuit Configuration

[046] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the thermal management circuit configuration 100, according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the high-temperature circuit 110 includes: a flow path 110a connecting the water pump 111, the condenser 140, the electric heater 112, the three-way valve 113, the high-temperature radiator 121, the reservoir tank 115 and the water pump 111, in that order; and a flow path 110b connecting the three-way valve 113, the heater core 114 and the reservoir tank 115 in that order.

[047] The heat medium (e.g., water) in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path passes through the water pump 111, the condenser 140, the electric heater 112, the three-way valve 113, the heater core 114, the reservoir tank 115, and the water pump 111, in that order. The second path passes through the water pump 111, the condenser 140, the electric heater 112, the three-way valve 113, the high-temperature radiator 121, the reservoir tank 115, and the water pump 111, in that order. The three-way valve 113 switches the flow path of the heat medium so that the heat medium flows through at least one of the first path and the second path.

[048] The water pump 111 causes the heat medium to circulate through the high-temperature circuit 110, according to the control command of the ECU 500. The condenser 140 exchanges heat between the heat medium and the working medium in the cycle of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 101 / 150 11 / 58 cooling 150. The electric heater 112 heats the heat medium. The heater number 114 heats, by a heat medium, the air supplied to a vehicle compartment (not shown) in the electric vehicle 1a. The reservoir tank 115 stores a portion of the heat medium within the high-temperature circuit 110 to maintain the pressure and quantity of the heat medium within the high-temperature circuit 110.

[049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the low-temperature circuit 130 includes: a flow path 130a connecting the five-way valve 180, the low-temperature radiator 122, and the five-way valve 190, in that order; and a flow path 130b connecting the five-way valve 190, the reservoir tank 136, the water pump 131, the UPI 132, the UCP 133, the oil cooler 134, the step-up and step-down converter 135, and the five-way valve 180, in that order. Flow path 130a is an example of the “third flow path” in the present description, and flow path 130b is an example of the “second flow path” in the present description.

[050] The heat medium (e.g., water) in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through a path that passes through the water pump, the UPI 132, the UCP 133, the oil cooler 14, the step-up and step-down converter 135, the five-way valve 180, the low-temperature radiator 122, the five-way valve 190, the reservoir tank 136 and the water pump 131, in that order.

[051] Water pump 131 causes the heat medium to circulate through the low-temperature circuit 130, according to the control command of the ECU 500. UPI 132 controls the charging and discharging of battery 173, according to the control command of the ECU 500. According to the control command of the ECU 500, UCP 133 converts the direct current (DC) energy supplied by battery 173 into alternating current (AC) energy and supplies the converted AC energy to a motor (not shown) incorporated into a drive shaft. Oil cooler 134 causes the engine lubricating oil to circulate using a pump. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 102 / 150 12 / 58 electric oil cooler (EOP) (not shown). The oil cooler 134 cools the drive shaft by means of heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through the low-temperature circuit 130 and the engine lubricating oil. The UPI 132, the UCP 133, the oil cooler 134, and the step-up and step-down converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through the low-temperature circuit 130. The reservoir tank 136 stores a portion of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 to maintain the pressure and quantity of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130. Each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 switches the path of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 according to the control command of the ECU 500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is located near the high-temperature radiator 121.The heat medium flowing through the low-temperature radiator 122 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature radiator 121. In place of the oil cooler 134, the aforementioned transmission shaft may be provided in the low-temperature circuit 130.

[052] The working medium in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path passes through the compressor 151, the condenser 140, the expansion valve 152, the evaporator 153, the RPE 154 and the compressor, in that order. The second path passes through the compressor 151, the condenser 140, the expansion valve 155, the refrigerator 160 and the compressor 151, in that order. The expansion valves 152 and 155 switch the flow path so that the working medium flows through at least one of the first path and the second path.

[053] Compressor 151 compresses the gaseous working medium that has flowed out of the refrigerator 160. Condenser 140 condenses the working medium by heat exchange between the working medium discharged from compressor 151 and the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature circuit 110. The valves of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 103 / 150 13 / 58 Expansion valves 152 and 155 expand the working medium that has flowed out of condenser 140. Evaporator 153 evaporates the working medium by heat exchange between the working medium that has flowed out of expansion valve 152 and the air supplied to a vehicle compartment in the electric vehicle. Evaporative pressure regulator 154 regulates the pressure of the working medium that has flowed out of evaporator 153.

[054] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the battery circuit includes: a flow path 170a connecting the five-way valve 190, the water pump 171, the cooler 160, and the five-way valve 180, in that order; and a flow path 170b connecting the five-way valve 180, the electric heater 172, the battery 173, and the five-way valve, in that order. The flow path 170a is in thermal contact with the battery 173. The flow path 170a is an example of the “fourth flow path” in the present description, and the flow path 170b is an example of the “first flow path” in the present description.

[055] The heat medium in the battery circuit 170 (the same heat medium flowing through the low-temperature circuit 130) flows through at least one of a first path and a second path. The first path passes through the water pump 171, the cooler 160, the five-way valve 180, the electric heater 172, the battery 173, the five-way valve 190, and the water pump 171, in that order. The second path passes through the water pump 171, the cooler 160, the five-way valve 180, the bypass path 174, the five-way valve 190, and the water pump, in that order. The five-way valves 180 and 190 switch the first path and the second path so that the heat medium flows through at least one of the first path and the second path.

[056] The water pump 171 causes the heat medium to circulate through the battery circuit 130 according to the control command of the ECU 500. The cooler 160 cools the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170 by means of heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through the cycle of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 104 / 150 14 / 58 cooling 150 and the heat medium that circulates through the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium according to the control command of the ECU 500. The battery 173 provides electrical power for movement to a motor incorporated in the transmission shaft. Battery 173 can be activated in such a way that the temperature in battery 173 is raised. This control (hereinafter referred to as temperature rise control) is performed by ECU 500. Battery 173 can be heated by electric heater 172 or cooled by cooler 160. Bypass path 174 connects five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the heat medium is bypassed from electric heater 172 and battery 173. When the heat medium flows through bypass path 174, a temperature change in the heat medium resulting from heat absorption / dissipation between the heat medium and battery 173 is prevented.Battery temperature sensor 175 detects the temperature of battery 173.

[057] The five-way valve 180 has five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is an inlet port through which heat medium flows from the cooler 160. Port P2 is an outlet port through which heat medium flows towards the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. Port P3 is an inlet port through which heat medium flows that has passed through the UPI 132, the UCP 133, the oil cooler 134 and the step-up and step-down converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is an outlet port through which heat medium flows towards the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P5 is an outlet port through which heat medium flows towards the low-temperature radiator 122.

[058] The five-way valve 190 has five ports P11 to P15. Port P11 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows towards the refrigerator 160. Port P12 is an inlet port through which flows the heat medium that has passed through the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 of the battery circuit 170. Port P13 is a Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, pp. 105 / 150 15 / 58 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows towards the UPI 132, the UCP 133, the oil cooler 134, and the step-up and step-down converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P14 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows from the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P15 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows from the low-temperature radiator 122. Mode

[059] Figures 4 and 5 are a conceptual diagram showing a summary of a prescribed mode (which may be referred to hereafter as a heating mode) in the thermal management circuit 100, the prescribed mode being implemented by controlling the five-way valves 180 and 190. The five-way valves 180 and 190 are controlled to switch the connection state between the flow paths 130a, 130b, 170a and 170b and the bypass path 174. Thus, the thermal management circuit is switched to a plurality of modes, including the heating mode.

[060] In this case, since the electric vehicle may not be equipped with a motor, the electric vehicle's heating target may not be able to be heated using the motor's waste heat. Thus, it may be important to effectively utilize the heat generated in the drive device, including the inverter and the motor. In addition, it is desirable to efficiently perform the self-heating of the energy storage device. In other words, it is desirable to efficiently perform the self-heating of the energy storage device while allowing the effective use of the heat generated by the drive device.

[061] Thus, in the first mode, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the heating mode, shown in Figure 4, is set when the temperature of battery 173 is elevated. Specifically, in the temperature rise mode, the five-way valve 180 serves to form: a path through which ports P1 and P4 communicate with each other; and a path Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, pp. 106 / 150 16 / 58 through which ports P2 and P3 communicate; and the five-way valve 190 serves to form: a path through which ports P11 and P14 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P12 and P13 communicate with each other.

