Vehicle cooling system

Abstract

The vehicle cooling system includes: a cable (11, 111, 211) having an electric wire (21, 22) and two refrigerant flow paths (31, 32) extending along the electric wire and cooling the electric wire by a refrigerant flowing therethrough; and a female connector (12) attached to an end portion of the cable and to be fitted and connected to a male connector (3) mounted on the vehicle. The female connector (12) is provided with a U-turn connection flow path (33) that causes refrigerant flowing through one of the two refrigerant flow paths to flow to the other by communicating the two refrigerant flow paths of the cable with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle cooling system for an electric vehicle or the like. Background Art

[0002] As the output of electric vehicles and the like increases, conductive paths that can withstand high voltage and high current are required. When the voltage and current become higher, the increase in heat generated in the conductive path becomes a problem, so it is necessary to increase the diameter of cables such as charging cables and motor cables. However, when the diameter of the cable increases, there are problems of increased weight and increased installation space, so there is a growing need to prevent the increase in diameter.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for cooling a terminal by flowing a refrigerant through a fluid passage formed inside the terminal. However, since the cable is not cooled, it is difficult to prevent an increase in the diameter of the cable.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: WO2021 / 106958 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In the above-mentioned technology, since the cables in the vehicle are not cooled, it is difficult to prevent the cable diameter from increasing, and thus there may be a problem of increased cable weight and a problem of increased installation space.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle cooling system capable of minimizing an increase in cable diameter associated with an increase in the output of an electric vehicle.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a vehicle cooling system according to the present invention has the following features.

[0012] A vehicle cooling system, comprising:

[0013] a cable including an electric wire and two refrigerant flow channels extending along the electric wire and for cooling the electric wire by a refrigerant flowing through the insides of the two refrigerant flow channels; and

[0014] A connector that is attached to the end portion of the cable and is fitted and connected to a mating connector mounted on the vehicle,

[0015] The connector is provided with a connection flow path which allows the refrigerant flowing through one of the two refrigerant flow channels to flow into the other by connecting the two refrigerant flow channels of the cable to each other.

[0016] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to minimize an increase in cable diameter associated with an increase in output of an electric vehicle.

[0018] The present invention has been briefly described above. In addition, by reading the following mode for implementing the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiment") described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the details of the present disclosure can be clarified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 : is a perspective view showing the relationship between the end portion of the cable, the connector attached to the end portion, and the mating connector to which the connector is fitted and connected in this embodiment.

[0021] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a specific example of the connector.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] <First Embodiment>

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic configuration of a vehicle cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a left region A divided by a dotted line shows a configuration inside the electric vehicle, and a right region B shows a configuration of a charging facility outside the vehicle (configuration on the infrastructure side).

[0028] As a charging facility outside the vehicle (area B), a charging connector 50 connected to a power supply device (not shown) is prepared. The charging connector 50 is attached to the distal end of a charging cable (not shown). In addition to a pair of positive and negative charging terminals (not shown), the charging connector 50 is provided with a refrigerant inflow channel 50A and a refrigerant outflow channel 50B.

[0029] The refrigerant inflow channel 50A of the charging connector 50 is connected to the refrigerant discharge port of the refrigerant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side via a refrigerant pipe, which is provided together with the charging cable or separately from the charging cable, for example. Similarly, the refrigerant outflow channel 50B of the charging connector 50 is connected to the refrigerant suction port of the refrigerant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side via a refrigerant pipe, which is provided together with the charging cable or separately from the charging cable. A cooling circuit (not shown) is attached to the refrigerant circulation pump 60 so that the refrigerant to be discharged can be cooled.

[0030] A rechargeable battery 1 that supplies power to facilities in the vehicle is installed in the vehicle (area A). A junction box (J / B) 2 is connected to the battery 1, and a male connector 3 is provided in the junction box 2. The male connector 3 is an example of a mating connector. A charging cable device 10 is provided as a device that connects the male connector 3 inside the vehicle (area A) and a charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B). The charging cable device 10 is provided in the vehicle (area A).

[0031] The charging cable device 10 includes a cable 11 , a female connector 12 attached to one end side of the cable 11 , and a charging inlet 18 attached to the other end side of the cable 11 .

