VEHICLE COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

This vehicle cooling system comprises: a cable (11, 111, 211) with electrical wires (21, 22) and two coolant flow paths (31, 32) extending along the electrical wires and cooling the electrical wires by means of a coolant flowing through their inner surface; and a socket connector (12) attached to an end section of the cable, designed to fit into and connect to a vehicle-mounted connector (3). The socket connector (12) is provided with a U-turn connecting flow path (33) which causes the coolant flowing through one of the two coolant flow paths to flow into the other by connecting the two coolant flow paths of the cable.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle cooling system for an electric vehicle and the like. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the increasing power output of electric vehicles and similar devices, a conductive path capable of withstanding high voltage and current has become necessary. As voltage and current increase, the amount of heat generated in the conductive path becomes a problem, necessitating an increase in the diameter of cables such as charging and motor cables. However, increasing the cable diameter introduces weight and space requirements, creating a growing demand to limit the diameter.

[0003] Patent literature 1 discloses a technique for cooling a connector by flowing a coolant through a fluid passage formed within the connector. However, since the cable itself is not cooled, it is difficult to prevent an increase in the cable's diameter. LIST OF LITERATURE PATENT LITERATURE

[0004] Patent literature 1: WO 2021 / 106 958 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0005] With the technique described above, since the cable is not cooled in the vehicle and it is difficult to prevent an increase in cable diameter, the problem of an increase in the weight of the cable and the problem of an increase in the installation space can occur.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle cooling system capable of minimizing an increase in cable diameter associated with an increase in the power output of an electric vehicle. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] To achieve the above task, the vehicle cooling system according to the present disclosure has the following features.

[0008] A vehicle cooling system, including: a cable with an electrical wire and two coolant flow passages extending along the electrical wire, serving to cool the electrical wire by means of a coolant flowing through an inner surface of the two coolant flow passages; and a connector that is attached to an end section of the cable and that is fitted and connected to a mating connector that is mounted on a vehicle, in which the connector is provided with a connecting flow path which, by causing the two coolant flow passages of the cable to be interconnected, causes the coolant flowing through one of the two coolant flow passages to flow into the other. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize an increase in the diameter of a cable that is associated with an increase in the power of an electric vehicle.

[0010] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present disclosure can be clarified by reading about a mode (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") for carrying out the invention, which is to be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a relationship between the end section of a cable, a connector attached to the end section, and a mating connector to which the connector is fitted and connected, in the embodiment. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view showing a specific example of the connector. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. <Erste Ausführungsform>

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an area A on the left, divided by the dashed line, the configuration inside the electric vehicle, and an area B on the right shows the configuration (the infrastructure-side configuration) of a charging device outside the vehicle.

[0014] As the charging device outside the vehicle (area B), a charging connector 50 is provided, which is connected to a power supply device (not shown). The charging connector 50 is attached to the distal end of a charging cable (not shown). In addition to a pair of positive and negative charging terminals (not shown), the charging connector 50 is provided with a coolant inlet passage 50A and a coolant outlet passage 50B.

[0015] The coolant inlet 50A of the charging connector 50 is connected to the coolant outlet port of a coolant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side via a coolant pipe, which is provided, for example, together with or separately from the charging cable. Similarly, the coolant outlet 50B of the charging connector 50 is connected to the coolant intake port of the coolant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side via the coolant pipe, which is provided together with or separately from the charging cable. A cooling circuit (not shown) is attached to the coolant circulation pump 60 so that the coolant being drained can be cooled.

[0016] A rechargeable battery 1, which supplies electrical energy to the equipment in the vehicle, is installed in the vehicle (area A). A junction block (J / B) 2 is connected to the battery 1, and a connector 3 is provided in the junction block 2. The connector 3 is an example of a mating connector. A charging cable device 10 is provided as a device that connects the connector 3 inside the vehicle (area A) and the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B). The charging cable device 10 is provided inside the vehicle (area A).

[0017] The charging cable device 10 comprises a cable 11, a socket connector 12 attached to one end of the cable 11, and a charging input 18 attached to the other end of the cable 11.

