Thermal management system

Abstract

To provide a thermal management system that can easily control a dehumidification amount and a temperature of air blowing into a vehicle interior during dehumidifying / heating operation.SOLUTION: A low temperature-side heat medium circuit 30 includes a proportional control valve V31 arranged at a downstream side of a cooler core 31. When performing dehumidifying / heating operation in a vehicle interior, heat media circulate between a high temperature-side heat exchanger 12 and a heater core 21, in a high temperature-side heat medium circuit 20, and a flow path switching device 70 connects the low temperature-side heat medium circuit 30 to an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. The proportional control valve V31 can flow the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 into a first flow path through which the media are flown toward a downstream side of a radiator 61 and an upstream side of the low temperature-side heat exchanger 14 and into a second flow path through which the media are flown toward the radiator 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of electric vehicles has been increasing. In electric vehicles, battery power is also used to regulate the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and various on-board devices. In order to ensure a sufficient driving distance with a charged battery, it is necessary to use power efficiently. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a thermal management system having a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-180136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat management system that makes it easy to control the dehumidification amount and blown air temperature during dehumidifying and heating operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system includes a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant and including a compressor, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger; a high-temperature side heat medium circuit including a heater core that heats air supplied to a vehicle interior and configured to circulate a heat medium that is heat exchangeable with the refrigerant via the high-temperature side heat exchanger; a low-temperature side heat medium circuit including a cooler core that cools air supplied to the vehicle interior and configured to circulate a heat medium that is heat exchangeable with the refrigerant via the low-temperature side heat exchanger; a heat absorption target heat exchange circuit including a heat exchanger with a heat absorption target and configured to circulate a heat medium; and a heat absorption target heat exchange circuit that can be switched between connection and independence between the low-temperature side heat medium circuit and the heat absorption target heat exchange circuit. and a flow path switching device configured as described above, wherein the low-temperature side heat medium circuit includes a heat medium diversion device arranged downstream of the cooler core, and when performing a dehumidifying and heating operation in a vehicle cabin, the heat medium circulates between the high-temperature side heat exchanger and the heater core in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit, and the flow path switching device connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit and the heat absorption target heat exchange circuit, and the flow diversion device is capable of dividing the heat medium flowing through the cooler core into a first flow path in which the heat medium flowing through the cooler core flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger without passing through a heat exchange part with the heat absorption target, and a second flow path in which the heat medium flowing through the cooler core flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger via the heat exchange part with the heat absorption target. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat management system that makes it easy to control the amount of dehumidification and the temperature of air blown into the vehicle interior during dehumidifying and heating operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a thermal management system according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the thermal management system when performing a cooling operation. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a heat management system according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the heat management system when performing a dehumidifying and heating operation. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a heat management system according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the heat management system when performing a dehumidifying and heating operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a heat management system according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the heat management system when performing a dehumidifying and heating operation. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a heat management system according to an embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a state of the heat management system when performing a dehumidifying and heating operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [First embodiment] A first embodiment will be described.

[0009] [System configuration] System Overview An embodiment of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a thermal management system having a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit. The thermal management system of this embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle and is configured to perform cooling operation according to the situation.

[0010] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a heat management system 1 according to this embodiment. The heat management system 1 is configured so that the circuit is switched according to various operations. Fig. 1 shows the circuit configuration during cooling operation among the various operations. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0011] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin. The thermal management system 1 also includes a high-temperature heat medium circuit 20, a low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, a battery temperature control circuit 40, a motor temperature control circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 configured to circulate a heat medium such as a coolant. Of these circuits, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70, such as an eight-way valve, as a first flow path switching device. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other to form a circulation path in which these circuits work together to circulate the heat medium, or can separate one or more circuits from the other circuits to make them independent. The high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device such as a four-way valve V20 as a second flow path switching device that connects or disconnects the respective flow paths. The four-way valve V20 can form a circulation path through which the high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat medium, or can separate these circuits from each other.

[0012] The thermal management system 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100. The thermal management system 1 also includes various sensors (not shown) and a control device that controls the operation of each part of the thermal management system 1. The operation of the thermal management system 1 is controlled based on the detection values ​​of the various sensors, various requests, and the like.

[0013] <Refrigerant circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses gaseous refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure and then discharges it, a high temperature side heat exchanger 12 that condenses the compressed gaseous refrigerant to release heat, a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve that expands liquid refrigerant to low pressure, and a low temperature side heat exchanger 14 that evaporates the low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump that circulates the refrigerant and repeats compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0014] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating in a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating in a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30.

[0015] In the example shown in the figure, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 12b through which the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 14b through which the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 passes.

[0016] The elements of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected by refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, and 10c. The compressor 11 is connected to an inlet of a refrigerant passage 12a of a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by a refrigerant flow path 10a. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to an inlet of a refrigerant passage 14a of a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by a refrigerant flow path 10b, and a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10b. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the compressor 11 by a refrigerant flow path 10c. An accumulator 15 is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0017] <High temperature side heat medium circuit> The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 includes the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 described above, and a heater core 21 that is housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and heats the air supplied to the vehicle cabin. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is a circuit in which a heat medium that has been warmed by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 can be used to operate the heater core 21 to heat the vehicle cabin.

[0018] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 are connected by heat medium flow paths 20a, 20b, and 20c. The inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 is connected to the outlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by the heat medium flow path 20a. The inlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 20c. The outlet side 21b of the heater core 21 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 20b. A circulation pump P20 for circulating the heat medium is installed upstream of the four-way valve V20 on the path of the heat medium flow path 20b. The heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P20 and circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. The heat medium, which receives heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 and is warmed while passing through the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is supplied to the heater core 21 from the inlet side 21a and passes through the heater core 21. At this time, the heat medium releases heat in the heater core 21, causing the heater core 21 to function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 21b after passing through the heater core 21 heads again toward the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0019] The high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 have their flow paths connected to each other by the four-way valve V20, and can cooperate with the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0020] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 includes the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 described above, a cooler core 31 that is housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and cools the air supplied to the vehicle cabin, and a three-way valve V30 for switching the circuit. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit in which the heat medium that has been cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 circulates. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can be used to operate the cooler core 31 to cool or dehumidify the vehicle cabin.