[0032] Figure 2 The relationship between the end portion on one end side of the cable 11, the female connector 12 attached to the end portion, and the mating male connector 3 to which the female connector 12 is mounted and connected is shown.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, inside the outer body 11A of the cable 11, two electric wires 21 and 22 and two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 are provided, and the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 extend along the electric wires 21 and 22, and cool the electric wires 21 and 22 by the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32. Although the two electric wires 21 and 22 are kept insulated from each other, the electric wires 21 and 22 can be effectively cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, since the female connector 12 attached to the end portion of the cable 11 is installed and connected to the mating male connector 3 installed on the vehicle, a U-turn connection flow path 33 is provided in the female connector 12. The U-turn connection flow path 33 is an example of a connection flow path. When the female connector 12 is attached to the end portion of the cable 11, the U-turn connection flow path 33 allows the two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 11 to communicate with each other. In this way, the two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 11 are connected to each other, so that the refrigerant flowing through one of the two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 can flow into the other. Therefore, the female connector 12 can be called a high-pressure female connector for refrigerant circulation.

[0035] As described above, the female connector 12 mounted and connected to the male connector 3 mounted on the vehicle is attached to one end portion of the cable 11. On the other hand, the charging inlet 18 to which the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle is connected is attached to the other end portion of the cable 11. The charging connector 50 is provided at the distal end of the charging cable.

[0036] The charging inlet 18 is provided with a charging terminal (not shown) which electrically connects the electric wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11 with the electric wires (charging terminals of the charging connector 50) of the charging cable (not shown) outside the vehicle (area B). The charging inlet 18 is formed with refrigerant channel connection ports 18A and 18B which respectively connect the two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 11 with the two refrigerant channels (refrigerant inflow channel 50A and refrigerant outflow channel 50B) in the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B).

[0037] Therefore, by connecting charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B) to charging inlet 18 inside the vehicle (area A), refrigerant discharged from refrigerant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side can circulate through cable 11 of charging cable device 10 . Figure 1 The arrow R in shows the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 , the arrangement relationship between the electric wires 21 and 22 and the refrigerant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11 will be described. The two refrigerant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11 are provided between the pair of electric wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11. The female connector 12 is provided with a pair of electric wire arrangement portions 12A and 12B, the pair of electric wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11 are arranged between the pair of electric wire arrangement portions 12A and 12B, and the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the female connector 12 is provided between the pair of electric wire arrangement portions 12A and 12B.

[0039] The connection terminals 21A and 22A connected to the mating terminals 3A and 3B of the male connector 3 are attached to the end portions of the electric wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11. The electric wire arrangement portions 12A and 12B in the female connector 12 are formed with through holes 16 for enabling the mating terminals 3A and 3B to be mated and connected with the connection terminals 21A and 22A in the electric wire arrangement portions 12A and 12B. One end of the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the female connector 12 is provided with a first connection portion 33A to be connected to the end portion 31A of one refrigerant flow channel 31 in the cable 11. In addition, the other end of the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the female connector 12 is provided with a second connection portion 33B to be connected to the end portion 32A of the other refrigerant flow channel 32 in the cable 11.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an example of the female connector 12 .

[0041] The connector housing 13 of the female connector 12 is divided into two halves 13A and 13B, which are integrated by bringing mating surfaces 14A and 14B into contact with each other. One and the other of a pair of wire arrangement parts 12A and 12B are provided on one and the other of the halves 13A and 13B, respectively. The U-turn connection flow path 33 is provided between the mating surface 14A of the half body 13A and the mating surface 14B of the half body 13B.

[0042] At least one of the mating surface 14A of the half body 13A and the mating surface 14B of the half body 13B is formed with U-shaped recesses 15A and 15B on which the U-shaped pipe 17 is fitted, thereby forming a U-turn connection flow path 33 .

[0043] According to the vehicle cooling system in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the female connector 12 provided on one end side of the charging cable device 10 is connected to the male connector 3, and the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B) is connected to the charging inlet 18 provided on the other end side of the charging cable device 10. With this configuration, as Figure 1 As shown by arrow R in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side can flow through the cable 11 of the charging cable device 10 .

