Thermal management system

Abstract

A thermal management system is provided that enables precise temperature control, including device warm-up, when a heat transfer fluid circulates to a temperature control object, and can eliminate problems related to heat transfer fluid imbalance.It comprises a first circulation loop 42, which has a third pump 23 that circulates the heat transfer fluid to a battery 2, a second circulation loop 43, which has a cooling section 13 for cooling the heat transfer fluid, a third circulation loop 44, which has a heating section 14 for heating the heat transfer fluid, a heat exchange section 63, which causes a heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the third circulation loop 44 and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the battery 2, and a thermostatic valve 30, wherein the thermostatic valve 30 controls the heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid flowing in the first circulation loop 42 and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the third circulation loop 44 at the heat exchange section 63.

Description

Thermal Management System

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system that controls the temperature of a temperature-control target by circulating a heat medium through the target.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, batteries (cells), electric motors for driving, inverters, and the like (hereinafter referred to as temperature control targets) mounted on electric vehicles (electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.) generate heat. For this reason, thermal management systems have been developed that control temperature by circulating a heat medium among multiple temperature control targets, or that use a heat pump circuit (refrigerant circuit) for air conditioning the vehicle interior, heating and cooling a heat medium (water, etc.) with a refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant) that radiates heat in a radiator and a refrigerant that absorbs heat in a heat absorber, and circulating this heat medium among the temperature control targets through the heat medium circuit (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] JP 2014-80123 A JP 2012-232730 A

[0004] However, for example, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, in addition to the heat exchangers for the heater core and cooler core for air conditioning, multiple heat exchangers for the temperature control targets must be provided in the heat pump circuit. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to control the temperature by flowing only a portion of the heat medium circulated through the cooler core to the temperature control target side, but this does not allow warming up when the temperature control target (battery, etc.) is in a low temperature state, such as when starting operation from a low outside air temperature condition below freezing.

[0005] It is also possible to warm up the temperature-controlled object by installing a heater in the path through which the heat medium circulates, or by circulating the heat medium for the heater core through the temperature-controlled object, but the former would complicate the device and require electronic control, which would increase costs. Furthermore, in the latter case, the heat medium that has regulated the temperature of the temperature-controlled object does not necessarily return to the cooler core or the heater core in the same amount as it was introduced, resulting in an imbalance and an excess amount of heat medium in one direction, which could cause the reserve tank to fill up.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and aims to provide a thermal management system that can accurately control temperature, including warm-up, when circulating a heat medium to a temperature-controlled object, and can also solve problems associated with uneven distribution of the heat medium.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the thermal management system of the present invention is equipped with a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium through an object to be temperature-controlled to control the temperature, and is equipped with: a first circulation path having a circulation section that circulates the heat medium through the object to be temperature-controlled; a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path and through which the heat medium is circulated, and having a cooling section that cools the heat medium; a third circulation path through which the heat medium is circulated and having a heating section that heats the heat medium; a heat exchange section that exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through the third circulation path and the heat medium circulated through the object to be temperature-controlled; and a temperature adjustment section for adjusting the temperature of the object to be temperature-controlled, wherein the temperature adjustment section controls the heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path in the heat exchange section.

[0008] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, it is provided with a fourth circulation path connected to the first circulation path and having a first heating heat exchange part, the heat exchange part being composed of the first heating heat exchange part and a second heating heat exchange part provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange part, and the temperature adjustment part causes the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path to the fourth circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value.

[0009] The heat management system of the invention of claim 3 is characterized in that in the invention of claim 1, the heat exchange section is composed of a first heating heat exchange section provided in the first circulation path and a second heating heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section, and the temperature adjustment section flows the heat medium through the second heating heat exchange section when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value.

[0010] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 4 is characterized in that it includes another temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object in each of the above inventions, and this other temperature adjustment unit controls the flow of heat medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path.

[0011] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that in the above invention, another temperature adjustment unit causes the heat medium to flow from the second circulation path to the first circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value that is higher than the predetermined value.

[0012] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 6 is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the temperature adjustment unit is a flow path switching valve that has a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid.

[0013] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 7 is characterized in that in the above invention, the temperature adjustment unit is structured to always ensure minimal heating of the heat medium circulated to the temperature adjustment target by the heat exchange unit.

[0014] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 8 is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the temperature control target is a battery mounted on a vehicle, a motor for driving the vehicle, or an inverter for driving the motor.

[0015] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the third circulation path has a heater core for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating section to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0016] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 10 is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the second circulation path has a cooler core through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling section is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0017] The thermal management system of the invention of claim 11 is characterized in that it comprises a heat pump circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant in each of the above inventions, a radiator that radiates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reduction section that depressurizes the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator, and a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been depressurized in the pressure reduction section, and the radiator and the heating section of the third circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and the cooling section of the second circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship.

[0018] According to the present invention, a thermal management system having a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium through a temperature control target to control the temperature includes a first circulation path having a circulation section that circulates the heat medium through the temperature control target, a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path and through which the heat medium is circulated, and having a cooling section that cools the heat medium, a third circulation path through which the heat medium is circulated and having a heating section that heats the heat medium, a heat exchange section that exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through the third circulation path and the heat medium circulated through the temperature control target, and a temperature adjustment section for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control target, wherein the temperature adjustment section controls the heat exchange in the heat exchange section between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path, so that when heating of the temperature control target is not required, the heat medium is circulated within the first circulation path, and when heating of the temperature control target is required, the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is heated in the heat exchange section by the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path, thereby making it possible to heat the temperature control target.

[0019] This allows the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature control target to be quickly increased, making it possible to quickly warm up the temperature control target when starting operation from a low outside air temperature condition, etc. In particular, since the heat medium is not introduced from the third circulation path to the first circulation path, there is no imbalance in the heat medium between the third circulation path and the second circulation path.

[0020] In this case, as in the invention of claim 2, a fourth circulation path is provided that is connected to the first circulation path and has a first heating heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is composed of the first heating heat exchanger and a second heating heat exchanger that is provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchanger, and if the temperature adjustment part is configured to flow the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path into the fourth circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the heat medium flowing through the fourth circulation path will no longer be overheated in the heat exchanger, and excessive heating of the object to be temperature controlled can also be prevented.

