Thermal management system

Abstract

This heat management system is provided with: a first flow path through which a heat medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat medium flows; a reservoir provided in the second flow path; a pump that circulates the heat medium; and a switching device. When the charging of the electrical device is completed in a state in which the second flow path and the first flow path are separated from each other, the thermal management system performs a degassing process for the second flow path and the first flow path by driving the pump while connecting the second flow path and the first flow path by means of the switching device after the charging is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-063735 discloses a temperature control system including a coolant circuit including a path connected to a PCU, a path connected to a battery, a reservoir tank, and a five-way valve for switching the coolant flow path. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Although not explicitly stated in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-063735, controlling the state of the five-way valve may temporarily create a circuit in which the path connected to the PCU (first flow path) or the path connected to the battery (second flow path) is disconnected from the reservoir tank. In this case, there is a possibility that air bubbles may be mixed into (or remain in) the path not connected to the reservoir tank.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a heat management system that can suppress the mixing (retention) of bubbles into a first flow path and a second flow path using a storage tank.

[0005] A thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided for a rechargeable electrical device and includes: a first flow path through which a heat medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat medium flows and which includes a storage tank; a switching device capable of switching the connection between the first and second flow paths; and a pump configured to circulate the heat medium through each of the first and second flow paths when the first and second flow paths are connected. When charging of the electrical device is completed with the first and second flow paths disconnected, the thermal management system connects the first and second flow paths using the switching device and drives the pump, thereby performing a degassing process on the first and second flow paths.

[0006] In a thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when charging of an electrical device is completed with the first and second flow paths disconnected, degassing is performed on both the first and second flow paths. Consequently, degassing is performed in each of the first and second flow paths after charging of the electrical device is completed. As a result, the reservoir can be used to prevent bubbles from entering (or remaining in) the first and second flow paths.

[0007] Furthermore, by performing the degassing process after charging, degassing can be performed when the heat generated by the electrical device is relatively low, compared to when degassing is performed during charging. This results in the suppression of bubbles from growing larger due to heat generation. This makes it easier to reduce the amount of bubbles mixed into (residual amount of) the first and second flow paths.

[0008] In the thermal management system according to the aforementioned aspect, the degassing process may be terminated if the degassing process continues for a first time or longer. This configuration prevents the degassing process from continuing for a first time or longer. Consequently, the time required for a single degassing process can be shortened.

[0009] The thermal management system according to the aforementioned aspect may also include: a first power storage device that exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through one of a first flow path and a second flow path; and a first drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path to generate a driving force. With this configuration, by preventing bubbles from entering (or remaining in) the first flow path and the second flow path after charging is completed, the first power storage device and the first drive device can be efficiently cooled by the heat medium after charging is completed.

[0010] In this case, the thermal management system includes a bypass path that bypasses at least the portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the first power storage device and the heat medium occurs. Alternatively, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path is above a predetermined temperature during degassing, the heat medium may be directed to the bypass path instead of flowing through the portion. This configuration allows degassing to be performed while utilizing the heat medium flowing through the second flow path to suppress a temperature increase in the first power storage device.

[0011] The thermal management system according to the above aspect may not perform the degassing process if the accumulated time the pump is driven with the first and second flow paths connected exceeds a second time. This configuration can prevent excessive degassing from occurring in the electrical device.

[0012] In this case, the accumulated time may be the sum of a first accumulated time during which the degassing process is performed and a second accumulated time during which the pump is driven at a timing other than after charging is completed while the first and second flow paths are connected. With this configuration, unlike a case where only the first accumulated time is considered as the accumulated time, control can be performed to limit the execution of the degassing process based on the time during which degassing is actually performed in the first and second flow paths.

[0013] The thermal management system according to the aforementioned aspect can also be configured to be degassable when the heat medium circulating in the electrical equipment is replaced while the degassing process is not being performed. In this case, the aforementioned air bubbles are easily introduced during the replacement of the heat medium. Therefore, with the aforementioned configuration, the air bubbles introduced by the replacement of the heat medium can be removed through the degassing process.

[0014] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the switching device may include a five-way valve or an eight-way valve. With this configuration, the connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path can be easily switched using the five-way valve or the eight-way valve.

[0015] The thermal management system according to one aspect described above includes: a radiator; a second power storage device; and a second drive device capable of generating driving force. The radiator is disposed in the second flow path. Alternatively, at least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device may exchange heat with a heat medium flowing through the first flow path. With this configuration, the first and second flow paths can be degassed while cooling at least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device using the heat medium cooled by the radiator.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the mixing (residual) of bubbles into the first flow path and the second flow path using the storage tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and appended hereto:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first communication pattern of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second communication pattern of a heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a third communication mode of the heat management circuit according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 FIG1 is a first diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 FIG2 is a second diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 FIG3 is a third diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 FIG4 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system according to a first modified example of one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the first communication pattern in the first modification.

[0030] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the second communication pattern in the first modification.

[0031] Figure 14 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the second communication pattern in the first modified example.

[0032] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the second communication pattern in the first modification example.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating a first communication pattern of a heat management system according to a second modified example of one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the second communication pattern of the second modification example.

[0035] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the first modified example of the second communication pattern in the second modified example.

[0036] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing a second modification example of the second communication pattern in the second modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by identical reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0038] The following description uses the thermal management system of the present disclosure as an example, wherein the thermal management system is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably equipped with a battery for driving. Examples of the vehicle include a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the use of the thermal management system of the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0039] Figure 1 This figure shows an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a thermal management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Electric vehicle 10 is rechargeable. Specifically, electric vehicle 10 includes a battery 173, a charging circuit 11, and an inlet 12. Electric vehicle 10 and battery 173 are examples of "electrical equipment" and "first power storage device," respectively, as used herein.