[062] This results in the formation of: a first closed circuit 11 (see Figure 4) in which the flow path 170b, corresponding to the “first flow path”, and the flow path 130b, corresponding to the “second flow path”, are connected to each other; and a second closed circuit 12 in which the flow path 170a, corresponding to the “fourth flow path”, and the bypass path 174 are connected to each other and, in addition, the flow path 130a, corresponding to the “third flow path”, is disconnected from other flow paths. In other words, the low-temperature radiator 122 is disconnected from other circuits (in an independent state).

[063] In the heating mode shown in Figure 4, during temperature rise control by the ECU 500, i.e., during self-heating by which battery 173 itself raises the temperature of battery 173, cooling of battery 173 by the heat medium flowing through the second closed circuit is prevented, and the heat generated in the CPU 133 and in the transmission shaft mentioned above (not shown) is effectively transmitted to battery 173 by means of the heat medium flowing through the first closed circuit 11.

[064] As a result, it becomes possible to achieve both the effective use of the heat generated from the drive device, such as the UCP 133, and the efficient self-heating of the battery 173.

[065] Furthermore, during temperature rise control for battery 173 in heating mode, when the temperature of battery 173 (the value detected by battery temperature sensor 175) becomes higher than a defined temperature Tc, the ECU 500 against the five-way valves 180 and 190 of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 107 / 150 17 / 58 so that the disconnection mode shown in Figure 5 is defined. The defined temperature Tc is set to a temperature at which battery 173 can properly perform its function.

[066] Specifically, in disconnect mode, the 180 five-way valve serves to form: a path through which ports P1 and P4 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P3 and P5 communicate with each other and, in addition, the 180 five-way valve serves to form: a path through which ports P11 and P14 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P13 and P15 communicate with each other.

[067] This results in the formation of: the second closed loop 12 and a third closed loop 13 (see Figure 5) in which the flow path 130b, corresponding to the “second flow path”, and the flow path 130a, corresponding to the “third flow path”, are connected to each other and, in addition, the flow path 170b, corresponding to the “first flow path”, is disconnected from other flow paths.

[068] In the disconnection mode shown in Figure 5, battery 173 is disconnected from other circuits when the temperature of battery 173 becomes higher than a defined temperature Tc. This prevents overheating of battery 173 by heat supplied to battery 173 by the heat medium, the heat having been generated in the UCP 133 or in the transmission shaft. In addition, the heat generated in the UCP 133 and in the transmission shaft mentioned above is properly discharged in the low-temperature radiator 122. Thermal management circuit control method

[069] Next, a method for controlling thermal management system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. Note that the flow shown in Figure 6 is simply an example, and the control details in this description are not limited to the example shown in Figure 6. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 108 / 150 18 / 58

[070] First, the ECU 500 drives the electric vehicle 1a (activates a displacement system) (step S1). Specifically, a start button (not shown) on the electric vehicle 1a is pressed, the CPU 133 and battery 173 are electrically connected (by an SMR not shown). Upon receiving a prescribed internal signal in the electric vehicle 1a, the ECU 500 detects that the electric vehicle 1a is being driven.

[071] The UCE 500 determines whether the battery temperature 173 (the value detected by the battery temperature sensor 175) is lower than a reference temperature Tb [°C] (step S2). The reference temperature Tb can be set, for example, to 10°C.

[072] When the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature Tb (No in S2), the ECU 500 terminates the control. On the other hand, when the temperature of battery 173 is less than the reference temperature Tb (Yes in S2), the ECU 500 controls each of the five-way valves 180 and 190, so that the thermal management circuit is set to the heating mode shown in Figure 4, executes the temperature rise control for battery 173 and activates the water pump 131 of the first closed circuit (stage S3).

[073] Then, the UCE 500 determines whether the battery temperature is above or below the set temperature Tc (step S4). As a result, when the battery temperature 173 is equal to or below the set temperature Tc (not in S4), the UCE 500 returns the process to step S4 again.

[074] On the other hand, when the temperature of battery 173 is higher than the defined temperature Tc (Yes in S4), the ECU 500 controls each of the five-way valves 180 and 190, so that the disconnection mode is set (step S5). Thus, the heat generated from the drive device, such as the CPU 133, is prevented from being supplied to battery 173 by the heat source, so that overheating of battery 173 is prevented. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 109 / 150 19 / 58

[075] Then, the ECU 500 controls each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the thermal management circuit 100 is set to a mode other than the disconnect mode (step S6).

[076] As described above, in the thermal management system 1 in the first embodiment, during the temperature rise control of battery 173, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valves 180 and 190 to form a first closed circuit 11 in which the flow paths 170b and 130b are connected to each other, to form a second closed circuit 12 in which the flow path 170a and the bypass path 174 are connected to each other and to disconnect the flow path 130a from other flow paths. Thus, during the self-heating of battery 173, the cooling of battery 173 by the heat medium flowing through the second closed circuit 12 is prevented, and the heat generated in the UCP 133 and the transmission shaft mentioned above (not shown) is effectively supplied to battery 173 by the heat medium flowing through the first closed circuit 11.This makes it possible to achieve both the effective use of the heat generated by the drive device, such as the UCP 133, and the efficient self-heating of the battery 173.

[077] Furthermore, during temperature rise control in heating mode, the ECU 500 can drive the water pump 131 of the first closed circuit 11, for example, at a sufficiently low rotation speed to achieve the heat flow rate capable of cooling the drive device, such as the UCP 133, to the minimum required level, and can increase the rotation speed of the water pump 131 when the ECU 500 controls each of the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the disconnection mode is set. In this way, the cooling of the battery 173 by the heat flow through the first closed circuit 11 is prevented.

[078] Furthermore, for example, if it is determined as Yes in step S4 in the flowchart mentioned above, when a heating request is made after Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 110 / 150 20 / 58 Once the electric vehicle 1a is activated, the ECU 500 can control the five-way valves 180 and 190 so that the radiator disconnect mode, shown in Figure 7, is defined, and can activate the compressor 151 in the cooling cycle 150 and the water pump 111 in the high-temperature circuit 110. In radiator disconnect mode, the five-way valve 180 serves to form: a path through which ports P1 and P2 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P3 and P4 communicate with each other, and, in addition, the five-way valve 190 also serves to form: a path through which ports P11 and P14 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P12 and P13 communicate with each other.

[079] This results in the formation of: a third closed loop 13 (see Figure 7) in which the flow path 170b, corresponding to the first flow path, the flow path 130b, corresponding to the second flow path, the bypass path 174 and the flow path 170a, corresponding to the fourth flow path and, in addition, the flow path 130a, corresponding to the third flow path is disconnected from other flow paths.

[080] In radiator disconnect mode, the heat generated in battery 173 and the heat generated in the CPU 133 or in the transmission shaft are supplied to the refrigeration cycle via the cooler 160, which therefore leads to a reduction in energy consumed by the compressor 151 to generate the heat that must be supplied, from the refrigeration cycle 150, to the heater core 114 of the high temperature circuit 110 via the condenser 140. Second option

[081] Next, a thermal management circuit 200 is described in the second embodiment of the present description with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the second embodiment, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, but the descriptions of the same structures, functions and effects as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 111 / 150 21 / 58 General configuration

[082] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management system in the second embodiment of the present description. A thermal management system 2 differs from thermal management system 1 (see Figure 1) according to the first embodiment in that it includes thermal management circuit 200 instead of thermal management circuit 100. Thermal management circuit configuration

[083] The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a cooler circuit 210, a cooler 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270 and an eight-way valve 280. The eight-way valve 280 is an example of the switching device in the present description.

[084] As shown in Figure 9, the 280 eight-way valve includes eight ports P21 to P28. As shown in Figure 10, the 280 eight-way valve has four internal flow paths 281 to 284.

[085] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (WP) 211 and a flow path 210a that connects the eight-way valve 280 (port P23), the water pump 211, the chiller 220, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P25) in that order. The water pump 211 is an example of the pump in the present description, and the flow path 210a is an example of the fourth flow path in the present description.

