Cooling module

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling module. The cooling module is provided with a resin manifold comprising a plurality of housings having joining parts joined to each other, and the manifold has a plurality of flow paths formed across at least two of the plurality of housings. The joining surfaces of the joining parts of two shells joined in the plurality of shells are end surfaces of partition walls that partition the interior of the shells into a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of preparation chambers, and the partition walls are provided upright from the bottom surfaces of the two shells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with motors as driving sources have become popular (hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), battery electric vehicles (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), etc.). The above-mentioned automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles") are equipped with batteries for driving motors. In electric vehicles, there are many devices that need to be cooled, such as motors (including internal combustion engines such as engines), batteries, air conditioners, ECUs, etc., so a cooling circuit that circulates cooling water is constructed to cool them. However, the above-mentioned devices often have different appropriate operating temperatures. In such a case, the temperature of the circulating cooling water varies for each device with different operating temperatures, so it is necessary to construct an independent cooling circuit for each cooling water temperature, and the wiring and circuit structure of the cooling circuit piping become complicated.

[0003] For such a problem, for example, there is the technology described in Patent Document 1. In the cooling module disclosed in Patent Document 1 (in Patent Document 1, an integrated coolant bottle assembly), a structure is disclosed in which structural components such as a pump, a cooler, a heater, a filter, a valve, and a fan are installed in a water storage tank (in Patent Document 1, a liquid reservoir), and a flow path (in Patent Document 1, an integrated channel) between the structural components is formed integrally with the water storage tank.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-520261

[0005] In the cooling module disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the structural member is installed on the water tank, it needs to be installed in accordance with the shape of the water tank, and there is only installation space on the surface of the water tank. Therefore, the installation space is determined by the capacity of the water tank. If the pump and valve are installed in the limited installation space, there is a concern that the flow path of the cooling water, the position and direction of the inflow port and the outflow port are restricted, and the design freedom of the cooling circuit is reduced. As a result, there is a concern that the position and direction of the piping installed in the inflow port and the outflow port are affected, and the wiring of the piping becomes more complicated. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cooling module in which auxiliary equipment such as a pump and a valve are mounted integrally, and a flow path is organized so that the positions and directions of inlet ports and outlet ports are aligned.

[0007] One embodiment of the cooling module of the present invention comprises: a resin manifold composed of multiple shells having mutually joined joints, the manifold having multiple flow paths and multiple preparatory chambers formed across at least two of the multiple shells, the respective joining surfaces of the joining portions of two of the multiple shells joined together are end surfaces of a partition wall that divides the interior of the shell into the multiple flow paths and the multiple preparatory chambers, and the partition wall is erected from the bottom surfaces of each of the two shells.

[0008] According to the present embodiment, since the manifold has a plurality of flow paths formed across at least two shells, the number of pipes can be reduced. In addition, the manifold is formed by joining the joint surfaces of a plurality of shells, so even if the shape of the flow path and the flow path structure in the manifold become complicated in consideration of the position and direction of the ports of the pipes, the shapes of the respective shells can be simplified. Thus, the piping loop connected to the port can be integrated and lengthy wiring can be avoided, so the length of the piping connected to the port can be shortened or simplified. In addition, the joint surface is the end face of a partition wall in the shell that is divided into a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of preparatory chambers, and the partition wall is erected from the bottom surfaces of the two shells. Thus, a cooling module that organizes the flow paths in the manifold and makes the positions and directions of the inlet and outlet ports consistent can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a cooling system including a cooling module according to the present embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cooling module.

[0011] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first housing as viewed from the joint surface side.

[0013] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view in the direction of arrow on line VI-VI.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the lower housing as viewed from the joint surface side.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in the direction of the arrow.

[0017] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a first form of operation of the cooling system.

[0018] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a second form of the operation of the cooling system.

[0019] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a third form of the operation of the cooling system.

[0020] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a fourth form of the operation of the cooling system.

[0021] Fig.13 It is a perspective view of a cooling module according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.14 It is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module.

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along the XV-XV line in the direction of the arrow.

[0024] Fig.16 It is an exploded perspective view of the manifold.

[0025] Fig.17 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first water pump and the first rotary valve.

[0026] Fig.18 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing a flow path in the vicinity of the first water pump and the first rotary valve.

[0027] Fig.19 It is a perspective view of a cooling module according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the cooling module of the present invention will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below are examples for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented in various forms as long as it does not deviate from its purpose.

[0029] 〔Cooling system structure〕

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the cooling system A including the cooling module 10 of the first embodiment includes a first water pump 1A (an example of the second auxiliary device), a radiator 1B, an inverter / motor 1C, a DC-DC converter 1D, a charger 1E, a water tank 1F, a second water pump 2A (an example of the second auxiliary device), a heater core 2B, an electric heater 2D, a water-cooled condenser 2C, a third water pump 3A (an example of the second auxiliary device), a battery 3B, a cooler 3C, an electric heater 3D, a first rotary valve 4 (an example of the first auxiliary device), a second rotary valve 5 (an example of the first auxiliary device), and a plurality of flow paths for circulating cooling water (an example of a fluid, i.e., a coolant) therethrough. The first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, the third water pump 3A, the first rotary valve 4, and the second rotary valve 5 are mounted on the cooling module 10. On the other hand, the radiator 1B, the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, the charger 1E, the water tank 1F, the heater core 2B, the electric heater 2D, the water-cooled condenser 2C, the battery 3B, the cooler 3C and the electric heater 3D are arranged separately from the cooling module 10, and are constructed so that cooling water flows between the cooling module 10 through multiple flow paths.

[0031] Cooling system A is used for automobiles equipped with motors as driving sources, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles"), to circulate cooling water to cool inverter / motor 1C, battery 3B, etc.

[0032] The radiator 1B cools the high-temperature cooling water. The inverter / motor 1C is a driving source that operates with the power supplied from the battery 3B. The DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E charge the battery 3B. The heater core 2B heats the air with the high-temperature cooling water to heat the interior of the vehicle. The electric heaters 2D and 3D heat when the temperature of the cooling water is low. The water-cooled condenser 2C and the cooler 3C cool when the temperature of the cooling water is high. The battery 3B supplies power to the inverter / motor 1C.

[0033] The first water pump 1A pumps cooling water to the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, and the charger 1E. The second water pump 2A pumps cooling water to the heater core 2B, the electric heater 2D, and the water-cooled condenser 2C. The third water pump 3A pumps cooling water to the battery 3B, the cooler 3C, and the electric heater 3D. The first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A control the flow of cooling water flowing in a plurality of flow paths by pumping cooling water.

[0034] Hereinafter, the circulation flow path which is configured to return from the radiator 1B through the first water pump 1A, the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, the charger 1E and the water storage tank 1F to the radiator 1B is referred to as the first circulation path 1 (see Fig. 9 ), the flow path formed in the cooling module 10 in the first circulation path 1 is called the first flow path 11. Similarly, the circulation flow path formed from the heater core 2B through the second water pump 2A, the water-cooled condenser 2C and the electric heater 2D and returning to the heater core 2B is called the second circulation path 2 (refer to Fig. 9 ), the flow path formed in the cooling module 10 in the second circulation path 2 is referred to as the second flow path 21. Similarly, the circulation flow path formed from the battery 3B through the third water pump 3A, the cooler 3C and the electric heater 3D and returning to the battery 3B is referred to as the third circulation path 3 (refer to Fig. 9 ), the flow path in the third circulation path 3 formed in the cooling module 10 is called the third flow path 31. In addition, a connecting flow path 51 (an example of a flow path) that connects the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, and the third flow path 31 is formed in the cooling module 10. This will be described later about the flow path structure in the cooling module 10.