[0040] Battery 173 stores electricity for driving electric vehicle 10. By connecting, for example, charging connector 21 of EVSE 20 to inlet 12, EVSE 20 supplies electricity to battery 173. The electricity input to inlet 12 is supplied to battery 173 via charging circuit 11. Charging circuit 11 may include SPU 132, described later.

[0041] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 1. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0042] Thermal management circuit 100 is configured to allow heat medium to flow through it. It includes a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a five-way valve 180. Five-way valve 180 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0043] High temperature circuit 110 includes a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. Radiator 120 is connected to both high temperature circuit 110 and low temperature circuit 130 (ie, shared).

[0044] The heat sink 120 includes a high temperature (HT: High Temperature) heat sink 121 and a low temperature (LT: Low Temperature) heat sink 122 (both refer to Figure 3 ).

[0045] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a temperature sensor 136. The water pump 131 is an example of a "pump" in the present disclosure. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each devices capable of generating driving force for the electric vehicle 10. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each an example of a "first drive device" in the present disclosure.

[0046] Condenser 140 is connected to both high-temperature circuit 110 and refrigeration cycle 150. Refrigeration cycle 150 includes compressor 151, expansion valve 152, evaporator 153, evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and expansion valve 155. Chiller 160 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 150 and battery circuit 170.

[0047] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, a storage tank 175, and a temperature sensor 176. The five-way valve 180 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. Figure 3 The water pump 171 is an example of a “pump” in the present disclosure.

[0048] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management loop 100 . The ECU 500 includes a processor 501 , a memory 502 , a storage device 503 , an interface 504 , a timer 505 , and a timer 506 .

[0049] The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-processing Unit). The memory 502 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 503 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage device 503 stores system programs including an OS (Operating System) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control operations. The processor 501 performs various processes by reading the system programs and control programs and expanding them into the memory 502 for execution. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100. Timers 505 and 506 each measure the elapsed time since the execution of a predetermined process. The functions of timers 505 and 506 will be described in detail later.

[0050] The ECU 500 generates control instructions based on sensor values ​​(e.g., temperatures at various locations) obtained from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations received by the HMI 600, etc., and outputs the generated control instructions to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may also be divided into a plurality of ECUs for each function. Figure 2 , the ECU 500 includes a single processor 501 , but the ECU 500 may include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage device 503 .

[0051] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing in a stored program manner. A "processor" may also include hard-wired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be replaced by processing circuitry that predefines processing through computer-readable code and / or hard-wired circuitry.

[0052] The HMI 600 includes a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 receives user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1 , and outputs a signal indicating the user operations to the ECU 500 .

[0053] <Structure of Thermal Management Circuit>

[0054] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in this embodiment. The heat medium (typically hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path, which runs from a water pump 111 to a condenser 140 to an electric heater 112 to a three-way valve 113 to a heater core 114 to a reservoir tank 115 to a water pump 111, and a second path, which runs from a water pump 111 to a condenser 140 to an electric heater 112 to a three-way valve 113 to a high-temperature radiator 121 to a reservoir tank 115 to a water pump 111.

[0055] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through a path extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132 to the PCU 133 to the oil cooler 134 to the boost-boost converter 135 to the five-way valve 180 to the low-temperature radiator 122 and finally to the water pump 131. This path includes a flow path 130a extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132 to the PCU 133 to the oil cooler 134 to the boost-boost converter 135 to the five-way valve 180. Flow path 130a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0056] The water pump 131 is operated according to the ECU 500 (see Figure 2 ) control instructions to circulate the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130. SPU132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500. PCU133 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500, and supplies the AC power to the motor (not shown) built into the variable speed drive axle. The oil cooler 134 uses an electric oil pump (EOP: Electrical Oil Pump) (not shown) to circulate the lubricating oil of the motor. The temperature sensor 136 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 130a (for example, the upstream side of the buck-boost converter 135). The SPU132, PCU133, oil cooler 134 and buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The five-way valve 180 switches the path of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in accordance with the control instructions from ECU500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed near the high-temperature radiator 121 and performs heat exchange with the high-temperature radiator 121 .

[0057] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the first and second paths described below. The first path is the path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 152 to evaporator 153 to EPR 154 to compressor 151. The second path is the path from compressor 151 to condenser 140 to expansion valve 155 to chiller 160 to compressor 151.

[0058] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of the first path: water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171; and the second path: water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171. Furthermore, the reservoir tank 175 is located at the junction of the first path and the bypass path 174. The first path includes the flow path 170a from the five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171. The placement of the reservoir tank 175 is not limited to the example above. For example, the reservoir tank 175 may be placed between the five-way valve 180 and the battery 173. The flow path 170a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0059] Water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within battery circuit 170 in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170 by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in battery circuit 170. Electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with control commands from ECU 500. Battery 173 supplies power for driving to the motor built into the transaxle. Battery 173 can be heated by electric heater 172 or cooled by chiller 160. Bypass path 174 bypasses at least portion 170b of flow path 170a where heat is exchanged between battery 173 and the heat medium. Bypass path 174 is provided to allow the heat medium to bypass both electric heater 172 (the portion of flow path 170a that exchanges heat with electric heater 172 (not referenced)) and battery 173 (portion 170b). When the heat medium flows through bypass 174, changes in the heat medium's temperature caused by heat absorption and heat dissipation between the heat medium and battery 173 can be suppressed. Storage tank 175 stores a portion of the heat medium within battery circuit 170, thereby maintaining the pressure and amount of the heat medium within battery circuit 170. Temperature sensor 176 detects the temperature of battery 173.