[0018] Fig. Figure 2 shows a relationship between the end section at one end of the cable 11, the socket connector 12 attached to the end section, and the mating connector 3 to which the socket connector 12 is fitted and connected.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, within an outer body 11A of the cable 11, two electrical wires 21 and 22 and two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 are provided, extending along the electrical wires 21 and 22 and cooling the electrical wires 21 and 22 by means of a coolant flowing through the interior of the coolant flow passages 31 and 32. Although the two electrical wires 21 and 22 are kept insulated from each other, they are efficiently cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant flow passages 31 and 32.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, since the socket connector 12, which is attached to the end section of the cable 11, is fitted to and connected with the mating connector 3, which is mounted on the vehicle, a U-turn connecting flow path 33 is provided in the socket connector 12. The U-turn connecting flow path 33 is an example of a connecting flow path. When the socket connector 12 is attached to the end section of the cable 11, the U-turn connecting flow path 33 allows the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11 to be interconnected. In this way, the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11 are interconnected, so that the coolant flowing through one of the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 can flow into the other. Therefore, the socket connector 12 can be described as a high-pressure socket connector for coolant circulation.

[0021] As described above, the socket connector 12, which fits and connects to the connector 3 mounted on the vehicle, is attached to one end section of the cable 11. On the other hand, the charging input 18, to which the charging connector 50 is connected outside the vehicle, is attached to the other end section of the cable 11. The charging connector 50 is provided at the distal end of the charging cable.

[0022] Charging input 18 is provided with a charging connector (not shown) that electrically connects the electrical wires 21 and 22 in cable 11 and an electrical wire (a connection for charging the charging connector 50) of a charging cable (not shown) outside the vehicle (area B). Charging input 18 is provided with coolant passage connection terminals 18A and 18B, each connecting the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in cable 11 to the two coolant passages (coolant inlet passage 50A and coolant outlet passage 50B) in the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B).

[0023] Therefore, by connecting the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B) to the charging input 18 inside the vehicle (area A), the coolant drained by the coolant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side can be circulated through the cable 11 of the charging cable device 10. An arrow R in Fig. 1 shows the direction in which the coolant flows.

[0024] With reference to Fig. Section 2 describes the arrangement between the electrical wires 21 and 22 and the coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11. The two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 11 are provided between the pair of electrical wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11. The socket connector 12 is provided with a pair of electrical wire arrangement sections 12A and 12B in which the pair of electrical wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11 is arranged, and the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the socket connector 12 is provided between the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections 12A and 12B.

[0025] Connection terminals 21A and 22A, which are to be connected to the mating terminals 3A and 3B of connector 3, are provided at the end sections of the electrical wires 21 and 22 in the cable 11. The electrical wire assembly sections 12A and 12B in the socket connector 12 are provided with through holes 16 to allow the mating terminals 3A and 3B to be fitted and connected to the connection terminals 21A and 22A in the electrical wire assembly sections 12A and 12B. One end of the U-turn connection flow path 33 in the socket connector 12 is provided with a first connection section 33A, which is to be connected to an end section 31A of a coolant flow passage 31 in the cable 11.Furthermore, the other end of the U-turn connection flow path 33 is provided in the socket connector 12 with a second connection section 33B, which is to be connected to an end section 32A of the other coolant flow passage 32 in the cable 11.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view showing an example of the socket connector 12. The connector housing 13 of the socket connector 12 is halved into two half-bodies 13A and 13B, which are combined into one by bringing mating surfaces 14A and 14B into contact with each other. One and the other of the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections 12A and 12B are provided on one and the other of the half-bodies 13A and 13B, respectively. The U-turn connection flow path 33 is provided between the mating surface 14A of half-body 13A and the mating surface 14B of half-body 13B.

[0027] At least one of the mating surface 14A of the half-body 13A and the mating surface 14B of the half-body 13B is formed with U-shaped recesses 15A and 15B, and a U-shaped tube 17 is mounted on the recesses 15A and 15B, so that the U-turn connecting flow path 33 is formed.