[0021] In particular, in the case of the invention of claim 2, the temperature of the temperature control target is controlled based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path, making it possible to control the temperature more accurately. Furthermore, for example, when the temperature control target is a battery of an electric vehicle, the battery is usually located at a distance from the heat pump circuit, but in the case of the invention of claim 2, there is no need to extend the third circulation path to the battery, which is advantageous in terms of the layout of the equipment in the electric vehicle.

[0022] Furthermore, as in the invention of claim 3, the heat exchange section is composed of a first heating heat exchange section provided in the first circulation path and a second heating heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section, and even if the temperature control section flows the heat medium through the second heating heat exchange section when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, excessive heating of the temperature-controlled object can be prevented.

[0023] Furthermore, as in the invention of claim 4, if another temperature adjustment unit is provided to adjust the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, and this other temperature adjustment unit controls the flow of heat medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path, when cooling of the temperature-controlled object is not necessary, the temperature adjustment unit will circulate the heat medium in the first circulation path, and when cooling of the temperature-controlled object is necessary, the heat medium will flow in from the second circulation path, making it possible to cool the temperature-controlled object.

[0024] As a result, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the first circulation path is maintained at the target temperature, allowing accurate temperature control of the temperature control target to be achieved. In particular, the heat medium that flows into the first circulation path is returned to the second circulation path, but since no heat medium is introduced from the third circulation path, the aforementioned imbalance in the heat medium does not occur. Furthermore, since only the necessary amount of heat medium is introduced from the second circulation path to the first circulation path, heat loss is also reduced.

[0025] In this case, as in the invention of claim 5, another temperature control unit causes the heat medium to flow from the second circulation path to the first circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value higher than the predetermined value, thereby reliably preventing overheating of the temperature-controlled object.

[0026] Furthermore, by configuring the temperature adjustment unit as in the invention of claim 6 as a flow path switching valve that has a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid, electronic control is no longer necessary, making it possible to reduce the cost of the system.

[0027] In this case, as in the invention of claim 7, by configuring the temperature control unit so that the heat exchange unit always ensures minimal heating of the heat medium circulated to the temperature control object, it is possible to reliably control the temperature of the temperature control object to above the lower limit of the optimal temperature.

[0028] Here, the object of temperature control may be, for example, a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, an electric motor for driving the electric vehicle, or an inverter for driving the electric motor for driving the electric motor, as in the eighth aspect of the invention.

[0029] The third circulation path may have a heater core for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating section to heat the interior of the vehicle as in the invention of claim 9, and the second circulation path may have a cooler core for circulating the heat medium cooled by the cooling section to cool the interior of the vehicle as in the invention of claim 10. In that case, as in the invention of claim 11, a heat pump circuit is provided which has a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a radiator for radiating heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reduction section for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator, and a heat absorber for absorbing heat from the refrigerant that has been depressurized in the pressure reduction section, and the radiator and the heating section of the third circulation path are in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and the cooling section of the second circulation path are in a heat exchange relationship.

[0030] This makes it possible to control the temperature of the temperature control target using the heat pump circuit, the third circulation path, and the second circulation path for air conditioning the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the temperature control target, heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is no longer performed, so a higher-temperature heat medium circulates through the heater core, allowing for smooth heating of the passenger compartment. Furthermore, when there is no need to cool the temperature control target, the heat medium flowing through the second circulation path does not flow into the first circulation path, so a lower-temperature heat medium circulates through the cooler core, allowing for smooth cooling of the passenger compartment.

[0031] In particular, according to the configuration of the present invention, since only the necessary amount of heat medium is introduced from the second circulation path to the first circulation path as described above, the amount of heat medium flowing in and out between the first circulation path and the second circulation path is relatively small. Here, when the temperature of the battery of an electric vehicle is to be controlled as described above, the battery is usually located at a distance from the heat pump circuit, but since the amount of heat medium flowing between the first circulation path and the second circulation path is small, the diameter of the piping connecting them can be small, which also provides significant advantages in terms of the layout of each device in the electric vehicle.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of one embodiment of a thermal management system of the present invention (embodiment 1: first path state in heating mode); FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a thermovalve as an embodiment of the temperature adjustment unit of the thermal management system of FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram explaining a second path state of the thermal management system of FIG. 1 in heating mode; FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of the thermal management system of FIG. 7 in cooling mode; FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a first circulation path of another embodiment of the thermal management system of the present invention (embodiment 2: first path state in heating mode); FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a second path state of the thermal management system of FIG. 5; FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a first circulation path of another embodiment of the thermal management system of the present invention (embodiment 3: first path state in heating mode); FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the second path state of the thermal management system of FIG. 7.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] (1) Configuration of Thermal Management System 1 Figure 1 shows the configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The thermal management system 1 according to the embodiment is a vehicle air conditioning system that conditions the interior of an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, or other electrically powered vehicle, and also controls the temperature of temperature-control targets such as a battery 2, a traction electric motor, an inverter, and the like, in addition to the battery 2 discussed in this embodiment, and is configured to include a heat pump circuit 3, a heat medium circuit 4, and a control device 6. In this application, the concept of a battery also includes a fuel cell.

[0035] The heat pump circuit 3 of the embodiment includes a compressor 7 that compresses a refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant), a radiator 8 that radiates heat from the refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) discharged from the compressor 7, an expansion valve 9 as a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator 8, a heat absorber 11 in which the refrigerant that has been decompressed by the expansion valve 9 evaporates and absorbs heat, and an accumulator 12, all of which are connected in a circular pattern by refrigerant piping, and the heat pump circuit 3 is normally disposed in the so-called engine compartment under the hood of an electric vehicle.