[0060] The five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports, P1 to P5. Port P1 is the inlet port for the heat medium to flow in from the chiller 160. Port P2 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out to the electric heater 172 and battery 173 (portion 170b) of the battery circuit 170. Port P3 is the inlet port for the heat medium to flow in from the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and buck-boost converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out to the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P5 is the outlet port for the heat medium to flow out to the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0061] <Connectivity Mode>

[0062] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the first communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 4 As shown, in the first communication mode, a path connecting ports P1 and P2, and a path connecting ports P3 and P5 are formed in five-way valve 180. These two paths are independent of each other. No other path is formed to connect these two paths. In this case, low-temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) and battery circuit 170 (flow path 170a) are completely independently connected in parallel. The first communication mode is the circuit mode established when the "degassing execution flag" (described later) is in the OFF state.

[0063] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the second communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 5 As shown, in the second communication mode, a path connecting ports P1 and P5, and a path connecting ports P3 and P2 are formed in the five-way valve 180. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) and the battery circuit 170 (flow path 170a) are connected in series. As a result, the storage tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series. By driving at least one of the water pumps 171 and 131 in this state, degassing is performed in each of the flow paths 170a and 130a using the storage tank 175. The second communication mode is a circuit mode that is established when the "degassing execution flag," described later, is on and predetermined conditions, described later, are met. In this embodiment, in the second communication mode, both the water pumps 171 and 131 are driven. Alternatively, only one of the water pumps 171 and 131 may be driven.

[0064] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of the third communication mode using the five-way valve 180. Figure 6As shown, in the third connection mode, in the five-way valve 180, a path connecting port P1 and port P5 and a path connecting port P3 and port P4 are formed. In this case, the storage tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series. On the other hand, heat exchange between the heat medium and the battery 173 is not performed. In addition, the third connection mode is a circuit mode formed when the "degassing execution flag" described later is in the ON state and a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. In this case, each of the water pumps 171 and 131 is driven. In addition, only one of the water pumps 171 and 131 may be driven.

[0065] In addition, the first to third connection modes formed by the five-way valve 180 are not limited to Figures 4 to 6 the examples shown.

[0066] Here, as described above, there is a case where a circuit (for example, the first connection mode) in which the flow path 130a connected to the PCU 133 is temporarily formed and the storage tank 175 is not connected. In this case, in the conventional thermal management system, there is a possibility that air bubbles are mixed (remaining) into the flow path 130a.

[0067] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the charging of the electric vehicle 10 ends in a state where the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are separated, after the charging ends, the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are connected by the five-way valve 180 and the water pumps (131, 171) are driven, thereby performing (starting) the degassing process for the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a (hereinafter referred to as "degassing process A"). Specifically, the ECU 500 forms the second connection mode (refer to Figure 5 ) or the third connection mode (refer to Figure 6 ) by controlling the five-way valve 180 and drives the water pumps (131, 171), thereby performing the degassing process A. Thereby, degassing is performed in both the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a using the storage tank 175. In addition, the degassing process A is an example of the "degassing process" of the present disclosure.

[0068] In addition, the above-mentioned "after charging ends" means, for example, the time (waiting time) from the end of charging of the electric vehicle 10 until the start of the next operation (such as driving and charging, etc.). In addition, "after charging ends" may also be a period until a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed from the time point when the charging of the electric vehicle 10 ends.

[0069] <Control Flow of ECU>

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 10 to describe the control flow of the ECU 500 (processor 501). Figure 7The control flow shown may be executed (started) every predetermined period (eg, 1 second).

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S1, the ECU 500 determines whether the degassing end flag is OFF. The degassing end flag is a flag (signal) that changes according to the length of the cumulative time of degassing in the electric vehicle 10, as described in detail later. When the above-mentioned cumulative time is less than the specified time t2 described later, it is determined that the degassing is insufficient and the degassing end flag is maintained at OFF. When the degassing end flag is OFF ("Yes" in S1), the process enters step S2. When the degassing end flag is ON ("No" in S1), the process ends.

[0072] In step S2, ECU 500 determines whether the degassing completion flag is OFF. The degassing completion flag is a flag indicating whether the degassing process A during charging has been completed (achieved). If the execution time (duration) of the degassing process A is less than the predetermined time t1 described below, it is determined that the degassing process A is not completed, and the degassing completion flag is maintained OFF. If the degassing completion flag is OFF ("YES" in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the degassing completion flag is ON ("NO" in S2), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0073] In step S3, the ECU 500 determines whether the degassing execution flag is ON. If the degassing execution flag is ON, the degassing process (degassing process A) after the battery 173 is charged is executed. If the degassing execution flag is ON ("Yes" in S3), the process proceeds to step S6. If the degassing execution flag is OFF ("No" in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. In addition, if the degassing execution flag is OFF, in the thermal management circuit 100, for example, a first communication mode (see Figure 4 ).

[0074] In step S4, the ECU 500 determines whether charging of the battery 173 has been completed. Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the electric vehicle 10 is in a waiting state, which is the state from the completion of charging of the battery 173 until the start of the next action (e.g., driving or charging). For example, the ECU 500 may determine that charging is completed based on the following conditions: the charging connector 21 is removed from the inlet 12, the SOC (State of Charge) reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 100%), the charging current is zero (power supply from the EVSE 20 is OFF), or the electric vehicle 10 moves away from a charging facility. Alternatively, the ECU 500 may determine that the electric vehicle 10 is in the aforementioned waiting state based on the following conditions: the vehicle speed is zero, the electric vehicle 10 is in the ready-OFF state, and the charging current is zero (power supply from the EVSE 20 is OFF). If charging is completed (and the vehicle is in the waiting state) ("YES" in S4), the process proceeds to step S5. If charging is not completed (or the vehicle is not in the waiting state) ("NO" in S4), the process ends.