[0035] 〔Cooling module structure〕

[0036] like Figure 2 to Figure 8 As shown, the cooling module 10 is composed of a first water pump 1A, a second water pump 2A, a third water pump 3A, a first rotary valve 4, a second rotary valve 5, and a manifold 100 having a flow path for cooling water to flow therethrough in the cooling system A. The manifold 100 is formed by joining a plurality of shells together to form an integral body, thereby forming a plurality of flow paths for cooling water to flow across at least two shells (in this embodiment, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 described later). In addition, as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling module 10 does not have a water storage tank inside. Since the cooling module 10 does not have a water storage tank, the cooling module 10 can be compactly configured and the degree of freedom of arrangement of the cooling module 10 can be increased.

[0037] The manifold 100 is formed by joining and integrating a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 made of resin by a method such as vibration welding. The manifold 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the joint surface 105 of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is a plane. In the following, the direction parallel to the long side direction of the joint surface 105 is defined as the X direction, the direction parallel to the short side direction of the joint surface 105 is defined as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the joint surface 105 is defined as the Z direction for explanation. That is, the joint surface 105 is parallel to the XY plane. In addition, in the X direction, the direction from the first water pump 1A toward the third water pump 3A is defined as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the X2 direction. In the Y direction, the direction from the second outflow port 115 toward the first inflow port 111 is defined as the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Y2 direction (the second outflow port 115 and the first inflow port 111 will be described later). In the Z direction, the direction from the second housing 120 toward the first housing 110 is defined as the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is the gravity direction. That is, the first housing 110 is arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the second housing 120.

[0038] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a first inflow port 111, a second inflow port 112, a third inflow port 113, a first outflow port 114, a second outflow port 115, and a fifth outflow port 116 (an example of a flow path outlet) are formed in the first housing 110. In addition, a third outflow port 121, a fourth outflow port 122, and a sixth outflow port 123 are formed in the second housing 120. The first inflow port 111, the second inflow port 112, the third inflow port 113, the first outflow port 114, the second outflow port 115, the third outflow port 121, the fourth outflow port 122, the fifth outflow port 116, and the sixth outflow port 123 are all cylindrical. The first inflow port 111, the second inflow port 112, and the third inflow port 113 are arranged side by side in a manner that their respective axes are along the Z direction and are located on the same plane, and all ports are open toward the Z1 direction. The first outflow port 114 and the third outflow port 121 are arranged side by side in such a manner that their respective axes are along the X direction and located on the same plane, and all ports are open in the X2 direction. The second outflow port 115 and the fifth outflow port 116 are arranged side by side in such a manner that their respective axes are along the Y direction and located on the same plane, and all ports are open in the Y2 direction. The fourth outflow port 122 and the sixth outflow port 123 are also arranged side by side in such a manner that their respective axes are along the Y direction and located on the same plane, and all ports are open in the Y2 direction.

[0039] The first inflow port 111, the first outflow port 114, and the second outflow port 115 are included in the first circulation path 1, and are communicated with the first flow path 11. The second inflow port 112 and the fourth outflow port 122 are included in the second circulation path 2, and are communicated with the second flow path 21. The third inflow port 113, the fifth outflow port 116, and the sixth outflow port 123 are included in the third circulation path 3, and are communicated with the third flow path 31.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in the manifold 100, the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are installed between the first inflow port 111, the second inflow port 112, the third inflow port 113, and the second outflow port 115, the fifth outflow port 116 in the first housing 110 when the first housing 110 is viewed along the Z2 direction. In the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5, the exposed portion at the upper portion of the first housing 110 is the first actuator 4B for rotationally driving the first valve body 4A of the first rotary valve 4, and the second actuator 5B for rotationally driving the second valve body 5A of the second rotary valve 5. The first valve body 4A and the second valve body 5A are both located in the second housing 120 (refer to Figure 6 ). Thus, the flow path formed in the second housing 120 can be switched, and the flow of cooling water flowing in the plurality of flow paths can be controlled. The first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are both electromagnetic valves that switch the flow path by an actuator, and the flow of cooling water flowing in the plurality of flow paths is controlled by switching the flow path by rotating the first valve body 4A and the second valve body 5A around the axis core along the Z direction. In addition, the first valve body 4A is a three-way valve, and the second valve body 5A is a four-way valve. The details will be described later.

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, in the manifold 100, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A and the third water pump 3A are sequentially installed in the second housing 120 along the X1 direction. At this time, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A and the third water pump 3A are configured so that their respective rotation axes are along the Y direction. In the second housing 120, a downward first sub-flow path 11a (an example of a flow path) connected to the first inflow port 111 and extending and protruding in the Z direction, a downward second sub-flow path 21a (an example of a flow path) connected to the second inflow port 112 and extending and protruding in the Z direction, and a downward third sub-flow path 31a (an example of a flow path) connected to the third inflow port 113 and extending and protruding in the Z direction are formed. The downward first sub-flow path 11a, the downward second sub-flow path 21a, and the downward third sub-flow path 31a are formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The first water pump 1A presses and delivers the cooling water flowing in from the first inflow port 111 and flowing in the downward first sub-flow path 11a. The second water pump 2A pumps cooling water flowing in through the second downward sub-flow path 21a from the second inflow port 112. The third water pump 3A pumps cooling water flowing in through the third downward sub-flow path 31a from the third inflow port 113. The first downward sub-flow path 11a is a part of the first flow path 11, the second downward sub-flow path 21a is a part of the second flow path 21, and the third downward sub-flow path 31a is a part of the third flow path 31.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A are mounted on a mounting portion 125 formed at the end portion in the Z2 direction (the lower end in the vertical direction) of the second housing 120. The mounting portion 125 is thicker than other portions of the second housing 120. Thus, even if the second housing 120 is made of resin, it is possible to ensure strength that allows the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A, which have weight, to be mounted and held.

[0043] The mounting portion 125 is provided with a first vortex chamber 1Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) that rotates after the cooling water flowing from the downward first sub-flow path 11a to the first water pump 1A is discharged by the rotation of an impeller (not shown), a second vortex chamber 2Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) that rotates after the cooling water flowing from the downward second sub-flow path 21a to the second water pump 2A is discharged by the rotation of the impeller, and a third vortex chamber 3Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) that rotates after the cooling water flowing from the downward third sub-flow path 31a to the third water pump 3A is discharged by the rotation of the impeller. In this way, since the first vortex chamber 1Aa, the second vortex chamber 2Aa, and the third vortex chamber 3Aa are formed in the mounting portion 125, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A do not need a shield that restricts the inflow and outflow directions of the cooling water, and the cooling module 10 can be miniaturized, lightweight, and low-cost.

[0044] In this way, in the cooling module 10, the manifold 100 has a plurality of flow paths formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, so the number of pipes can be reduced. In addition, the manifold 100 is formed by joining the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, so even if the shape and structure of the flow paths in the manifold 100 become complicated due to consideration of the position and direction of the ports connected to the pipes, the shapes of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be simplified. As a result, the pipes connected to the ports can be integrated to avoid redundant wiring, so the length of the pipes connected to the ports can be shortened and simplified.