[0044] That is, since the female connector 12 attached to the end portion of one end side of the cable 11 has the U-turn connection flow path 33, the refrigerant that has passed through one refrigerant flow channel 31 in the cable 11 flows into the other refrigerant flow channel 32 in the cable 11 through the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the female connector 12. Therefore, the refrigerant can circulate in the cable 11. Therefore, the electric wires 21 and 22 can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32, and the diameters of the electric wires 21 and 22 and the cable 11 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, an increase in the weight of the cable 11 can be prevented, and the installation space of the cable 11 can be reduced. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, it is possible to prevent the diameter of the cable 11 , which is compatible with fast charging and extends from the charging inlet 18 , from increasing.

[0045] In the present embodiment, since the refrigerant flows between the pair of electric wires 21 and 22, the two electric wires 21 and 22 can be effectively cooled.

[0046] In this embodiment, since the electric wires 21 and 22 on the cable 11 side are directly connected to the mating terminals 3A and 3B of the male connector 3 through the through holes 16 formed in the electric wire arrangement parts 12A and 12B of the female connector 12, unnecessary contact conduction points can be reduced.

[0047] In the present embodiment, since the female connector 12 having the U-turn connection flow path 33 is composed of two half bodies 13A and 13B, it is easy to assemble.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the U-shaped tube 17 is fitted to the U-shaped recesses 15A and 15B to form a U-turn connection flow path 33 in the connector housing 13 of the female connector 12. This configuration facilitates injection molding of the connector housing 13, as compared to a case where the U-turn connection flow path 33 is directly formed in the connector housing 13. Since the connector housing 13 does not need to be liquid-tightly processed, the female connector 12 having the U-turn connection flow path 33 therein can be easily manufactured.

[0049] <Second Embodiment>

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] The vehicle cooling system according to this embodiment is a cooling system built in a vehicle and is used to cool a motor cable 111 (hereinafter referred to as cable 111 ) on a power supply channel for supplying power from a battery 1 to a high-voltage motor 150 driving the vehicle.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, in the vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment, the power supply cable device 110 is used in which the female connector 12 having the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached to one end side and the other end side of the cable 111 .

[0053] Similar to the first embodiment, the cable 111 of the power supply cable device 110 includes a pair of electric wires 21 and 22 and two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32, which extend along the electric wires 21 and 22 and cool the electric wires 21 and 22 by the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32. However, one refrigerant flow channel 32 (132) of the two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 111 is blocked from communication in the middle of the length direction, and a refrigerant inflow port 132A and a refrigerant outflow port 132B are formed at the communication blocking end portions on both sides of the communication blocking portion. As in the first embodiment, the electric wires 21 and 22 and the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 (132) are arranged inside the outer body (not shown) of the cable 111.

[0054] The power supply cable device 110 electrically connects the power supply circuit on the battery 1 side to the high-voltage motor 150 by connecting the female connector 12 on one end side to the male connector 3 on the battery 1 side and connecting the female connector 12 on the other end side to the male connector 103 on the high-voltage motor 150 side. The male connector 103 is an example of a mating connector. The female connector 12 having a U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached to both ends of the cable 111 in the power supply cable device 110. With this configuration, the refrigerant introduced from the refrigerant inflow port 132A can circulate through the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 111 to form a cable-side refrigerant channel SB led out from the refrigerant outflow port 132B.

[0055] On the other hand, a cooling system is provided in advance in the vehicle, which cools an object to be cooled installed on the vehicle. A specific example of the object to be cooled includes a battery 1 as a heat generating component. The cable-side refrigerant passages SB of the above-mentioned power supply cable device 110 are connected in series as a part of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. That is, the refrigerant inflow port 132A of the cable-side refrigerant passage SB is connected to the discharge side of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system, and the refrigerant outflow port 132B of the cable-side refrigerant passage SB is connected to the suction side of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. The refrigerant circulation pump 160 and a cooling circuit (not shown) are incorporated in the refrigerant circulation passage SA.