[0075] In step S5, the ECU 500 turns on the degassing execution flag. Thus, the ECU 500 starts the degassing process A. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 to form the second communication mode (see Figure 5 ) or the third connection mode (refer to Figure 6 ) and drives the water pumps (131, 171). Furthermore, at the time point of step S5, either the second communication mode or the third communication mode can be formed. Furthermore, the control of the communication mode by the five-way valve 180 can be temporarily waited until the determination of step S6 described later is completed.

[0076] In step S6, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the low temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) is lower than the cooling allowable temperature T. Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature sensor 136 (see Figure 2 ) is less than the cooling allowable temperature T (e.g., 40°C) pre-stored in memory 502. If the temperature of the heat medium is less than the cooling allowable temperature T ("Yes" in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the temperature of the heat medium is greater than or equal to the cooling allowable temperature T ("No" in S6), the process proceeds to step S8. The cooling allowable temperature T is an example of a "predetermined temperature" in the present disclosure.

[0077] In step S7, the ECU 500 forms the second communication mode (see FIG. 1 ) in order to allow the heat medium to flow (distribute) to the battery 173 (portion 170 b ). Figure 5 ) is used to control the five-way valve 180. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0078] In step S8, the ECU 500 prevents the heat medium from flowing (distributing) to the battery 173 (portion 170b) and allows the heat medium to flow (distribute) to the bypass path 174, thereby forming a third communication mode (see FIG. Figure 6 ) is used to control the five-way valve 180. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0079] In step S9, the ECU 500 uses the timer 505 (see Figure 2 ) is time counting operation. In addition, if the ECU 500 has already started the time counting operation by the timer 505 at the time point of step S9, the ECU 500 continues the time counting by the timer 505. Next, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0080] In step S10, ECU 500 determines whether the time counted by timer 505 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time t1 (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute). Information on the predetermined time t1 may be pre-stored in memory 502. If the time count is greater than or equal to the predetermined time t1 ("Yes" in S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the time count is less than or equal to the predetermined time t1 ("No" in S10), the process proceeds to step S12. The predetermined time t1 is an example of the "first time" in the present disclosure.

[0081] In step S11 , ECU 500 turns on a degassing completion flag. The process then proceeds to step S12 .

[0082] In step S12, the ECU 500 determines whether the waiting state after the battery 173 has finished charging has ended. For example, the ECU 500 may determine that the waiting state of the electric vehicle 10 has ended based on the following conditions: the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle 10 is greater than 0 after charging has ended, the electric vehicle 10 is in the ready-ON state after charging has ended, and the charging current after charging has ended is greater than 0 (power supply from the EVSE 20 is ON). If the waiting state has ended ("Yes" in S12), the process proceeds to step S13. If the waiting state has not ended ("No" in S12), the process ends.

[0083] In step S13, the ECU 500 stores the total of the current accumulated time and the time count of the timer 505 as the updated accumulated time in the memory 502. The accumulated time is the accumulated time of the water pumps (131, 171) being driven while the flow paths 170a and 130a are connected.

[0084] That is, the accumulated time is the sum of the first accumulated time during which degassing treatment A is performed and the second accumulated time during which the water pumps (131, 171) are driven when flow paths 170a and 130a are connected at a timing other than after charging. The first accumulated time is the accumulated value of the time count of timer 505. The second accumulated time will be described later. In addition, timing other than after charging is completed includes, for example, when the electric vehicle 10 is traveling, when the battery 173 is charging, and when the air conditioner, audio system, etc. are used with power from an external power source (EVSE 20, etc.) when the charging connector 21 is connected to the electric vehicle 10.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S13, the ECU 500 clears the time count of the timer 505. Furthermore, the ECU 500 turns off the degassing execution flag and the degassing completion flag. Thus, the degassing process A stops (ends). Thereafter, the process ends.

[0086] Figure 8 FIG2 is a second diagram showing a control flow executed by the ECU 500 (processor 501) according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 The control flow shown may be executed (started) every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0087] In step S21, ECU 500 determines whether the degassing execution flag is OFF. In other words, ECU 500 determines whether degassing process A is not being executed. If the degassing execution flag is OFF ("YES" in S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the degassing execution flag is ON ("NO" in S21), the process ends.

[0088] In step S22, ECU 500 determines whether flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected and whether water pump (131 or 171) is being driven. Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether degassing is being performed in flow path 170a and flow path 130a, while degassing process A is not being performed. If the answer is "yes" in step S22, the process proceeds to step S23. If the answer is "no" in step S22, the process ends.

[0089] In step S23, the ECU 500 uses the timer 506 (see Figure 2 ) performs a time counting operation, thereby counting the time (hereinafter referred to as the connection time) during which flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected and water pump (131 or 171) is driven. Furthermore, the counted connection time is stored in memory 502, etc. The process then ends. Note that the connection time is an example of the second accumulated time.

[0090] Figure 9FIG3 is a diagram showing a control flow executed by ECU 500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 9 The control flow shown may be executed (started) every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0091] In step S31, ECU 500 determines whether electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state (not drivable). Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state and the ignition power is ON (IGON) (system startup). If electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready OFF state ("YES" in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If electric vehicle 10 is in the Ready ON state ("NO" in S31), the process ends.