[0045] [Flow of cooling water in cooling module]

[0046] Next, use Figure 3 , Figure 6 to Figure 8 The flow of cooling water in the cooling module 10 will be described. First, the first circulation path 1 (see Fig. 9 ) is used to explain the flow of cooling water. Figure 3 As shown, the cooling water cooled by the radiator 1B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the first inflow port 111 and flows in the downward first sub-flow path 11a along the Z2 direction, and flows into the first water pump 1A. The cooling water pumped by the first water pump 1A flows in the Z1 direction in the upward first sub-flow path 11b (an example of a flow path) formed along the Z direction, and branches out from the upward first sub-flow path 11b to form a lateral first sub-flow path 11c (an example of a flow path) at the joint surface 105 of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As described above, the first outflow port 114 is formed in the first housing 110, so the cooling water that flows in the Z1 direction from the second housing 120 across the first housing 110 in the upward first sub-flow path 11b then changes its flow direction to the X2 direction and flows out from the first outflow port 114. The cooling water flowing out of the first outflow port 114 to the outside of the cooling module 10 cools the DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E, and flows back to the radiator 1B via the water storage tank 1F (see Figure 1 ).

[0047] The first transverse sub-flow path 11c is formed across the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, and is formed along the Y direction. That is, the first transverse sub-flow path 11c is formed along the joint surface 105 of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, and the upper half of the first transverse sub-flow path 11c is formed in the first shell 110, and the lower half is formed in the second shell 120. Moreover, the first transverse sub-flow path 11c is formed by joining the first shell 110 and the second shell 120. The cooling water flows in the first transverse sub-flow path 11c along the Y2 direction, and flows out to the outside of the cooling module 10 from the second outflow port 115 provided at the downstream end of the first transverse sub-flow path 11c. The cooling water flowing out from the second outflow port 115 cools the inverter / motor 1C, and flows back to the radiator 1B via the water storage tank 1F (refer to Figure 1 ). In addition, the upward first sub-flow path 11 b and the lateral first sub-flow path 11 c constitute a part of the first flow path 11.

[0048] Next, the second circulation path 2 (refer to Fig. 9 ) is used to explain the flow of cooling water. Figure 3 As shown, the cooling water cooled by the heater core 2B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the second inlet port 112 and flows in the Z2 direction in the downward second sub-flow path 21a, and flows into the second water pump 2A. The cooling water pumped by the second water pump 2A flows in the Z1 direction in the upward second sub-flow path 21b formed along the Z direction. A space communicating with the upward second sub-flow path 21b, i.e., a first preliminary chamber 4D (an example of a preliminary chamber) is formed at the downstream end of the upward second sub-flow path 21b. The first preliminary chamber 4D is configured to be adjacent to the first valve chamber 4C (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment storage portion) of the first rotary valve 4 in the Y1 direction. The first preliminary chamber 4D is communicated with the first valve chamber 4C via the first connecting hole 131 opening in the Y direction. By providing the first preliminary chamber 4D, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the Z1 direction in the upward second sub-flow path 21b can be converted to the Y2 direction and flow from the first connecting hole 131 into the first valve chamber 4C. Furthermore, the first valve chamber 4C and the first reserve chamber 4D are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110 .

[0049] like Figure 6As shown, the first valve chamber 4C accommodates the first valve body 4A in a manner that allows it to rotate around an axis along the Z direction. The cooling water flowing in the upward second sub-flow path 21b all flows into the first valve chamber 4C via the first preliminary chamber 4D and the first connecting hole 131. The first valve chamber 4C is connected to the lateral second sub-flow path 21c via the second connecting hole 132 opening along the Y direction, and is connected to the fourth flow path 41 via the third connecting hole 133 opening along the X direction. The flow path is switched by rotating the first valve body 4A, and the cooling water flowing into the first valve chamber 4C flows in either the lateral second sub-flow path 21c or the fourth flow path 41. Figure 6 In the state shown, cooling water flows in the fourth flow path 41. The second transverse sub-flow path 21c extends and protrudes along the Y direction, and the fourth flow path 41 extends and protrudes along the X direction, and both are formed in the second housing 120 (refer to Figure 3 In addition, although the downward second sub-channel 21a, the upward second sub-channel 21b, the lateral second sub-channel 21c, the first valve chamber 4C and the first reserve chamber 4D constitute a part of the second channel 21, the fourth channel 41 is not a part of the second channel 21 and does not constitute the second circulation path 2.

[0050] The cooling water flowing from the first valve chamber 4C into the second lateral sub-channel 21c through the second communication hole 132 flows in the Y2 direction and flows out from the fourth outflow port 122 to the outside of the cooling module 10. The cooling water flowing out from the fourth outflow port 122 flows back to the heater core 2B through the water-cooled condenser 2C and the electric heater 2D (see Figure 1 The cooling water flowing from the first valve chamber 4C into the fourth flow path 41 through the third communication hole 133 flows in the X2 direction and flows out from the third outflow port 121 to the outside of the cooling module 10. The cooling water flowing out from the second outflow port 115 flows into the radiator 1B through the water storage tank 1F (see Figure 1 The first rotary valve 4 rotates the first valve body 4A around the axis along the Z direction by using the first actuator 4B, so that the cooling water flowing in the upward second sub-flow path 21b and flowing into the first valve chamber 4C is switched to the lateral second sub-flow path 21c and the fourth flow path 41 and flows through them.

[0051] Next, the third circulation path 3 (refer to Fig. 9 ) is used to explain the flow of cooling water. Figure 3As shown, the cooling water that has cooled the battery 3B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the third inlet port 113 and flows in the Z2 direction in the downward third sub-flow path 31a, and flows into the third water pump 3A. The cooling water pumped by the third water pump 3A flows in the Z1 direction in the upward third sub-flow path 31b formed along the Z direction. A second reserve chamber 5D (an example of a reserve chamber) is formed at the downstream end of the upward third sub-flow path 31b as a space communicating with the upward third sub-flow path 31b. The second reserve chamber 5D is configured to be adjacent to the second valve chamber 5C (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment storage portion) of the second rotary valve 5 in the Y1 direction. The second reserve chamber 5D is communicated with the second valve chamber 5C via the fourth communication hole 134 opened in the Y direction. By providing the second reserve chamber 5D, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the Z1 direction in the upward third sub-flow path 31b can be converted to the Y2 direction and flow from the fourth communication hole 134 into the second valve chamber 5C. Furthermore, the second valve chamber 5C and the second reserve chamber 5D are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110 .

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the second valve chamber 5C accommodates the second valve body 5A in a manner that allows it to rotate around an axis along the Z direction. The cooling water flowing in the upward third sub-flow path 31b all flows into the second valve chamber 5C via the second preliminary chamber 5D and the fourth connecting hole 134. The second valve chamber 5C is connected to the lateral third sub-flow path 31d via the sixth connecting hole 136 that opens along the Y direction. In addition, the second valve chamber 5C is connected to the third preliminary chamber 5E (an example of a preliminary chamber) and the fourth preliminary chamber 5F (an example of a preliminary chamber) via the fifth connecting hole 135 (an example of a flow path inlet) and the seventh connecting hole 137 that are adjacent to each other on both sides in the circumferential direction with the sixth connecting hole 136 sandwiched therebetween. The third preliminary chamber 5E and the fourth preliminary chamber 5F are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. By rotating the second valve body 5A to switch the flow path, the cooling water flowing into the second valve chamber 5C flows to any one of the lateral third sub-flow path 31d, the third preliminary chamber 5E and the fourth preliminary chamber 5F. Figure 6 In the shown state, the cooling water flows into the third preliminary chamber 5E.

