Cooling system for electric vehicles

Abstract

The cooling system for an electric vehicle of the present invention comprises: a first radiator, which is mounted on the vehicle and capable of cooling a power unit driven by electricity; and a second radiator, which is mounted on the vehicle and is arranged on at least one side of the first radiator in the vehicle width direction and the other side of the first radiator in the vehicle width direction in a manner not to overlap with the first radiator when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is capable of cooling an automatic driving control device that controls the automatic driving of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling system for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-18057 discloses an invention related to a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes an engine radiator and a hybrid radiator. Therefore, the engine radiator can be used to cool the engine, and the hybrid radiator can be used to cool the inverter device and the motor. Summary of the invention

[0003] When the above-mentioned prior art is applied to an electric vehicle, since the electric vehicle does not have an engine, an engine radiator is not required. On the other hand, the engine radiator and the hybrid radiator in the above-mentioned prior art are the same in cooling the power unit of the vehicle. When the above-mentioned prior art is applied to an autonomous driving vehicle, a radiator for cooling the autonomous driving control device is required separately.

[0004] However, the above patent document does not mention cooling of the automatic driving control device. In addition, in the above patent document, the engine radiator and the hybrid radiator are arranged in an overlapping manner when viewed from the front and rear direction of the vehicle. Even if the above prior art is applied to an electric vehicle capable of automatic driving, it is difficult to ensure the cooling efficiency of each radiator. Therefore, the above prior art has room for improvement in ensuring the cooling efficiency of the power unit and the automatic driving control device in an electric vehicle capable of automatic driving.

[0005] The present disclosure takes the above-mentioned facts into consideration, and aims to provide a cooling system for an electric vehicle capable of ensuring cooling efficiency of a power unit and an automatic driving control device in an electric vehicle capable of automatic driving.

[0006] A vehicle cooling system of a first scheme of the present disclosure comprises: a first radiator, which is mounted on the vehicle and capable of cooling a power unit driven by electricity; and a second radiator, which is mounted on the vehicle and is arranged on at least one side of the first radiator in the vehicle width direction and the other side of the first radiator in the vehicle width direction in a manner not to overlap with the first radiator when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is capable of cooling an automatic driving control device that controls the automatic driving of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first radiator is mounted on the vehicle, and even if the power unit of the vehicle is heated by being driven by electricity, the power unit can be cooled by the first radiator.

[0008] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the second radiator is mounted on the vehicle, and the automatic driving control device that is heated by operation can be cooled by the second radiator.

[0009] If the first and second radiators are arranged to overlap when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, hot air flowing from one side of the first and second radiators will flow to the other side of the first and second radiators, making it difficult to ensure their cooling efficiency.

[0010] Here, in the present disclosure, the second radiator is arranged on at least one of the first radiator's one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side in the vehicle width direction so as not to overlap with the first radiator when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Thus, it is possible to suppress the hot air flowing from one side of the first radiator and the second radiator from flowing to the other side of the first radiator and the second radiator.

[0011] A cooling system for an electric vehicle according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is based on the first aspect, wherein the second radiators are arranged in a pair at a distance therebetween in the vehicle width direction.

[0012] According to the second scheme of the present disclosure, when the temperature of the automatic driving control device is low and the required heat dissipation is small, one second radiator can be operated, and when the temperature of the automatic driving control device is high and the required heat dissipation is large, two second radiators can be operated.

[0013] The third scheme of the present disclosure is a cooling system for an electric vehicle based on the second scheme, wherein the second radiator on one side is connected with a first outflow pipe for causing the cooling water cooled by the second radiator on the one side to flow out to the automatic driving control device side and a first inflow pipe for causing the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side to flow into the second radiator on the one side, and the second radiator on the other side is connected with a second outflow pipe for causing the cooling water cooled by the second radiator on the other side to flow out to the automatic driving control device side and a second inflow pipe for causing the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side to flow into the second radiator on the other side. The inflow piping also has a flow path switching unit, which allows a first connection between the first outflow piping and the second outflow piping and a second connection between the first inflow piping and the second inflow piping when the first heat exchange between the second radiator on the one side and the automatic driving control device and the second heat exchange between the second radiator on the other side and the automatic driving control device are allowed, and restricts the first connection and the second connection and restricts the inflow of the cooling water to the second radiator side of the restricted side and the outflow of the cooling water from the second radiator side when either the first heat exchange or the second heat exchange is restricted.

[0014] According to the third scheme of the present disclosure, a first outflow pipe and a first inflow pipe are connected to the second radiator on one side. Furthermore, the cooling water cooled by the second radiator on one side flows out to the side of the automatic driving control device via the first outflow pipe, and the automatic driving control device can be cooled by the cooling water. In addition, the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side via the first inflow pipe flows into the second radiator on one side, and the cooling water is cooled by the second radiator on the one side.