[0092] In step S32, ECU 500 calculates the current accumulated time and the connection time (see Figure 8 The total value of S23) is stored in the memory 502 as the updated cumulative time.

[0093] In step S33 , ECU 500 clears the connection time information to 0. Specifically, ECU 500 deletes the connection time information from memory 502 or the like.

[0094] In step S34, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time calculated in step S32 exceeds a predetermined time t2 (e.g., 80 hours). Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time during which the water pump (131 or 171) is driven while flow path 130a and flow path 170a are connected exceeds predetermined time t2. If the cumulative time exceeds predetermined time t2 ("Yes" in S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If the cumulative time is less than predetermined time t2 ("No" in S34), the process ends. Note that predetermined time t2 is an example of a "second time" in the present disclosure.

[0095] In step S35, the ECU 500 turns on the degassing completion flag. Figure 7 As can be seen from step S1, after the degassing completion flag turns on, the degassing process A is not executed (limited execution) in the thermal management system 1. In addition, the ECU 500 clears the accumulated time information calculated in step S32. Specifically, the ECU 500 deletes the accumulated time information from the memory 502 or the like.

[0096] Figure 10 FIG4 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow executed by ECU 500 according to the present embodiment. Figure 10 The control flow shown may be executed (started) every predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

[0097] In step S41, ECU 500 determines whether the heat medium circulating in electric vehicle 10 (heat management circuit 100) has been replaced. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether the heat medium has been replaced based on information input to electric vehicle 10 when the heat medium is replaced at a dealership or the like (information indicating that the heat medium replacement is complete). If the heat medium has been replaced ("Yes" in S41), the process proceeds to step S42. If the heat medium has not been replaced ("No" in S41), the process ends.

[0098] In step S42, ECU500 turns off the degassing completion flag. Figure 7 As can be seen from step S1, after the degassing completion flag turns OFF, the thermal management system 1 becomes ready to execute the degassing process A. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, when charging of the electric vehicle 10 is completed with the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a disconnected, the thermal management system 1 connects the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a using the five-way valve 180 after charging is completed, and drives the water pumps (131, 171), thereby performing degassing process A on the flow paths 130a and 170a. This prevents bubbles from entering (remaining) in the flow paths 130a and 170a. As a result, the battery 173 and the PCU 133 can be efficiently cooled. In addition, by preventing the water pumps (131, 171) from being driven while bubbles are trapped (remaining), the load on the water pumps (131, 171) can be reduced. Furthermore, by performing degassing during the waiting period after charging is completed, bubbles can be removed by degassing before the electric vehicle 10 is driven (e.g., traveled). As a result, battery 173 , PCU 133 , and the like can be efficiently cooled during driving of electric vehicle 10 , which generates a relatively large amount of heat.

[0100] <Modification of Thermal Management System>

[0101] In the above embodiment, the communication mode of the thermal management circuit 100 is controlled by the five-way valve 180 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A switching valve other than the five-way valve 180 may also be used.

[0102] <First Modification>

[0103] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a heat management system 2 (heat management circuit 200 ) as a first modified example of the above-described embodiment.

[0104] Thermal management system 2 includes a thermal management circuit 200. Thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. Thermal management circuit 200 is controlled by ECU 510. Eight-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0105] Chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. Chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both chiller circuit 210 and refrigeration cycle 240.

[0106] Radiator circuit 230 includes radiator 231. Refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, compressor 241, solenoid valve 242, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246, evaporator 247, check valve 248, and accumulator 249. Condenser 250 includes water-cooled condenser 251 and air-cooled condenser 252. Water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both refrigeration cycle 240 and radiator circuit 230.

[0107] The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, a storage tank 265, and a heat medium temperature sensor 266. In addition, a variable speed drive axle may be provided to the drive unit circuit 260 instead of the oil cooler 264. In addition, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 (or the variable speed drive axle) may be concentrated to provide an electric drive axle (E-Axle). In addition, the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are devices that can generate driving force to be supplied to the electric vehicle. The PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264 are an example of the "first drive device" of the present disclosure. In addition, the water pump 261 is an example of the "pump" of the present disclosure.

[0108] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a temperature sensor 273. The battery 272 is an example of a "first power storage device" in the present disclosure.

[0109] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P11 to P18 and is connected to the cooling circuit 210 , the radiator circuit 230 , the drive unit circuit 260 , and the battery circuit 270 .

[0110] The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through a path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P13 )—the water pump 211 —the chiller 220 —the eight-way valve 280 (port P15 ).

[0111] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium within chiller circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 240. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to the destination of connection to chiller circuit 210 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Path switching by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0112] The heat medium circulating in radiator circuit 230 flows through a first path, which runs from eight-way valve 280 (port P16) to water-cooled condenser 251, to radiator 231, and then to eight-way valve 280 (port P17), or a second path, which runs from eight-way valve 280 (port P16) to water-cooled condenser 251, to bypass path 230b, and then to eight-way valve 280 (port P17). Rotating eight-way valve 280 switches between the first and second paths. Radiator 231 is located downstream of the air intake grille (not shown) and performs heat exchange between the heat medium and the vehicle's external air.

[0113] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any of the following first to fourth paths. The first path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244A to air-cooled condenser 252 to check valve 248 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 to vaporizer 247 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The second path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244A to air-cooled condenser 252 to check valve 248 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246 to chiller 220 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The third path is the path from compressor 241 to solenoid valve 244B to water-cooled condenser 251 to solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245 to vaporizer 247 to accumulator 249 to compressor 241. The fourth path is a path of compressor 241 - electromagnetic valve 244B - water-cooled condenser 251 - electromagnetic valve 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241 .