[0053] like Figure 8As shown, the third reserve chamber 5E is connected to the fifth outflow port 116 via the L-shaped third sub-flow path 31c extending along the Z direction. By providing the third reserve chamber 5E, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing into the third reserve chamber 5E from the second valve chamber 5C via the fifth connecting hole 135 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction can be converted to the Z1 direction and flow in the L-shaped third sub-flow path 31c and flow out from the fifth outflow port 116 to the outside of the cooling module 10. That is, the fifth connecting hole 135 through which the cooling water flows in and the fifth outflow port 116 through which the cooling water flows out are different in the vertical direction. The cooling water flowing out of the fifth outflow port 116 flows back to the battery 3B via the electric heater 3D (refer to Figure 1 The cooling water flowing from the second valve chamber 5C into the third lateral sub-channel 31d through the sixth communication hole 136 flows in the Y2 direction and flows out from the sixth outflow port 123 to the outside of the cooling module 10. The cooling water flowing out from the sixth outflow port 123 flows back to the battery 3B through the cooler 3C (see Figure 1 In addition, the downward third sub-channel 31a, the upward third sub-channel 31b, the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c, the lateral third sub-channel 31d, the second valve chamber 5C, the second reserve chamber 5D, and the third reserve chamber 5E constitute a part of the third channel 31.

[0054] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 As shown, the fourth preliminary chamber 5F is connected to a communication flow path 51 extending from the fourth preliminary chamber 5F in the Z direction and then bending and extending in the X direction. The first portion 51a of the communication flow path 51 extending in the Z direction is formed in the second housing 120, and the second portion 51b extending in the X direction is formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. That is, the second portion 51b of the communication flow path 51 is formed along the joint surface 105 of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and the upper half of the second portion 51b is formed in the first housing 110, and the lower half is formed in the second housing 120. The communication flow path 51 is not a part of the third flow path 31, and does not constitute the third circulation path 3.

[0055] As described above, the connecting flow path 51 connects the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, and the third flow path 31 in the cooling module 10. By providing the connecting flow path 51 in this way, the three circulation paths of the cooling water circulation can be integrated, so the number of pipes connected to the port can be reduced, and the length of the pipes can be shortened and simplified.

[0056] The second portion 51b of the communication flow path 51 is connected to the first transverse sub-flow path 11c at the end on the opposite side of the fourth preliminary chamber 5F. In addition, when viewed along the Z direction, the second portion 51b intersects with the second transverse sub-flow path 21c. The second portion 51b is recessed in the Z2 direction and connected to the second transverse sub-flow path 21c at the intersection position.

[0057] The second rotary valve 5 rotates the second valve body 5A around the axis along the Z direction by using the second actuator 5B, so that the cooling water flowing into the second valve chamber 5C from the upward third sub-channel 31b switches and flows in the following three ways, namely, (1) flows from the fifth communicating hole 135 in the third preliminary chamber 5E and the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c and flows out from the fifth outflow port 116, (2) flows from the seventh communicating hole 137 in the fourth preliminary chamber 5F and the connecting channel 51 and flows out from the second outflow port 115, (3) flows from the seventh communicating hole 137 in the fourth preliminary chamber 5F, the connecting channel 51 and the lateral second sub-channel 21c and flows out from the second outflow port 115 and the fourth outflow port 122, and flows from the sixth communicating hole 136 in the lateral third sub-channel 31d and flows out from the sixth outflow port 123.

[0058] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, a first partition wall 117 (an example of a partition wall) is formed in the first housing 110 to separate two adjacent ones of the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, the third flow path 31, the communication flow path 51, the first valve chamber 4C, the second valve chamber 5C, the first preliminary chamber 4D, the second preliminary chamber 5D, and the third preliminary chamber 5E. The first partition wall 117 is erected from a first bottom surface 118 (an example of a bottom surface) of the first housing 110. A first peripheral wall 119 (an example of a peripheral wall) that defines the outer periphery of the first housing 110 is erected from the first bottom surface 118.

[0059] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the second housing 120 is provided with a second partition wall 124 (an example of a partition wall) that separates two adjacent ones of the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, the third flow path 31, the connecting flow path 51, the first valve chamber 4C, the second valve chamber 5C, the first preliminary chamber 4D, the second preliminary chamber 5D, the third preliminary chamber 5E, the fourth preliminary chamber 5F, the first vortex chamber 1Aa, the second vortex chamber 2Aa, and the third vortex chamber 3Aa. By forming the first joint surface 117a (an example of a joint surface) of the first partition wall 117 of the first housing 110 (refer to Figure 4) is joined to the second joining surface 124a (an example of a joining surface) of the second partition wall 124 of the second housing 120, and the joining position becomes the joining portion 128 (refer to Figure 2 ) to form the manifold 100. That is, the joint portion 128 includes the first joint surface 117a of the first partition wall 117 and the second joint surface 124a of the second partition wall 124 (see Figure 8 ).

[0060] The second partition wall 124 is provided to stand from the second bottom surface 126 (an example of the bottom surface) of the second housing 120. In addition, the second peripheral wall 127 (an example of the peripheral wall) defining the outer periphery of the second housing 120 is also provided to stand from the second bottom surface 126. The second peripheral wall 127 and the first peripheral wall 119 are joined by joining the end surface of the second peripheral wall 127, that is, the second joining surface 127a (an example of the joining surface) and the end surface of the first peripheral wall 119, that is, the first joining surface 119a (an example of the joining surface). The joining position at this time is also the joining portion 128.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the first partition wall 117 is connected to at least one of the first peripheral wall 119 of the first housing 110, the first valve chamber 4C, and the second valve chamber 5C. Figure 3 As shown, the second partition wall 124 is connected to at least one of the second peripheral wall 127 of the second housing 120, the first valve chamber 4C, and the second valve chamber 5C.

[0062] 〔How to use the cooling system〕

[0063] Next, the use of the cooling system A during the running of the electric vehicle will be described. Fig. 9 The use form (hereinafter referred to as the first form) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at an extremely low temperature (for example, below 0 degrees) is described. This is equivalent to, for example, the state after the electric vehicle has just been driven when the ambient temperature is extremely low and there is no heating. At this time, the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E need to be supplied with cooled cooling water, and on the other hand, the heater core 2B and the battery 3B need to be supplied with heated cooling water. Therefore, in the first form, the first circulation path 1, the second circulation path 2 and the third circulation path 3 operate independently. hereinafter, in Figures 9 to 12 In FIG. 1 , a first circulation path 1 , a second circulation path 2 , and a third circulation path 3 are respectively indicated by thick solid lines.

[0064] In the first circulation path 1, the first water pump 1A is operated, and the cooling water flowing into the first inflow port 111 from the radiator 1B is pumped by the first water pump 1A and flows in the first flow path 11, flows out from the first outflow port 114 and the second outflow port 115, and flows back to the radiator 1B through the water storage tank 1F. The cooling water is cooled by the radiator 1B, so the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, and the charger 1E are cooled.