[0015] In addition, the second outflow pipe and the second inflow pipe are connected to the second radiator on the other side. The cooling water cooled by the second radiator on the other side flows out to the automatic driving control device side through the second outflow pipe, and the automatic driving control device can be cooled by the cooling water. In addition, the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side through the second inflow pipe flows into the second radiator on the other side, and the cooling water is cooled by the second radiator.

[0016] If a malfunction occurs in one of the second radiators or the other second radiator during the driving of the vehicle, it can be considered that a failure has occurred in the automatic driving of the vehicle. In such a case, it is preferable that the automatic driving control device can be cooled only by using the one of the second radiators or the other second radiator that has not experienced a malfunction until the vehicle retreats to a safe place.

[0017] Here, in the present disclosure, a flow path switching unit is provided, and the flow path of the cooling water can be changed according to the state of the pair of second radiators.

[0018] In detail, the flow path switching unit allows a first connection between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe and a second connection between the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe when a first heat exchange between the second radiator on one side and the automatic driving control device and a second heat exchange between the second radiator on the other side and the automatic driving control device are allowed.

[0019] That is, in the present disclosure, when the pair of second radiators are operating normally, the cooling water flowing out of the first outflow pipe and the second outflow pipe merges and flows into the automatic driving control device side. In addition, the cooling water flowing out of the automatic driving control device side flows separately to the second radiator side of one side and the second radiator side of the other side.

[0020] On the other hand, when either the first heat exchange or the second heat exchange is restricted, the flow path switching unit restricts the first connection and the second connection, and restricts the inflow of cooling water to the second radiator side of the restricted side and the outflow of cooling water from the second radiator side.

[0021] That is, in the present disclosure, in an abnormal state where one of the pair of second radiators is not functioning, the second radiator of the one is cut off from the flow path of the cooling water. And, by the other of the pair of second radiators that is functioning, a certain cooling performance for the automatic driving control device can be ensured.

[0022] The cooling system for an electric vehicle of the fourth scheme of the present disclosure is based on any one of the first scheme to the third scheme, and further comprises: a support portion, which is supported by a portion of the vehicle frame on the outside in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle up-down direction; an upper extension portion, which extends from a portion of the vehicle upper side of the support portion toward a center side in the vehicle front-rear direction and outward in the vehicle width direction, and supports a portion of the vehicle upper side of the second radiator; and a lower extension portion, which extends from a portion of the vehicle lower side of the support portion toward a center side in the vehicle front-rear direction and outward in the vehicle width direction, and supports a portion of the vehicle lower side of the second radiator.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a support portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction is supported on the outer side of the vehicle width direction of the vehicle frame. An upper extension portion extends from the upper side of the support portion toward the center side in the vehicle front-rear direction and the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the upper side extension portion supports the upper side of the second radiator.

[0024] On the other hand, a lower extension portion extends from the vehicle lower side portion of the support portion toward the vehicle longitudinal center and the vehicle width direction outer side, and the vehicle lower side portion of the second radiator is supported by the lower extension portion.

[0025] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the second radiator can be arranged in a state of being inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction when viewed from the vehicle up-down direction.

[0026] As described above, the electric vehicle cooling system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure has an excellent effect of being able to ensure cooling efficiency of the power unit and the automatic driving control device in an electric vehicle capable of automatic driving.

[0027] The electric vehicle cooling system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure has an excellent effect of being able to appropriately ensure the cooling performance of the radiator in response to the temperature during operation of the autonomous driving control device and the required heat dissipation amount.

[0028] The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to the third aspect of the present disclosure has an excellent effect of being able to ensure a certain driving performance of the vehicle in an abnormal state where the cooling performance of the automatic driving control device cannot be sufficiently ensured.

[0029] The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure has an excellent effect that the radiator can be arranged along the design surface of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a circuit diagram schematically showing a normal state of the electric vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of an automatic driving ECU and its periphery mounted on the electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the automatic driving ECU installed in the electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 1 is a circuit diagram schematically showing an abnormal state of the electric vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a main ECU mounted in the electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main ECU and its periphery mounted in the electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a front view showing a state in which a second radiator of the cooling system for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment is mounted on a frame, when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a plan view schematically showing a state in which a first radiator and a second radiator of the cooling system for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment are mounted on a frame when viewed from an upper side of the vehicle.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a side view schematically showing the structure of a vehicle equipped with the cooling system for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0039] Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 10 Cooling system for electric vehicles