[0114] Compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating in refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel with compressor 241 and regulates the flow of gas-phase refrigerant into compressor 241 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch the flow of gas-phase refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 between water-cooled condenser 251 and air-cooled condenser 252 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230. Air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with air introduced into the vehicle interior, generating hot air. Solenoid valve 245 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into evaporator 247 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. Solenoid valve 246 restricts the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into refrigerator 220 in accordance with control commands from ECU 510. The electromagnetic valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 249 is a device that removes the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid mixed state refrigerant, and prevents the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor 241 when the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by the evaporator 247.

[0115] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P18) - reservoir tank 265 - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - eight-way valve 280 (port P12).

[0116] The water pump 261 circulates the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 according to the control instructions from the ECU 510. The SPU 262 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 272 according to the control instructions from the ECU 510. The PCU 263 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 272 into AC power according to the control instructions from the ECU 510, and supplies the AC power to the motor (not shown) built into the variable speed drive axle. The oil cooler 264 cools the variable speed drive axle by exchanging heat between the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 and the lubricating oil of the motor. In addition, the heat generated by supplying power to the stator without rotating the rotor of the motor and the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 can also be heat exchanged.

[0117] The SPU 262, PCU 263, and oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260. The storage tank 265 stores a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (heat medium overflowing due to pressure increase) to maintain the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260.

[0118] Heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium in flow path 260a, described later, where PCU 263 and the like are installed. Specifically, heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between oil cooler 264 and eight-way valve 280 (on the downstream side of oil cooler 264). Heat medium temperature sensor 266 may also detect the temperature of the heat medium between PCU 263 and oil cooler 264, for example.

[0119] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through a path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P11 )-ADAS 271 -battery 272 -eight-way valve 280 (port P14 ).

[0120] ADAS 271 includes, for example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Speed ​​Limiter (ASL), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Pre-Crash Safety (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). Battery circuit 270 may also include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS) in addition to ADAS 271. Battery 272 supplies driving power to the motor built into the transaxle. A temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of battery 272.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, the chiller 220 is provided in the flow path 210a of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a is a flow path connecting the port P13 and the port P15 of the eight-way valve 280.

[0122] Radiator 231 is provided in flow path 230a of radiator circuit 230. Flow path 230a also includes a bypass path 230b that bypasses radiator 231. Bypass path 230b is provided to connect the portion between water-cooled condenser 251 and radiator 231 to eight-way valve 280. When heat medium flows through bypass path 230b, heat medium does not flow through radiator 231. Similarly, when heat medium flows through radiator 231, heat medium does not flow through bypass path 230b.

[0123] Water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, and storage tank 265 (in Figure 12(SPU 262 and oil cooler 264 are not shown in the figure) is provided in flow path 260a of drive unit circuit 260. Flow path 260a connects port P18 and port P12 of eight-way valve 280. Flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0124] The battery 272 is provided in the flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270a is a flow path connecting the port P11 and the port P14 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0125] <Connectivity Mode>

[0126] Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 The first and second communication modes using the eight-way valve 280 are shown in FIG. Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 Example shown.

[0127] like Figure 12 As shown, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P11 and port P15. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P14 and port P13. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P17 and port P18. In addition, in the first communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P12 and port P16. In addition, in the first communication mode, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected through the flow path 230a. As described above, in the first communication mode, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are cut off. In addition, Figure 12 The first communication mode shown is the same as the first communication mode of the above embodiment (see Figure 4 ) corresponding loop mode.

[0128] like Figure 13As shown, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P11 and port P12. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P14 and port P18. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P13 and port P17. In addition, in the second communication mode, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that connects port P15 and port P16. In addition, in the second communication mode, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected through the flow path 230a. As described above, in the second communication mode, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are connected. That is, Figure 13 The second communication mode shown is the same as the second communication mode of the above embodiment (see Figure 5 ) corresponding loop mode.

[0129] The thermal management system 2 is similar to the thermal management system 1 of the above embodiment. In the state where the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are separated (see Figure 12 ) When charging of an electric vehicle (not shown) is completed, after the charging is completed, the eight-way valve 280 is used to connect the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a, and the water pump 261 is driven to perform the degassing process A on the flow paths 270a and 260a. In addition, the control flow of the above embodiment can also be applied to the control flow of the degassing process in the first modification.

[0130] <Modification of the First Modification>

[0131] In the first modification, the example of connecting the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a in the second communication mode is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 14 As shown, as a second communication pattern, the flow path 270a, the flow path 260a, the flow path 230a (or the bypass path 230b), and the flow path 210a may be connected.

[0132] In addition, if Figure 15 As shown, as the second communication mode, flow path 270a, flow path 260a, and flow path 210a may also be connected. In this case, flow path 230a (and bypass path 230b) are cut off from other flow paths. In addition, although not shown in the figure, as the second communication mode, flow path 270a, flow path 260a, and flow path 230a (or bypass path 230b) may also be connected, and flow path 210a is cut off from other flow paths.

[0133] In addition, the combination of the first communication mode and the second communication mode is not limited to the above examples. Figure 13 or Figure 15 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and, Figure 14The circuit shown is the second communication mode. Figure 13 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and, Figure 14 or Figure 15 The circuit described is the second communication mode.

[0134] <Second Modification>

[0135] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a heat management system 3 (heat management circuit 300 ) as a second modified example of the above-described embodiment.

[0136] The heat management circuit 300 includes a heat medium circuit 310 containing a heat medium (water, etc.) and a refrigeration circuit 320 containing a working medium (water, a medium with a lower boiling point than water, etc.).