[0065] In the second circulation path 2, the second water pump 2A is operated, and the first rotary valve 4 is switched to connect the first valve chamber 4C and the second lateral sub-flow path 21c (see Figure 6 ), the cooling water flowing from the heater core 2B into the second inlet port 112 is pumped by the second water pump 2A and flows in the second flow path 21, and flows out from the fourth outflow port 122. The cooling water flowing out of the cooling module 10 is heated by the electric heater 2D and flows back to the heater core 2B. At this time, the water-cooled condenser 2C does not operate.

[0066] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is operated, and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the third reserve chamber 5E (see Figure 6 ), the cooling water flowing from the battery 3B into the third inlet port 113 is pumped by the third water pump 3A and flows in the third flow path 31, and flows out from the fifth outflow port 116. The cooling water flowing out of the cooling module 10 is heated by the electric heater 3D and flows back to the battery 3B. Thus, the battery 3B is heated by the cooling water.

[0067] Next, use Fig.10 The use form of cooling system A (hereinafter referred to as the second form) when the electric vehicle is running at a low temperature (for example, 0 degrees to 10 degrees) where the temperature of cooling system A is higher than the extremely low temperature is described. This is equivalent to, for example, a state in which the surrounding temperature is extremely low and the electric vehicle is running and slightly heated. At this time, the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, and the charger 1E need to be supplied with cooled cooling water, and on the other hand, the heater core 2B and the battery 3B need to be supplied with heated cooling water. In the second form, the first circulation path 1 and the second circulation path 2 circulate the cooling water in the same form as the first form, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0068] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is operated, and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the fourth reserve chamber 5F (from Figure 6In the state shown, the second valve body 5A is rotated 90 degrees clockwise), and the cooling water flowing from the battery 3B into the third inlet port 113 is pumped by the third water pump 3A and flows into the second valve chamber 5C, then flows from the fourth reserve chamber 5F in the connecting flow path 51, and flows out from the second outflow port 115. At this time, the cooling water flowing in the connecting flow path 51 does not flow into the lateral second sub-flow path 21c. The cooling water flowing out of the cooling module 10 flows in the inverter / motor 1C, the water tank 1F, and the radiator 1B, and flows back to the battery 3B through the cooler 3C. However, the cooler 3C does not operate, and the cooling water is not cooled by the cooler 3C. In the second form, the first circulation path 1 and the third circulation path 3 are integrated to circulate the cooling water, and the battery 3B is heated by the cooling water heated by the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E. Furthermore, the flow path connecting the radiator 1B and the cooler 3C is branched in the middle, and a part of the cooling water flows to the first inflow port 111. Thus, the first circulation path 1 of the first type is configured.

[0069] Next, use Fig.11 The use form (hereinafter referred to as the third form) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at a normal temperature (for example, 10 degrees to 30 degrees) where the temperature of the cooling system A is higher than the low temperature is described. This is equivalent to, for example, a state in which the electric vehicle is running and heating is completed (normal driving state). In the third form, the first circulation path 1 circulates the cooling water in the same form as the first form, so the detailed description is omitted. On the other hand, the second water pump 2A and the third water pump 3A stop operating, so the cooling water does not flow (reflux) in the second circulation path 2 and the third circulation path 3.

[0070] Next, use Fig.12 The use form (hereinafter referred to as the fourth form) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at a high temperature (for example, 30 degrees or more) higher than the normal temperature of the cooling system A is described. This is equivalent to, for example, a state in which the electric vehicle is driven for a long time in an environment where the inverter / motor 1C needs to be set to a high torque. At this time, the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, the charger 1E, and the battery 3B are in a high temperature state, so cooling water needs to be supplied for cooling. In the fourth form, the first circulation path 1 circulates the cooling water in the same form as the first form, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0071] In the second circulation path 2, the second water pump 2A is operated, and the first rotary valve 4 is switched to connect the first valve chamber 4C and the fourth flow path 41 (from Figure 6The state shown in the figure makes the first valve body 4A rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise), and the cooling water flowing into the second inlet port 112 from the heater core 2B is pumped by the second water pump 2A and flows through the upward second sub-flow path 21b, the first valve chamber 4C and the fourth flow path 41, and flows out from the third outflow port 121. As described above, the cooling water flowing out from the third outflow port 121 to the outside of the cooling module 10 flows into the radiator 1B via the water storage tank 1F. The cooling water that flows into the radiator 1B and is cooled flows into the first inlet port 111 constituting the first circulation path 1. Moreover, after being pumped by the first water pump 1A, it flows through the upward first sub-flow path 11b, the lateral first sub-flow path 11c, the connecting flow path 51 and the lateral second sub-flow path 21c, and flows out from the fourth outflow port 122 to the outside of the cooling module 10. Then, the cooling water is cooled by the water-cooled condenser 2C and flows back to the heater core 2B. At this time, the electric heater 2D does not operate. In the fourth embodiment, the second circulation path 2 is integrated with the first circulation path 1 to circulate cooling water for cooling. At this time, part of the cooling water flowing out of the radiator 1B flows into the cooler 3C.

[0072] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is operated, and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the lateral third sub-flow path 31d (from Figure 6 In the state shown, the second valve body 5A is rotated 45 degrees clockwise, and the cooling water flowing from the battery 3B into the third inlet port 113 is pumped by the third water pump 3A and flows into the second valve chamber 5C, and then flows into the lateral third sub-flow path 31d.

[0073] The cooling water flowing into the third lateral sub-flow path 31d flows out from the sixth outflow port 123. The cooling water flowing out from the cooling module 10 flows back to the battery 3B through the cooler 3C. At this time, the cooling water is cooled by the cooler 3C.

[0074] In this way, in the cooling module 10, all the inflow ports are formed along the Z direction, and all the outflow ports are formed along the X direction or the Y direction. In particular, the first inflow port 111, the second inflow port 112, and the third inflow port 113 are arranged side by side in a manner that their respective axis cores are along the Z direction and are located on the same plane. In addition, the first outflow port 114 and the third outflow port 121 are arranged side by side in a manner that their respective axis cores are along the X direction and are located on the same plane. In addition, the second outflow port 115 and the fifth outflow port 116 are arranged side by side in a manner that their respective axis cores are along the Y direction and are located on the same plane. The fourth outflow port 122 and the sixth outflow port 123 are also arranged side by side in a manner that their respective axis cores are along the Y direction and are located on the same plane. In this way, by making the orientation and configuration of multiple inflow ports and outflow ports consistent, the piping connected to the inflow port and the outflow port can be integrated to avoid redundant wiring, so the piping length of the circuit in the cooling system A can be shortened and simplified.

[0075] [Second embodiment]

[0076] Next, use Figure 13 to Figure 18 A cooling module 300 using a first rotary valve 340 (an example of a first auxiliary device) and a second rotary valve 350 (an example of a first auxiliary device) of the second embodiment will be described. The cooling module 300 of this embodiment is different from the cooling module 10 of the first embodiment in terms of the flow path structure.

[0077] like Fig.13 As shown, the cooling module 300 of this embodiment includes a first rotary valve 340, a second rotary valve 350, a first water pump 360 (an example of a second auxiliary device), a second water pump 370 (an example of a second auxiliary device), and a plurality of flow paths 312 (see FIG. 1 ) for flowing cooling water therethrough. Fig.15 ) is formed by a manifold 302. The manifold 302 is formed by joining a plurality of housings together and forming an integral body. In this embodiment, Fig.16 As shown, the first housing 310 and the second housing 330 are joined to form.