[0036] The heat medium circuit 4 is a circuit through which a heat medium such as water circulates, and in this embodiment, is provided with a cooling section 13 (heat exchanger), a heating section 14 (heat exchanger), a cooler core 16, a heater core 17, first to third pumps 21 to 23 as circulation sections, first and second reserve tanks 26, 27, a radiator 29, a thermovalve 30 and a thermovalve 31 (another thermovalve) as examples of temperature adjustment sections, eight three-way valves 32 to 39, a check valve 41, and a heat exchange section 63 (heat exchanger) consisting of a first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61, which are connected by heat medium piping as described below. In addition, the three-way valves 32 to 39 in the embodiment are valve devices that have three connection ports and can be switched between a state in which all connection ports are connected and a state in which only two of the connection ports are connected (four states in total).

[0037] In this case, the outlet of the cooling unit 13 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 32 by a heat medium pipe C1, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 32 is connected to a third connection port of the three-way valve 33 by a heat medium pipe C2. The first connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to an inlet of the cooler core 16 by a heat medium pipe C4, and the outlet of the cooler core 16 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 34 by a heat medium pipe C5. The second connection port of the three-way valve 34 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 35 by a heat medium pipe C6, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 35 is connected to an inlet of the first pump 21 by a heat medium pipe C7. The outlet of the first pump 21 is connected to an inlet of the first reserve tank 26 by a heat medium pipe C8, and the outlet of the first reserve tank 26 is connected to the inlet of the cooling unit 13 by a heat medium pipe C9.

[0038] A second connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to a main valve port MV (described later) of the thermo valve 31 by a heat medium pipe C10, and a bypass valve port BV (described later) of the thermo valve 31 is connected to a main valve port MV (described later) of the thermo valve 30 by a heat medium pipe C38 and a heat medium pipe C11.

[0039] A mixed water port XV (described later) of the thermostatic valve 31 is connected to the inlet of the third pump 23 by a heat medium pipe C14, and the outlet of the third pump 23 is connected to the inlet of the battery 2 (temperature control target) by a heat medium pipe C15. A jacket structure having an inlet and an outlet through which a heat medium flows is configured around the battery 2, and the battery 2 exchanges heat with the heat medium through this jacket structure. The inlet of the battery 2 is the inlet of this jacket structure, and the outlet of the battery 2, i.e., the outlet of the jacket structure, is connected to the inlet of the check valve 41 by a heat medium pipe C16 and a heat medium pipe C12. The outlet of the check valve 41 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 34 by a heat medium pipe C13, and the check valve 41 is forward-flowing through the three-way valve 34.

[0040] A mixed water port XV (described later) of the thermo valve 30 is connected to the connection point between the heat medium pipe C16 and the heat medium pipe C12 by a heat medium pipe C39. A bypass valve port BV (described later) of the thermo valve 30 is connected to the inlet of the first heating heat exchange section 61 by a heat medium pipe C40, and the outlet of the first heating heat exchange section 61 is connected to the connection point between the heat medium pipe C11 and the heat medium pipe C38 by a heat medium pipe C41.

[0041] The closed loop formed by the third pump 23, the heat medium pipe C15, the jacket structure of the battery 2, the heat medium pipe C16, the heat medium pipe C39, the thermovalve 30, the heat medium pipe C11, the heat medium pipe C38, the thermovalve 31, and the heat medium pipe C14, and the heat medium pipe C10, the heat medium pipe C12, the check valve 41, and the heat medium pipe C13 form a first circulation path 42 in the present invention.

[0042] The thermo valve 30, the heat medium pipe C40, the first heating heat exchange section 61, and the heat medium pipe C41 constitute a fourth circulation path 45 of the present invention. That is, the fourth circulation path 45 is connected to the first circulation path 42, and the thermo valve 30 is connected to the connection between the fourth circulation path 45 and the first circulation path 42, and controls the flow of the heat medium from the first circulation path 42 to the fourth circulation path 45.

[0043] Furthermore, the cooling unit 13, the heat medium pipe C1, the three-way valve 32, the heat medium pipe C2, the three-way valve 33, the heat medium pipe C4, the cooler core 16, the heat medium pipe C5, the three-way valve 34, the heat medium pipe C6, the three-way valve 35, the heat medium pipe C7, the first pump 21, the heat medium pipe C8, the first reserve tank 26, and the heat medium pipe C9 constitute a second circulation path 43 in the present invention in the cooling mode, which will be described later. In this case, the heat medium pipe C10 constitutes a connection between the second circulation path 43 and the first circulation path 42. The thermo valve 31 is connected to this heat medium pipe C10 (connection) and controls the flow of the heat medium from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42.

[0044] The outlet of the heating unit 14 is connected to a third connection port of the three-way valve 36 by a heat medium pipe C17. The first connection port of the three-way valve 36 is connected to an inlet of the second heating heat exchange unit 62 by a heat medium pipe C19, and the outlet of the second heating heat exchange unit 62 is connected to an inlet of the heater core 17 by a heat medium pipe C42. The outlet of the heater core 17 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 38 by a heat medium pipe C20. The second connection port of the three-way valve 38 is connected to an inlet of the second pump 22 by a heat medium pipe C21, and the outlet of the second pump 22 is connected to an inlet of the second reserve tank 27 by a heat medium pipe C22. The outlet of the second reserve tank 27 is connected to the inlet of the heating unit 14 by a heat medium pipe C23.

[0045] The heating section 14, the heat medium piping C17, the three-way valve 36, the heat medium piping C19, the second heating heat exchange section 62, the heat medium piping C42, the heater core 17, the heat medium piping C20, the three-way valve 38, the heat medium piping C21, the second pump 22, the heat medium piping C22, the second reserve tank 27, and the heat medium piping C23 constitute a third circulation path 44 in the present invention.

[0046] Furthermore, the second connection port of the three-way valve 36 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 37 by heat medium piping C24, and the third connection port of the three-way valve 37 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 29 by heat medium piping C25. The outlet of the radiator 29 is connected to the second connection port of the three-way valve 39 by heat medium piping C26, and the first connection port of the three-way valve 39 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 38 by heat medium piping C27.