[0021] Furthermore, the flow path of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the flow path of the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the flow path of the motor temperature control circuit 50 can be connected to one another by a flow path switching device 70. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can also be used for controlling the temperature of the battery 41 and the motor 51 by forming a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50. In other words, in this case, the exhaust heat of the battery 41 and the motor 51 can be used as a heat absorption source for the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0022] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected by heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f. The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the three-way valve V30 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30a, and the three-way valve V30 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30b. When the three-way valve V30 connects these heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b, the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected.

[0023] The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat medium flow path 30c connected thereto, the junction point, and the heat medium flow path 30e downstream thereof.

[0024] Further, the heat medium flow path 30f connects the flow path switching device 70 and the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. A circulation pump P30 for circulating the heat medium is installed on the route of the heat medium flow path 30f.

[0025] The three-way valve V30 and the junction point are connected by the heat medium flow path 30d. When the connection to the cooler core 31 is cut by the three-way valve V30 and the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30d, and 30e, a bypass flow path that does not pass through the cooler core 31 but detours around the cooler core 31 is formed.

[0026] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is connected to at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and can cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0027] The heat medium is circulated through the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 by a circulation pump P30 installed on the path of the heat medium flow path 30f. When the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the heat medium is cooled by discharging heat to the refrigerant circuit 10. The cooled heat medium can be supplied to the cooler core 31 from the inlet side 31a and pass through the cooler core 31. At this time, the heat medium absorbs heat in the cooler core 31, so that the cooler core 31 can function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31, or the heat medium that bypasses the cooler core 31, heads toward the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0028] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40 includes a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The battery 41 is provided with a battery temperature control unit as a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the battery 41 as a heat absorption target. The battery temperature control circuit 40 can be used to adjust the temperature of the battery 41.

[0029] Note that a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control circuit 40 can also be applied to other in-vehicle device temperature control circuits having an in-vehicle device temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of other in-vehicle devices that require temperature control in a similar manner, not limited to the battery.

[0030] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the battery temperature control circuit 40 are connected by heat medium flow paths 40a and 40b. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40a. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40b.

[0031] The battery temperature control circuit 40 can form a circulation path for independently circulating the heat medium by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the battery temperature control circuit 40 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0032] On the heat medium flow path 40a, a circulation pump P40 and a heat medium heater 42 are installed in this order from the upstream side. Even if the battery temperature control circuit 40 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits, or even if a circulation pump is not installed in the other circuit that cooperates with the battery temperature control circuit 40 to form a circulation path, the heat medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P40, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be adjusted.

[0033] <Motor temperature control circuit> The motor temperature control circuit 50 includes a motor 51 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The motor 51 is provided with a motor temperature control unit as a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the motor 51 as a heat absorption target. The motor temperature control circuit 50 can be used to circulate a heat medium to adjust the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can use the motor 51, which constantly generates heat while driving, as a heat source via the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0034] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the motor temperature control circuit 50 are connected by heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50b.

[0035] The motor temperature control circuit 50 is capable of connecting its flow paths to at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and of forming a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0036] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit> The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air as a heat absorption target, a proportional control three-way valve V60 as a flow rate regulator that divides the heat medium that has passed through the radiator 61 and adjusts the amount of the heat medium to be divided, and a three-way valve V61 for switching the circuit. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate the heat medium and exchange heat between the heat medium and outdoor air.

[0037] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected by heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f, 60g, and 60h. An inlet side 61a of a radiator 61 is connected to a four-way valve V20 by a heat medium flow path 60a.

[0038] When the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium passages 60a and 20b, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the outlet side 21b of the heater core 21. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the proportional control three-way valve V60 by the heat medium passage 60b.

[0039] The proportional control three-way valve V60 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via a heat medium flow path 60c, a junction point, and a heat medium flow path 60d downstream of the junction point. The proportional control three-way valve V60 is also connected to the flow path switching device 70 via a heat medium flow path 60e.

[0040] The three-way valve V61 and the flow path switching device 70 are connected by a heat medium flow path 60f. Also, the three-way valve V61 and the heat medium flow path 20b are connected by a heat medium flow path 60g. When the three-way valve V61 connects these heat medium flow paths 60f, 60g, the flow path switching device 70 is connected to the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 via the heat medium flow paths 60f, 60g, the junction point, and the heat medium flow paths 20b, 60a downstream thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, the three-way valve V61 and the heat medium passage 60c are connected by a heat medium passage 60h. When the three-way valve V61 is used to cut off the connection to the heat medium passage 60c and connect the heat medium passages 60e and 60f, a bypass passage is formed that does not pass through the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and detours around the heat medium passage 12b.

[0042] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be separated from the other circuits and made independent by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0043] <HVAC unit> As described above, the heater core 21 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the cooler core 31 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The case 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and also forms an air flow passage 120 therein.

[0044] The HVAC unit 100 also has an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 closes either an outside air intake port that introduces outside air in the vehicle cabin or an inside air intake port that introduces inside air in the vehicle cabin, and switches the air introduced into the case 110 between outside air (outside air intake) and inside air (inside air circulation). The HVAC unit 100 also has a blower 140 installed adjacent to the intake unit 130 so that the air introduced into the case 110 is sent to the air flow passage 120.

[0045] The cooler core 31 is installed at the upstream side of the air flow passage 120. A heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel at the downstream side of the air flow passage 120. The heater core 21 is provided in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the heater core passage 121, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then ventilated to the heater core 21. On the other hand, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then bypasses the heater core 21. The ratio of the air passing through the heater core passage 121 and the air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by the air mix damper 150.

[0046] [System Operation] A specific operation of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] <Cooling operation> 1 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 when the outside temperature is high. At this time, the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0048] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the flow path switching device 70 separates the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 from the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, and forms a circulation path through which the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 independently circulates the heat medium. In addition, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30e so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows through the cooler core 31. As a result, the heat medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the cooler core 31, and the heat medium that dissipates heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 cools the vehicle interior.

[0049] At this time, the air mix damper 150 closes the heater core passage 121, so that the inside of the vehicle compartment is not heated, and the air cooled by the cooler core 31 passes through the bypass passage 122 to cool the inside of the vehicle compartment.