[086] Refrigerator 220 is connected to (shared between) both refrigerator circuit 210 and refrigeration cycle 240. Refrigerator 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through refrigerator circuit 210 and the working medium circulating through refrigeration cycle 240.

[087] The radiator circuit 230 includes: a radiator 231; a flow path 230a connecting the eight-way valve 280 (port P26), a water-cooled condenser 251, the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280, in that order; and a path of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 112 / 150 22 / 58 bypass flow 230b connecting the eight-way valve 280 (port P27) to a portion of the flow path 230a between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the radiator 231. The radiator 231 performs heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the radiator circuit 230 and the outside air of the vehicle. Bypass flow path 230b is a flow path to bypass the radiator 231. Flow path 230a is an example of the third flow path in the present description.

[088] The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 244 (244A and 244B), an expansion valve 245 (245A and 245B), an evaporator 247 and an accumulator 249.

[089] As shown in Figure 9, solenoid valve 244 includes a first solenoid valve 244A and a second solenoid valve 244B. Expansion valve 245 includes a first expansion valve 245A and a second expansion valve 245B. The opening degrees of solenoid valves 244A and 244B and expansion valves 245A and 245B can be adjusted.

[090] As shown in Figure 9, the condenser 250 includes the water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252. The water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230. The water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gas-phase working medium discharged from the compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing through the radiator circuit 230.

[091] In the example shown in Figure 9, the refrigeration cycle 240 has a solenoid valve 242. The solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to the compressor 241. According to the control command of the ECU 500, the solenoid valve 242 adjusts the flow rate of the working medium that must be returned to the accumulator 249 between the working media discharged from the compressor 241.

[092] The working medium in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through one of a first path, a second path, a third path and a fourth path. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 113 / 150 23 / 58 path.

[093] The first path goes through compressor 241, first solenoid valve 244A, air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, first expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245A, evaporator 247, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[094] The second path goes through compressor 241, first solenoid valve 244A, air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, second expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245B, refrigerator 220, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[095] The third path goes through compressor 241, second solenoid valve 244B, water-cooled condenser 251, first expansion valve 245A, evaporator 247, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[096] The fourth path goes through compressor 241, second solenoid valve 244B, water-cooled condenser 251, second expansion valve 245B, refrigerator 220, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[097] Solenoid valves 244A, 244B and expansion valves 245A, 245B switch between the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path, so that the working medium flows through one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[098] Accumulator 249 serves to remove the liquid phase working medium from the mixed gas-liquid state working medium, and prevents the flow of the liquid phase working medium to compressor 241 when the liquid phase working medium has not been completely evaporated in evaporator 247.

[099] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example: a water pump 261; a UPI 262; a UCP 263; an oil cooler 264; a reservoir tank 265; and a flow path 260a connecting the eight-way valve 280 (port P28), the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 261, the UPI 262, the UCP 263, Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 114 / 150 24 / 58 the oil cooler 264 and the eight-way valve 280 (port P22) in that order. The flow path 260a is an example of the second flow path in the present description, and the CPU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are an example of the drive device in the present description. The system including the CPU 263, the oil cooler 264 and a battery 272 is an example of the displacement system in the present description.

[0100] The drive unit circuit 260 may include a transmission shaft in place of the oil cooler 264. Furthermore, in the drive unit circuit 260, heat exchange may be carried out between the heat generated by supplying electrical energy to a stator without rotating a motor rotor and the heat medium flowing through the drive unit circuit 260.

[0101] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example: an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 271; a battery 272; and a flow path 270a connecting the eight-way valve 280 (port P21), the ADAS 271, the battery 272, the eight-way valve 280 (port P24) in that order. The battery 272 is provided with a battery temperature sensor 273. The flow path 270a is an example of the first flow path in the present description.

[0102] ADAS 271 includes, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC), an automatic speed limiter (ASL), a lane keeping assist (LKA), a pre-collision safety system (PCS), and a lane departure warning (LDA). Battery circuit 270 may include an autonomous driving system (ADS) in addition to ADAS 271. Mode

[0103] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a summary of a prescribed mode (which may be referred to hereafter as heating mode) in the thermal management circuit 200, the prescribed mode being implemented by the control of the eight-way valve 280. The eight-way valve 280 is controlled to switch the Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 115 / 150 25 / 58 connection state between flow paths 210a, 230a, 230b, 260a and 270a. Thus, the thermal management circuit 200 is switched to a plurality of modes including the heating mode.

[0104] In the present embodiment, when the temperature of battery 272 is elevated, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the heating mode shown in Figure 10 is defined. Specifically, in heating mode, as shown in Figure 10(B), the internal flow path 281 of the eight-way valve 280 allows communication between ports P21 and P22 and the internal flow path 282 of the eight-way valve 280 allows communication between ports P24 and P28. In addition, the internal flow path 283 of the eight-way valve 280 allows communication between ports P23 and P27 and the internal flow path 284 of the eight-way valve 280 allows communication between ports P25 and P26.

[0105] This results in the formation of: a fourth closed circuit 14 (see Figures 10(A) and 10(B)) in which flow path 270a, corresponding to the first flow path, and flow path 260a, corresponding to the second flow path, are connected via the eight-way valve 280; and a fifth closed circuit 15 (see Figures 10(A) and 10(B)) in which the bypass flow path 230b and flow path 210a, corresponding to the fourth flow path, are connected via the eight-way valve 280 and, in addition, flow path 230a, corresponding to the third flow path, is disconnected from other flow paths. In other words, the radiator 231 is disconnected from other circuits (in an independent state).

[0106] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, during the temperature rise control of battery 272 in heating mode, the eight-way valve 280 can be controlled so that the radiator disconnection mode (not shown) is set when the temperature of battery 272 (the value detected by the battery temperature sensor 273) becomes higher than the set temperature Tc. No Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 116 / 150 26 / 58 However, in the present embodiment, the thermal management circuit 200 cannot be switched by the eight-way valve 280 to the disconnect mode (the mode in which the flow path 270a supplied with the battery 272 is disconnected from other flow paths). Thermal management circuit control method

[0107] As the details of the control of thermal management system 2 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, only differences in the control details of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0108] In other words, in the present embodiment, in step S3, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 is set to the heating mode shown in Figure 10, performs the temperature rise control of the battery 272 and activates the water pump 261 of the fourth closed circuit 14. Furthermore, in step S5, the ECU 500 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the thermal management circuit 200 is set to the radiator disconnect mode (not shown). Third option

[0109] Next, a thermal management circuit 300 is described in the third embodiment of the present description with reference to Figures 11 to 15. In the third embodiment, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, but the descriptions of the same structures, functions and effects as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. General configuration

[0110] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management system in the third embodiment of the present description. A thermal management system 3 differs from a thermal management system 1 (see Figure 1) according to the first embodiment in that it includes the circuit of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 117 / 150 27 / 58 thermal management 300 in place of thermal management circuit 100. Thermal management circuit configuration

[0111] The thermal management circuit 300 includes, for example, the cooler circuit 210, the cooler 220, the radiator circuit 230, the refrigeration cycle 240, the condenser 250, the drive unit circuit 260, the battery circuit 270, a six-way valve 380 and a six-way valve 390. The six-way valves 380 and 390 are an example of the switching device in the present description.

[0112] As shown in Figure 12, the six-way valve 380 includes six ports P31 to P36, and the six-way valve 390 includes six ports P41 to P46. The six-way valve 380 is connected to the six-way valve 390. Specifically, port P35 of the six-way valve 380 and port P45 of the six-way valve 390 are connected by a coupling flow path 5, and port P36 of the six-way valve 380 and port P46 of the six-way valve 390 are connected by a coupling flow path 6. Coupling flow paths 5 and 6 are an example of the switching device in the present description.

[0113] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (WP) 211 and a flow path 210b that connects the six-way valve 380 (port P33), the water pump 211, the chiller 220, and the six-way valve 390 (port P43) in that order. The water pump 211 is an example of the pump in the present description, and the flow path 210b is an example of the fourth flow path in the present description.

[0114] Refrigerator 220 is connected to (shared between) both refrigerator circuit 210 and refrigeration cycle 240. Refrigerator 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through refrigerator circuit 210 and the working medium circulating through refrigeration cycle 240.