[0056] In this way, the cable side refrigerant passage SB is connected in series with the refrigerant circulation passage SA, which is provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle-mounted battery 1. With this configuration, the cable side refrigerant passage SB can be connected in series with the refrigerant circulation passage SA, which is provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle-mounted battery 1. Figure 4The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage in the direction of the arrow R cools objects to be cooled such as the battery 1 and the electric wires 21 and 22 of the cable 111 together in one in-vehicle cooling system.

[0057] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the female connectors 12 having the U-turn connection flow paths 33 are attached to both ends of the cable 111, it is possible to unify the types of the female connectors 12 at the end portions of the cable 111. Since it is not necessary to provide more internal passages than are required for circulating the refrigerant in the mating male connectors 3, 103, etc., it is possible to contribute to cost reduction.

[0058] <Third Embodiment>

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Similar to the second embodiment, the vehicle cooling system according to this embodiment is also a cooling system established in the vehicle and is used to cool the motor cable 211 (hereinafter referred to as cable 211) on the power supply channel, which is used to supply power from the battery 1 to the high-voltage motor 150 that drives the vehicle.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, in the vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment, a power supply cable device 210 is used, in which the female connector 12 having the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached only to one end side of the cable 211. A second female connector 212 assembled and connected to the second mating male connector 203 installed on the vehicle is attached to the other end side of the cable 211. The second female connector 212 is an example of a second connector, and the second mating male connector 203 is an example of a second mating connector. The second female connector 212 is not provided with a U-turn connection flow path, but is provided with two linear internal channels 212A and 212B.

[0062] Similar to the first embodiment, the cable 211 of the power supply cable device 210 includes a pair of electric wires 21 and 22 and two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 extending along the electric wires 21 and 22 and cooling the electric wires 21 and 22 by the refrigerant flowing through the inside of the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32. The second female connector 212 having a U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached only to one end side of the cable 211 connected to the high-voltage motor 150. The two refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 on the other end side of the cable 211 connected to the battery 1 side are connected to the two internal channels 212A and 212B of the second female connector 212, respectively.

[0063] In the power supply cable device 210, the female connector 12 on one end side is connected to the male connector 103 on the high-voltage motor 150 side, and the second female connector 212 on the other end side is connected to the second mating male connector 203 provided in the terminal box 202 on the battery 1 side. In this way, the power supply cable device 210 electrically connects the power supply circuit on the battery 1 side and the high-voltage motor 150. In the power supply cable device 210, the female connector 12 having the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached to one end portion of the cable 211. With this configuration, the refrigerant introduced from one internal channel 212A of the second female connector 212 can flow through the refrigerant flow channels 31 and 32 in the cable 211 to form a cable-side refrigerant channel SB led out from the other internal channel 212B. That is, one internal channel 212A of the second female connector 212 serves as a refrigerant inflow port of the cable-side refrigerant channel SB, and the other internal channel 212B serves as a refrigerant outflow port of the cable-side refrigerant channel SB.

[0064] On the other hand, as in the second embodiment, a cooling system is provided in advance in the vehicle, and the cooling system cools an object to be cooled, such as the battery 1 mounted on the vehicle. The cable-side refrigerant passage SB of the above-mentioned power supply cable device 110 is connected in series as a part of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. That is, the refrigerant inflow port (one internal passage 212A of the second female connector 212) of the cable-side refrigerant passage SB is connected to the discharge side of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system via one internal passage 203A of the second mating male connector 203 on the battery 1 side and one internal passage 202A of the terminal box 202. The refrigerant outflow port (the other internal passage 212B of the second female connector 212) of the cable-side refrigerant passage SB is connected to the suction side of the refrigerant circulation passage SA of the cooling system via the other internal passage 203B of the second mating male connector 203 and the other internal passage 202B of the terminal box 202. As in the second embodiment, the refrigerant circulation pump 160 and the cooling circuit (not shown) are incorporated in the refrigerant circulation passage SA.

[0065] Thus, in the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the cable side refrigerant passage SB is connected in series with the refrigerant circulation passage SA, which is provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle-mounted battery 1. With this configuration, it is possible to Figure 5 The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage in the direction of the arrow R in the vehicle in-vehicle cooling system cools both the object to be cooled (eg, the battery 1 ) and the wires 21 and 22 of the cable 211 .