[0028] According to the vehicle cooling system in the present embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the socket connector 12, provided at one end of the charging cable device 10, is connected to the connector 3, and the charging connector 50 outside the vehicle (area B) is connected to the charging input 18, provided at the other end of the charging cable device 10. With this configuration, as indicated by arrow R in Figure 1, the charging cable device 10 is connected to the charging port 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the coolant drained from the coolant circulation pump 60 on the infrastructure side can be circulated through the cable 11 of the charging cable device 10.

[0029] This means that since the socket connector 12, which is attached to the end section at one end of the cable 11, has the U-shaped connection flow path 33, the coolant that has passed through one coolant flow passage 31 in the cable 11 flows through the U-shaped connection flow path 33 in the socket connector 12 into the other coolant flow passage 32 in the cable 11. Therefore, the coolant can circulate in the cable 11. Consequently, the electrical wires 21 and 22 can be cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant flow passages 31 and 32, and an increase in the diameter of the electrical wires 21 and 22 and of the cable 11 can be prevented. As a result, an increase in the weight of the cable 11 can be prevented, and the installation space for the cable 11 can be reduced. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, it is possible to prevent an increase in the diameter of the cable 11, which is compatible with fast charging and extends from the charging input 18.

[0030] In the present embodiment, since the coolant circulates between the pair of electrical wires 21 and 22, the two electrical wires 21 and 22 can be efficiently cooled.

[0031] In the present embodiment, since the electrical wires 21 and 22 on the side of the cable 11 are directly connected to the mating terminals 3A and 3B of the connector 3 through the through holes 16 formed in the electrical wire arrangement sections 12A and 12B of the socket connector 12, unnecessary contact points can be reduced.

[0032] In the present embodiment, since the socket connector 12 with the U-turn connection flow path 33 is implemented by combining the two half-bodies 13A and 13B, assembly is simple.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the U-shaped tube 17 is mounted on the U-shaped recesses 15A and 15B to form the U-shaped connecting flow path 33 within the connector housing 13 of the socket connector 12. This configuration facilitates injection molding of the connector housing 13 compared to a case where the U-shaped connecting flow path 33 is formed directly in the connector housing 13. Since a liquid-tight treatment for the connector housing 13 is not required, the socket connector 12 with the U-shaped connecting flow path 33 within it can be easily manufactured. <Zweite Ausführungsform>

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing a schematic configuration of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] The vehicle cooling system according to this embodiment is a cooling system installed in a vehicle and serves to cool a motor cable 111 (hereinafter referred to as a cable 111) at a power supply passage for supplying energy from the battery 1 to a high-voltage motor 150 for driving the vehicle.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment, a power supply cable device 110 is used in which the socket connector 12 with the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached to both, one end side and the other end side of the cable 111.

[0037] Similar to the first embodiment, the cable 111 of the power supply cable device 110 comprises the pair of electrical wires 21 and 22 and the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32, which extend along the electrical wires 21 and 22 and cool the electrical wires 21 and 22 by means of the coolant flowing through the interior of the coolant flow passages 31 and 32. However, one coolant flow passage 32 (132) of the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 111 is longitudinally blocked in the middle by a connection, and a coolant inlet port 132A and a coolant outlet port 132B are formed at the connection blocking ends on both sides of the connection blocking section. The electrical wires 21 and 22 and the coolant flow passages 31 and 32 (132) are provided inside the outer body (not shown) of the cable 111 as in the first embodiment.

[0038] The power supply cable device 110 electrically connects the power supply circuit on the battery 1 side and the high-voltage motor 150 by connecting the socket connector 12 at one end to the connector 3 on the battery 1 side and the socket connector 12 at the other end to the connector 103 on the high-voltage motor 150 side. Connector 103 is an example of a mating connector. The socket connector 12 with the U-turn connection current path 33 is installed at both ends of the cable 111 in the power supply cable device 110. With this configuration, the coolant introduced from the coolant inlet port 132A can circulate through the coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 111 to form a cable-side coolant passage SB that leads out of the coolant outlet port 132B.