[0115] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231 and a flow path 230b that connects the six-way valve 390 (port P41), the radiator 231 and the valve. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 118 / 150 28 / 58 six-way 390 (port P44) in that order. Radiator 231 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the radiator circuit 230 and the outside air of the vehicle. Flow path 230b is an example of the third flow path in the present description.

[0116] The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, the compressor 241, the solenoid valve 244 (244A and 244B), the expansion valve 245 (245A and 245B), the evaporator 247 and the accumulator 249.

[0117] As shown in Figure 12, solenoid valve 244 includes a first solenoid valve 244A and a second solenoid valve 244B. Expansion valve 245 includes a first expansion valve 245A and a second expansion valve 245B. The opening degrees of solenoid valves 244A and 244B and expansion valves 245A and 245B can be adjusted.

[0118] As shown in Figure 12, the condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252. The water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the drive unit circuit 260. The water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gas-phase working medium discharged from the compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing through the drive unit circuit 260.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 12, the refrigeration cycle 240 has a solenoid valve 242. The solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to the compressor 241. According to the control command of the ECU 500, the solenoid valve 242 adjusts the flow rate of the working medium that must be returned to the accumulator 249 between the working media discharged from the compressor 241.

[0120] The working medium in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through one of a first path, a second path, a third path and a fourth path.

[0121] The first path goes through compressor 241, the first solenoid valve 244A, the air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, the first Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 119 / 150 29 / 58 expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245A, evaporator 247, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[0122] The second path goes through compressor 241, first solenoid valve 244A, air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, second expansion valve (solenoid valve) 245B, refrigerator 220, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[0123] The third path goes through compressor 241, second solenoid valve 244B, water-cooled condenser 251, first expansion valve 245A, evaporator 247, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[0124] The fourth path goes through compressor 241, second solenoid valve 244B, water-cooled condenser 251, second expansion valve 245B, refrigerator 220, accumulator 249 and compressor 241 in that order.

[0125] Solenoid valves 244A, 244B and expansion valves 245A, 245B switch between the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path so that the working medium flows through one of the first path, the second path, the third path, and the fourth path.

[0126] The accumulator 249 serves to remove the liquid phase working medium from the mixed gas-liquid state working medium and prevents the flow of the liquid phase working medium to the compressor 241 when the liquid phase working medium has not completely evaporated in the evaporator 247.

[0127] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example: the water pump 261; the UPI 262; the UCP 263; the oil cooler 264; the reservoir tank 265; and a flow path 260b connecting the six-way valve 390 (port P42), the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 261, the UPI 262, the UCP 263, the oil cooler 264, the water-cooled condenser 251, and the six-way valve 380 (port P32) in that order. A heat medium temperature sensor 274 is provided in the flow path 260b. The flow path 260b is an example of the second path. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 120 / 150 30 / 58 flow in the present description, and the UCP 263 and oil cooler 264 are an example of the drive device in the present description. The system including the UCP 263, the oil cooler 264 and the battery 272 is an example of the displacement system in the present description.

[0128] The drive unit circuit 260 may include a transmission shaft in place of the oil cooler 264. Furthermore, in the drive unit circuit 260, heat may be exchanged between the heat generated by supplying electrical power to a stator without rotating a motor rotor and the heat medium flowing through the drive unit circuit 260.

[0129] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example: an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 271; a battery 272; and a flow path 270b connecting the six-way valve 380 (port P31), the ADAS 271, the battery 272, and the six-way valve 380 (port P34) in that order. The battery 272 is provided with a battery temperature sensor 273. The flow path 270b is an example of the first flow path in the present description.

[0130] The ADAS 271 includes, for example, adaptive cruise control (ACC), an automatic speed limiter (ASL), a lane keeping assist (LKA), a pre-collision safety system (PCS), and a lane departure warning (LDA). The 270 battery circuit may include an autonomous driving system (ADS) in addition to the ADAS 271. Mode

[0131] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a summary of a prescribed mode (which may be referred to hereafter as heating mode) in the thermal management circuit 300, the prescribed mode being implemented by the control of the six-way valves 380 and 390. The six-way valves 380 and 390 are controlled to switch the connection state between the flow paths 210b, 230b, 260b, and 270b. Thus, the thermal management circuit 300 is switched to a Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 121 / 150 31 / 58 multiple modes including heating mode.

[0132] In the present embodiment, when the temperature of battery 272 is elevated, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valves 380 and 390 so that the heating mode shown in Figure 13 is defined. Specifically, in heating mode, the six-way valve 380 serves to form: a path through which ports P31 and P32 communicate with each other; a path through which ports P33 and P36 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P34 and P35 communicate with each other and, in addition, the six-way valve 390 serves to form: a path through which ports P42 and P45 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P43 and P46 communicate with each other.

[0133] This results in the formation of: a sixth closed circuit 16 (see Figure 13) in which the flux path 270b, corresponding to the first flux path, the flux path 260b, corresponding to the second flux path, and the coupling flux path 5 are connected; and a seventh closed circuit 17 (see Figure 13) in which the flux path 210b, corresponding to the fourth flux path, and the coupling flux path 6 are connected and, in addition, the flux path 230b, corresponding to the third flux path, is disconnected from other flux paths. In other words, the radiator 231 is disconnected from other circuits (in an independent state).

[0134] Furthermore, during the temperature rise control of battery 272 in heating mode, the ECU 500 controls the six-way valves 380 and 390 so that the disconnection mode shown in Figure 14 is set when the temperature of battery 272 (the value detected by the battery temperature sensor 273) becomes higher than the set temperature Tc. Specifically, in disconnection mode, the six-way valve 380 serves to form: a path through which ports P32 and P35 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P33 and P36 communicate with each other and, in addition, the six-way valve 390 Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, pp. 122 / 150 32 / 58 serves to form: a path through which gates P41 and P45 communicate with each other; a path through which gates P42 and P44 communicate with each other; and a path through which gates P43 and P46 communicate with each other.

[0135] This results in the formation of: a seventh closed loop 17; and an eighth closed loop 18 (see Figure 14) in which the flow path 260b, corresponding to the second flow path, the coupling flow path 5 and the flow path 230b, corresponding to the third flow path, are connected and, in addition, the flow path 270b, corresponding to the first flow path, is disconnected from other flow paths. Thermal management circuit control method

[0136] As the details of the control of the thermal management system 3 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, only differences in the control details of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0137] In other words, in the present embodiment, in step S3, the ECU 500 controls each of the six-way valves 380 and 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 is set to the heating mode shown in Figure 13, performs the temperature rise control of battery 272 and activates the water pump 261 of the sixth closed circuit 16. Furthermore, in step S5, the ECU 500 controls each of the six-way valves 380 and 390 so that the thermal management circuit 300 is set to the disconnection mode shown in Figure 14.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, if it is determined as Yes in step S4 in the flowchart mentioned above, when a heating request is made after electric vehicle 1a is activated, then the ECU 500 can control the six-way valves 380 and 390 so that the radiator disconnect mode shown in Figure 15 is set, and can activate the compressor 151 in the cooling cycle 150 Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 123 / 150 33 / 58 and the water pump 111 in the high-temperature circuit 110. In radiator disconnect mode, the six-way valve 380 serves to form: a path through which ports P31 and P32 communicate with each other; and a path through which ports P33 and P34 communicate with each other, and, in addition, the six-way valve 390 serves to form a path through which ports P42 and P43 communicate with each other.

[0139] This results in the formation of a ninth closed loop 19 (see Figure 15) in which flow path 270b, corresponding to the first flow path, flow path 260b, corresponding to the second flow path, and flow path 210b, corresponding to the fourth flow path, are connected. In addition, flow path 230b, corresponding to the third flow path, is disconnected from other flow paths. Fourth modality

[0140] Next, a thermal management circuit 400 is described in the fourth embodiment of the present description with reference to Figure 16. In the fourth embodiment, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, but the descriptions of the same structures, functions and effects as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. General configuration

[0141] A thermal management system (not shown) in the present embodiment differs from thermal management system 1 (see Figure 1) according to the first embodiment in that it includes a thermal management circuit 400 instead of thermal management circuit 100.