[0050] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, which exchanges heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is set as follows: The four-way valve V20 connects the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0051] The proportional control three-way valve V60 forms the heat medium flow paths 60b, 60c so that the heat medium warmed by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 passes through the radiator 61. As a result, the heat medium flow paths 20c, 20a, 20b are connected to the heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium circulating through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 circulates via the exterior heat exchange circuit 60. Then, the circulation pump P20 circulates the heat medium in the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, so that the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 also circulates. As a result, the exhaust heat of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is dissipated to the outside air through the radiator 61. Then, the refrigerant circuit 10 is operated by the heat medium dissipated to the outside air by the radiator 61, and the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin is operated in cooling mode.

[0052] The motor temperature control circuit 50 through which the motor 51 passes is set as follows: That is, the flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0053] The proportional control three-way valve V60 forms heat medium flow paths 60b, 60e so that the heat medium that has passed through the radiator 61 flows to the motor 51. The three-way valve V61 forms heat medium flow paths 60f, 60g so that the heat medium that has been heated by heat exchange in the motor 51 passes through the radiator 61.

[0054] Therefore, the heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b, the heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, 60e, 60f, and 60g, and the heat medium flow path 20b are connected, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium circulating through the motor temperature control circuit 50 circulates via the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. Then, the circulation pump P20 circulates the heat medium in the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, so that the heat medium in the motor temperature control circuit 50 also circulates. As a result of the heat medium circulating in this way, the exhaust heat of the motor 51 is dissipated to the outside air via the radiator 61. Then, the motor 51 is cooled.

[0055] The proportional control valve V60 adjusts the amount of heat medium flowing from the heat medium flow path 60b to the heat medium flow path 60d and the amount of heat medium flowing from the heat medium flow path 60b to the heat medium flow path 60c in accordance with temperatures detected by the motor 51 or an inverter included in the motor 51. In other words, the proportional control valve V60 adjusts the amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the motor temperature adjustment circuit 50.

[0056] The proportional control valve V60 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 60c until the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches an upper limit temperature (for example, if the upper limit temperature of the motor 51 is 80 degrees and the upper limit temperature of the inverter is 60 degrees, the proportional control valve V60 sets the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 60d when the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches the upper limit temperature.

[0057] As a result, the cooling efficiency is increased by increasing the heat absorption efficiency in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and lowering the condensation temperature until the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches the upper limit temperature, and the motor 51 can be cooled when the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches the upper limit temperature. Therefore, the vehicle interior can be cooled and the motor 51 can be cooled efficiently depending on the situation. In addition, since the heat medium that has passed through the radiator 61 is divided into the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, it is possible to prevent the heat medium that has passed through one from passing through the other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a decrease in cooling efficiency due to a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, or an inability to sufficiently cool the motor 51 due to a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the motor 51.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circulation pump P20 is provided to circulate the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by circulating the heat medium in the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 during cooling operation inside the vehicle cabin. This eliminates the need to provide a circulation pump in each of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 during cooling operation, thereby making it possible to suppress an increase in the number of circulation pumps required.

[0059] <Heating operation> During heating operation, the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, which exchanges heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is set as follows. The four-way valve V20 separates the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, and the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 forms a circulation path for independently circulating the heat medium. That is, the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium flow path 20b and the heat medium flow path 20c so that the heat medium pushed out by the circulation pump P20 flows to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 without passing through the radiator 61. As a result, in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 during heating operation, a circulation path is formed by the heat medium flow paths 20a, 20b, and 20c, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. In this circulation path, the circulation pump P20 is used to circulate the heat medium. Then, the heat medium warmed by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows to the heater core 21, and the vehicle interior is heated by the heat of the heat medium absorbed by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12. At this time, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121, so that the inside of the vehicle compartment is heated.

[0060] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the flow path switching device 70 connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium. In this circulation path, a circulation pump P30 provided in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is used to circulate the heat medium. In this manner, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates using the heat of the heat medium that has absorbed heat from the outside air by the motor 51 and the radiator 61 as a heat absorption source.

[0061] As described above, since the circulation pump P30 is used to circulate the heat medium between the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 during heating operation, there is no need to use the circulation pump P20 for circulation through the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 or the motor temperature control circuit 50. Therefore, since the circulation pump P20 can be used to circulate the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 during heating operation, there is no need to provide a separate circulation pump for circulating the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, and therefore an increase in the number of circulation pumps can be suppressed.

[0062] [About the system] According to the heat management system 1 of this embodiment, when performing cooling operation, the heat medium circulating through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 circulates via the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the heat medium circulating through the motor temperature control circuit 50 circulates via the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. The amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the motor temperature control circuit 50 are adjusted by the proportional control three-way valve V60, so that the vehicle interior can be cooled and the motor 51 can be cooled efficiently depending on the situation. In addition, the heat medium that has passed through the radiator 61 is divided into the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, so that the heat medium that has passed through one can be prevented from passing through the other. This prevents inconveniences such as a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, which reduces the cooling efficiency, or a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the motor 51, which cannot sufficiently cool the motor 51.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the heat management system 1 of this embodiment, by using the circulation pump P20 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 to circulate the heat medium in the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of circulation pumps installed.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment, when the four-way valve V20 separates the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 during heating operation of the vehicle cabin, the circulation pump P20 circulates the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, eliminating the need to provide a separate circulation pump for circulating the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and suppressing an increase in the number of circulation pumps.

[0065] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the heat medium distributed by the proportional control three-way valve V60 is circulated to the motor 51, which is a heat-generating device. However, the flow path switching device 70 may connect the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 may cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium, thereby causing the heat medium distributed by the proportional control three-way valve V60 to flow to the battery 41, which is a heat-generating device.

[0066] The thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment can provide the following advantages.