[0047] Furthermore, the second connection port of the three-way valve 37 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 32 by a heat medium pipe C28, and the third connection port of the three-way valve 35 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 39 by a heat medium pipe C29. The cooling unit 13, the heat medium pipe C1, the three-way valve 32, the heat medium pipe C28, the three-way valve 37, the heat medium pipe C25, the radiator 29, the heat medium pipe C26, the three-way valve 39, the heat medium pipe C29, the three-way valve 35, the heat medium pipe C7, the first pump 21, the heat medium pipe C8, the first reserve tank 26, and the heat medium pipe C9 constitute a second circulation path 43A in the present invention in the heating mode, which will be described later. In this case, the heat medium pipe C2 and the heat medium pipe C10 constitute a connection portion between the second circulation path 43A and the first circulation path 42.

[0048] 1, reference numeral 46 denotes an HVAC unit that supplies air for air conditioning to the interior of the electric vehicle, and is provided with an intake switching damper 48 that switches between inside air and outside air to be supplied to an internal air flow passage 47, and an interior fan 49. The cooler core 16 and heater core 17 described above are disposed in sequence within the air flow passage 47 downstream of the interior fan 49.

[0049] (2) Configuration of Thermovalves (Temperature Adjustment Units) 30, 31 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thermovalves (temperature adjustment units) 30, 31 described above. Thermovalves 30 and 31 have basically the same structure, but are used in different ways. That is, thermovalve 30 is connected to heat medium pipe C39 (the connection between first circulation path 42 and fourth circulation path 45), and thermovalve 31 is connected to heat medium pipe C10 (the connection between first circulation path 42 and second circulation paths 43, 43A).

[0050] Each of these valves includes a housing 51, a main valve 52, a bypass valve 53, a temperature sensor 54, and springs 56 and 57. The housing 51 is formed with the main valve port MV, the bypass valve port BV, and the mixed water port XV, and further includes a mixing chamber 58 inside the housing 51.

[0051] The main valve port MV communicates with a mixing chamber 58 via an opening 59, and the bypass valve port BV communicates with the mixing chamber 58. The main valve 52 opens and closes the opening 59 by the action of a temperature sensor 54 and springs 56 and 57, and the bypass valve 53 opens and closes the bypass valve port BV. The mixed water port XV communicates with the mixing chamber 58.

[0052] The temperature-sensing part 54 is connected to the main valve 52 and the bypass valve 53, and has an expandable structure with wax (e.g., paraffin wax) built in. The temperature-sensing part 54 expands and contracts depending on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, moving the main valve 52 and the bypass valve 53 and adjusting the opening of the opening 59 and the bypass valve port BV.

[0053] The temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermo valve 30 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the mixed water port XV, as described below. The temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermo valve 31 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, as described below, or the temperature of the heat medium mixed with the heat medium flowing in from the main valve port MV via the opening 59. Both temperatures of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 are the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42.

[0054] As described above, the heat medium pipe C11 of the first circulation path 42 is connected to the main valve port MV of the thermo valve 30, the heat medium pipe C40 of the fourth circulation path 45 is connected to the bypass valve port BV, and the heat medium pipe C39 of the first circulation path 42 is connected to the mixed water port XV. When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than a predetermined value T1 (for example, +30°C), the main valve 52 closes the opening 59, the bypass valve 53 begins to open the bypass valve port BV, the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 is introduced into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixed water port XV, and the heat medium is caused to flow from the bypass port BV to the fourth circulation path 45 (heat medium piping C40). When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds the predetermined value T1, the main valve 52 opens the opening 59, the bypass valve 53 closes the bypass valve port BV, and the heat medium that has flowed into the mixing chamber 58 from the first circulation path 43 is caused to flow from the main valve port MV to the heat medium piping C11.

[0055] In particular, in the case of the thermo valve 30, a small hole indicated by BH in Fig. 2 is formed. This small hole BH allows a small amount of heat medium to flow from the bypass valve port BV to the fourth circulation path 45 (heat medium piping C40) even when the bypass valve 53 closes the bypass valve port BV.

[0056] The main valve port MV of the thermo valve 31 is connected to the heat medium pipe C10, which is connected to the second circulation path 43 as described above. The bypass valve port BV is connected to the heat medium pipe C38, and the mixed water port XV is connected to the heat medium pipe C14. When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than another predetermined value T2 (e.g., +40°C) that is higher than the predetermined value T1 described above, the main valve 52 closes the opening 59 and the bypass valve 53 opens the bypass valve port BV. When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds the predetermined value T2, the main valve 52 begins to open the opening 59, and the heat medium (a low-temperature heat medium, described below) is introduced into the mixing chamber 58 from the second circulation path 43. The main valves 52 of the thermo valves 30 and 31 are also configured so that a small amount of heat medium flows into the mixing chamber 58 from the main valve port MV when the opening 59 is closed.

[0057] The operation of the thermal management system 1 of the embodiment configured as described above will now be described. (3) Heating Mode First, the heating mode controlled by the control device 6 will be described. The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of heat medium in the heating mode. In the heating mode, the control device 6 sets the three-way valve 32 to communicate with the heat medium pipes C1, C28, and C2, and the three-way valve 33 to communicate only between the heat medium pipe C2 and the heat medium pipe C10. The three-way valve 34 sets the heat medium pipe C6 to communicate with the heat medium pipe C13, and the three-way valve 35 to communicate with the heat medium pipes C6, C7, and C29. The three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipe C17 to communicate with the heat medium pipe C19, and the three-way valve 37 to communicate only between the heat medium pipe C25 and the heat medium pipe C28. Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C26 and the heat medium pipe C29 communicate with each other, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C20 and the heat medium pipe C21 communicate with each other.

[0058] Then, the compressor 7, the pumps 21, 22, 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat medium discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated through the second circulation path 43A by passing through the first reserve tank 26, the cooling unit 13, and the radiator 29 in that order, before being sucked into the first pump 21. Meanwhile, the heat medium discharged from the second pump 22 is circulated through the third circulation path 44 by passing through the second reserve tank 27, the heating unit 14, the second heating heat exchange unit 62 of the heat exchange unit 63, and the heater core 17 in that order, before being sucked into the second pump 22.