[0142] The thermal management circuit 400 differs from the thermal management circuit 100 in that it includes six-way valves 380 and 390 instead of five-way valves 180 and 190. In other words, the thermal management circuit 400 corresponds to the thermal management circuit 200 in the second embodiment, to which the high-temperature circuit 110 is added in Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 124 / 150 34 / 58 first embodiment. The six-way valves 380 and 390 are an example of the switching device in the present description.

[0143] The mode implemented in the thermal management circuit 400 by switching the six-way valves 380 and 390 is the same as the mode described in the third embodiment.

[0144] The first embodiment was described in relation to an example in which the thermal management circuit 100 includes the high temperature circuit 110, but the high temperature circuit 110 may not be provided in the thermal management circuit 100.

[0145] Each of the above modes has been described in relation to an example in which temperature rise control for the battery is performed when electric vehicle 1a driving is initiated (at the moment when the drive system is activated), but the timing for initiating temperature rise control is not limited to the same. For example, temperature rise control may be performed when the battery temperature becomes below a prescribed threshold value (e.g., 10°C). In this case, the ECU may acquire the detected battery temperature value for each prescribed period (e.g., one hour).

[0146] With reference to Figure 17, the temperature rise control is described below as an example of the means for raising the temperature of battery 173. Battery 173 is connected to a converter 810 via a system main relay (SMR) 800. The converter 810 is connected to an inverter 820. The inverter 820 is connected to a motor 830. A discharge circuit 840, including a switch and a resistive element, is connected to battery 173. A smoothing capacitor 850 is provided between battery 173 and converter 810. A discharge circuit 860 consisting of a switch and a resistive element is connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 850. Note that Figure 17 is shown Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 125 / 150 35 / 58 representatively based on the configuration of the first modality, but a similar configuration can also be applied to each of the other modalities.

[0147] Temperature rise control for battery 173 may include, for example, control to electrically disconnect SMR 800 and turn on the discharge circuit switch 840. Thus, current flows through a closed circuit formed by battery 173 and the discharge circuit 840. Temperature rise control for battery 173 may include control to turn off the discharge circuit switch 840 and turn on the switches of SMR 800 and the discharge circuit 860. Thus, current flows through a closed circuit formed by battery 173, SMR 800 and the discharge circuit 860. In addition, temperature rise control for battery 173 may include control to cause a current, which has been adjusted not to generate torque in motor 830, to flow in the state where SMR 800 is on and the switches of the discharge circuits 840 and 860 are off.

[0148] Temperature rise control is an example of the means to increase the temperature of battery 173 when the temperature of battery 173 is below a reference temperature Tb. In each of the modes, the timing for the ECU 500 to control the switching devices (the five-way valves 180 and 190, the eight-way valve 280 and the six-way valves 380 and 390) and implement the temperature rise mode is not limited to the timing of the temperature rise control mentioned above.

[0149] Furthermore, the switching by the switching device is performed not only by the ECU 500 (the controller) mounted on the electric vehicle 1a. The switching device can form a circuit in temperature rise mode based on the signal and similar, received from outside the electric vehicle 1a. Fifth Modality Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 126 / 150 36 / 58

[0150] Next, a thermal management circuit 1000 in the fifth embodiment of the present description is described with reference to Figure 18. In the fifth embodiment, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, but the descriptions of the same structures, functions and effects as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. General Configuration

[0151] The thermal management system (not shown) in the present embodiment differs from thermal management system 1 (see Figure 1) according to the first embodiment, in that it includes thermal management circuit 1000 instead of thermal management circuit 100.

[0152] The thermal management circuit 1000 includes: a first thermal management system 1100 including a working medium (water, a medium with a boiling point lower than that of water or similar); and a second thermal management system 1200 including a heat medium (water or similar).

[0153] The first thermal management system 1100 includes a compressor 1101, an expansion valve 1102, a heat exchanger 1103, an in-vehicle evaporator 1104, a gas-liquid separator 1105, an electronic expansion valve 1106, an in-vehicle condenser 1107, a heater 1108, an expansion opening / closing valve 1109, an energy storage device 1110, a first circulation flow path 1150, an energy storage device bypass flow path 1151, a heat exchanger bypass flow path 1152 and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 1153.

[0154] Compressor 1101 compresses a working medium.

[0155] Expansion valve 1102 expands the working medium discharged from compressor 1101. Expansion valve 1102 is configured to expand the working medium in a bidirectional manner. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 127 / 150 37 / 58

[0156] Heat exchanger 1103 exchanges heat between the working medium that flowed out of the expansion valve 1102 and the heat medium in the second thermal management system 1200.

[0157] The vehicle's evaporator 1104 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of the heat exchanger 1103 and the air inside the vehicle (inside the vehicle compartment).

[0158] The gas-liquid separator 1105 separates the working medium that has flowed into the gas-liquid separator 1105 into a gas-phase working medium and a liquid-phase working medium.

[0159] The first circulation flow path 1150 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates. The first circulation flow path 1150 connects the compressor 1101, the expansion valve 1102, and the heat exchanger 1103, in that order. The evaporator inside the vehicle 1104 is provided in a downstream portion of the heat exchanger 1103 in the first circulation flow path 1150. The gas-liquid separator 1105 is provided in a portion between the evaporator inside the vehicle 1104 and the compressor 1101 in the first circulation flow path 1150.

[0160] The energy storage device (battery) 1110 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 to exchange heat with the working medium flowing through a portion between the compressor 1101 and the expansion valve 1102 in the first circulation flow path 1150. In other words, the energy storage device 1110 is in thermal contact with a portion between the compressor 1101 and the expansion valve 1102 in the first circulation flow path 1150.

[0161] The electronic expansion valve 1106 expands the working medium. The electronic expansion valve 1106 is installed in a portion between the heat exchanger 1103 and the evaporator inside the vehicle 1104 in the first circulation flow path 1150. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 128 / 150 38 / 58

[0162] The bypass flow path of energy storage device 1151 is connected to the first circulation flow path in order to bypass energy storage device 1110.

[0163] The condenser inside the vehicle (refrigerator) 1107 is provided in the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151. The condenser inside the vehicle 1107 exchanges heat between the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101 and the air inside the vehicle.

[0164] The 1108 heater heats the air to be supplied to the interior of the vehicle.

[0165] The expansion opening / closing valve 1109 has the function of an expansion valve and the function of an opening / closing valve. The expansion opening / closing valve 1109 is provided in a downstream portion of the condenser inside the vehicle 1107 in the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151. The expansion opening / closing valve 1109 expands the working medium that has flowed out of the condenser inside the vehicle 1107.

[0166] The bypass flow path of heat exchanger 1152 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 in order to bypass heat exchanger 1103.

[0167] A first check valve 1161 is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path 1150, the portion being parallel to the bypass flow path of the heat exchanger 1152 and being on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 1103. As indicated by arrows in Figure 18, the first check valve 1161 only allows the working medium to flow towards the heat exchanger 1103.

[0168] A second check valve 1162 is provided in the bypass flow path of the heat exchanger 1152. The second check valve 1162 only allows the working medium that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 1103 to flow in Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 129 / 150 39 / 58 direction to the energy storage device 1110 through the bypass flow path of the heat exchanger 1152.

[0169] The evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 1153 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 in order to bypass the evaporator inside the vehicle 1104.

[0170] A third check valve 1163 is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path 1150, the portion being parallel to the evaporator bypass flow path within the vehicle 1153 and being on the downstream side of the evaporator within the vehicle 1104. The third check valve 1163 only allows the working medium to flow towards the gas-liquid separator 1105.

[0171] A first opening / closing valve 1171 is provided in a portion of the first circulation flow path 1150, the portion being parallel to the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151 and being on the upstream side of the energy storage device 1110.

[0172] A second opening / closing valve 1172 is provided in the evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 1153.

[0173] In the present embodiment, a first coupling flow path 1154 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150. The first coupling flow path 1154 couples a portion between the first opening / closing valve 1171 and the energy storage device 1110 in the first circulation flow path 1150 to a portion between the third check valve 1163 and the gas-liquid separator 1105 in the first circulation flow path 1150. A third opening / closing valve 1173 is provided in the first coupling flow path 1154.

[0174] The second thermal management system 1200 includes a pump 1201, a radiator 1202, a fan 1203, a drive device 1210, a second circulation flow path 1250 and a bypass flow path. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 130 / 150 40 / 58 of the radiator 1251.