[0067] (1) During cooling operation, the heat medium circulating through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 circulates via the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the heat medium circulating through the motor temperature control circuit 50 circulates via the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the amount of heat medium flowing from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to the motor temperature control circuit 50 are regulated by the proportional control three-way valve V60. As a result, the cooling efficiency is increased by increasing the heat absorption efficiency in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and lowering the condensation temperature until the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches the upper limit temperature, and the motor 51 can be cooled when the temperature on the motor 51 side approaches the upper limit temperature. Therefore, the vehicle interior can be cooled and the motor 51 can be cooled efficiently depending on the situation. In addition, since the heat medium that has passed through the radiator 61 is divided into the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, it is possible to prevent the heat medium that has passed through one from passing through the other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a decrease in cooling efficiency due to a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, or an inability to sufficiently cool the motor 51 due to a high-temperature heat medium flowing to the motor 51.

[0068] (2) The circulating pump P20 circulates the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by circulating the heat medium through the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 during cooling operation inside the vehicle cabin. As a result, the heat medium can be circulated between the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the circulation pump P20, so that there is no need to provide a circulation pump in each of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 when performing cooling operation, and this makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of circulation pumps required.

[0069] (3) When the vehicle interior is heated, the circulation pump P30 is used to circulate the heat medium between the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, eliminating the need to use the circulation pump P20 to circulate the heat medium through the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 or the motor temperature control circuit 50. When the vehicle interior is heated, the four-way valve V20 separates the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60. As a result, the circulation pump P20 can be used to circulate the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 during heating operation, so there is no need to provide a separate circulation pump for circulating the heat medium in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in the number of circulation pumps.

[0070] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described.

[0071] [System configuration] System Overview An embodiment of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a thermal management system having a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit. The thermal management system of this embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle and is configured to easily control the dehumidification amount and the temperature of air sent to the vehicle cabin during dehumidification and heating operation.

[0072] 2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams showing an outline of a configuration example of the heat management system 1 according to this embodiment. The heat management system 1 is configured so that the circuit is switched according to various operations. Each of Figs. 2 to 4 shows the circuit configuration during dehumidification heating operation among the various operations. The arrows in the figures indicate the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0073] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin. The thermal management system 1 includes a high-temperature heat medium circuit 20, a low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, a battery temperature control circuit 40, a motor temperature control circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 configured to circulate a heat medium, such as a coolant. Of these circuits, the low-temperature heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70 such as an eight-way valve. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other to form a circulation path in which these circuits work together to circulate the heat medium, or can separate one or more circuits from the other circuits to make them independent. The high-temperature heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device such as a four-way valve V20 that connects or disconnects the flow paths to each other. The four-way valve V20 can form a circulation path through which the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat medium, and can separate these circuits from each other.

[0074] The thermal management system 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100. The thermal management system 1 also includes various sensors (not shown) and a control device that controls the operation of each part of the thermal management system 1. The operation of the thermal management system 1 is controlled based on the detection values ​​of the various sensors, various requests, and the like.

[0075] <Refrigerant circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses gaseous refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure and then discharges it, a high temperature side heat exchanger 12 that condenses the compressed gaseous refrigerant to release heat, a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve that expands liquid refrigerant to low pressure, and a low temperature side heat exchanger 14 that evaporates the low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump that circulates the refrigerant and repeats compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0076] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating in a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating in a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30.

[0077] In the example shown in the figure, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 12b through which the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 14b through which the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 passes.

[0078] The elements of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected by refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, and 10c. The compressor 11 is connected to an inlet of a refrigerant passage 12a of a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by a refrigerant flow path 10a. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to an inlet of a refrigerant passage 14a of a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by a refrigerant flow path 10b, and a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10b. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the compressor 11 by a refrigerant flow path 10c. An accumulator 15 is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0079] <High temperature side heat medium circuit> The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 includes the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 described above, and a heater core 21 that is housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and heats the air supplied to the vehicle cabin. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is a circuit in which a heat medium that has been warmed by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 can be used to operate the heater core 21 to heat the vehicle cabin.

[0080] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 are connected by heat medium flow paths 20a, 20b, and 20c. The inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 is connected to the outlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by the heat medium flow path 20a. The inlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 20c. The outlet side 21b of the heater core 21 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 20b. A circulation pump P20 for flowing the heat medium is installed on the path of the heat medium flow path 20c. The heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P20 and circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. The heat medium, which is warmed by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 when passing through the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is supplied to the heater core 21 from the inlet side 21a and passes through the heater core 21. At this time, the heat medium releases heat in the heater core 21, thereby causing the heater core 21 to function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 21b after passing through the heater core 21 flows again toward the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0081] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 includes the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 described above, a cooler core 31 housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100 and cooling the air supplied to the vehicle cabin, a three-way valve V30 for switching the circuit, and a proportional control three-way valve V31 as a flow dividing device capable of dividing the heat medium flowing in the circuit. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit in which the heat medium circulates after transferring heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can be used to operate the cooler core 31 to cool or dehumidify the vehicle cabin.

[0082] Furthermore, the flow path of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the flow path of the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the flow path of the motor temperature control circuit 50 can be connected to one another by a flow path switching device 70. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium, and can also be used for regulating the temperature of the battery 41 and the motor 51. In other words, in this case, the exhaust heat of the battery 41 and the motor 51 can be used as a heat absorption source for the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0083] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected by heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30h. The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the three-way valve V30 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30a, and the three-way valve V30 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30b. When the three-way valve V30 connects these heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b, the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected.

[0084] The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the proportional control three-way valve V31 via the heat medium flow path 30c connected thereto, the junction, and the heat medium flow path 30e downstream of the junction. In other words, the proportional control three-way valve V31 is disposed downstream of the cooler core 31. The proportional control three-way valve V31 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat medium flow path 30h.

[0085] The three-way valve V30 and the junction point are connected by the heat medium flow path 30d. When the connection to the cooler core 31 is cut by the three-way valve V30 and the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30d, and 30e, a bypass flow path that does not pass through the cooler core 31 but detours around the cooler core 31 is formed.

[0086] The flow path switching device 70 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by the heat medium passage 30f. A circulation pump P30 for circulating the heat medium is installed on the path of the heat medium passage 30f. The proportional control three-way valve V31 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the heat medium passage 30g, the junction point, and the heat medium passage 30f downstream thereof.