[0078] Fig.15 The plurality of flow paths 312 shown are a concept including both an inflow path for cooling water to flow into the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350, and an outflow path for cooling water to flow out of the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350. The plurality of flow paths 312 are a concept including all flow paths for cooling water to flow inside the manifold 302, such as a flow path formed only in the first housing 310, a flow path formed only in the second housing 330, and a flow path formed from the first housing 310 across the second housing 330.

[0079] In the manifold 302 of this embodiment, as Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the first rotary valve 340, the second rotary valve 350, the first water pump 360 and the second water pump 370 are all installed in the first housing 310. The rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 340 is parallel to the rotation axis AX of the second rotary valve 350, and the rotation axis AX of the first water pump 360 is parallel to the rotation axis BX of the second water pump 370. Moreover, the rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 340 and the second rotary valve 350 and the rotation axis BX of the first water pump 360 and the second water pump 370 are perpendicular to each other. Only a part of the plurality of flow paths 312 is formed in the second housing 330 (refer to Fig.16 ).

[0080] The first rotary valve 340 includes a first actuator 341, a first valve body 342 (an example of a valve body), a first valve chamber 316 (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment storage portion), and a reserve chamber 314 formed around the first valve chamber 316. The second rotary valve 350 includes a second actuator 351, a second valve body 352 (an example of a valve body), a second valve chamber 318 (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment storage portion), and a reserve chamber 314 formed around the second valve chamber 318. The first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, and the reserve chamber 314 are formed in the first housing 310. The first valve chamber 316 and the second valve chamber 318 respectively store the entire first valve body 342 and the second valve body 352. The first actuator 341 and the second actuator 351 are exposed on the surface of the first housing 310.

[0081] The reserve chamber 314 is formed between the flow path 312 and the first valve chamber 316, and between the flow path 312 and the second valve chamber 318, and the flow path 312 and the first valve chamber 316, and the flow path 312 and the second valve chamber 318 are connected via the reserve chamber 314. The reserve chamber 314 is a concept that includes both an inflow reserve chamber connected to the inflow path and an outflow reserve chamber connected to the outflow path. In the present embodiment, the reserve chamber 314 is arranged in all the flow paths 312 connected to the first valve chamber 316 and all the flow paths 312 connected to the second valve chamber 318.

[0082] like Fig.16 As shown, a first partition wall 324 (an example of a partition wall) is formed in the first housing 310 to separate two adjacent ones of the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the preliminary chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, and the second vortex chamber 322. The first housing 310 is composed only of the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the preliminary chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, the second vortex chamber 322, and the first partition wall 324. The first partition wall 324 is erected from the first bottom surface 311 (an example of the bottom surface) of the first housing 310 (see Fig.16 , 17 ). In addition, a first peripheral wall 313 (an example of a peripheral wall) defining the periphery of the first housing 310 is erected from the first bottom surface 311. The first partition wall 324 is connected to at least one of the first peripheral wall 313 of the first housing 310, the first valve chamber 316, and the second valve chamber 318.

[0083] The second housing 330 is provided with a second partition wall 332 (an example of a partition wall) that separates a portion of the plurality of flow paths 312 formed in the second housing 330 and two adjacent portions in the reserve chamber 314. The first bonding surface 324a (an example of a bonding surface) of the first partition wall 324 of the first housing 310 is bonded to the second bonding surface 332a (an example of a bonding surface) of the second partition wall 332 of the second housing 330, so that the bonding position becomes a bonding portion 335, and the manifold 302 is formed. That is, the bonding portion 335 includes the first bonding surface 324a of the first partition wall 324 and the second bonding surface 332a of the second partition wall 332.

[0084] The second partition wall 332 is provided to stand upright from the second bottom surface 331 (an example of the bottom surface) of the second housing 330 (see Fig.16 , 17 ). In addition, a second peripheral wall 333 (an example of a peripheral wall) defining the periphery of the second housing 330 is erected from the second bottom surface 331. The second peripheral wall 333 and the first peripheral wall 313 are joined by joining the end surface of the second peripheral wall 333, namely the second joining surface 333a (an example of a joining surface) and the end surface of the first peripheral wall 313, namely the first joining surface 313a (an example of a joining surface). The joining position at this time is also the joining portion 335.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first rotary valve 340 and the first water pump 360 are disposed adjacent to each other, and the second rotary valve 350 and the second water pump 370 are disposed adjacent to each other. Fig.17 As shown, in the first housing 310, near the first water pump 360, a first inlet 325 (an example of an inlet) for cooling water to flow into the first water pump 360, a first vortex chamber 320 (an example of a vortex chamber) for causing the cooling water flowing in from the first inlet 325 to swirl and be pressure-fed by the rotation of the first impeller 362, and a first discharge port 327 (an example of a discharge port) for discharging the pressure-fed cooling water are formed. Furthermore, a first communication hole 343 (an example of an outlet) formed in the wall surface of the first valve chamber 316 constituting the first rotary valve 340 and the first inlet 325 of the first water pump 360 are arranged opposite to each other with the flow path 312 interposed therebetween.

[0086] like Fig.15As shown, a second inlet 326 (an example of an inlet) for cooling water to flow into the second water pump 370, a second vortex chamber 322 (an example of a vortex chamber) for swirling and pressure-feeding the cooling water flowing in from the second inlet 326 by the rotation of the second impeller 372, and a second discharge port (not shown) for discharging the pressure-feeding cooling water are also formed near the second water pump 370 installed in the first housing 310. Furthermore, a second communication hole 353 (an example of an outlet) formed in the wall surface of the second valve chamber 318 constituting the second rotary valve 350 and the second inlet 326 of the second water pump 370 are arranged opposite to each other with the reserve chamber 314 interposed therebetween.

[0087] In the manifold 302 of this embodiment, as Fig.18 As shown, in at least one of the plurality of flow paths 312, the flow path inlet 328 into which the cooling water flows and the flow path outlet 329 from which the cooling water flows out are at different heights in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the first housing 310 and the second housing 330). Specifically, the cooling water flowing into the flow path inlet 328 formed in the first housing 310 flows in the flow path 312 along the arrow, and flows into the first rotary valve 340 from the flow path outlet 329 located vertically above the flow path inlet 328 via the reserve chamber 314.

[0088] [Third embodiment]

[0089] Next, use Fig.19 A cooling module 400 using the first rotary valve 440 (an example of the first auxiliary device) and the second rotary valve 450 (an example of the first auxiliary device) of the third embodiment will be described. The cooling module 400 of this embodiment has a flow path structure different from the cooling modules 10 and 300 of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0090] The cooling module 400 of the present embodiment includes a first rotary valve 440, a second rotary valve 450, a first water pump 460 (an example of a second auxiliary device), a second water pump 470 (an example of a second auxiliary device), and a manifold 402 having a plurality of flow paths 412 through which cooling water flows. The manifold 402 is formed by joining a plurality of housings together, and in the present embodiment, is formed by joining a first housing 410 and a second housing 430. The plurality of flow paths 412 are concepts including both an inflow path through which cooling water flows into the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450, and an outflow path through which cooling water flows out of the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450. The plurality of flow paths 412 are concepts including all flow paths through which cooling water flows inside the manifold 402, such as a flow path formed only in the first housing 410, a flow path formed only in the second housing 430, and a flow path formed from the first housing 410 across the second housing 430.