[0039] On the other hand, a cooling system that cools an object mounted on the vehicle is provided in advance. Specific examples of the object to be cooled include the battery 1, which is a heat-generating component. The cable-side coolant passage SB of the power supply cable device 110, described above, is connected in series as part of a coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. That is, the coolant inlet port 132A of the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected to the outlet side of the coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system, and the coolant outlet port 132B of the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected to the intake side of the coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. A coolant circulation pump 160 and a cooling circuit (not shown) are incorporated into the coolant circulation passage SA.

[0040] In this way, the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected in series with the coolant circulation passage SA, which is provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle battery 1. With this configuration, it is possible to cool the object to be cooled, such as battery 1, and the electrical wires 21 and 22 of cable 111 together in an internal vehicle cooling system by the coolant flowing through the coolant passage in the direction of arrow R. Fig. 4 circulates.

[0041] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the socket connector 12 with the U-shaped connection flow path 33 is attached to both ends of the cable 111, it is possible to standardize the type of socket connector 12 provided in the end section of the cable 111. Since it is not necessary to provide an additional internal passage for circulating the coolant in the mating connector 3, 103, or the like, this can contribute to a reduction in costs. <Dritte Ausführungsform>

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing a schematic configuration of a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the second embodiment, the vehicle cooling system according to this embodiment is also a cooling system installed in a vehicle and serves to cool a motor cable 211 (hereinafter referred to as a cable 211) at a power supply connection for supplying energy from the battery 1 to a high-voltage motor 150 for driving the vehicle.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in the vehicle cooling system according to the present embodiment, a power supply cable device 210 is used in which the socket connector 12 with the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached only to one end of the cable 211. A second socket connector 212, which fits and connects to a second mating connector 203 mounted on the vehicle, is attached to the other end of the cable 211. The second socket connector 212 is an example of the second connector, and the second mating connector 203 is an example of the second mating connector. The second socket connector 212 is not provided with a U-turn connection flow path and is provided with two linear internal passages 212A and 212B.

[0044] Similar to the first embodiment, the cable 211 of the power supply cable device 210 comprises the pair of electrical wires 21 and 22 and the two coolant flow passages 31 and 32, which extend along the electrical wires 21 and 22 and cool the electrical wires 21 and 22 by means of the coolant flowing through the interior of the coolant flow passages 31 and 32. The second socket connector 212 with the U-turn connection flow path 33 is attached only to one end of the cable 211, which is connected to the high-voltage motor 150. The two coolant flow passages 31 and 32 at the other end of the cable 211, which is connected to the side of the battery 1, are each connected to the two inner passages 212A and 212B of the second socket connector 212.

[0045] In the power supply cable device 210, the socket connector 12 at one end is connected to the connector 103 on the side of the high-voltage motor 150, and the second socket connector 212 at the other end is connected to the second mating connector 203, which is provided in the connection block 202 on the side of the battery 1. In this way, the power supply cable device 210 electrically connects the power supply circuit on the side of the battery 1 and the high-voltage motor 150. In the power supply cable device 210, the socket connector 12 is attached to the U-turn connection current path 33 at one end section of the cable 211.With this configuration, the coolant introduced from one internal passage 212A of the second socket connector 212 can circulate through the coolant flow passages 31 and 32 in the cable 211 to form the cable-side coolant passage SB, which leads out from the other internal passage 212B. That is, one internal passage 212A of the second socket connector 212 serves as the coolant inlet port of the cable-side coolant passage SB, and the other internal passage 212B serves as the coolant outlet port of the cable-side coolant passage SB.

[0046] On the other hand, as in the second embodiment, a cooling system that cools an object to be cooled, such as battery 1, which is mounted on the vehicle, is provided in advance in the vehicle. The cable-side coolant passage SB of the power supply cable device 110, described above, is connected in series as part of the coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system. That is, the coolant inlet port (the inner passage 212A of the second socket connector 212) of the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected to the outlet side of the coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system, via an inner passage 203A of the second mating connector 203 on the battery 1 side and an inner passage 202A of the connection block 202.The coolant outlet port (the other internal passage 212B of the second socket connector 212) of the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected to the intake side of the coolant circulation passage SA of the cooling system, via the other internal passage 203B of the second mating connector 203 and the other internal passage 202B of the connecting block 202. As in the second embodiment, the coolant circulation pump 160 and a cooling circuit (not shown) are incorporated into the coolant circulation passage SA.