[0087] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is connected to at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and can cooperate with at least one of these circuits to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0088] The heat medium is circulated through the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 by the circulation pump P30 installed on the path of the heat medium flow path 30f. When the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the heat medium is cooled by discharging heat to the refrigerant circuit 10. The cooled heat medium can be supplied to the cooler core 31 from the inlet side 31a and pass through the cooler core 31. At this time, the heat medium absorbs heat in the cooler core 31, so that the cooler core 31 can function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31, or the heat medium that bypasses the cooler core 31, then passes through at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 connected via the flow path switching device 70, and then heads again toward the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0089] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40 includes the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 described above and a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The battery 41 is provided with a battery temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the battery 41 as a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the battery 41 as a heat absorption target. The battery temperature control circuit 40 can be used to adjust the temperature of the battery 41.

[0090] Note that a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control circuit 40 can also be applied to other in-vehicle device temperature control circuits having an in-vehicle device temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of other in-vehicle devices that require temperature control in a similar manner, not limited to the battery.

[0091] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the battery temperature control circuit 40 are connected by heat medium flow paths 40a and 40b. The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40a. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40b.

[0092] The battery temperature control circuit 40 can form a circulation path for independently circulating the heat medium by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the battery temperature control circuit 40 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0093] On the heat medium flow path 40a, a circulation pump P40 and a heat medium heater 42 are installed in this order from the upstream side. Even if the battery temperature control circuit 40 forms a circulation path independent of other circuits, or even if a circulation pump is not installed in the other circuit that cooperates with the battery temperature control circuit 40 to form a circulation path, the heat medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P40, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be adjusted.

[0094] <Motor temperature control circuit> The motor temperature control circuit 50 includes a motor 51 as an in-vehicle heat-generating device. The motor 51 is provided with a motor temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the motor 51 as a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the motor 51 as a heat absorption target. The motor temperature control circuit 50 can be used to circulate a heat medium to adjust the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can use the motor 51, which constantly generates heat while driving, as a heat source via the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0095] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the motor temperature control circuit 50 are connected by heat medium flow paths 50a, 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50b. The motor temperature control circuit 50 connects the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to each other by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path that circulates the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0096] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit> The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air as a heat absorption target. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate a heat medium and exchange heat between the heat medium and the outdoor air.

[0097] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected by heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 60a. The flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V20 are connected by the heat medium flow path 60c. When the four-way valve V20 connects these two heat medium flow paths 60a and 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60b.

[0098] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be separated from the other circuits and made independent by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0099] <HVAC unit> As described above, the heater core 21 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the cooler core 31 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are housed in the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The case 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and also forms an air flow passage 120 therein.

[0100] The HVAC unit 100 also has an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 closes either an outside air intake port that introduces outside air in the vehicle cabin or an inside air intake port that introduces inside air in the vehicle cabin, and switches the air introduced into the case 110 between outside air (outside air intake) and inside air (inside air circulation). The HVAC unit 100 also has a blower 140 installed adjacent to the intake unit 130 so that the air introduced into the case 110 is sent to the air flow passage 120.

[0101] The cooler core 31 is installed at the upstream side of the air flow passage 120. A heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel at the downstream side of the air flow passage 120. The heater core 21 is provided in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the heater core passage 121, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then ventilated to the heater core 21. On the other hand, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air is ventilated to the cooler core 31 and then bypasses the heater core 21. The ratio of the air passing through the heater core passage 121 and the air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by the air mix damper 150.

[0102] [System Operation] A specific operation of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the respective drawings.

[0103] <Dehumidifying heating operation (when starting up / battery temperature is below optimum range)> FIG. 2 shows the state of the heat management system 1 at the start of dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0104] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, through which the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows. That is, the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium flow paths 20b, 20c so that the heat medium that has been warmed by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 that is separated from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, and flows through the heater core 21. As a result, the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 heats the vehicle interior.

[0105] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the cooler core 31.

[0106] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and forms a circulation path through which the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat medium. The proportional control three-way valve V31 forms the heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30h so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 passes through the radiator 61.

[0107] That is, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30h, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat medium flow paths 60c, 60a, and 60b passing through the radiator 61, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium that flows from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 30h circulates via the radiator 61. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61 and is heat exchanged with the outside air. In this manner, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates using the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat from the outside air in the radiator 61 as a heat absorption source.

[0108] Furthermore, the proportional control three-way valve V31 forms the heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30g so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 does not pass through the radiator 61. That is, the heat medium circulates through a circulation path consisting of the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30g, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30. As a result, the heat medium that has flowed from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 30g circulates without passing through the radiator 61. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows directly to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0109] The heat medium split by the proportional control three-way valve V31 joins the heat medium flow path 30f and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, where it is cooled by heat exchange. When the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31, the cooler core 31 is cooled. Therefore, moisture in the air blown from the blower 140 is condensed in the cooler core 31 and dehumidified. At this time, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. Therefore, the air dehumidified in the cooler core 31 is blown into the heater core 21. The air blown into the heater core 21 is heated and blown into the vehicle interior. As a result, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior is performed.

[0110] As described above, the proportional control three-way valve V31 is capable of dividing the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 30g as a first flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the radiator 61, and a heat medium flow path 30h as a second flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the radiator 61.

[0111] The proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the ratio between the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 30g and the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 30h according to the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin. That is, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too high, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow passage 30g. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 decreases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the radiator 61 increases. Therefore, the heat medium with a low temperature flows into the cooler core 31 after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 decreases, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin increases while the temperature decreases.

[0112] On the other hand, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too low, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 30h. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 increases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the radiator 61 decreases. Therefore, the heat medium with a high temperature after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 rises, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin decreases while the temperature rises.

[0113] In either case, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio between the heat medium that has absorbed heat and the heat medium that has not absorbed heat is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 also changes proportionally, so that the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the flow ratio of the heat medium can be made gentle. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. In addition, the temperature of the heat medium that flows directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, so that the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled finely.

[0114] In addition, by controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31 and adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the radiator 61, the amount of heat absorption in the radiator 61 can be controlled. Therefore, even if a shutter for controlling the amount of air flowing into the radiator 61 is not provided, the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled.