[0059] When the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant radiates heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, so that the heat medium flowing through the heating section 14 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant in the radiator 8. This heated high-temperature heat medium is circulated to the second heating heat exchange section 62, which heats the first heating heat exchange section 61. The high-temperature heat medium is then circulated to the heater core 17, so that the air sent from the interior fan 49 into the vehicle compartment is heated by the heater core 17, thereby heating the vehicle compartment.

[0060] Meanwhile, in the heat absorber 11, the heat medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by absorbing heat from the refrigerant. This cooled low-temperature heat medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and warmed by outside air. That is, it pumps up heat from the outside air. This pumped-up heat is transported to the radiator 8 by the heat pump circuit 3 and is used to heat the first heating heat exchange section 61 and to heat the vehicle interior.

[0061] (4) Temperature Control of Battery (Temperature Control Target) 2 in Heating Mode The heat medium discharged from the third pump 23 passes through the battery (temperature control target) 2 and flows from the mixed water port XV into the mixing chamber 58 of the thermostatic valve 30. Under low outside air temperature conditions below freezing, the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the mixed water port XV into the mixing chamber 58 is also extremely low (lower than the predetermined value T1). Therefore, the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. The thermostatic valve 31 also closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53. Therefore, the heat medium that has passed through the battery 2 passes through the heat medium pipe C39 and the thermostatic valve 30 and flows into the heat medium pipe C40 (fourth circulation path 45), flows into the first heating heat exchanger 61 of the heat exchanger 63, and is heated by the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the second heating heat exchanger 62.

[0062] This heated heat medium leaves the first heating heat exchange section 61 and enters the heat medium pipe C41, passes through the heat medium pipe C38 to the thermo valve 31, passes through the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 and the mixing chamber 58, flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14, and is sucked into the third pump 23. It is then circulated again through the heat medium pipe C15 to the battery 2 to heat the battery 2. The arrows in Figure 1 indicate this state, which is called the first path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0063] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 rises due to such heating of the heat medium and self-heating of the battery 2. Then, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 30 into the mixing chamber 58 rises to or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T1 (+30°C), the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, closes the bypass valve port BV, and opens the opening 59.

[0064] As a result, the heat medium flowing in from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 30 passes through the mixing chamber 58, passes through the opening 59, flows out from the main valve port MV to the heat medium pipe C11, passes through the thermo valve 31 and the heat medium pipe C14, and is sucked into the third pump 23, so that the heat medium is circulated in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 by the third pump 23. The solid arrows in Figure 3 indicate this state, which is called the second path state of the heat medium circuit 4. As a result, the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 (the heat medium circulated to the battery 2) does not flow into the fourth circulation path 45 and is not heated by the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the third circulation path 44, so excessive heating of the battery 2 is prevented.

[0065] As described above, since the bypass valve 53 of the thermo valve 30 has the small hole BH formed therein, a small amount of heat medium flows through the fourth circulation path 45. This ensures that the heat medium circulated to the battery 2 is always heated to a minimum level even in the second path state.

[0066] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 increases due to self-heating of the battery 2. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 into the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T2 (+40°C), the temperature sensor 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 32, passes through the heat medium pipe C2, the three-way valve 33, and the heat medium pipe C10, enters the thermo valve 31 from the main valve port MV, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 3 ).

[0067] The heat medium flowing in from the opening 59 is mixed in the mixing chamber 58 with the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14. It is then sucked into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the heat medium with a lowered temperature is circulated through the battery 2, and the battery 2 is cooled.

[0068] From the heat medium that has flowed out into the heat medium pipe C16 via the battery 2, the heat medium that was originally circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into the heat medium pipe C39, and the heat medium that has been introduced from the second circulation path 43 via the heat medium pipe C10 is diverted to the heat medium pipe C12 and returns to the second circulation path 43 via the check valve 41 and the heat medium pipe C13 (also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3). This is called the third path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0069] As described above, when the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced from the second circulation path 43 and the temperature of the heat medium (mixed heat medium) in the mixing chamber 58 falls below the predetermined value T2, the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the second path state, and the heat medium resumes circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. As a result, the battery 2 is maintained within an optimum temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0070] (5) Cooling Mode Next, the cooling mode controlled by the control device 6 will be described. The arrows in Fig. 4 indicate the flow of the heat medium in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the control device 6 sets the three-way valve 32 to a state in which only the heat medium pipes C1 and C2 are connected, and the three-way valve 33 to a state in which the heat medium pipes C2, C4, and C10 are connected. The three-way valve 34 sets the heat medium pipes C5, C6, and C13 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C6 and C7 to connect. The three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C6 and C7 to connect, and the three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 ...4 sets the heat medium pipes C5, C6, and C13 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C6 and C7 to connect, and the three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C26 and the heat medium pipe C27 communicate with each other, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C27 and the heat medium pipe C21 communicate with each other.

[0071] Then, the compressor 7, the pumps 21, 22, 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat medium discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated through the second circulation path 43 by passing through the first reserve tank 26, the cooling unit 13, and the cooler core 16 in this order, before being sucked into the first pump 21. In addition, the heat medium discharged from the second pump 22 is circulated by passing through the second reserve tank 27, the heating unit 14, and the radiator 29 in this order, before being sucked into the second pump 22.

[0072] Meanwhile, as described above, when the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant radiates heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, so that the heat medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by the refrigerant in the heat absorber 11. This cooled low-temperature heat medium is circulated to the cooler core 16, so that the air sent from the interior fan 49 into the vehicle cabin is cooled by the cooler core 16, thereby cooling the vehicle cabin. Meanwhile, in the radiator 8, the heat medium flowing through the heating section 14 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant. This heated high-temperature heat medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and radiates heat into the outside air.