[0047] In this way, in the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the cable-side coolant passage SB is connected in series with the coolant circulation passage SA, which is provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle battery 1. With this configuration, it is possible to cool the object to be cooled (for example, the battery 1) and the electrical wires 21 and 22 of cable 211 together in an internal vehicle cooling system by the coolant flowing through the coolant passage in the direction of arrow R. Fig. 5 circulates.

[0048] In particular, in the present embodiment, the coolant in the cable 211 is circulated through the second socket connector 212, which is attached to the other end of the cable 211, and through the internal passages 203A, 203B, 202A and 202B of the second mating connector 203 and the connecting block 202, to which the second socket connector 212 is fitted and thus connected. Therefore, the coolant circulation path can be simplified.

[0049] Here, the features of the vehicle cooling system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are briefly summarized and listed in the following [1] to [9]. [1] A vehicle cooling system, with: a cable (11, 111, 211) with an electrical wire (21, 22) and two coolant flow passages (31, 32) extending along the electrical wire and serving to cool the electrical wire by means of a coolant flowing through an inner surface of the two coolant flow passages; and a connector (a socket connector 12) that is attached to an end section of the cable and that is fitted and connected to a mating connector (a plug connector 3) that is mounted on a vehicle, in which the connector is provided with a connecting flow path (a U-turn connecting flow path 33) which, by causing the two coolant flow passages of the cable to be interconnected, causes the coolant flowing through one of the two coolant flow passages to flow into the other.

[0050] According to the configuration described above [1], since the connector attached to the end section of the cable has the connecting flow path, the coolant flowing through one coolant flow passage in the cable can flow through the connecting flow path in the connector into the other coolant flow passage in the cable. That is, by creating a U-turn of the coolant at the connector, the coolant can circulate in the cable, and the electrical wire can be cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant flow passage. Therefore, the coolant on the vehicle side can be circulated by the coolant circulation pump, which is provided outside or inside the vehicle, to cool the electrical wire routed inside the vehicle, thus preventing an increase in the diameter of the electrical wire.As a result, an increase in the weight of the cable can be prevented, and the installation space for the cable can be reduced.

[0051] [2] The vehicle cooling system as described above [1], in which the connector (the socket connector 12), which is to be fitted and connected to a mating connector (a plug connector 3) that is mounted on a vehicle, is attached to one end section of the cable (11), and a charging input (18), to which a charging cable outside the vehicle is to be connected, is attached to the other end section, and in which the charging input is provided with a charging port configured to electrically connect one electrical wire of the cable and one electrical wire of the charging cable outside the vehicle, and refrigerant passage connection ports (18A, 18B) each connecting two refrigerant flow passages of the cable and two refrigerant passages (one refrigerant inlet passage 50A and one refrigerant outlet passage 50B) outside the vehicle.

[0052] With the configuration described above [2] it is possible to prevent an increase in the diameter of the cable that is compatible with fast charging and extends from the charging input.

[0053] [3] The vehicle cooling system as described above [1] or [2], in which the two coolant flow passages (31, 32) in the cable (11) are arranged between the pair of electrical wires (21, 22) in the cable, in which the connector (the socket connector 12) is provided with a pair of electrical wire arrangement sections (12A, 12B) in which the pair of electrical wires is provided, and in which the connecting flow path (the U-turn connecting flow path 33) is provided in the connector between the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections.

[0054] With the configuration described above [3], since the coolant circulates between the pair of electrical wires, the electrical wires can be cooled efficiently.

[0055] [4] The vehicle cooling system as described above [3], in which a housing (a connector housing 13) of the connector (the socket connector 12) is halved into two half-bodies (13A, 13B) to be combined into one by bringing mating surfaces (14A, 14B) into contact with each other, wherein one and the other of the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections are provided in one and the other of the two half-bodies respectively, and the connecting flow path (33) is formed between the mating surfaces.

[0056] According to the configuration described above [4], since the connector housing which has the connecting flow path can be implemented by combining the two half-bodies, assembly is simple.