[0091] In the manifold 402 of the present embodiment, the first rotary valve 440 and the second rotary valve 450 are mounted on the first housing 410, and the first water pump 460 and the second water pump 470 are mounted on the second housing 430. The rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 440, the rotation axis AX of the second rotary valve 450, the rotation axis BX of the first water pump 360, and the rotation axis BX of the second water pump 370 are all parallel.

[0092] [Other implementation methods]

[0093] (1) In the first embodiment, the manifold 100, the first lateral sub-channel 11c, and the communication channel 51 are formed by joining two components, namely, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Three or more components may be joined to form at least one of the manifold 100, the first lateral sub-channel 11c, and the communication channel 51.

[0094] (2) In the first embodiment, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, the third water pump 3A, the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are used as auxiliary equipment installed in the cooling module 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and other auxiliary equipment may be installed. Other examples of auxiliary equipment include pumps such as a battery pump and a powertrain pump, a cooler 3C, electric heaters 2D and 3D, a filter, an aerator, a valve, a connector, a fan, a radiator 1B, and the like.

[0095] (3) In the first embodiment, the manifold 100 is provided with the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, the third flow path 31, the fourth flow path 41, the communication flow path 51, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number and arrangement of the flow paths including the communication paths in the manifold 100, as well as the positions of the inlet and outlet ports, the directions and the number of the openings can also be appropriately changed according to the type and number of auxiliary equipment and the structure of the cooling circuit.

[0096] The following structures are conceivable based on the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0097] (1) One embodiment of the cooling module comprises: a resin manifold composed of a plurality of shells having mutually joined joints, the manifold having a plurality of flow paths formed across at least two of the plurality of shells, the respective joining surfaces of the joining portions of two of the plurality of shells joined are end surfaces of a partition wall that divides the interior of the shell into the plurality of flow paths and the plurality of preparatory chambers, the partition wall being erected from the bottom surfaces of the two shells.

[0098] According to the present embodiment, since the manifold has a plurality of flow paths formed across at least two shells, the number of pipes can be reduced. In addition, the manifold is formed by joining the joint surfaces of a plurality of shells, so even if the shape of the flow path and the flow path structure in the manifold become complicated in consideration of the position and direction of the ports connected to the pipes, the shapes of the respective shells can be simplified. Thus, the piping loop connected to the port can be integrated to avoid lengthy wiring, so the length of the piping connected to the port can be shortened and simplified. In addition, the joint surface is the end face of a partition wall in the shell that is divided into a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of preparatory chambers, and the partition wall is erected from the bottom surfaces of the two shells. Thus, a cooling module that organizes the flow paths in the manifold and makes the positions and directions of the inlet and outlet ports consistent can be provided.

[0099] (2) In another embodiment of the cooling module, each of the plurality of shells has an outer peripheral wall erected from the bottom surface, the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of shells having the joint portion are joined to each other to form the joint portion, and the end surface of the outer peripheral wall of each of the shells is the joint surface.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, the joint portion is formed by joining the components together via the outer peripheral walls, so that the manifold can be miniaturized.

[0101] (3) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the manifold has a first auxiliary equipment storage portion for storing a first auxiliary equipment for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the flow path, and the partition wall is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the casing or the first auxiliary equipment storage portion.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the strength of the manifold can be improved.

[0103] (4) In another embodiment of the cooling module, it also comprises: a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the above-mentioned flow path, and the plurality of the above-mentioned shells include: a first shell, and a second shell connected to the above-mentioned first shell, the above-mentioned first auxiliary device is installed on the above-mentioned first shell, and the above-mentioned second auxiliary device is installed on the above-mentioned second shell.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, by mounting the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device on different housings, the strength of the housing required to hold the auxiliary device can be optimized according to the type of the auxiliary device.

[0105] (5) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first shell is configured to be joined to the second shell on the upper side in the vertical direction, and the first shell has a plurality of inlet ports respectively connected to the plurality of flow paths, and the plurality of inlet ports are arranged side by side with their respective axes along the vertical direction and located on the same plane.

[0106] According to this embodiment, by arranging the inflow ports in parallel with their respective axes along the vertical direction and on the same plane, the pipes connected to the inflow ports can be integrated to avoid redundant wiring, thereby shortening and simplifying the length of the pipes connected to the inflow ports.

[0107] (6) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first auxiliary device is a rotary valve, the second housing has a valve chamber for storing a valve body constituting the rotary valve, and the valve body of the rotary valve is stored in the valve chamber.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the valve body of the rotary valve is housed in the valve chamber, and the flow paths formed in the housing are switched, thereby expanding the flow of the fluid flowing through the plurality of flow paths.

[0109] (7) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second housing has a mounting portion to be mounted on the second auxiliary equipment, and the mounting portion is thicker than other portions.

[0110] According to the present embodiment, even if the manifold is made of resin, it is possible to ensure the strength for mounting and holding heavy auxiliary equipment.

[0111] (8) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second auxiliary device is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid, and the water pump and the second housing form a vortex chamber in which the pressurized fluid flows.

[0112] According to the present embodiment, the water pump does not require a cover that restricts the inflow and outflow directions of the fluid, and the cooling module can be made smaller, lighter, and less expensive.

[0113] (9) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the plurality of flow paths include: a first flow path constituting a portion of a first circulation path circulating through a radiator, a second flow path constituting a portion of a second circulation path circulating through a heater core, a third flow path constituting a portion of a third circulation path circulating through a battery, and a connecting flow path connecting the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

[0114] According to this embodiment, by providing a first flow path constituting a part of the first circulation path, a second flow path constituting a part of the second circulation path, a third flow path constituting a part of the third circulation path, and a connecting flow path that connects the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path in the cooling module, the circulation paths of the fluid circulation can be integrated, so the number of pipes connected to the port can be reduced, and the length of the pipes can be shortened and simplified.

[0115] (10) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the communication flow path is formed along the joint surfaces of the plurality of casings.

[0116] According to the present embodiment, by forming the communication flow path on the joint surface, even if the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are separated into the first housing and the second housing, they can be communicated with each other.

[0117] (11) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first auxiliary device is a rotary valve, the second auxiliary device is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid, and the rotation axis of the rotary valve and the rotation axis of the water pump are parallel to each other.

[0118] According to this embodiment, it is easy to form the flow paths on the same plane, and it is possible to reduce the projected area of ​​the cooling module when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis.

[0119] (12) Another embodiment of the cooling module further comprises a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the above-mentioned flow path, the plurality of the above-mentioned shells include a first shell and a second shell connected to the above-mentioned first shell, and the above-mentioned first auxiliary device and the above-mentioned second auxiliary device are both installed on the above-mentioned first shell.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device are mounted on the first housing, so the cooling module can be miniaturized.

[0121] (13) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the flow path is formed only in the second housing.

[0122] According to this embodiment, unnecessary space of the second housing can be eliminated, and the cooling module can be reduced in size.

[0123] (14) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second auxiliary device is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid, and the first shell has an inlet in the water pump for the fluid to flow in, a vortex chamber for pressurizing the inflowing liquid, and an outlet for discharging the fluid.

[0124] According to the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to use dedicated components required for forming the inlet, the vortex chamber, and the outlet, it is possible to configure a small and low-cost cooling module.

[0125] (15) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first auxiliary device is a rotary valve, and the first housing has a valve chamber for accommodating a valve body constituting the rotary valve.

[0126] According to this embodiment, since the valve chamber is formed in the first housing to accommodate the valve body of the rotary valve, there is no need to use a dedicated component for the valve chamber, and the cooling module can be reduced in size and cost.