[0041] 12 Vehicles

[0042] 16 Frames

[0043] 28 Central radiator (first radiator)

[0044] 34 base member (supporting part)

[0045] 36 Upper stay (upper extension)

[0046] 38 lower support bar (lower extension)

[0047] 40 side radiator (second radiator)

[0048] 44 side radiator (second radiator)

[0049] 48 Power Unit

[0050] 64 first outflow pipe

[0051] 66 First inflow pipe

[0052] 72 Second outflow pipe

[0053] 74 Second inflow pipe

[0054] 76Automatic driving control equipment

[0055] 96 Flow path switching unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Below, use Figures 1 to 9 An example of an embodiment of the cooling system for electric vehicles disclosed in the present invention will be described. It should be noted that the arrow FR appropriately shown in each figure indicates the front side of the electric vehicle, i.e., the "vehicle 12", equipped with the "cooling system 10 for electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the cooling system 10)" of the present embodiment, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] like Fig. 9 As shown, the vehicle 12 includes a steel vehicle body 14 and a steel “frame 16” that supports the vehicle body 14 , and is configured as a so-called frame structure.

[0058] Also like Figure 8 As shown, the frame 16 includes a pair of side frames 18 arranged with a gap in the vehicle width direction, a plurality of cross beams 20 spanned between the side frames 18, a radiator bracket 22, and a power unit bracket 24. It should be noted that the frame 16 is basically configured to be symmetrical in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction, and therefore, the description of the structure of the frame 16 is appropriately omitted below.

[0059] The side frame 18 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction as a whole, includes a front frame portion 18A, a main frame portion 18B, and a kick portion 18C, and has a closed cross-section structure in which a cross section when viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a closed cross-section.

[0060] More specifically, the front frame portion 18A constitutes the vehicle front side portion of the side frame 18 and extends linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction. A mounting plate portion 18D is provided at the vehicle front side end of the front frame portion 18A, and a front bumper reinforcement (not shown) is mounted on the mounting plate portion 18D.

[0061] In addition, a pair of bracket portions 18E for supporting the vehicle front side portion of the vehicle body 14 are provided at a distance in the vehicle front-rear direction on the front frame portion 18A, and a suspension tower 26 is provided between the bracket portions 18E.

[0062] The main frame portion 18B constitutes the portion on the vehicle front-rear direction center side of the side frame 18, is arranged on the vehicle width direction outer side and vehicle lower side of the front frame portion 18A, and extends linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction. A plurality of bracket portions 18F are provided on the main frame portion 18B at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction to support the vehicle body 14 on the vehicle front-rear direction center side portion.

[0063] The beam bend portion 18C is located between the front frame portion 18A and the main frame portion 18B. The beam bend portion 18C extends from the front frame portion 18A to the vehicle rear side and outward in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction, and extends from the front frame portion 18A to the vehicle rear side and vehicle lower side when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0064] The radiator support 22 includes a fixing portion 22A and a radiator supporting portion 22B. The fixing portion 22A is provided for each of the pair of side frames 18 and is joined to the side frames 18 from the vehicle lower side at a joining portion (not shown) formed by welding or the like.

[0065] On the other hand, the radiator support portion 22B is formed of a U-shaped channel steel extending in the vehicle width direction and having a cross section open to the vehicle lower side when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and its end portion is joined to the fixing portion 22A from the vehicle lower side via a joint portion (not shown) formed by welding or the like.

[0066] The radiator support portion 22B is provided with a pair of insertion portions (not shown) that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and penetrate in the vehicle up-down direction, and a "central radiator 28" that is a first radiator that constitutes a part of the cooling system 10 and is used for cooling the power unit 48 is installed through the insertion portions.

[0067] Specifically, the center radiator 28 includes a pair of tank portions 28A disposed at one side and the other side of the center radiator 28 in the vehicle width direction and capable of storing cooling water, and a core portion 28B disposed between the tank portions 28A and used for cooling the cooling water.

[0068] In addition, a cylindrical protrusion (not shown) protruding from the end toward the vehicle lower side and provided with a female threaded portion is provided at the end of the tank portion 28A on the vehicle lower side. Furthermore, a rubber bush (not shown) is mounted on the protrusion, and a fastening member is fastened to the protrusion in a state where a part of the rubber bush is inserted into the inserted portion of the radiator support portion 22B, thereby fixing the center radiator 28 to the radiator support portion 22B.

[0069] A cooling fan 30 constituting a part of the cooling system 10 is mounted on the vehicle rear side portion of the tank portion 28A via a mounting member (not shown). The core portion 28B of the center radiator 28 is cooled by the cooling fan 30 .