[0066] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the refrigerant circulates in the cable 211 through the second female connector 212 attached to the other end side of the cable 211, and through the internal channels 203A, 203B, 202A, and 202B of the second mating male connector 203 and the terminal box 202 to which the second female connector 212 is mounted and connected. Therefore, the refrigerant circulation channel can be simplified.

[0067] Here, the features of the vehicle cooling system according to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [9].

[0068] [1] A vehicle cooling system comprising:

[0069] A cable (11, 111, 211) comprising electric wires (21, 22) and two refrigerant flow channels (31, 32) extending along the electric wires and used to cool the electric wires by a refrigerant flowing through the insides of the two refrigerant flow channels; and

[0070] A connector (female connector 12) which is attached to the end portion of the cable and is fitted and connected to a mating connector (male connector 3) mounted on the vehicle,

[0071] The connector is provided with a connection flow path (U-turn connection flow path 33) that allows the refrigerant flowing through one of the two refrigerant flow channels to flow into the other by connecting the two refrigerant flow channels of the cable to each other.

[0072] According to the above configuration [1], since the connector attached to the end portion of the cable has a connection flow path, the refrigerant flowing through one refrigerant flow channel in the cable can flow into another refrigerant flow channel in the cable through the connection flow path in the connector. That is, by making a U-turn in the refrigerant at the connector, the refrigerant can flow in the cable, and the wires can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow channel. Therefore, the refrigerant can be circulated on the vehicle side through a refrigerant circulation pump provided outside or inside the vehicle to cool the wires routed inside the vehicle, thereby preventing an increase in the diameter of the wires. Therefore, an increase in the weight of the cable can be prevented, and the installation space of the cable can be reduced.

[0073] [2] According to the vehicle cooling system of [1] above,

[0074] wherein a connector (female connector 12) that fits and connects to a mating connector (male connector 3) mounted on a vehicle is attached to one end portion of the cable (11), and a charging inlet (18) to which a charging cable outside the vehicle is connected is attached to the other end portion, and

[0075] The charging inlet is provided with a charging terminal and a refrigerant channel connection port (18A, 18B), the charging terminal is configured to electrically connect the wires of the cable and the wires of the charging cable outside the vehicle, and the refrigerant channel connection port (18A, 18B) respectively connects two refrigerant flow channels of the cable and two refrigerant channels outside the vehicle (refrigerant inflow channel 50A and refrigerant outflow channel 50B).

[0076] With the above configuration [2], an increase in the diameter of the cable can be prevented, the cable is compatible with fast charging, and extends from the charging inlet.

[0077] [3] The vehicle cooling system according to [1] or [2] above,

[0078] The two refrigerant flow channels (31, 32) in the cable (11) are arranged between a pair of electric wires (21, 22) in the cable.

[0079] Among them, the connector (female connector 12) is provided with a pair of wire arrangement parts (12A, 12B), the pair of wires are arranged in the pair of wire arrangement parts, and

[0080] Among them, the connection flow path (U-turn connection flow path 33) in the connector is provided between a pair of electric wire arranging portions.

[0081] In the above configuration [3], since the refrigerant flows between the pair of electric wires, the electric wires can be effectively cooled.

[0082] [4] According to the vehicle cooling system of [3] above,

[0083] A housing (connector housing 13) of a connector (female connector 12) is divided into two halves (13A, 13B), the two halves (13A, 13B) are integrated by bringing mating surfaces (14A, 14B) into contact with each other, one and the other of a pair of wire arrangement parts are respectively provided in one and the other of the two halves, and a connection flow path (33) is formed between the mating surfaces.

[0084] According to the above configuration [4], since the connector housing having the connection flow path can be realized by combining the two half bodies, it is easy to assemble.

[0085] [5] According to the vehicle cooling system of [4] above,

[0086] A U-shaped recess (15A, 15B) is formed in at least one mating surface (14A, 14B) of two half bodies (13A, 13B), and a U-shaped tube (17) forming a connecting flow path (33) is assembled in the recess.

[0087] In the above configuration [5], by fitting the U-shaped tube in the U-shaped recess, a U-turn connection flow path can be formed in the connector housing. This facilitates injection molding of the connector housing compared to a case where the U-turn connection flow path is directly formed in the connector housing. Since the connector housing does not need to be liquid-tightened, a connector having a U-turn connection flow path can be easily manufactured.