[0115] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the battery temperature control circuit 40 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium. That is, the heat medium flow paths 50a, 50b passing through the motor 51 are connected to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b passing through the battery 41, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the battery 41 is warmed by the exhaust heat of the motor 51.

[0116] <Dehumidifying heating operation (battery temperature rise)> FIG. 3 shows the state of the heat management system 1 when the temperature of the battery 41 rises during dehumidifying and heating operation and approaches the upper limit of the optimum temperature range.

[0117] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, through which the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows. That is, the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium flow paths 20b, 20c so that the heat medium that has been warmed by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 that is separated from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, and flows through the heater core 21. As a result, the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 heats the vehicle interior.

[0118] For example, in an environment where the outside temperature is not so low, such as during the intermediate season, when heating operation can be performed using only the exhaust heat from the motor 51 and the battery 41, as shown in FIG. 3, the flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V20 are configured so that the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 independently forms a circulation path for the heat medium.

[0119] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the cooler core 31.

[0120] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50, and forms a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50. The proportional control three-way valve V31 forms heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30h so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 passes through the battery 41 and the motor 51.

[0121] That is, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30h, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat medium flow paths 40a and 40b passing through the battery 41, and the heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium that flows through the heat medium flow path 30h of the proportional control three-way valve V31 circulates via the battery temperature adjustment unit and the motor temperature adjustment unit. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 absorbs heat in the battery 41 and the motor 51. In this manner, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates by using the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat from the battery 41 and the motor 51 as a heat absorption source. At this time, the battery 41 and the motor 51 are cooled.

[0122] Furthermore, the proportional control three-way valve V31 forms the heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30g so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 does not pass through the battery temperature adjustment unit or the motor temperature adjustment unit. That is, the heat medium circulates through a circulation path consisting of the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30g, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30. As a result, the heat medium that has flowed from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 30g circulates without passing through the battery temperature adjustment unit or the motor temperature adjustment unit. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows directly to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0123] The heat medium diverted from the proportional control three-way valve V31 joins the heat medium flow path 30f and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, where it is cooled by heat exchange. When the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31, the cooler core 31 is cooled. Therefore, moisture in the air blown from the blower 140 is condensed in the cooler core 31 and dehumidified. At this time, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. Therefore, the air dehumidified in the cooler core 31 is blown into the heater core 21. The air blown into the heater core 21 is heated and blown into the vehicle interior. As a result, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior is performed.

[0124] As described above, the proportional control three-way valve V31 is capable of dividing the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 30g as a first flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the battery temperature adjustment unit or the motor temperature adjustment unit, and a heat medium flow path 30h as a second flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the battery temperature adjustment unit or the motor temperature adjustment unit.

[0125] The proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the ratio between the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 30g and the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 30h according to the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin. That is, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too high, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 30g. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the battery 41 or the motor 51 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 decreases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the battery 41 or the motor 51 increases. Therefore, the heat medium with a low temperature after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 decreases, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin increases while the temperature decreases.

[0126] On the other hand, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too low, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 30h. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the battery 41 or the motor 51 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 increases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the battery 41 or the motor 51 decreases. Therefore, the heat medium with a high temperature after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 rises, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin decreases while the temperature rises.

[0127] In either case, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio of the heat medium that has absorbed heat to the heat medium that has not absorbed heat is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 changes proportionally, so that the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the flow ratio of the heat medium can be made gentle. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. In addition, since the temperature of the heat medium that flows directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, it is easy to finely control the amount of dehumidification.

[0128] In addition, by adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the battery temperature control unit and the motor temperature control unit using the proportional control three-way valve V31, the battery 41 and the motor 51 can be cooled while controlling the impact of heat generated by the battery 41 and the motor 51 on the dehumidification heating operation.

[0129] <Dehumidifying heating operation (battery temperature optimum range)> FIG. 4 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 after the warm-up of the battery 41 is completed and the battery 41 reaches an optimum temperature range during the dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0130] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, through which the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows. That is, the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium flow paths 20b, 20c so that the heat medium that has been warmed by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 that is separated from the exterior heat exchange circuit 60, and flows through the heater core 21. As a result, the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 heats the vehicle interior.

[0131] 4, when heating operation using only the exhaust heat of the motor 51 is not possible, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the cooler core 31.

[0132] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium to be heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows. That is, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the cooler core 31.

[0133] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the motor temperature control circuit 50, and forms a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the motor temperature control circuit 50. The proportional control three-way valve V31 forms heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30h so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 passes through the radiator 61.

[0134] That is, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30h, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51, and the heat medium flow paths 60c, 60a, and 60b passing through the radiator 61, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium flowing from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 30h circulates via the radiator 61 and the motor temperature adjustment unit. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61 and is heat exchanged with the outside air, and further absorbs the exhaust heat of the motor 51. In this way, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates by using the heat of the heat medium absorbed from the motor 51 as a heat absorption source. At this time, the motor 51 is cooled.

[0135] Furthermore, the proportional control three-way valve V31 forms the heat medium flow paths 30c, 30e, and 30g so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 does not pass through the radiator 61 or the motor temperature adjustment unit. That is, the heat medium circulates through a circulation path consisting of the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, 30g, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30. As a result, the heat medium that has flowed from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 30g circulates without passing through the radiator 61 or the motor temperature adjustment unit. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows directly to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0136] The heat medium split by the proportional control three-way valve V31 joins the heat medium flow path 30f and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, where it is cooled by heat exchange. When the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31, the cooler core 31 is cooled. Therefore, moisture in the air blown from the blower 140 is condensed in the cooler core 31 and dehumidified. At this time, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. Therefore, the air dehumidified in the cooler core 31 is blown into the heater core 21. The air blown into the heater core 21 is heated and blown into the vehicle interior. As a result, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior is performed.

[0137] As described above, the proportional control three-way valve V31 is capable of dividing the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 30g as a first flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the motor temperature adjustment unit or the radiator 61, and a heat medium flow path 30h as a second flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the motor temperature adjustment unit and the radiator 61.

[0138] The proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the ratio between the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 30g and the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 30h according to the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin. That is, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too high, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow passage 30g. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the motor 51 or the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 decreases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the motor 51 or the radiator 61 increases. Therefore, the heat medium with a low temperature flows into the cooler core 31 after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 decreases, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin increases while the temperature decreases.