[0073] (6) Temperature Control of Battery (Temperature Control Target) 2 in Cooling Mode Initially, the temperature of the heat medium circulating through the first circulation path 42 is lower than the predetermined value T2. Therefore, if the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value T1, the heat medium discharged from the third pump 23 passes through the battery (temperature control target) 2, reaches the thermostatic valve 30 and the thermostatic valve 31, and is then sucked back into the third pump 23, circulating through the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. That is, based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixed water port XV, the thermostatic valve 30 closes the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 and opens the opening 59 with the main valve 52. Furthermore, the thermostatic valve 31 opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 and closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52, so that the heat medium is circulated through the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 by the third pump 23. The solid arrows in FIG. 4 indicate this state, which is referred to as the fourth path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0074] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 increases due to self-heating of the battery 2. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 reaches or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T2 (+40°C), the temperature sensor 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat medium flowing in the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 33, passes through the heat medium pipe C10, enters the thermo valve 31 from the main valve port MV, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 4 ).

[0075] The heat medium flowing in from the opening 59 is mixed in the mixing chamber 58 with the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14. It is then sucked into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the heat medium with a lowered temperature is circulated through the battery 2, and the battery 2 is cooled.

[0076] From the heat medium that has flowed out into the heat medium pipe C16 via the battery 2, the heat medium that was originally circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into the heat medium pipe C39, and the heat medium that has been introduced from the second circulation path 43 via the heat medium pipe C10 is diverted to the heat medium pipe C12 and then returns to the second circulation path 43 via the check valve 41 and the heat medium pipe C13 (also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4). This is called the fifth path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0077] As described above, when the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced from the second circulation path 43 and the temperature of the heat medium (mixed heat medium) in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermo valve 31 falls below the predetermined value T2, the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the fourth path state, and the heat medium returns to circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 (FIG. 4). As a result, even in the cooling mode, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimum temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0078] As described above, according to the present invention, the thermo valve 30 (temperature adjustment unit) controls the heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 in the heat exchange unit 63. Therefore, when there is no need to heat the battery 2 (temperature adjustment target), the heat medium is circulated within the first circulation path 42, and when there is a need to heat the battery 2, the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 in the heat exchange unit 63 is heated by the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, thereby making it possible to heat the battery 2.

[0079] This allows the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the battery 2 to be quickly increased, thereby enabling the battery 2 to be quickly warmed up when starting operation from low outside air temperature conditions, etc. In particular, since the heat medium is not introduced from the third circulation path 44 to the first circulation path 42, there is no risk of the heat medium being unevenly distributed between the third circulation path 44 and the second circulation path 43, causing the reserve tanks 26 and 27 to overflow.

[0080] In this case, in the embodiment, a fourth circulation path 45 is provided which is connected to the first circulation path 42 and has a first heating heat exchange section 61, and the heat exchange section 63 is composed of the first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 which is provided in the third circulation path 44 and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61, and the thermo valve 30 is configured to flow the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 into the fourth circulation path 45 when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 is lower than a predetermined value T1, so that the heat medium flowing through the fourth circulation path 45 is no longer overheated in the heat exchange section 63, and excessive heating of the battery 2 can also be prevented.

[0081] In particular, in this embodiment, more accurate temperature control is possible because the temperature of the battery 2 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42. Furthermore, when the battery 2 of an electric vehicle is the target for temperature control as in the embodiment, the battery 2 is usually installed under the floor of the vehicle, away from the heat pump circuit 3, but in the case of the embodiment, there is no need to extend the third circulation path 44 to the battery 2, which is advantageous in terms of the layout of devices in the electric vehicle.

[0082] In addition, in the embodiment, another thermo valve 31 is provided to adjust the temperature of the battery 2, and this thermo valve 31 controls the flow of heat medium from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42 based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42.Therefore, when cooling of the battery 2 is not necessary, the thermo valve 31 circulates the heat medium in the first circulation path 42, and when cooling of the battery 2 is necessary, the heat medium is flowed in from the second circulation path 43, thereby making it possible to cool the battery 2.

[0083] As a result, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 is maintained at the target temperature, thereby enabling accurate temperature control of the battery 2. In particular, the heat medium that flows into the first circulation path 42 is returned to the second circulation path 43, but since no heat medium is introduced from the third circulation path 44, the aforementioned uneven distribution of the heat medium does not occur. Furthermore, since only the necessary amount of heat medium is introduced from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42, heat loss is also reduced.

[0084] In this case, in the embodiment, the thermo valve 31 is configured to allow the heat medium to flow from the second circulation path 43 into the first circulation path 42 when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value T2 higher than the predetermined value T1, thereby making it possible to reliably prevent the battery 2 from overheating.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit is configured with thermovalves 30, 31, which are flow path switching valves that have a temperature sensing unit 54 that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switch the flow path of the fluid, so electronic control is no longer necessary and it is possible to reduce the cost of the system.

[0086] In addition, in the embodiment, the thermo valve 30 has a small hole BH formed in the bypass valve 53 so that the heat exchanger 63 always ensures a minimum heating of the heat medium circulated to the battery 2, so that the temperature of the battery 2 can be reliably controlled to a temperature above the lower limit of the optimum temperature.

[0087] Here, the temperature control target may be the battery 2 in the embodiment, as well as an electric motor for driving an electric vehicle or an inverter for driving the electric motor for driving the electric motor.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the third circulation path 44 has a heater core 17 through which the heat medium heated by the heating unit 14 is circulated to heat the interior of the vehicle, and the second circulation path 43 has a cooler core 16 through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit 13 is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle. The radiator 8 of the heat pump circuit 3 and the heating unit 14 of the third circulation path 44 are in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber 11 of the heat pump circuit 3 and the cooling unit 13 of the second circulation path 43 are in a heat exchange relationship.

[0089] As a result, the temperature of the battery 2 can be controlled by utilizing the heat pump circuit 3, the third circulation path 44, and the second circulation path 43 for air-conditioning the interior of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the battery 2, heat exchange does not occur between the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 and the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42, so that a higher temperature heat medium circulates through the heater core 17, and heating of the interior of the vehicle can be performed without hindrance. Furthermore, when there is no need to cool the battery 2, the heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 43 does not flow into the first circulation path 42, so that a lower temperature heat medium circulates through the cooler core 16, and cooling of the interior of the vehicle can be performed without hindrance.