[0088] [6] The vehicle cooling system according to any one of [1] to [5] above,

[0089] wherein connection terminals (21A, 22A) connected to mating terminals (3A, 3B) of a mating connector (male connector 3) are attached to end portions of electric wires (21, 22) in a cable (11),

[0090] wherein a through hole (16) for enabling a mating terminal to mate and connect with a connecting terminal is formed in a wire arrangement portion (12A, 12B) in the connector, and

[0091] A first connection portion (33A) connected to a refrigerant flow channel (31) in the cable (11) is arranged at one end of a connection flow path (U-turn connection flow path 33) in the connector, and a second connection portion (33B) connected to another refrigerant flow channel (32) in the cable is arranged at the other end of the connection flow path in the connector.

[0092] According to the above configuration [6], since the electric wires on the cable side are directly connected to the terminals of the mating connector through the through holes formed in the electric wire arrangement portion of the connector, unnecessary contact conduction points can be reduced.

[0093] [7] According to the vehicle cooling system of [1] above,

[0094] A cable-side refrigerant channel implemented by two refrigerant flow channels (31, 32) in a cable (11) and a connecting flow path (U-turn connecting flow path 33) in a connector (female connector 12) is provided inside a vehicle and is incorporated as a part of a refrigerant circulation channel for cooling an object to be cooled (battery 1) mounted on the vehicle.

[0095] In the above configuration [7], since the cable-side refrigerant passage is included in the refrigerant circulation passage provided in the object to be cooled such as a vehicle-mounted battery, the object to be cooled and the wires of the cable can be cooled together.

[0096] [8] According to the vehicle cooling system of [7] above,

[0097] Among them, a connector (female connector 12) having a connection flow path is attached to one end side and the other end side of the cable,

[0098] One of the two refrigerant flow channels in the cable (111) is blocked from communication in the middle of the length direction, a refrigerant inlet port (132A) and a refrigerant outlet port (132B) are formed at communication blocking ends on both sides of the communication blocking portion, and

[0099] The refrigerant flow channel in the cable is connected in series with the refrigerant circulation channel (SA) in the vehicle through the refrigerant inflow port and the refrigerant outflow port.

[0100] In the above configuration [8], since connectors having a U-turn connection flow path are attached to both ends of the cable, the female connector type at the cable end can be unified. Since there is no need to provide more internal channels than are required to circulate the refrigerant in the mating connector, etc., it is possible to contribute to cost reduction.

[0101] [9] According to the vehicle cooling system of [7] above,

[0102] wherein a connector having a connection flow path is attached only to one end side of a cable (211), a second connector (second female connector 212) assembled and connected to a second mating connector (second mating male connector 203) mounted on a vehicle is attached to the other end side of the cable, and

[0103] The end portions of the two refrigerant flow passages on the other end side of the cable are connected to the refrigerant circulation passage (SA) in the vehicle through the internal passages of the second connector and the second mating connector attached to the other end side of the cable.

[0104] According to the above configuration [9], since the refrigerant flows in the cable through the second connector attached to the other end side of the cable and the internal channel of the second mating connector to which the second connector is mounted, the refrigerant flow channel can be simplified.

[0105] This application is based on the Japanese patent application filed on January 31, 2023 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-013268), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] Industrial Applicability

[0107] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle cooling system can be provided that can minimize the increase in cable diameter associated with the increase in output of an electric vehicle. The present disclosure having such an effect is useful for a vehicle cooling system of an electric vehicle or the like.