[0057] [5] The vehicle cooling system as described above [4], in which a U-shaped recess (15A, 15B) is formed in at least one of the mating surfaces (14A, 14B) of the two half-bodies (13A, 13B), and a U-shaped tube (17) forming the connecting flow path (33) is mounted in the recess.

[0058] With the configuration described above [5], by mounting the U-shaped tube in the U-shaped recess, the U-turn connection flow path can be formed within the connector housing. This facilitates injection molding of the connector housing compared to a case where the U-turn connection flow path is formed directly in the connector housing. Since a liquid-tight treatment for the connector housing is not required, the connector with the U-turn connection flow path can be manufactured easily.

[0059] [6] The vehicle cooling system according to one of the above described [1] to [5], in which a connecting terminal (21A, 22A), which is to be connected to a counterpart terminal (3A, 3B) of the counterpart connector (the connector 3), is attached to an end section of the electrical wire (21, 22) in the cable (11), in which a through-hole (16) to allow the mating terminal to be fitted and connected to the connecting terminal is formed in an electrical wire arrangement section (12A, 12B) in the connector, and in which a first connection section (33A), which is to be connected to one of the coolant flow passages (31) in the cable (11), is provided at one end of the connection flow path (the U-turn connection flow path 33) in the connector, and a second connection section (33B), which is to be connected to the other of the coolant flow passages (32) in the cable, is provided at the other end of the connection flow path in the connector.

[0060] With the configuration described above [6], since the electrical wire on the side of the cable is directly connected to the terminal of the mating connector through the through-hole formed in the electrical wire arrangement section of the connector, unnecessary contact points can be reduced.

[0061] [7] The vehicle cooling system as described above [1], in which a cable-side coolant passage, implemented through the two coolant flow passages (31, 32) in the cable (11) and the connecting flow path (the U-turn connecting flow path 33) in the connector (the socket connector 12), is provided inside the vehicle and is included as part of a coolant circulation passage for cooling an object to be cooled (a battery 1) mounted on the vehicle.

[0062] With the configuration described above [7], since the cable-side coolant passage is incorporated into the coolant circulation passage provided in the object to be cooled, such as the vehicle battery, the object to be cooled and the electrical wire of the cable can be cooled together.

[0063] [8] The vehicle cooling system as described above [7], in which the connector (the socket connector 12), which has the connecting flow path, is attached to both, one end and the other end of the cable, in which one of the two coolant flow passages in the cable (111) is blocked in a center in a longitudinal direction by a connection, and a coolant inflow port (132A) and a coolant outflow port (132B) are formed at connection blocking ends on both sides of a connection blocking section, and in which the coolant flow passage in the cable through the coolant inlet port and the coolant outlet port is connected in series with a coolant circulation passage (SA) in the vehicle.

[0064] With the configuration described above [8], since the connector with the U-turn connection flow path is attached to both ends of the cable, it is possible to standardize the type of socket connector provided in the cable end section. Since it is not necessary to provide an additional internal passage for circulating the coolant in the mating connector or the like, this can contribute to cost reduction.

[0065] [9] The vehicle cooling system as described above [7], in which the connector having the connecting current path is attached only to one end of the cable (211), wherein a second connector (a second socket connector 212), which is to fit and connect to a second mating connector (a second mating plug connector 203) mounted on a vehicle, is attached to the other end of the cable, and at which end sections of the two coolant flow passages on the other end of the cable are connected to a coolant circulation passage (SA) in the vehicle, by the second connector attached to the other end of the cable, and an inner passage of the second counterpart connector.

[0066] According to the configuration described above [9], since the coolant in the cable is circulated through the second connector, which is attached to the other end of the cable, and the inner passage of the second mating connector, to which the second connector is fitted and thus connected, the coolant circulation passage can be simplified.