[0137] The refrigeration circuit 320 includes a compressor 321 , a condenser 322 , a first expansion valve 323 , an in-vehicle evaporator 324 , a second expansion valve 325 , a chiller 326 , a circulation flow path 350 , and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 .

[0138] Compressor 321 compresses the working medium. Condenser 322 condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. First expansion valve 323 expands the working medium flowing out of condenser 322. In-vehicle evaporator 324 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out of first expansion valve 323 and the air inside the vehicle (the interior of the vehicle).

[0139] The circulation flow path 350 is a flow path through which the working medium circulates, and the circulation flow path 350 sequentially connects the compressor 321 , the condenser 322 , the first expansion valve 323 , and the in-vehicle evaporator 324 .

[0140] The in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 is connected to the circulation flow path 350 so as to bypass the in-vehicle evaporator 324 . The second expansion valve 325 is provided in the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351 .

[0141] The refrigeration circuit 320 also includes a manifold 327 , a receiver-drier 328 , and an internal heat exchanger 329 .

[0142] Manifold 327 is provided in circulation flow path 350. Receiver-drier 328 is connected to manifold 327. Internal heat exchanger 329 is connected to a portion of circulation flow path 350 upstream of first expansion valve 323 and a portion of circulation flow path 350 downstream of in-vehicle evaporator 324.

[0143] Next, the heat medium circuit 310 will be described. Heat medium circuit 310 includes a first circuit 311, a second circuit 312, a flow path 313, a radiator 313a, a storage tank 313b, a flow path 314, a chiller 326, a flow path 315, and a five-way valve 330. Five-way valve 330 has ports P21 to P25. Five-way valve 330 is an example of a "switching device" in the present disclosure.

[0144] First circuit 311 includes flow path 311a, battery 311b, water pump 311c, and temperature sensor 311d. First circuit 311 is formed by flow path 311a and any one of flow paths 313 to 315. Water pump 311c and battery 311b are examples of a "pump" and a "second power storage device," respectively, as used herein. Flow path 311a is an example of a "first flow path" as used herein.

[0145] Flow path 311a is the flow path through which the heat medium flows. Flow path 311a connects the water pump 311c and port P22 of the five-way valve 330. Battery 311b is connected to flow path 311a so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through flow path 311a. In other words, battery 311b is in thermal contact with flow path 311a. Water pump 311c is provided in flow path 311a. Temperature sensor 311d detects the temperature of battery 311b.

[0146] Second circuit 312 includes flow path 312a, water pump 312b, a drive device, and temperature sensor 312i. Second circuit 312 is formed by flow path 312a and any one of flow paths 313 to 315. Water pump 312b and flow path 312a are examples of a "pump" and a "first flow path," respectively, as used herein.

[0147] The flow path 312a is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The flow path 312a is a flow path that connects the water pump 312b and the port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The water pump 312b is provided in the flow path 312a.

[0148] The drive device is a device that can generate driving force supplied to the electric vehicle. The drive device is connected to the flow path 312a in a manner that performs heat exchange with the heat medium flowing through the flow path 312a. That is, the drive device is in thermal contact with the flow path 312a. The drive device is connected to a portion of the flow path 312a on the downstream side of the water pump 312b. The drive device includes a front inverter 312c, a front electric motor 312d, a DCDC converter 312e, a rear inverter 312f, and a rear electric motor 312g. An ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 312h is connected to the flow path 312a. In addition, the above-mentioned drive device is an example of the "second drive device" disclosed in the present invention.

[0149] The temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second circuit 312 (flow path 312a). Specifically, the temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium immediately after flowing through the drive device (immediately before flowing into the five-way valve 330).

[0150] The flow path 313 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The radiator 313a and the storage tank 313b are provided in the flow path 313. The flow path 313 is an example of the "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0151] Flow path 314 is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. Chiller 326 is connected to flow path 314 and in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351. Chiller 326 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through flow path 314 and the working medium flowing through in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351.

[0152] The five-way valve 330 can switch the connection states of the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 313 , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 .

[0153] like Figure 16 As shown, one end of the flow path 311a is connected to the port P22 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 311a flows from the port P22 into the five-way valve 330. The other end of the flow path 311a is connected to the water pump 311c.

[0154] One end of the flow path 312a is connected to the port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing through the flow path 312a flows from the port P21 into the five-way valve 330. The other end of the flow path 312a is connected to the water pump 312b.

[0155] One end of the flow path 313 is connected to the port P25 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out of the port P25 flows through the flow path 313. The other end 313c of the flow path 313 is connected to the branch portion 340.

[0156] One end of the flow path 314 is connected to the port P24 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out of the port P24 flows through the flow path 314. The other end of the flow path 314 is connected to the branch portion 341.

[0157] One end of flow path 315 is connected to port P23 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out of port P23 flows through flow path 315. The other end of flow path 315 is connected to branch portion 342. Branch portion 341 is provided between branch portions 340 and 342.

[0158] As described above, the flow path 311 a and the flow path 312 a are connected to the five-way valve 330 in parallel with each other.

[0159] The five-way valve 330 can switch the thermal management circuit 300 between a heating mode in which the battery 311 b is heated, a cooling mode in which the battery 311 b is cooled, a vehicle interior cooling mode, a vehicle interior heating mode, or a combination of these modes. The five-way valve 330 is switched by the ECU 520 .

[0160] Figure 16 An example of the first communication mode of the heat management circuit 300 is shown. In the first communication mode, ports P21, P22, and P24 are open, ports P23 and P25 are closed, and the water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0161] In the first communication mode, the heat medium flowing from port P24 of five-way valve 330 into flow path 314 is branched at branching portion 341, flowing into flow path 311a and flow path 312a, respectively. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 312b exchanges heat with the drive device before flowing into port P21 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 311c exchanges heat with battery 311b before flowing into port P22 of five-way valve 330. In the first communication mode, the heat medium does not pass through storage tank 313b, so degassing is not performed in flow paths 311a and 312a.