[0070] On the other hand, the "side radiator 40" as the second radiator is mounted on the side frame 18 on the left side in the vehicle width direction via the side radiator support portion 32, and the "side radiator 44" as the second radiator is mounted on the side frame 18 on the right side in the vehicle width direction via the side radiator support portion 32. It should be noted that the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 are used for cooling the "automatic driving control device 76" described later.

[0071] The side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 have the same structure and are similarly mounted on the side frame 18 . Therefore, the following description will focus on the side radiator 40 and its peripheral structure, and the description of the side radiator 44 and its peripheral structure will be appropriately omitted.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the side radiator 40 includes a pair of tank portions 40A disposed on one side and the other side of the side radiator 40 in the vehicle width direction, and a core portion 40B disposed between the tank portions 40A, and is basically configured similarly to the center radiator 28 .

[0073] A cooling fan 42 constituting a part of the cooling system 10 is mounted on the vehicle rear side portion of the tank portion 40A via a mounting member (not shown). The cooling fan 42 cools the core portion 40B of the side radiator 40 .

[0074] The side radiator 44 includes a pair of tank portions 44A and a core portion 44B and has the same structure as the side radiator 40. A cooling fan 46 constituting a part of the cooling system 10 is mounted on the vehicle rear side portion of the tank portion 44A via a mounting member (not shown). The core portion 44B of the side radiator 44 is cooled by the cooling fan 46.

[0075] On the other hand, the side radiator support portion 32 is configured to include a "base member 34" as a support portion, an "upper stay 36" as an upper extension portion, and a "lower stay 38" as a lower extension portion. Specifically, the base member 34 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and is formed of an angle steel, and includes a side wall portion 34A that forms a portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and whose plate thickness direction is set in the vehicle width direction, and a front wall portion 34B that forms a portion on the vehicle front side and whose plate thickness direction is set in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0076] The base member 34 is disposed between the bracket portion 18E and the suspension tower 26 , and is supported relative to the frame 16 by mounting the side wall portion 34A to the vehicle width direction outer side portion of the front frame portion 18A by mounting members (not shown).

[0077] The upper stay 36 is provided on the vehicle upper side of the base member 34, and includes an upper wall portion 36A, a front wall portion 36B, and a side wall portion 36C, and extends from the side wall portion 36C to the rear outer side of the vehicle. Specifically, the upper wall portion 36A constitutes the vehicle upper side portion of the upper stay 36, and is formed in a plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the vehicle up-down direction.

[0078] The front wall portion 36B constitutes a portion of the upper stay 36 on the vehicle front side and is formed in a plate shape with its plate thickness direction in the vehicle front-rear direction. The front wall portion 36B is attached to the front wall portion 34B via a plurality of attachment members 39 in a state of contacting from the vehicle rear side.

[0079] The side wall portion 36C is formed into a plate shape extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the front wall portion 36B in the vehicle width direction. The portion of the upper stay 36 formed by the upper wall portion 36A and the side wall portion 36C is formed into an L-shaped cross section when viewed in the extending direction of the portion.

[0080] On the other hand, the lower stay 38 includes a lower wall portion 38A, a front wall portion 38B and a side wall portion 38C, and is configured to be mirror-symmetrical with the upper stay 36 in the vehicle vertical direction. Also, the lower stay 38 is mounted to the vehicle lower side portion of the base member 34 via a mounting member 39, similarly to the upper stay 36.

[0081] In the side radiator support portion 32 configured as described above, a portion of the side radiator 40 on the vehicle upper side is mounted to the upper stay 36 via a mounting member (not shown), and a portion of the side radiator 40 on the vehicle lower side is mounted to the lower stay 38 via a mounting member (not shown). That is, the upper stay 36 supports the portion of the side radiator 40 on the vehicle upper side relative to the base member 34, and the lower stay 38 supports the portion of the side radiator 40 on the vehicle lower side relative to the base member 34.

[0082] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the side radiators 40 and 44 are supported by the side radiator support portion 32 as described above, the side radiators 40 and 44 are arranged on the outside of the center radiator 28 in the vehicle width direction so as not to overlap with the center radiator 28 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0083] return Figure 8 The power unit bracket 24 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the front frame parts 18A to each other in the vehicle width direction at the vehicle lower side of the suspension tower 26. Also, the "power unit 48" that constitutes a part of the travel control device 52 and is driven by electricity is mounted on the power unit bracket 24.

[0084] A battery 50 is disposed between the main frame portions 18B of the frame 16, and electric power is supplied from the battery 50 to the power unit 48. The power unit 48 and the battery 50 constitute a part of a travel control device 52 that controls the travel of the vehicle 12.