[0175] Pump 1201 pressurizes the liquid phase heat medium that has flowed out of heat exchanger 1103.

[0176] Radiator 1202 cools the heat medium that was discharged from pump 1201.

[0177] Fan 1203 is installed facing radiator 1202. Fan 1203 supplies cool air to radiator 1202. This promotes heat dissipation in radiator 1202.

[0178] The second circulation flow path 1250 is a flow path through which the heat medium circulates. The second circulation flow path 1250 connects the heat exchanger 1103, the pump 1201, and the radiator 1202, in that order. The heat exchanger 1103 is connected to the first circulation flow path 1150 and the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0179] The drive device 1210 provides electrical power to the electrical equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive device 1210 includes devices that operate at high voltages, such as a motor, a motor controller, a triple-in-one load power distribution system, and the like. These devices generate a large amount of heat during their operation. The drive device 1210 is connected to the second circulation flow path 1250 to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through a portion between the radiator 1202 and the heat exchanger 1103 in the second circulation flow path 1250. In other words, the drive device 1210 is in thermal contact with the portion between the radiator 1202 and the heat exchanger 1103 in the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0180] The bypass flow path of radiator 1251 is connected to the second circulation flow path 1250 in order to bypass radiator 1202.

[0181] A three-way valve 1271 is provided in a portion of the connection. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 131 / 150 41 / 58 between the second circulation flow path 1250 and the upstream end of the radiator bypass flow path 1251. The three-way valve 1271 can switch the state of the heat medium flow between the state where the heat medium flows through the second circulation flow path 1250 and the state where the heat medium flows through the radiator bypass flow path 1251. The three-way valve 1271 can be configured to be able to switch the state of the heat medium flow to the state where the heat medium flows through at least one of the second circulation flow paths 1250 and the radiator bypass flow path 1251.

[0182] The first thermal management system 1100 and the second thermal management system 1200 each include a switching device capable of: switching the flow path through which the working medium flows; and switching the flow path through which the heat medium flows. In the present embodiment, the first opening / closing valve 1171, the second opening / closing valve 1172, the third opening / closing valve 1173, the expansion opening / closing valve 1109 and the three-way valve 1271 constitute a switching device.The switching device is capable of switching the mode of the thermal management circuit 1000 to: a heating mode (a mode shown in Figure 18) to heat the energy storage device 1110; a cooling mode (not shown) to cool the energy storage device 1110; a cooling mode inside the vehicle (not shown); a heating mode inside the vehicle (not shown); or a mode obtained by combining these modes.

[0183] When the temperature of the energy storage device 1110 is high, the ECU 500 controls the switching device so that the heating mode shown in Figure 18 is set. In heating mode, the first opening / closing valve 1171, the second valve of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 132 / 150 42 / 58 opening / closing valve 1172 and expansion valve 1109 are opened, while the third opening / closing valve 1173 and the expansion opening / closing valve are closed. Thus, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 18, the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101 exchanges heat with the energy storage device 1110 to heat the energy storage device. Then, the working medium, having passed through the energy storage device 1110, expands in the expansion valve 1102, transforming into a low-temperature liquid. The working medium exchanges heat, in the heat exchanger 1103, with the heat medium in the second thermal management system 1200. Specifically, the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger 1103.The working medium, after exiting the heat exchanger 1103, flows to the gas-liquid separator 1105 via the evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 1153 and then flows back to the compressor 1101.

[0184] In heating mode, the three-way valve 1271 allows the heat medium to pass through the bypass flow path of the radiator 1251. Thus, the heat received by the heat medium from the drive device 1210 is supplied to the working medium in the heat exchanger 1103, but is not released in the radiator 1202.

[0185] As described above, when the temperature of the energy storage device 1110 is high, the switching device disconnects the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151 from the first circulation flow path 1150 and disconnects the radiator 1202 from the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0186] The UCE 500 preferably drives compressor 1101 after a heat reception condition is met, in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in heat exchanger 1103. In other words, compressor 1101 preferably operates after the heat reception condition is met in Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 133 / 150 43 / 58 which working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger 1103.

[0187] For example, the heat receiving condition can be defined as a condition where the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103. The temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 1181 provided in an inlet portion of the heat exchanger 1103 in the first circulation flow path 1150. The temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger 1103 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 1182 provided in an inlet portion of the heat exchanger 1103 in the second circulation flow path 1250.

[0188] Alternatively, the heat receiving condition can be defined as a condition whereby a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the activation of at least one pump 1201 and one drive device 1210. In other words, compressor 1101 can be activated with a delay from the activation of at least one pump 1201 and one drive device 1210. In this case, the aforementioned prescribed period of time can be defined as a period of time during which the temperature of the heat medium flowing to heat exchanger 1103 becomes approximately equal to the temperature of the working medium flowing to heat exchanger 1103.

[0189] As described above, in the present embodiment, during the self-heating of the energy storage device 1110, the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151 is disconnected from the first circulation flow path 1150 and connected to the bypass flow path of the energy storage device 1151, and the radiator 1202 is disconnected from the second circulation flow path 1250. Thus, the heat from the working medium discharged from the compressor 1101 is effectively supplied to Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pp. 134 / 150 44 / 58 energy storage device 1110 and the heat generated in the drive device 1210 is effectively supplied to the energy storage device 1110 by means of the heat medium, the heat exchanger 1103 and the working medium. This enables the effective use of the heat generated from the drive device 1210 and the efficient self-heating of the energy storage device 1110. Sixth Modality

[0190] Next, a thermal management circuit 2000 is described in the sixth embodiment of the present description with reference to Figure 19. In the sixth embodiment, only portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, but the descriptions of the same structures, functions and effects as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated. General Configuration

[0191] The thermal management system (not shown) in the present embodiment differs from thermal management system 1 (see Figure 1) according to the first embodiment, in that it includes thermal management circuit 2000 instead of thermal management circuit 100.

[0192] The thermal management circuit 2000 includes a heat medium circuit 2100, including a heat medium (water or similar) and a cooling circuit 2200, including a working medium (water, a medium with a boiling point lower than that of water or similar). The cooling circuit 2200 is described first below.

[0193] The refrigeration circuit 2200 includes a compressor 2201, a condenser 2202, a first expansion valve 2203, an in-vehicle evaporator 2204, a second expansion valve 2205, a cooler 2206, a circulation flow path 2250 and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 2251. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 135 / 150 45 / 58

[0194] Compressor 2201 compresses a working medium. Condenser 2202 condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. The first expansion valve 2203 expands the working medium that has flowed out of condenser 2202. The vehicle's evaporator 2204 exchanges heat between the working medium that has flowed out of the first expansion valve 2203 and the air inside the vehicle (inside the vehicle compartment).

[0195] The circulation flow path 2250 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates. The circulation flow path 2250 connects the compressor 2201, the condenser 2202, the first expansion valve 2203, and the evaporator inside the vehicle 2204, in that order.

[0196] The evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 2251 is connected to the circulation flow path 2250 so as to bypass the evaporator inside the vehicle 2204. A second expansion valve 2205 is provided in the evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 2251.

[0197] The refrigeration circuit 2200 also includes a manifold (vacuum pressure gauge) 2207, a receiver dryer 2208 and an internal heat exchanger 2209.

[0198] The manifold 2207 is provided in the circulation flow path 2250. The receiver dryer 2208 is connected to the manifold 2207. The internal heat exchanger 2209 is connected to: a portion on the upstream side of the first expansion valve 2203 in the circulation flow path 2250; and a portion on the downstream side of the evaporator inside the vehicle 2204 in the circulation flow path 2250.

[0199] The following describes the heat medium circuit 2100. The heat medium circuit 2100 includes a first circuit 2110, a second circuit 2120, a third flow path 2131, a radiator 2132, a reservoir tank 2133, a fourth flow path 2141, a cooler 2142, and a switching device 2170. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 136 / 150 46 / 58

[0200] The first circuit 2110 includes a first flow path 2111, an energy storage device (battery) 2112 and a first pump 2113.

[0201] The first flow path 2111 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The energy storage device 2112 is connected to the first flow path 2111 to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 2111. In other words, the energy storage device 2112 is in thermal contact with the first flow path 2111. The first pump 2113 is located on the first flow path 2111.