[0162] Figure 17 An example of the second communication mode of the heat management circuit 300 is shown. In the second communication mode, ports P21, P22, and P25 are open, ports P23 and P24 are closed, and the water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0163] The heat medium flowing out of port P25 of five-way valve 330 into flow path 313 passes through storage tank 313b, branches at branching portion 340, and flows into flow paths 311a and 312a, respectively.

[0164] The thermal management system 3 is similar to the above embodiment, in a state where the flow path 311a and the flow path 312a are separated from the flow path 313 (see Figure 16 ) When the charging of the electric vehicle (not shown) is completed, the flow path 311a and the flow path 312a and the flow path 313 are connected by the five-way valve 330 after the charging is completed (refer to Figure 17 ) and drives the water pumps (311c, 312b), thereby performing degassing processing on the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, and the flow path 313. In addition, the control flow of the above embodiment can also be applied to the control flow of the degassing processing in the second modification.

[0165] <Modification of Modification 2>

[0166] In the second modification, the example of connecting the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, and the flow path 313 in the second communication mode is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 1 , as a second communication mode, the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, the flow path 313, and the flow path 314 may be connected. Figure 19 As shown, as a second communication pattern, the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 313 , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 may be connected.

[0167] Although not shown in the figure, as a second communication pattern, one or two of the flow path 311 a , the flow path 312 a , the flow path 314 , and the flow path 315 may be connected to the flow path 313 .

[0168] In addition, the combination of the first communication mode and the second communication mode is not limited to the above examples. Figure 17 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and, Figure 18 or Figure 19 The circuit shown is the second communication mode. Figure 18 The circuit described is the first connection mode, and, Figure 19 The circuit described is the second communication mode.

[0169] Furthermore, in the thermal management circuits of the first and second modified examples, a bypass path for bypassing the battery may be provided, similarly to the above-described embodiment.

[0170] <Other Modifications>

[0171] In the above embodiment, the thermal management system 1 is mounted on the electric vehicle 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal management system may be mounted on electrical equipment other than the electric vehicle (eg, a stationary power storage device).

[0172] In the above embodiment, the five-way valve 180 is used to switch the heat medium flow path, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a six-way valve or a ten-way valve may be used to switch the heat medium flow path. Furthermore, multiple switching valves may be provided.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the storage tank 175 is arranged in the flow path 170a where the battery 173 is installed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Alternatively, the storage tank may be arranged in the flow path 130a where the drive unit (PCU 133, etc.) is installed without the storage tank in the flow path 170a.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the degassing process A is performed by connecting the flow path 170a for the battery 173 and the flow path 130a for the drive unit (PCU 133, etc.) after the battery 173 is charged. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The degassing process can also be performed by connecting flow paths other than the two described above after the battery 173 is charged.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the bypass path 174 for bypassing the battery 173 is provided in the thermal management circuit 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bypass path 174 for bypassing the battery 173 may not be provided in the thermal management circuit. In this case, the bypass path 174 may not be provided in the thermal management circuit. Figure 7 The processing of steps S6 to S8.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the degassing process A is not executed when the cumulative degassing time exceeds the predetermined time t2 (upper limit), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the cumulative time of the degassing treatment is shown as the sum of the cumulative time after the completion of charging and the cumulative time at a time other than the completion of charging. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the cumulative time of the degassing treatment may include only the cumulative time after the completion of charging.

[0178] In the above embodiment, a water pump is provided in each of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A water pump may be provided in only one of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a.

[0179] In the above embodiment, the ECU 500 is shown as including two timers, each of which measures different times. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The ECU may include only one timer.

[0180] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the temperature sensor 176 for detecting the temperature of the battery 173 is provided, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the battery 173 may not be provided.

[0181] Furthermore, the configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0182] The embodiments and modifications disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is not indicated by the description of the embodiments and modifications described above, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system provided in a rechargeable electrical device, wherein: The thermal management system comprises: The first flow path for heat medium circulation; A second flow path in which the heat medium flows and a storage tank is provided; a switching device capable of switching the connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path; as well as a pump that circulates the heat medium through each of the first flow path and the second flow path in a state in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected; When charging of the electrical device is completed with the first flow path and the second flow path disconnected, the first flow path and the second flow path are connected by the switching device after charging is completed and the pump is driven to perform degassing processing on the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein: When the degassing process continues for the first time or longer, the degassing process is terminated.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also includes: a first power storage device that exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through one of the first flow path and the second flow path; and The first driving device can generate a driving force by exchanging heat with the heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein: further comprising a bypass path for bypassing at least a portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the first power storage device and the heat medium is performed, When the degassing process is performed, if the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat medium is not flowed through the portion but is flowed through the bypass path.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: If the accumulated time for which the pump is driven in a state where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected exceeds a second time, the degassing process is not performed.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein: The accumulated time is a sum of a first accumulated time during which the degassing process is performed and a second accumulated time during which the pump is driven in a state where the first flow path and the second flow path are connected at a timing other than after the completion of the charging.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the heat medium flowing through the electrical equipment in a state where the degassing process is not being performed is replaced, the degassing process becomes executable.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The switching device includes a five-way valve or an eight-way valve.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also features: heat sink; a second power storage device; and The second driving device is capable of generating driving force, The radiator is provided in the second flow path, At least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the first flow path.

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