[0085] In detail, Figure 6 As shown, the travel control device 52 includes the power unit 48, the battery 50 and the main ECU 54 for controlling them. Specifically, the main ECU 54 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 54A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 54C, a storage device 54D, a communication I / F (Interface) 54E and an input / output I / F 54F. The CPU 54A, the ROM 54B, the RAM 54C, the storage device 54D, the communication I / F 54E and the input / output I / F 54F are connected to each other via a bus 54G so as to be able to communicate.

[0086] The CPU 54A is a central processing unit that can control various devices by executing various programs. Specifically, the CPU 54A can read programs from the ROM 54B and execute the programs using the RAM 54C as a work area. Furthermore, the main ECU 54 can perform various functions as described below by reading and executing the execution programs stored in the ROM 54B by the CPU 54A.

[0087] More specifically, the ROM 54B stores various programs and various data related to the control of the power unit 48 and the battery 50. On the other hand, the RAM 54C can temporarily store programs and data as a work area.

[0088] The storage device 54D is configured to include a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and can store various programs including an operating system.

[0089] The communication I / F 54E is provided as an interface for connecting the main ECU 54 to various networks, and can communicate with the automatic driving ECU 78 described later, etc. For this interface, for example, communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used. In addition, the communication I / F 54E may also include a wireless device.

[0090] The input / output I / F 54F is provided as an interface for the main ECU 54 to communicate with various devices mounted on the vehicle 12. The main ECU 54 is communicatively connected to the power unit 48 and the battery 50 via the input / output I / F 54F.

[0091] Next, use Figure 5 The functional configuration of the main ECU 54 will be described. The main ECU 54 functions as a combination of a power unit control unit 56 and a battery control unit 58 by the CPU 54A reading out an execution program stored in the ROM 54B and executing the execution program.

[0092] Specifically, the power unit control section 56 controls the power unit 48 based on an operation signal based on an operation of the driver input from an operation device (not shown) or a control signal input from an automatic driving ECU 78 described later.

[0093] The battery control unit 58 controls the battery 50 so that electric power required for driving the power unit 48 is supplied from the battery 50 to the power unit 48 under the control of the power unit control unit 56 .

[0094] On the other hand, the body 14 is a substantially rectangular box-shaped body extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and constitutes a major part of the passenger's living space, that is, the vehicle interior. The body 14 is basically symmetrical in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0095] Here, if Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system 10 of the present embodiment includes a first cooling circuit 10A including a side radiator 40 and a second cooling circuit 10B including a side radiator 44 , and is characterized in that only the first cooling circuit 10A or the second cooling circuit 10B functions in a predetermined situation.

[0096] The first cooling circuit 10A is normally used for cooling the automatic driving control device 76 , and includes a three-way valve 60 , a three-way valve 62 , a first outflow pipe 64 , a first inflow pipe 66 , a device-side inflow pipe 68 , and a device-side outflow pipe 70 .

[0097] The three-way valve 60 includes a valve body 60A and a ball portion 60B. Specifically, the valve body 60A includes a first port 60A1, a second port 60A2, and a third port 60A3.

[0098] On the other hand, the ball portion 60B is built into the valve body 60A, and is driven by an actuator (not shown) to switch the connection states of the first port 60A1, the second port 60A2, and the third port 60A3.

[0099] The three-way valve 62 includes a valve body 62A having a first port 62A1, a second port 62A2, and a third port 62A3, and a ball portion 62B, and has the same structure as the three-way valve 60. The ball portion 62B is driven by an actuator (not shown) to switch the connection states of the first port 62A1, the second port 62A2, and the third port 62A3.

[0100] One side of the first outflow pipe 64 is connected to an outflow port (not shown) provided in the side radiator 40 and through which the cooling water cooled by the side radiator 40 flows out, and the other side of the first outflow pipe 64 is connected to the first port 62A1 of the three-way valve 62 .

[0101] One side of the first inflow pipe 66 is connected to an inlet portion (not shown) provided in the side radiator 40 and into which cooling water for cooling the automatic driving control device 76 flows, and the other side of the first inflow pipe 66 is connected to the first port 60A1 of the three-way valve 60 .

[0102] One side of the equipment-side inflow piping 68 is connected to the third port 62A3 of the three-way valve 62 , and the other side of the equipment-side inflow piping 68 is connected to the automatic driving control device 76 .

[0103] One side of the equipment-side outflow piping 70 is connected to the third port 60A3 of the three-way valve 60 , and the other side of the equipment-side outflow piping 70 is connected to the automatic driving control device 76 .

[0104] On the other hand, the second cooling circuit 10B is normally used for cooling the automatic driving control device 76, similar to the first cooling circuit 10A, and is provided with a three-way valve 60, a three-way valve 62, an equipment-side inflow pipe 68, an equipment-side outflow pipe 70, a "second outflow pipe 72" and a "second inflow pipe 74".