[0202] The second circuit 2120 includes a second flow path 2121, a second pump 2122, and a drive device. The second flow path 2121 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The second pump 2122 is provided in the second flow path 2121.

[0203] The drive device supplies electrical power to the electric equipment (electric vehicle 1a). The drive device is connected to the second flow path 2121 to exchange heat with the thermal medium flowing through the second flow path 2121. In other words, the drive device is in thermal contact with the second flow path 2121. The drive device is connected to a downstream portion of the second pump 2122 in the second flow path 2121. In the present embodiment, the drive device includes a front inverter 2123, a front electric motor 2124, a DC-DC converter 2125, a rear inverter 2126, and a rear electric motor 2127. An ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) - ECU (electronic control unit) 2128 is connected to the second flow path 2121.

[0204] The third flow path 2131 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The radiator 2132 and the reservoir 2133 are provided in the third flow path 2131. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 137 / 150 47 / 58

[0205] The fourth flow path 2141 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The cooler 2142 is connected to the fourth flow path 2141 and to the evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 2251. The cooler 2142 causes the heat medium flowing through the fourth flow path 2141 to exchange heat with the working medium flowing through the evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle 2251.

[0206] The switching device 2170 is capable of switching the connection state between the flow paths 2111, 2121, 2131 and 2141. In the present embodiment, the switching device 2170 is formed by a five-way valve.

[0207] As shown in Figure 19, one end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the first port P3 of the switching device 2170 and the other end of the first flow path 2111 is connected to the second port P2 of the switching device 2170.

[0208] One end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to a branch portion 2115 on the first flow path 2111, and the other end of the second flow path 2121 is connected to the first port P1 of the switching device 2170. In other words, the first flow path 2111 and the second flow path 2121 are connected to the switching device 2170 in parallel to each other.

[0209] One end of the third flow path 2131 is connected to port P5 of the switching device 2170 and the other end of the third flow path 2131 is connected to a portion between the second pump 2122 and the branch portion 2115 in the second flow path 2121.

[0210] One end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to port P4 of the switching device 2170 and the other end of the fourth flow path 2141 is connected to a portion between the second pump 2122 and the branch portion 2115 in the second flow path 2121. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 138 / 150 48 / 58

[0211] The switching device 2170 is capable of switching the mode of the thermal management circuit 2200 to: a heating mode (a mode shown in Figure 19) to heat the energy storage device 2112; a cooling mode (not shown) to cool the energy storage device 2112; a cooling mode inside the vehicle (not shown); a heating mode inside the vehicle (not shown); or a mode obtained by combining these modes.

[0212] When the temperature of the energy storage device 2112 is elevated, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 2170 so that the mode shown in Figure 19 is set. In heating mode, the first gate P1, the second gate P2, and the third gate P3 are opened, while the fourth gate P4 and the fifth gate P5 are closed. Then, the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122 are activated.

[0213] Thus, as indicated by arrows in Figure 19, the heat medium that flowed out of port P3 of the switching device 2170 to the first flow path 2111 is branched at branch portion 2115 and then flows towards the first pump 2113 and the second pump 2122. The heat medium pressurized by the first pump 2113 exchanges heat with the energy storage device 2112 to heat the energy storage device 2112 and then flows to port P2 of the switching device 2170. The heat medium pressurized by the second pump 2122 exchanges heat with the drive device to absorb heat from the drive device and then flows to port P1 of the switching device 2170. Conversely, in heating mode, the fourth port P4 and the fifth port P5 are closed, and therefore the heat medium does not flow through the third flow path. 2131 and the fourth flow path 2141.

[0214] As described above, when the temperature of the energy storage device 2112 is elevated, the switching device 2170 forms: Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 139 / 150 49 / 58 a first circuit 2110 in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path 2111 and the switching device 2170; and a second circuit 2120 in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path 2121 and the switching device 2170, in addition to also disconnecting each of the third flow path 2131 and the fourth flow path 2141 from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120.

[0215] The UCE 500 preferably activates the second pump 2122 after the heat reception condition is met, in which the energy storage device 2112 receives heat from the heat medium. In other words, the second pump 2122 is preferably activated after the heat reception condition is met, in which the energy storage device 2112 receives heat from the heat medium.

[0216] For example, the heat receiving condition can be defined as a condition where the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the downstream portion of the drive device in the second flow path 2121 is equal to or greater than the temperature of the energy storage device 2112. The temperature of the energy storage device 2112 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 2181 provided in the energy storage device 2112. The temperature of the heat medium flowing through the downstream portion of the drive device in the second flow path 2121 is detected, for example, by a temperature sensor 2182 provided in an input portion of the switching device 2170 in the first flow path 2121.

[0217] Alternatively, the heat receiving condition can be defined as a condition in which a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the temperature rise began in the energy storage device 2112. In other words, the second pump 2122 can be activated with Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 140 / 150 50 / 58 a delay in relation to the temperature rise in the energy storage device 2112. In this case, the prescribed time period can be defined as a period during which the temperature of the heat medium flowing to port P1 of the switching device 2170 from the second flow path 2121 becomes approximately equal to the temperature of the energy storage device 2112.

[0218] As described above, in the present embodiment, during the self-heating of the energy storage device 2112, the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120 are formed, and the third flow path 2131 and the fourth flow path 2141 are each disconnected from the first circuit 2110 and the second circuit 2120. Thus, the heat from the drive device received by the heat medium in the second flow path 2121 is effectively supplied to the energy storage device 2112. This makes it possible to achieve both the efficient use of the heat generated from the drive device and the efficient self-heating of the energy storage device 2112.

[0219] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary modalities described above are specific examples of the following aspects. Aspect 1

[0220] A thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being able to flow through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the flowing heat medium Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 141 / 150 51 / 58 through the second flow path to provide drive power to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a refrigerator provided in the fourth flow path; and a switching device that is capable of switching a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, wherein: When the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device disconnects the third flow path from the other flow paths, forming a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first and second flow paths, and a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the fourth flow path.

[0221] In this thermal management system, when the temperature of the energy storage device is raised, the heat generated by the activation of the drive device is supplied to the energy storage device through the heat medium flowing through the first and second flow paths. Thus, the temperature of the energy storage device is raised effectively, and the cooling of the heat medium flowing through the fourth flow path by the radiator is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the efficient use of the heat generated by the drive device and the efficient temperature rise in the energy storage device. Aspect 2

[0222] The thermal management system according to Aspect 1, wherein, during the temperature rise in the energy storage device, when the temperature of the energy storage device becomes higher than a defined temperature, the switching device disconnects the first flow path from other flow paths, forming a circuit in which the medium of Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 142 / 150 52 / 58 heat circulates through the second flow path and the third flow path and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates only through the fourth flow path.

[0223] In this respect, as the heat generated by the activation of the drive device is supplied to the energy storage device by the heat medium, the temperature of the energy storage device is effectively raised. Aspect 3

[0224] A thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a compressor that compresses a work medium; an expansion valve that expands the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat source; a first circulation flow path through which the working medium circulates, the first circulation flow path connecting, in order, the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger; an energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path for heat exchange with the working medium flowing through a portion between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path; an energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path for heat exchange with the working medium flowing through a portion between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path; a bypass flow path from the energy storage device Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 143 / 150 53 / 58 connected to the first circulation flow path to bypass the energy storage device; a condenser that condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor, the condenser being provided in the bypass flow path of the energy storage device; a pump that pressurizes the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger; a radiator that cools the heat discharged from the pump; a second circulation flow path through which the heat medium circulates, the second circulation flow path connecting, in an order, the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator; a drive device that provides drive power to the electrical equipment, the drive device being connected to the second circulation flow path for heat exchange with the heat medium through a portion between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path; a bypass flow path from the radiator connected to a second circulation flow path to bypass the radiator; and a switching device that is capable of switching a flow path through which the working medium flows and switching a flow path through which the heating medium flows, wherein: When the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device disconnects the bypass flow path of the energy storage device from the first circulation flow path, and disconnects the radiator from the second circulation flow path, and the compressor is activated after a heat receiving condition is met in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 144 / 150 54 / 58

[0225] In this respect, when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the bypass flow path of the energy storage device is disconnected from the first circulation flow path, and the radiator is disconnected from the second circulation flow path. Thus, the heat from the working medium discharged from the compressor is effectively supplied to the energy storage device, and the heat generated from the drive device is effectively supplied to the energy storage device by the heat medium, the heat exchanger, and the working medium. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the efficient use of the heat generated from the drive device and the efficient temperature rise in the energy storage device. Aspect 4

[0226] The thermal management system according to Aspect 3, wherein the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition whereby a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the activation of at least one of the pump and the drive device. Aspect 5

[0227] The thermal management system according to Aspect 3, wherein the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition where the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger. Aspect 6

[0228] A thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system including: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being able to flow through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 145 / 150 55 / 58 flow path and fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to provide drive energy to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the flow path; a refrigerator provided in the flow path; and a switching device that is capable of switching a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, wherein: The first flow path and the second flow path are connected to the switching device to be parallel to each other, and when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path and the switching device, forms a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path and the switching device, and disconnects each of the third and fourth flow paths from the first and second circuits.