[0127] (16) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the valve chamber is formed by a partition wall provided upright from the bottom surface of the first housing.

[0128] According to the present embodiment, the valve body of the rotary valve is accommodated inside the first housing and does not protrude to the outside, so that the dead space can be reduced.

[0129] (17) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the inlet of the water pump and the outlet of the rotary valve are arranged to face each other.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the water pump and the rotary valve are arranged close to each other, so that the cooling module can be reduced in size.

[0131] (18) In another embodiment of the cooling module, a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet of at least one of the plurality of flow paths have different heights in the vertical direction.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the flow paths can be increased.

[0133] Possibility of industrial application

[0134] The present invention can be used in cooling modules.

[0135] Description of Reference Numerals

[0136] 1: First circulation path, 1A: First water pump (second auxiliary equipment), 1Aa: First vortex chamber, 1B: Radiator, 2: Second circulation path, 2A: Second water pump (second auxiliary equipment), 2Aa: Second vortex chamber, 2B: Heater core, 3: Third circulation path, 3A: Third water pump (second auxiliary equipment), 3Aa: Third vortex chamber, 3B: Battery, 4: First rotary valve (first auxiliary equipment), 4C: First valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary equipment storage part), 4D: First reserve chamber (reserve chamber), 5: Second rotary valve (first auxiliary equipment), 5C: Second valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary equipment storage part), 5D: Second reserve chamber (reserve chamber), 5E: Third reserve chamber (reserve chamber), 5F: Four preparation chambers (preparation chambers), 10: cooling module, 11: first flow path, 21: second flow path, 31: third flow path, 11a: downward first sub-flow path (flow path), 11b: upward first sub-flow path (flow path), 11c: first sub-flow path (flow path), 21a: downward second sub-flow path (flow path), 31a: downward third sub-flow path (flow path), 51: connecting flow path (flow path), 100: manifold, 105: joint surface, 110: first shell (shell), 111: first inflow port, 112: second inflow port, 113: third inflow port, 116: fifth outflow port (flow path outflow port), 117: first partition wall (partition wall), 117a: first joint surface (joint surface), 118: first bottom : surface (bottom surface), 119: first peripheral wall (peripheral surface), 119a: first joint surface (joint surface), 120: second shell (shell), 124: second partition wall (partition wall), 124a: second joint surface (joint surface), 125: mounting portion, 126: second bottom surface (bottom surface), 127: second peripheral wall (peripheral wall), 127a: second joint surface (joint surface), 135: fifth connecting hole (flow path inlet), 300: cooling module, 302: manifold, 310: first shell (resin shell), 311: first bottom surface (bottom surface), 312: flow path (inflow path, outflow path), 313: first peripheral wall (peripheral wall), 316: first valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary equipment storage portion), 318: second valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary equipment storage portion), 320: first vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 322: second vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 324: first partition wall (partition wall), 324a: first joint surface (joint surface), 325: first inlet (inlet), 326: second inlet (inlet), 327: first outlet (outlet), 328: flow path inlet, 329: flow path outlet, 330: second housing (resin housing), 331: second bottom surface (bottom surface), 332: second partition wall (partition wall), 333: second peripheral wall (peripheral wall), 332a: second joint surface (joint surface), 335: joint portion, 340: first rotary valve (first auxiliary equipment),343: first communication hole (outlet), 350: second rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 353: second communication hole (outlet), 360: first water pump 460 (second auxiliary device), 370: second water pump 470 (second auxiliary device), 400: cooling module, 402: manifold, 410: first housing (resin housing), 412: flow path (inflow path, outflow path), 416: first valve chamber (valve chamber), 418: second valve chamber (valve chamber), 430: second housing (resin housing), 440: first rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 450: second rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 460: first water pump 460 (second auxiliary device), 470: second water pump 470 (second auxiliary device), AX: rotating shaft core, BX: rotating shaft core. ,

Claims

1. A cooling module, comprising: A resin manifold, which is composed of a plurality of shells having joints that are joined to each other, The manifold has a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of preparatory chambers formed across at least two of the plurality of housings. The joining surfaces of the joining portions of two of the plurality of housings joined are end surfaces of a partition wall that divides the interior of the housing into the plurality of flow paths and the plurality of preparatory chambers. The partition wall is erected from the bottom surfaces of the two housings.

2. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of housings has an outer peripheral wall erected from the bottom surface. The outer peripheral walls of the plurality of housings having the joint portion are joined to each other to form the joint portion. The end surface of the outer peripheral wall of each of the housings serves as the joining surface.

3. The cooling module according to claim 2, wherein: The manifold includes a first auxiliary equipment storage portion for storing a first auxiliary equipment for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the flow path. The partition wall is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the housing or the first auxiliary equipment storage portion.

4. The cooling module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: It further comprises: a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the flow path; The plurality of shells include: a first shell, and a second shell connected to the first shell, The first auxiliary device is installed on the first housing, and the second auxiliary device is installed on the second housing.

5. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein: The first housing is connected to the second housing in the vertical direction. The first housing has a plurality of inlet ports connected to the plurality of flow paths, respectively. The plurality of inlet ports are arranged side by side so that their axes are along the vertical direction and are located on the same plane.

6. The cooling module according to claim 5, wherein: The first auxiliary device is a rotary valve. The second housing has a valve chamber for accommodating a valve body constituting the rotary valve, and the valve body of the rotary valve is located in the valve chamber.

7. The cooling module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The second housing has a mounting portion for mounting the second auxiliary device. The mounting portion is thicker than other locations.

8. A cooling module for a vortex chamber according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The second auxiliary equipment is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid. The water pump and the second housing form a vortex chamber in which the pressure-fed fluid flows.

9. The cooling module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The plurality of flow paths include: a first flow path constituting a portion of a first circulation path circulating through a radiator, a second flow path constituting a portion of a second circulation path circulating through a heater core, a third flow path constituting a portion of a third circulation path circulating through a battery, and a connecting flow path connecting the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

10. The cooling module according to claim 9, wherein: The communication flow path is formed along the joint surfaces of the plurality of housings.

11. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein: The first auxiliary device is a rotary valve. The second auxiliary equipment is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid. The rotating shaft core of the rotary valve and the rotating shaft core of the water pump are parallel to each other.

12. The cooling module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: It further comprises: a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device for controlling the flow of the fluid flowing in the flow path; The plurality of housings include a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing. The first auxiliary device and the second auxiliary device are both installed on the first housing.

13. The cooling module according to claim 12, wherein: Only the flow path is formed in the second housing.

14. The cooling module according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The second auxiliary equipment is a water pump for pressurizing the fluid. The first housing includes an inlet of the water pump through which the fluid flows in, a vortex chamber through which the inflowing liquid is pressure-fed, and a discharge port through which the fluid is discharged.

15. The cooling module according to claim 14, wherein: The first auxiliary device is a rotary valve. The first housing includes a valve chamber for housing a valve body constituting the rotary valve.

16. The cooling module according to claim 6 or 15, wherein: The valve chamber is formed by a partition wall provided upright from the bottom surface of the first housing.

17. The cooling module according to claim 15, wherein: The inlet of the water pump and the outlet of the rotary valve are arranged to face each other.

18. The cooling module according to claim 1 or 12, wherein: At least one of the plurality of flow paths has a flow path inlet and a flow path outlet at different heights in the vertical direction.

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