[0105] One side of the second outflow pipe 72 is connected to an outflow port (not shown) provided in the side radiator 44 and through which the cooling water cooled by the side radiator 44 flows out, and the other side of the second outflow pipe 72 is connected to the second port 62A2 of the three-way valve 62 .

[0106] One side of the second inflow pipe 74 is connected to an inlet portion (not shown) provided in the side radiator 44 and into which cooling water for cooling the automatic driving control device 76 flows, and the other side of the second inflow pipe 74 is connected to the second port 60A2 of the three-way valve 60 .

[0107] Next, use Figure 2 Next, the structure of the automatic driving control device 76 will be described. The automatic driving control device 76 is configured to include an automatic driving ECU 78 and an automatic driving actuator 88 .

[0108] The automatic driving ECU 78 is basically configured to have the same structure as the above-mentioned main ECU 54, and is configured to include a CPU 78A, a ROM 78B, a RAM 78C, a storage device 78D, a communication I / F 78E, an input / output I / F 78F, and a bus 78G. It should be noted that the ROM 78B stores programs related to the automatic driving of the vehicle 12 and programs related to the control of the three-way valve 60 and the three-way valve 62, and the storage device 78D can store various data required for the automatic driving of the vehicle 12.

[0109] Furthermore, the automatic driving ECU 78 is connected to the three-way valve 60 , the three-way valve 62 , the water temperature sensor 80 , the water temperature sensor 82 , the water temperature sensor 84 , the water temperature sensor 86 and the automatic driving actuator 88 via the input / output I / F 78F in a communicative manner.

[0110] In detail, Figure 1 As shown, the water temperature sensor 80 will output a signal based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the first outflow pipe 64 to the automatic driving ECU 78, the water temperature sensor 82 will output a signal based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the first inflow pipe 66 to the automatic driving ECU 78, the water temperature sensor 84 will output a signal based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the second inflow pipe 74 to the automatic driving ECU 78, and the water temperature sensor 86 will output a signal based on the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the second outflow pipe 72 to the automatic driving ECU 78.

[0111] return Figure 2 The automatic driving actuator 88 is configured to include a throttle actuator, a brake actuator, and a steering actuator (not shown). Furthermore, the automatic driving actuator 88 can control a driving device (not shown) including an accelerator device, a brake device, and a steering device based on a control signal output from the automatic driving ECU 78 during automatic driving of the vehicle 12.

[0112] Next, use Figure 3 The functional structure of the automatic driving ECU 78 will be described. The automatic driving ECU 78 functions as a collection of the drive control unit 90, the radiator state detection unit 92, and the three-way valve control unit 94 by the CPU 78A reading out the execution program stored in the ROM 78B and executing the execution program.

[0113] During the automatic driving of the vehicle 12 , the drive control unit 90 controls the automatic driving actuator 88 based on the program stored in the ROM 78B and various data stored in the storage device 78D to drive the drive device of the vehicle 12 .

[0114] The radiator state detection unit 92 compares the water temperature of the cooling water measured by the water temperature sensor 80 with the water temperature of the cooling water measured by the water temperature sensor 82, and determines whether the side radiator 40 is operating normally based on the difference between these water temperatures. In addition, when the radiator state detection unit 92 determines that the side radiator 40 is not operating normally, the radiator state detection unit 92 outputs a first abnormal signal to the drive control unit 90 and the three-way valve control unit 94.

[0115] In addition, the radiator state detection unit 92 compares the water temperature of the cooling water measured by the water temperature sensor 84 with the water temperature of the cooling water measured by the water temperature sensor 86, and determines whether the side radiator 44 is operating normally based on the difference between these water temperatures. In addition, when the radiator state detection unit 92 determines that the side radiator 44 is not operating normally, the radiator state detection unit 92 outputs a second abnormal signal to the drive control unit 90 and the three-way valve control unit 94.

[0116] The three-way valve control unit 94 can change the flow path of the cooling water in the cooling system 10 by controlling the actuator that drives the ball portion 60B and the actuator that drives the ball portion 62B.

[0117] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the side radiators 40 and 44 function normally, Figure 1 As shown, the three-way valve control unit 94 connects the first port 60A1, the second port 60A2, and the third port 60A3 of the three-way valve 60. In addition, in this state, the three-way valve control unit 94 connects the first port 62A1, the second port 62A2, and the third port 62A3 of the three-way valve 62. That is, in this state, the cooling water flowing to the automatic driving control device 76 is cooled by the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44.