[0229] In this respect, when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the first circuit and the second circuit are formed, and each, the third flow path and the fourth flow path are disconnected from the first circuit and the second circuit. Thus, the heat received by the heat medium of the drive device in the second flow path is effectively supplied to the energy storage device. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the efficient use of the heat generated by the drive device and an efficient temperature rise in the energy storage device. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 146 / 150 56 / 58 Aspect 7

[0230] The thermal management system in accordance with Aspect 6, including additionally: A first pump is provided in the flow path; and a second pump is provided in the second flow path, wherein the second pump is activated after a heat reception condition is met in which the energy storage device receives heat from the heat medium. Aspect 8

[0231] The thermal management system according to Aspect 7, wherein the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition whereby a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the start of a temperature rise in the energy storage device. Aspect 9

[0232] The thermal management system according to Aspect 7, wherein the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition in which a temperature of the heat medium flowing through a portion on a downstream side of the drive device in the second flow path is equal to or greater than a temperature of the energy storage device.

[0233] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not exhaustive in all respects. The scope of the present description is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the above description of the embodiments, and includes any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims. List of reference signs

[0234] 1, 2, 3 thermal management system, 1a electric vehicle (electrical equipment), 11 first closed circuit, 12 second closed circuit, 13 Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 147 / 15057 / 58 third closed circuit, 14 fourth closed circuit, 15 fifth closed circuit, 16 sixth closed circuit, 17 seventh closed circuit, 18 eighth closed circuit, 19 ninth closed circuit, 100, 200, 300, 400, 1000, 2000 thermal management circuit, 110 high temperature circuit, 111 water pump (pump), 114 heater core, 120, 231 radiator, 121 high temperature radiator, 122 low temperature radiator, 130a, 230a, 230b flow path (third flow path), 130b, 260a, 260b flow path (second flow path), 133, 263 PCU (drive device), 134, 264 oil cooler (drive device), 140, 250 condenser, 150, 240 refrigeration cycle, 151, 241 compressor, 160, 220 refrigerator, 170a, 210a, 210b flow path (fourth flow path), 170b, 270a, 270b flow path (first flow path), 171, 261 water pump (pump), 173, 272 battery (energy storage device), 175,273 Battery temperature sensor, 180, 190 Five-way valve (switching device), 280 Eight-way valve, 380, 390 Six-way valve (switching device), ECU 500 (controller), 600 HMI, 1100 First thermal management system, 1101 Compressor, 1102 Expansion valve, 1103 Heat exchanger, 1104 Evaporator inside the vehicle, 1105 Gas-liquid separator, 1106 Electronic expansion valve, 1107 Condenser inside the vehicle, 1108 Heater, 1109 Expansion opening / closing valve, 1110 Energy storage device (battery), 1150 First circulation flow path, 1151 Energy storage device bypass flow path, 1152 Heat exchanger bypass flow path, 1153 Evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle, 1171 first opening / closing valve, 1172 second opening / closing valve, 1173 third opening / closing valve,1200 second thermal management system, 1201 pump, 1202 radiator, 1203 fan, 1210 drive device, 1250 second circulation flow path, 1251 radiator bypass flow path, 1271 three-way valve, 2100 circuit, Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, pages 148 / 150 58 / 58 heat medium, 2110 first circuit, 2111 first flow path, 2112 energy storage device (battery), 2113 first pump, 2120 second circuit, 2121 second flow path, 2122 second pump, 2131 third flow path, 2132 radiator, 2133 reservoir tank, 2141 fourth flow path, 2142 cooler, 2200 refrigeration circuit, 2201 compressor, 2202 condenser, 2203 first expansion valve, 2204 evaporator inside the vehicle, 2205 second expansion valve, 2206 cooler, 2250 circulation flow path, 2251 evaporator bypass flow path inside the vehicle. Petition 870250080652, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, pp. 149 / 150

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being capable of flowing through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to provide drive energy to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooler provided in the fourth flow path;It is a switching device that is capable of switching a connection state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, wherein when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device disconnects the third flow path from the other flow paths, forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first and second flow paths, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the fourth flow path.

2. Thermal management system, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that, during a temperature rise in the energy storage device, when the temperature of the energy storage device becomes higher than a defined temperature, the switching device disconnects the first flow path from other flow paths, forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path and the third flow path, and forms a circuit in which the heat medium circulates only through the fourth flow path.

3. Thermal management system supplied in electrical equipment, the thermal management system CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a compressor that compresses a working medium; an expansion valve that expands the working medium discharged from the compressor; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of the expansion valve and a heat medium; a first circulation flow path through which the working medium circulates, the first circulation flow path connecting, in an order, the compressor, the expansion valve and the heat exchanger; an energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path for heat exchange with the working medium flowing through a portion between the compressor and the expansion valve in the first circulation flow path;a bypass flow path from the energy storage device connected to the first circulation flow path to bypass the energy storage device; a condenser that condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor, the condenser being provided in the bypass flow path from the energy storage device; a pump that pressurizes the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger; a radiator that cools the heat medium discharged from the pump; a second circulation flow path through which the heat medium circulates, the second circulation flow path connecting, in an order, the heat exchanger, the pump and the radiator;a drive device that provides drive power to the electrical equipment, the drive device being connected to the second circulation flow path for heat exchange with the heat medium flowing through a portion between the radiator and the heat exchanger in the second circulation flow path; a radiator bypass flow path connected to the second circulation flow path to bypass the radiator;and a switching device that is capable of switching a flow path through which the working medium flows and switching a flow path through which the heat medium flows, wherein when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device disconnects the bypass flow path of the energy storage device from the first circulation flow path and disconnects the radiator from the second circulation flow path, and the compressor is activated after a heat receiving condition is met in which the working medium receives heat from the heat medium in the heat exchanger.

4. Thermal management system, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition in which a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the activation of at least one of the pump and the drive device.

5. Thermal management system, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition where the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger is equal to or greater than the temperature of the working medium flowing into the heat exchanger. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, p. 68 / 150 4 / 5 6. Thermal management system provided in electrical equipment, the thermal management system CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path, a heat medium being able to flow through the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path; an energy storage device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path; a drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to provide drive energy to the electrical equipment; a radiator provided in the third flow path; a cooler provided in the fourth flow path;and a switching device that is capable of switching a disconnected state between the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are connected to the switching device to be parallel to each other, and when the temperature of the energy storage device is elevated, the switching device forms a first circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the first flow path and the switching device, forms a second circuit in which the heat medium circulates through the second flow path and the switching device, and disconnects each of the third and fourth flow paths from the first and second circuits.

7. Thermal management system, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: a first pump provided in the first flow path; and Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 69 / 150 5 / 5 a second pump provided in the second flow path, wherein the second pump is activated after a heat reception condition is satisfied in which the energy storage device receives heat from the heat medium.

8. Thermal management system, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition in which a prescribed period of time has elapsed since the beginning of a temperature rise in the energy storage device.

9. Thermal management system, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the heat receiving condition is defined as a condition where the temperature of the heat medium flowing through a portion on a downstream side of the drive device in the second flow path is equal to or greater than the temperature of the energy storage device. Petition 870250080652, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, p. 70 / 150

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