[0067] The present application is based on a Japanese patent application (Japanese patent application no. 2023-013268), filed on January 31, 2023, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0068] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle cooling system capable of minimizing the increase in cable diameter associated with an increase in the power output of an electric vehicle. The present disclosure with this effect is useful for a vehicle cooling system of an electric vehicle or the like. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 battery (object to be cooled) 3 connectors (mother connectors) 3A, 3B Counter connection 11, 111, 211 cables 12 socket connectors 12A, 12B Electrical wire arrangement section 13 connector housings 13A, 13B Half-body 14A, 14B Fitting area 15A, 15B U-shaped recess 16 through hole 17 U-shaped tube 18 charging inputs 18A, 18B Coolant passage connection 21, 22 electrical wire 21A, 22A connection 31, 32 Coolant flow passage 33 U-turn connection flow path 33A first connecting section 33B second connecting section 60, 160 Coolant circulation pump 132A Coolant inlet connection 132B Coolant outlet connection 203 second mating connector 202A, 202B, 203A, 203B interior passage 212 second socket connector 212A, 212B Internal passage SB cable-side coolant passage SA coolant circulation passage QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 106 958

[0004] JP 2023-013268

[0067]

Claims

[1] Vehicle cooling system, with: a cable with an electrical wire and two coolant flow passages, wherein the two coolant flow passages extend along the electrical wire and cool the electrical wire by means of a coolant flowing through an inner surface of the two coolant flow passages; and a connector that is attached to an end section of the cable and that is fitted and connected to a mating connector that is mounted on a vehicle, wherein the connector is provided with a connecting flow path which, by causing the two coolant flow passages of the cable to be interconnected, causes the coolant flowing through one of the two coolant flow passages to flow into another of the two coolant flow passages. [2] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the connector, which is to be fitted and connected to a mating connector mounted on a vehicle, is attached to one end section of the cable, and a charging input, to which a charging cable is to be connected outside the vehicle, is attached to another end section of the cable, and wherein the charging input is provided with a charging port configured to electrically connect the cable's electrical wire and an electrical wire of the charging cable outside the vehicle, and coolant passage connection ports each connecting the cable's two coolant flow passages and two coolant passages outside the vehicle. [3] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the two coolant flow passages in the cable are arranged between a pair of electrical wires in the cable, wherein the connector is provided with a pair of electrical wire arrangement sections in which the pair of electrical wires is arranged, and wherein the connecting flow path is arranged in the connector between the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections. [4] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 3, wherein a housing of the connector is halved into two half-bodies in order to be combined into one by fitting mating surfaces into contact with each other, wherein one and the other of the pair of electrical wire arrangement sections are provided in one and the other of the two half-bodies respectively, and the connecting flow path is formed between the mating surfaces. [5] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 4, wherein a U-shaped recess is formed in at least one of the mating surfaces of the two half-bodies, and a U-shaped tube forming the connecting flow path is mounted in the recess. [6] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, wherein a connecting terminal, which is to be connected to a mating terminal of the mating connector, is attached to an end section of the electrical wire in the cable, wherein a through-hole to allow the mating terminal to be fitted and connected to the connecting terminal is formed in an electrical wire arrangement section in the connector, and wherein a first connecting section, to be connected to one of the coolant flow passages in the cable, is provided at one end of the connecting flow path in the connector, and a second connecting section, to be connected to the other of the coolant flow passages in the cable, is provided at the other end of the connecting flow path in the connector. [7] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 1, wherein a cable-side coolant passage, implemented by the two coolant flow passages in the cable and the connecting flow path in the connector, is arranged inside the vehicle and is included as part of a coolant circulation passage for cooling a cooled object mounted on the vehicle. [8] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 7, wherein the connector which has the connecting flow path is attached to both, one end and the other end of the cable, wherein one of the two coolant flow passages in the cable is blocked in a center in a longitudinal direction by a connection, and a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port are formed at connection blocking ends on both sides of a connection blocking section, and wherein the coolant flow passage in the cable is connected in series through the coolant inlet port and the coolant outlet port to a coolant circulation passage in the vehicle. [9] Vehicle cooling system according to claim 7, wherein the connector having the connecting current path is attached only to one end of the cable, wherein a second connector, which is to fit and connect to a second mating connector mounted on a vehicle, is attached to the other end of the cable, and wherein end sections of the two coolant flow passages at the other end of the cable are connected to a coolant circulation passage in the vehicle, by means of the second connector attached to the other end of the cable, and an inner passage of the second mating connector.

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