[0108] Reference Mark List

[0109] 1: Battery (object to be cooled)

[0110] 3: Male connector (mating connector)

[0111] 3A, 3B: Mating terminals

[0112] 11, 111, 211: Cable

[0113] 12: Female connector

[0114] 12A, 12B: Wire arrangement section

[0115] 13: Connector housing

[0116] 13A, 13B: Half body

[0117] 14A, 14B: Mating surface

[0118] 15A, 15B: U-shaped recess

[0119] 16: Through hole

[0120] 17: U-shaped tube

[0121] 18: Charging port

[0122] 18A, 18B: Refrigerant channel connection port

[0123] 21, 22: Wires

[0124] 21A, 22A: Connection terminals

[0125] 31, 32: Refrigerant flow channel

[0126] 33: U-turn to connect flow paths

[0127] 33A: First connection part

[0128] 33B: Second connection part

[0129] 60, 160: Refrigerant circulation pump

[0130] 132A: Refrigerant inlet port

[0131] 132B: Refrigerant outflow port

[0132] 203: Second mating male connector

[0133] 202A, 202B, 203A, 203B: Internal passage

[0134] 212: Second female connector

[0135] 212A, 212B: Internal passage

[0136] SB: Cable side refrigerant channel

[0137] SA: Refrigerant circulation channel

Claims

1. A vehicle cooling system, comprising: a cable including an electric wire and two refrigerant flow channels extending along the electric wire and cooling the electric wire by a refrigerant flowing through the insides of the two refrigerant flow channels; and a connector which is attached to an end portion of the cable and which is fitted and connected to a mating connector mounted on a vehicle, The connector is provided with a connection flow path, and the connection flow path enables the refrigerant flowing through one of the two refrigerant flow channels to flow into the other of the two refrigerant flow channels by connecting the two refrigerant flow channels of the cable to each other.

2. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, in, The connector that is fitted and connected to a mating connector mounted on a vehicle is attached to one end portion of the cable, and a charging inlet to which a charging cable outside the vehicle is connected is attached to the other end portion of the cable, and Among them, the charging inlet is provided with a charging terminal and a refrigerant channel connection port, the charging terminal is configured to electrically connect the wires of the cable and the wires of the charging cable outside the vehicle, and the refrigerant channel connection port respectively connects the two refrigerant flow channels of the cable and the two refrigerant channels outside the vehicle.

3. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, in, The two refrigerant flow channels in the cable are arranged between a pair of wires in the cable, wherein the connector is provided with a pair of wire arrangement portions, the pair of wires being arranged in the pair of wire arrangement portions, and wherein the connection flow path in the connector is arranged between the pair of electric wire arrangement portions.

4. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 3, in, The housing of the connector is divided into two halves, which are combined into one body by assembling mating surfaces to contact each other, one and the other of the pair of wire arrangement parts are respectively arranged in one and the other of the two halves, and the connection flow path is formed between the mating surfaces.

5. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 4, in, A U-shaped recess is formed in at least one of the mating surfaces of the two half bodies, and a U-shaped pipe forming the connecting flow path is assembled in the recess.

6. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, in, a connecting terminal connected to a mating terminal of the mating connector is attached to an end portion of the electric wire in the cable, wherein a through hole for enabling the mating terminal to mate and connect with the connecting terminal is formed in a wire arrangement portion in the connector, and wherein a first connection portion connected to one of the refrigerant flow channels in the cable is provided at one end of the connection flow path in the connector, and a second connection portion connected to another refrigerant flow channel in the cable is provided at the other end of the connection flow path in the connector.

7. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, in, A cable-side refrigerant passage implemented by the two refrigerant flow passages in the cable and the connection flow path in the connector is arranged inside the vehicle and incorporated as a part of a refrigerant circulation passage for cooling a cooled object mounted on the vehicle.

8. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 7, in, The connector having the connection flow path is attached to one end side and the other end side of the cable, wherein one of the two refrigerant flow channels in the cable is blocked from communication in the middle of the length direction, and a refrigerant inlet port and a refrigerant outlet port are formed at communication blocking ends on both sides of the communication blocking portion, and Wherein, the refrigerant flow channel in the cable is connected in series with a refrigerant circulation channel in the vehicle through the refrigerant inflow port and the refrigerant outflow port.

9. The vehicle cooling system according to claim 7, in, The connector having the connection flow path is attached only to one end side of the cable, a second connector fitted and connected to a second mating connector mounted on a vehicle is attached to the other end side of the cable, and wherein end portions of the two refrigerant flow passages on the other end side of the cable are connected to a refrigerant circulation passage in the vehicle through internal passages of the second connector and the second mating connector attached to the other end side of the cable.

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