[0139] On the other hand, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too low, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 30h. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the motor 51 or the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 increases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the motor 51 or the radiator 61 decreases. Therefore, the heat medium with a high temperature after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 rises, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin decreases while the temperature rises.

[0140] In either case, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio of the heat medium that has absorbed heat to the heat medium that has not absorbed heat is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 changes proportionally, so that the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the flow ratio of the heat medium can be made gentle. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. In addition, since the temperature of the heat medium that flows directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, it is easy to finely control the amount of dehumidification.

[0141] In addition, by controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31 and adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the radiator 61, the amount of heat absorption in the radiator 61 can be controlled. Therefore, even if a shutter for controlling the amount of air flowing into the radiator 61 is not provided, the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled.

[0142] Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the motor temperature adjustment unit using the proportional control three-way valve V31, the motor 51 can be cooled while controlling the effect of heat generated by the motor 51 on the dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0143] The flow path switching device 70 allows the battery temperature control circuit 40 to independently form a circulation path for the heat medium. Since the battery 41 also generates heat, the temperature of the battery 41 is controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium circulating through the battery temperature control circuit 40. At this time, the heat medium may be heated by the heat medium heater 42 as necessary.

[0144] [About the system] The heat management system 1 according to the present embodiment can divide the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 30g in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the battery temperature regulator, the motor temperature regulator, or the radiator 61, and a heat medium flow path 30h in which the heat medium flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the battery temperature regulator, the motor temperature regulator, or the radiator 61. Thus, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio of the heat medium that has absorbed heat and the heat medium that has not absorbed heat flowing through the cooler core 31 is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 also changes proportionally, so that the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the heat medium division ratio is changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31 can be made gentle. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, since the temperature of the heat medium flowing directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, the amount of dehumidification can be easily and precisely controlled.

[0145] Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment controls the amount of heat absorption in the radiator 61 by adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the radiator 61 through controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31, and therefore the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled even without a shutter that controls the amount of air flowing into the radiator 61.

[0146] In addition, the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment adjusts the amount of heat medium flowing to the motor temperature control unit by controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31, so that even if the motor 51 generates heat, the motor 51 can be cooled while controlling the temperature of the heat medium flowing to the cooler core 31. [Modification of the second embodiment] Next, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In this modified example, detailed description of the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment will be omitted. In this modified example, the proportional control three-way valve V31 shown in FIG. 2 is not provided in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, but is provided in the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. As a result, the configurations of the heat medium flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 differ from those in FIG. 2 as follows.

[0147] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The elements of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected by heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f. The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the three-way valve V30 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30a, and the three-way valve V30 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected by the heat medium flow path 30b. When the three-way valve V30 connects these heat medium flow paths 30a and 30b, the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 are connected. The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat medium flow path 30c connected thereto, the junction, and the heat medium flow path 30e downstream of the junction.

[0148] The three-way valve V30 and the junction point are connected by the heat medium flow path 30d. When the connection to the cooler core 31 is cut by the three-way valve V30 and the outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30d, and 30e, a bypass flow path that does not pass through the cooler core 31 but detours around the cooler core 31 is formed.

[0149] Further, the flow path switching device 70 and the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 are connected by the heat medium passage 30f. The heat medium is circulated through the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 by a circulation pump P30 installed on the route of the heat medium passage 30f. When the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the heat medium is cooled by discharging heat to the refrigerant circuit 10. The cooled heat medium can be supplied to the cooler core 31 from the inlet side 31a and pass through the cooler core 31. At this time, the heat medium absorbs heat in the cooler core 31, so that the cooler core 31 can function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31, or the heat medium that bypasses the cooler core 31, then passes through at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which are connected via the flow path switching device 70, and then heads again toward the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0150] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit> The elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected by heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, and 60e. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 60a. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60b. The four-way valve V20 and the proportional control three-way valve V31 are connected by the heat medium flow path 60c. When the four-way valve V20 connects these two heat medium flow paths 60a and 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the proportional control three-way valve V31. The proportional control three-way valve V31 and the flow path switching device 70 are connected by the heat medium flow path 60d. In addition, the proportional control three-way valve V31 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60e, the junction, and the heat medium flow path 60e downstream of the junction.

[0151] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be separated from the other circuits and made independent by the flow path switching device 70. In addition, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can connect the flow paths of at least one of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, and can form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0152] <Dehumidifying heating operation (when starting up / battery temperature is below optimum range)> FIG. 5 shows the state of the heat management system 1 at the start of dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0153] The high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is set in the same manner as in FIG.

[0154] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is set as follows. That is, the three-way valve V30 forms heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b so that the heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the cooler core 31. The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 to each other, and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium. The proportional control three-way valve V31 forms heat medium flow paths 60c, 60e so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 passes through the radiator 61.

[0155] Therefore, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the heat medium circulates through these circulation paths. As a result, the heat medium flowing into the heat medium flow path 60c branched off from the proportional control three-way valve V31 circulates via the radiator 61. As a result, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61 and is heat exchanged with the outside air. In this manner, the refrigerant circuit 10 operates using the heat of the heat medium that absorbs heat from the outside air by the radiator 61 as a heat absorption source.

[0156] Furthermore, the proportional control three-way valve V31 forms heat medium flow paths 60d, 60e, and 60b so that the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 does not pass through the radiator 61. That is, the heat medium circulates through a circulation path that is made up of the heat medium flow paths 60d, 60e, and 60b of the exterior heat exchange circuit 60 and the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30e, and 30f of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30. As a result, the heat medium that has flowed from the proportional control three-way valve V31 to the heat medium flow path 60e circulates without passing through the radiator 61. Then, the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows directly to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0157] The heat medium split by the proportional control three-way valve V31 joins the heat medium flow path 60b and flows from the heat medium flow path 30f to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, where it is cooled by heat exchange. The heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows into the cooler core 31, where the cooler core 31 is cooled. Therefore, moisture in the air blown from the blower 140 is condensed in the cooler core 31 and dehumidified. At this time, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. Therefore, the air dehumidified in the cooler core 31 is blown into the heater core 21. The air blown into the heater core 21 is heated and blown into the vehicle interior. As a result, dehumidification and heating of the vehicle interior is performed.