[0118] On the other hand, in the first abnormal state in which the first abnormal signal is output from the radiator state detection unit 92 to the three-way valve control unit 94, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, the three-way valve control unit 94 connects the second port 60A2 and the third port 60A3 of the three-way valve 60, and connects the second port 62A2 and the third port 62A3 of the three-way valve 62. That is, in the first abnormal state, the automatic driving control device 76 is cooled only by the second cooling circuit 10B.

[0119] Furthermore, in the second abnormal state in which the second abnormal signal is output from the radiator state detection unit 92 to the three-way valve control unit 94, the three-way valve control unit 94 connects the first port 60A1 and the third port 60A3 of the three-way valve 60, and connects the first port 62A1 and the third port 62A3 of the three-way valve 62. That is, in the second abnormal state, the cooling of the automatic driving control device 76 is performed only by the first cooling circuit 10A.

[0120] It should be noted that, if at least one of the first abnormality signal and the second abnormality signal is input from the radiator state detection unit 92 to the drive control unit 90 , the drive control unit 90 controls the automatic driving actuator 88 to make the vehicle 12 retreat to the safety zone.

[0121] In addition, when the water temperature of the cooling water measured by the water temperature sensor 82 and the water temperature sensor 84 does not reach the specified temperature, that is, when the temperature of the automatic driving control device 76 does not reach the specified temperature, the three-way valve control unit 94 controls the three-way valve 60 and the three-way valve 62 in such a way that the cooling of the automatic driving control device 76 is performed only by the first cooling circuit 10A or the second cooling circuit 10B.

[0122] That is, in the present embodiment, the flow path of the cooling system 10 is switched by the three-way valve 60 , the three-way valve 62 and the automatic driving ECU 78 , and their assembly is hereinafter referred to as a “flow path switching unit 96 ”.

[0123] (Functions and Effects of the Present Embodiment)

[0124] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0125] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle 12 is equipped with a center radiator 28 . Even if the power unit 48 of the vehicle 12 is driven by electricity and the power unit 48 is heated, the power unit 48 can be cooled by the center radiator 28 .

[0126] In the present embodiment, the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 are mounted on the vehicle 12 , and the automatic driving control device 76 which is heated by operation can be cooled by the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 .

[0127] If the center radiator 28 and at least one of the side radiators 40 and 44 are arranged to overlap when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, hot air flowing from the center radiator 28 will flow to the side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44, making it difficult to ensure their cooling efficiency.

[0128] Here, in the present embodiment, the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 are arranged on the vehicle width direction outer side of the center radiator 28 so as not to overlap with the center radiator 28 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the hot air flowing from the center radiator 28 from flowing toward the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle 12 which is an electric vehicle capable of automatic driving, the cooling efficiency of the power unit 48 and the automatic driving control device 76 can be ensured.

[0129] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the temperature of the automatic driving control device 76 is low and the required heat dissipation is small, the side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44 can be operated, and when the temperature of the automatic driving control device 76 is high and the required heat dissipation is large, the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 can be operated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cooling performance of the radiator can be appropriately ensured with respect to the temperature of the automatic driving control device 76 and the required heat dissipation.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first outflow pipe 64 and the first inflow pipe 66 are connected to the side radiator 40. The cooling water cooled by the side radiator 40 flows out to the automatic driving control device 76 side through the first outflow pipe 64, and the automatic driving control device 76 can be cooled by the cooling water. In addition, the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device 76 side through the first inflow pipe 66 flows into the side radiator 40, and the cooling water is cooled by the side radiator 40.

[0131] In addition, the second outflow pipe 72 and the second inflow pipe 74 are connected to the side radiator 44. The cooling water cooled by the side radiator 44 flows out to the automatic driving control device 76 side through the second outflow pipe 72, and the automatic driving control device 76 can be cooled by the cooling water. In addition, the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device 76 side through the second inflow pipe 74 flows into the side radiator 44, and the cooling water is cooled by the side radiator 44.

[0132] If a malfunction occurs in the side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44 during the travel of the vehicle 12, it is considered that a failure has occurred in the automatic driving of the vehicle 12. In such a case, it is preferable that the automatic driving control device 76 be cooled only by the side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44, whichever is not in failure, until the vehicle 12 retreats to a safe place.

[0133] Here, in the present embodiment, the flow path switching unit 96 is provided so that the flow path of the cooling water can be changed according to the states of the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 .

[0134] In detail, the flow path switching unit 96 allows a first connection between the first outlet pipe 64 and the second outlet pipe 72 and a second connection between the first inlet pipe 66 and the second inlet pipe 74 when the first heat exchange between the side radiator 40 and the automatic driving control device 76 and the second heat exchange between the side radiator 44 and the automatic driving control device 76 are allowed.