[0090] In particular, according to the configuration of the embodiment, as described above, only the necessary amount of heat medium is introduced from the second circulation path 43 into the first circulation path 42, and therefore a relatively small amount of heat medium flows in and out between the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation path 43. Here, when the battery 2 of the electric vehicle is the target for temperature control as in the embodiment, the battery 2 is usually provided in a position such as under the floor, separated from the heat pump circuit 3. However, since the amount of heat medium flowing between the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation path 43 is small, the diameters of the heat medium pipes C10, C13, etc. connecting them can be small, which also provides an extremely significant advantage in terms of the layout of each device in the electric vehicle.

[0091] 5 and 6 show the configuration of the first circulation path 42 of another embodiment of the thermal management system 1 of the present invention. Components in Fig. 5 and 6 that are designated by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 1 to 4 have the same or similar functions. In this embodiment, the heat medium pipe C39 is connected to the inlet of the first heating heat exchanger 61, and the outlet of the first heating heat exchanger 61 is connected to the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 by the heat medium pipe C38.

[0092] As a result, a closed loop formed by the third pump 23, the heat medium pipe C15, the jacket structure of the battery 2, the heat medium pipe C16, the heat medium pipe C39, the first heating heat exchanger 61, the heat medium pipe C38, the thermo valve 31, and the heat medium pipe C14, and the heat medium pipe C10, the heat medium pipe C12, the check valve 41, and the heat medium pipe C13 form the first circulation path 42 in this embodiment. That is, the first heating heat exchanger 61 is provided in the first circulation path 42.

[0093] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the thermo valve 30 is provided on the third circulation path 44 side. In this case, the heat medium piping C19 of the third circulation path 44 is connected to the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 30, and the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 30 is connected to the inlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 by the heat medium piping C40. The outlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 is connected to the heat medium piping C42 by the heat medium piping C41, and the main valve port MV of the thermo valve 30 is connected to the connection point of the heat medium piping C41 and the heat medium piping C42 by the heat medium piping C11. The other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0094] (7) Temperature Control of Battery (Temperature Control Target) 2 in Heating Mode in This Embodiment In this embodiment, the heat medium discharged from the third pump 23 passes through the battery (temperature control target) 2, enters the first heating heat exchanger 61, and reaches the thermo valve 31. When operation is started under low outside air temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 into the mixing chamber 58 is extremely low (lower than the predetermined value T2), so the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, and keeps the bypass valve port BV open using the bypass valve 53, so the heat medium repeats its circulation, being sucked from the mixed water pump XV through the heat medium piping C14 and into the third pump 23.

[0095] On the other hand, when operation is started under low outside air temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 that flows from the mixed water pump XV of the thermo valve 30 into the mixing chamber 58 via the heat medium piping C19 is still low (lower than the predetermined value T1), so the temperature sensing unit 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 (the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44) and opens the bypass valve port BV using the bypass valve 53. As a result, the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 flows out from the bypass valve port BV into the heat medium piping C40, passes through the second heating heat exchanger 62, and then flows into the heater core 17 via the heat medium piping C41 and C42.

[0096] At this time, the heat medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 flows through the first heating heat exchange section 61 and exchanges heat with the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 flowing in the second heating heat exchange section 62, so that the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 is heated by the heat medium flowing in the third circulation path 44.

[0097] This heated heat medium flows from the first heating heat exchange section 61 to the heat medium pipe C38, reaches the thermo valve 31, passes through the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31, passes through the mixing chamber 58, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14, and is sucked into the third pump 23. It is then circulated again to the battery 2 through the heat medium pipe C15 to heat the battery 2. The arrows in Figure 5 indicate this state, which is the first path state of the heat medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0098] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 increases. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 30 into the mixing chamber 58 increases to or exceeds the predetermined value T1 (+30°C), the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, closes the bypass valve port BV, and opens the opening 59.

[0099] As a result, the heat medium flowing in from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 30 passes through the mixing chamber 58, passes through the opening 59, flows out from the main valve port MV to the heat medium pipe C11, and then flows through the heat medium pipe C42 to the heater core 17. That is, the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 does not flow into the second heating heat exchange section 62. The solid arrow in Figure 6 indicates this state, which is the second path state of the heat medium circuit 4 in this embodiment. As a result, the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 (the heat medium circulated to the battery 2) is no longer heated by the high-temperature heat medium flowing in the third circulation path 44, preventing excessive heating of the battery 2.

[0100] In this case, as described above, the bypass valve 53 of the thermo valve 30 has the small hole BH formed therein, so a small amount of the heat medium flows to the second heating heat exchange section 62. As a result, even in this second path state, the minimum heating of the heat medium circulated to the battery 2 is always ensured.

[0101] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 increases due to self-heating of the battery 2. Then, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31 reaches or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T2 (+40°C), the temperature sensor 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat medium flowing through the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 32, passes through the heat medium pipe C2, the three-way valve 33, and the heat medium pipe C10, enters the thermo valve 31 from the main valve port MV, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 ).

[0102] The heat medium flowing in from the opening 59 is mixed in the mixing chamber 58 with the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14. It is then sucked into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the heat medium with a lowered temperature is circulated through the battery 2, and the battery 2 is cooled.

[0103] From the heat medium that has flowed out into the heat medium pipe C16 via the battery 2, the heat medium that was originally circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into the heat medium pipe C39, and the heat medium that has been introduced from the second circulation path 43 via the heat medium pipe C10 is diverted to the heat medium pipe C12 and then returns to the second circulation path 43 via the check valve 41 and the heat medium pipe C13 (also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6). This is called the third path state of the heat medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0104] As described above, when the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced from the second circulation path 43 and the temperature of the heat medium (mixed heat medium) in the mixing chamber 58 falls below the predetermined value T2, the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the second path state, and the heat medium returns to circulating in the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. As a result, in this embodiment as well, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimum temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0105] Next, Figures 7 and 8 show the configuration of the first circulation path 42 portion of the thermal management system 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a two-way valve 66 is used as the temperature adjustment unit instead of the thermovalve 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6. The other configurations are the same as those shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0106] This two-way valve 66 also has a temperature sensor similar to that described above that senses the temperature of the heat medium and is a flow path switching valve that switches the flow path of the heat medium. That is, the two-way valve 66 has one inlet 67 and a first and second outlets 68 and 69, and adjusts the apertures of the first and second outlets 68 and 69 based on the temperature of the heat medium at the inlet 67 (the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44). In this embodiment, when the temperature of the heat medium at the inlet 67 is lower than the aforementioned predetermined value T1, the aperture of the first outlet 68 is increased and the aperture of the second outlet 69 is decreased. When the temperature of the heat medium at the inlet 67 is equal to or higher than the predetermined value T1, the aperture of the first outlet 68 is decreased and the aperture of the second outlet 69 is increased.