[0158] As described above, when the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected, the proportional control three-way valve V31 can divide the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 60e as a first flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the radiator 61, and a heat medium flow path 60c as a second flow path in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the radiator 61.

[0159] The proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the ratio between the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 60e and the amount of heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow passage 60c according to the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin. That is, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too high, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow passage 60e. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 decreases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the radiator 61 increases. Therefore, the heat medium with a low temperature flows into the cooler core 31 after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 decreases, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin increases while the temperature decreases.

[0160] On the other hand, when the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle cabin is too low, the proportional control three-way valve V31 increases the flow rate of the heat medium to the heat medium flow path 60c. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium that absorbs heat in the radiator 61 and flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 increases, and the flow rate of the heat medium that flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without absorbing heat in the radiator 61 decreases. Therefore, the heat medium with a high temperature after heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows to the cooler core 31. As a result, the temperature of the cooler core 31 rises, and the dehumidification amount of the air blown into the vehicle cabin decreases while the temperature rises.

[0161] In either case, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio of the heat medium that has absorbed heat to the heat medium that has not absorbed heat is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 changes proportionally, so that the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the flow ratio of the heat medium can be made gentle. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. In addition, since the temperature of the heat medium that flows directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, it is easy to finely control the amount of dehumidification.

[0162] In addition, by controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31 and adjusting the amount of heat medium flowing to the radiator 61, the amount of heat absorption in the radiator 61 can be controlled. Therefore, even if a shutter for controlling the amount of air flowing into the radiator 61 is not provided, the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled.

[0163] [Other Modifications of the Second Embodiment] When performing dehumidification and heating operation in the vehicle cabin, by providing an opening-adjustable on-off valve in each of the heat medium flow paths 60c, 20c, and 50a instead of the proportional control three-way valve V60 in the heat management system 1 of Figure 1 described in the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the proportional control three-way valve V31 is provided.

[0164] The thermal management system 1 of the present embodiment can provide the following advantages.

[0165] (1) The proportional control three-way valve V31 is capable of dividing the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 into a heat medium flow path 30g, in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 without passing through the battery temperature adjustment unit, the motor temperature adjustment unit, or the radiator 61, and a heat medium flow path 30h, in which the heat medium that has flowed through the cooler core 31 flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the battery temperature adjustment unit, the motor temperature adjustment unit, and the radiator 61. As a result, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 is kept constant, but the ratio of the heat medium that has absorbed heat to the heat medium that has not absorbed heat is proportionally changed by the proportional control three-way valve V31. Therefore, since the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 31 changes proportionally, it is possible to make the change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin and the change in the amount of dehumidification into the vehicle cabin when the proportional control three-way valve V31 changes the heat medium division ratio. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in comfort due to a change in the temperature of the air sent into the vehicle cabin. In addition, since the temperature of the heat medium that flows directly from the cooler core 31 to the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 can be proportionally controlled by the proportional control three-way valve V31, it is easy to finely control the amount of dehumidification.

[0166] (2) The amount of heat medium flowing to the radiator 61 is adjusted by controlling the ratio of the heat medium diverted by the proportional control three-way valve V31. This makes it possible to control the amount of heat absorbed by the radiator 61, and therefore the amount of dehumidification can be easily controlled even if a shutter for controlling the amount of air flowing into the radiator 61 is not provided.

[0167] (3) The proportional control three-way valve V31 adjusts the amount of heat transfer medium flowing to the battery temperature control unit and the motor temperature control unit. This makes it possible to cool the battery 41 and the motor 51 while controlling the effect of heat generated by the battery 41 and the motor 51 on the dehumidifying and heating operation.

[0168] Although the present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1: Thermal management system 10: refrigerant circuit, 11: compressor, 12: high temperature side heat exchanger, 13: pressure reducing device, 14: low temperature side heat exchanger, 15: accumulator 20: high temperature side heat medium circuit, 21: heater core, V20: four-way valve, 30: low temperature side heat medium circuit, 31: cooler core, P30: circulation pump, V30: three-way valve, V31: proportional control valve 40: Battery temperature control circuit, 41: Battery, P40: Circulation pump 50: Motor temperature control circuit, V50: Three-way valve, 51: Motor, 60: Outdoor heat exchange circuit, P60: Circulation pump, V60: Proportional control valve, 61: Radiator 70: Flow path switching device 100: HVAC unit, 110: case, 120: air flow passage, 121: heater core passage, 122: bypass passage, 150: air mix damper

Claims

1. A refrigerant circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant includes a compressor, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger; a high-temperature side heat medium circuit including a heater core that heats air to be supplied into a vehicle interior, the high-temperature side heat exchanger configured to circulate a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant; a low-temperature side heat medium circuit including a cooler core that cools air supplied into a vehicle interior, the low-temperature side heat exchanger configured to circulate a heat medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant; A heat exchange circuit for a heat absorption target, the heat exchange circuit including a heat exchange unit for a heat absorption target and configured to circulate a heat medium; a flow path switching device configured to switch between connection and independence of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit and the heat absorption target heat exchange circuit; A thermal management system comprising: the low-temperature side heat medium circuit includes a heat medium dividing device arranged downstream of the cooler core, When performing dehumidification and heating operation in the vehicle cabin, In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit, a heat medium circulates between the high-temperature side heat exchanger and the heater core, the flow path switching device connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit and the heat absorption target heat exchange circuit, The flow dividing device is capable of dividing the heat medium flowing through the cooler core into a first flow path in which the heat medium flowing through the cooler core flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger without passing through a heat exchange section with the heat absorption target, and a second flow path in which the heat medium flowing through the cooler core flows to the low-temperature side heat exchanger via a heat exchange section with the heat absorption target. Thermal management system.

2. The heat exchange portion with the heat absorption target is a radiator. The thermal management system of claim 1 .

3. The heat exchange unit with the heat absorption target is an in-vehicle heat-generating device temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the in-vehicle heat-generating device. The thermal management system of claim 1 .

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