[0135] That is, in the present embodiment, when the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 are operating normally, the cooling water flowing out of the first outflow pipe 64 and the second outflow pipe 72 merge and flow into the automatic driving control device 76. In addition, the cooling water flowing out of the automatic driving control device 76 flows separately to the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44.

[0136] On the other hand, when either the first heat exchange or the second heat exchange is restricted, the flow path switching unit 96 restricts the first connection and the second connection, and restricts the inflow of cooling water to one side of the restricted side of the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 and the outflow of cooling water from the side.

[0137] That is, in the present embodiment, in the first abnormal state in which the side radiator 40 does not function or in the second abnormal state in which the side radiator 44 does not function, the side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44 that does not function is cut off from the flow path of the cooling water. And, by the other side radiator 40 or the side radiator 44 that is functioning, it is possible to ensure a certain cooling performance for the automatic driving control device 76. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure a certain driving performance of the vehicle 12 in the abnormal state in which the cooling performance of the automatic driving control device 76 cannot be sufficiently ensured.

[0138] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 7As shown, a base member 34 extending in the vehicle vertical direction is supported at a portion of the vehicle width direction outer side of the frame 16 of the vehicle 12. An upper stay 36 extends from a portion of the vehicle upper side of the base member 34 toward the vehicle rear outer side, and the upper stay 36 supports portions of the side radiators 40 and 44 on the vehicle upper side.

[0139] On the other hand, a lower stay 38 extends from a portion of the base member 34 on the vehicle lower side toward the vehicle rear outer side, and the lower stay 38 supports portions of the side radiators 40 and 44 on the vehicle lower side.

[0140] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 can be arranged in a state inclined with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction when viewed from the vehicle top-bottom direction. As a result, in this embodiment, the side radiator 40 and the side radiator 44 can be arranged along the design surface of the vehicle 12.

[0141] <Supplementary Explanation of the Aforesaid Embodiment>

[0142] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of three-way valves are used to switch the flow path of the cooling system 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the following structure may be adopted: the first outflow pipe 64, the first inflow pipe 66, the equipment side inflow pipe 68, the equipment side outflow pipe 70, the second outflow pipe 72, and the second inflow pipe 74 are connected to a solenoid valve having a plurality of ports according to the specifications of the cooling system 10, and the solenoid valve is controlled by the automatic driving ECU 78 to switch the flow path of the cooling system 10.

[0143] (2) In the above embodiment, the cooling system 10 of the present embodiment is mounted on the front side of the vehicle 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the cooling system 10 may be mounted on the rear side of the vehicle 12 depending on the specifications of the vehicle 12.

[0144] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the side radiator support portion 32 is composed of a plurality of members, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the side radiator support portion 32 may be composed of a single member depending on the specifications of the vehicle 12 and the like.

Claims

1. A cooling system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a first radiator mounted on the vehicle and capable of cooling a power unit driven by electricity; and a second radiator mounted on the vehicle and arranged on at least one of one side in the vehicle width direction and the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first radiator in a manner not to overlap with the first radiator when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and capable of cooling an automatic driving control device that controls the automatic driving of the vehicle, The second radiators are arranged in a pair with a gap therebetween in the vehicle width direction. The second radiator on one side is connected with a first outflow pipe for allowing cooling water cooled by the second radiator on the one side to flow out to the automatic driving control device side and a first inflow pipe for allowing the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side to flow into the second radiator on the one side. The second radiator on the other side is connected with a second outflow pipe for allowing the cooling water cooled by the second radiator on the other side to flow out to the automatic driving control device side and a second inflow pipe for allowing the cooling water flowing from the automatic driving control device side to flow into the second radiator on the other side. The cooling system for the electric vehicle also has a flow path switching unit, which allows a first connection between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe and a second connection between the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe when a first heat exchange between the second radiator on one side and the automatic driving control device and a second heat exchange between the second radiator on the other side and the automatic driving control device are allowed, and restricts the first connection and the second connection and restricts the inflow of the cooling water to the second radiator side of the restricted side and the outflow of the cooling water from the second radiator side when either the first heat exchange or the second heat exchange is restricted.

2. The cooling system for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a support portion supported by a portion of a frame of the vehicle on the outside in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle up-down direction; an upper extension portion extending from a portion of the support portion on an upper side of the vehicle toward a center side in the vehicle front-rear direction and outward in the vehicle width direction, and supporting a portion of the second radiator on an upper side of the vehicle; and The lower extension portion extends from a portion of the support portion on a lower side of the vehicle toward a center in a vehicle front-rear direction and outward in a vehicle width direction, and supports a portion of the second radiator on a lower side of the vehicle.

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