[0107] In this embodiment, the heat medium pipe C19 of the third circulation path 44 is connected to the inlet 67 of the two-way valve 66, and a first outlet 68 of the two-way valve 66 is connected to the inlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 by the heat medium pipe C40. A second outlet 69 of the two-way valve 66 is connected to the heat medium pipe C11.

[0108] In this embodiment as well, when operation is started under low outside air temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 that flows into the inlet of the two-way valve 66 via the heat medium pipe C19 is still low (lower than the predetermined value T1), so the opening of the first outlet 68 is large. As a result, the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 flows out from the first outlet 68 to the heat medium pipe C40, passes through the second heating heat exchanger 62, and then flows into the heater core 17 via the heat medium pipes C41 and C42.

[0109] At this time, the heat medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 flows through the first heating heat exchange section 61 and exchanges heat with the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 flowing in the second heating heat exchange section 62, so that the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 is heated by the heat medium flowing in the third circulation path 44.

[0110] This heated heat medium flows from the first heating heat exchange section 61 to the heat medium pipe C38, reaches the thermo valve 31, passes through the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 31, passes through the mixing chamber 58, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14, and is sucked into the third pump 23. It is then circulated again to the battery 2 through the heat medium pipe C15 to heat the battery 2. The arrows in Figure 7 indicate this state, which is the first path state of the heat medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0111] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 increases. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the inlet 67 of the two-way valve 66 increases to or above the predetermined value T1 (+30°C), the two-way valve 66 increases the opening of the second outlet 69. As a result, the heat medium flowing into the inlet 67 of the two-way valve 66 flows out from the second outlet 69 to the heat medium pipe C11, and then flows through the heat medium pipe C42 to the heater core 17. In other words, the heat medium in the third circulation path 44 does not flow through the second heating heat exchanger 62. The solid arrow in Figure 8 indicates this state, which is the second path state of the heat medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0112] As a result, in this embodiment as well, the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 (heat medium circulated to the battery 2) is not heated by the high-temperature heat medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, thereby preventing excessive heating of the battery 2. Other operations of the thermo valve 31 are the same as those in the cases of Figures 5 and 6 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0113] In the embodiment, the heat exchange section 63 is shown as a heat exchanger consisting of a first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61, but this is not limited to this. The heat exchange section 63 may be constructed of a double pipe, and for example, the inner flow path may be the first heating heat exchange section 61 and the outer flow path may be the second heating heat exchange section 62.

[0114] Furthermore, the numerical values ​​and configurations shown in each embodiment are not limited thereto and can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In particular, in the embodiments, a thermo valve or a 2-way valve switches the flow path of the heat medium, but the concept in this application also includes cases where the flow path is not completely switched and a small amount flows in both directions. Furthermore, while the embodiments have been described using an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle as an example, the inventions other than claims 8 to 11 are not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to various thermal management systems that circulate a heat medium to control the temperature of a temperature-controlled object.

[0115] 1 Thermal management system 2 Battery (temperature control target) 3 Heat pump circuit 4 Heat medium circuit 7 Compressor 8 Radiator 9 Expansion valve (pressure reduction section) 11 Heat absorber 13 Cooling section 14 Heating section 16 Cooler core 17 Heater core 21 First pump 22 Second pump 23 Third pump (circulation section) 30, 31 Thermo valve (temperature adjustment section) 32 to 39 Three-way valve 42 First circulation path 43, 43A Second circulation path 44 Third circulation path 45 Fourth circulation path 61 First heating heat exchange section 62 Second heating heat exchange section 63 Heat exchange section 66 2-way valve (temperature adjustment section) BH Small hole

Claims

1. A thermal management system having a heat medium circuit that controls the temperature of a temperature-controlled object by circulating a heat medium through the object, comprising: a first circulation path having a circulation unit that circulates the heat medium through the object; a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path and through which the heat medium is circulated, and having a cooling unit that cools the heat medium; a third circulation path through which the heat medium is circulated and having a heating unit that heats the heat medium; a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through the third circulation path and the heat medium circulated through the object; and a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the object, wherein the temperature adjustment unit controls the heat exchange in the heat exchange unit between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path.

2. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, further comprising a fourth circulation path connected to the first circulation path and having a first heating heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is composed of the first heating heat exchanger and a second heating heat exchanger provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchanger, and wherein the temperature adjustment part causes the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path to flow through the fourth circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value.

3. The heat management system described in claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchange section is composed of a first heating heat exchange section provided in the first circulation path and a second heating heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section, and the temperature adjustment section causes the heat medium to flow through the second heating heat exchange section when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value.

4. A thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with another temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, and the other temperature adjustment unit controls the inflow of the heat medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path.

5. The thermal management system described in claim 4, characterized in that the other temperature adjustment unit causes the heat medium to flow from the second circulation path to the first circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value that is higher than the predetermined value.

6. A thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the temperature adjustment unit is a flow path switching valve having a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid.

7. A thermal management system as described in claim 6, characterized in that the temperature adjustment unit is structured to always ensure minimal heating of the heat medium circulated to the temperature adjustment object by the heat exchange unit.

8. A thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature control target is a battery mounted on a vehicle, a traction motor of the vehicle, or an inverter that drives the motor.

9. A thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the third circulation path has a heater core through which the heat medium heated by the heating section is circulated to heat the interior of the vehicle.

10. A thermal management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second circulation path has a cooler core through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

11. A thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a heat pump circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a radiator that radiates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reduction section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator, and a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been depressurized in the pressure reduction section, wherein the radiator and the heating section of the third circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and the cooling section of the second circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship.

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