Changeover device

Abstract

To provide a changeover device capable of efficiently changing over a distribution passage for heat medium.SOLUTION: A changeover device includes a six-way valve 180, the six-way valve 180 including a lower side body 183 (a first valve element), an upper side body 181 (a second valve element), and a driving plate 182 (a third valve element). The changeover device rotates each of the upper side body 181 and the driving plate 182 relative to the lower side body 183 to change over an overlapping state of respective openings 187a (first openings) of a plurality of groove parts 187 (first groove parts) of the lower side body 183, groove parts 181a-181e (second groove parts) of the upper side body 181, and through-holes 182a-182i of the driving plate 182 in a Z-direction (the axial direction).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2021-154767 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a thermal management system provided with a switching valve that switches the flow path of a heat transfer medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-154767 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, the flow path of the heat medium is switched by the switching valve as described above. There is a demand for a switching device that can efficiently switch the flow path of the heat medium (heat medium).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a switching device capable of efficiently switching the flow path of a heat medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A switching device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows, and includes at least one valve body unit and a plurality of circulation pipes connected to the at least one valve body unit. The plurality of circulation pipes include a plurality of first circulation pipes and a plurality of second circulation pipes. The at least one valve body unit includes a disk-shaped first valve body, a disk-shaped second valve body that is provided rotatably around a rotation center line relative to the first valve body and disposed on one side of the first valve body in an axial direction along which the rotation center line extends, and a disk-shaped third valve body that is provided to be sandwiched between the first valve body and the second valve body in the axial direction and is provided rotatably around the rotation center line relative to the first valve body. The first valve body includes an outer peripheral wall that extends annularly around the rotation center line, an inner peripheral wall that extends annularly around the rotation center line and is formed on the rotation center line side of the outer peripheral wall, and a plurality of partition walls that are formed to connect the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall. The first valve body is provided with a plurality of sector-shaped first grooves formed by a plurality of partition walls between the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall. Each of the plurality of first grooves has a first opening that opens toward the second valve body side and a second opening formed in the outer peripheral wall. A portion of the second openings of the plurality of first grooves allows the heat medium to flow into the first valve body through the plurality of first flow pipes, and a portion of the remaining second openings of the plurality of first grooves allows the heat medium to flow out of the first valve body through the plurality of second flow pipes. The second valve body is provided with a plurality of sector-shaped second grooves that are formed to extend circumferentially around the rotation center line and open toward the first valve body side. The third valve body is provided with a plurality of through holes that penetrate the third valve body in the axial direction and are arranged circumferentially around the rotation center line. The second valve body and the third valve body each rotate relative to the first valve body, thereby switching the overlapping state in the axial direction between the first openings of the plurality of first grooves, the plurality of second grooves, and the plurality of through holes.

[0007] In the switching device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the overlapping state in the axial direction between the first openings of the first grooves, the second grooves, and the through holes is switched. This makes it possible to easily switch the heat medium flow path by simply switching the overlapping state. As a result, the heat medium flow path can be efficiently switched.

[0008] A switching device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows, and includes at least one valve body unit and a plurality of circulation pipes connected to the at least one valve body unit. The plurality of circulation pipes include a plurality of first circulation pipes and a plurality of second circulation pipes. The at least one valve body unit includes a cylindrical inner periphery side unit formed integrally by stacking a disk-shaped first portion and a disk-shaped second portion, and an annular outer periphery side unit provided so as to be rotatable relative to the inner periphery side unit about a rotation center line and disposed so as to surround the inner periphery side unit from the outer periphery side. The inner periphery side unit includes a first outer periphery wall extending annularly about the rotation center line, and an inner periphery wall extending annularly about the rotation center line and formed on the rotation center line side of the first outer periphery wall. The inner unit is formed with a plurality of first inner grooves each having a sector shape, the first opening being formed at a position corresponding to the first portion of the first outer wall, and a plurality of second inner grooves each having a second opening being formed at a position corresponding to the second portion of the first outer wall. The outer unit includes a second outer wall extending in an annular shape around the rotation centerline, and a plurality of partition walls provided between the second outer wall and the first outer wall so as to extend in the radial direction of the outer unit. A plurality of sector-shaped outer grooves are formed between the second outer wall and the first outer wall by the partition walls. Each of the plurality of outer grooves has a third opening formed in the second outer wall. Some of the third openings of the plurality of outer grooves allow the heat medium to flow into the outer unit through the plurality of first flow pipes, and the remaining third openings of the plurality of outer grooves allow the heat medium to flow out of the outer unit through the plurality of second flow pipes. By rotating the outer periphery side unit relatively to the inner periphery side unit, the overlapping states in the radial direction between the plurality of outer periphery side groove portions and each of the first opening and the second opening are switched.

[0009] In the switching device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the overlapping state in the radial direction between the plurality of outer circumferential groove portions and each of the first opening and the second opening is switched. This makes it possible to easily switch the heat medium flow path by simply switching the overlapping state. As a result, it is possible to efficiently switch the heat medium flow path.

[0010] In the switching device according to the first and second aspects, the at least one valve unit is preferably configured by two valve units, which allows the flow path of the heat medium to be switched in a more diverse manner than when only one valve unit is provided.

[0011] In the switching device according to the first and second aspects, the plurality of partition walls are preferably configured by six partition walls. With this configuration, the flow path of the heat medium can be easily and diversified by switching the communication state between the six partition walls and the plurality of flow pipes. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the flow path of the heat medium can be efficiently switched by using the switching device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a six-way valve according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing valve phases of the six-way valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing circuit patterns A to F of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing circuit patterns G to M of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of a six-way valve corresponding to the position of the upper portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A-11C are cross-sectional views of a six-way valve corresponding to the position of the lower portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an inner periphery side unit of a six-way valve according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state after the inner circumferential unit has been rotated 30 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 8 is a diagram showing the state after the inner circumferential unit has been rotated 30 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The thermal management system according to the present disclosure will be described below. The thermal management system is mounted, for example, on an electric vehicle (not shown). The electric vehicle on which the thermal management system is mounted is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving, such as an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). However, the use of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0015] [First embodiment] <Overall composition> 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overall configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0016] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured to allow a heat medium to flow therethrough. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a unit circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a switching device 200. The switching device 200 includes a six-way valve 180 and a six-way valve 190. The switching device 200 includes a single case 200a that houses the six-way valve 180 and the six-way valve 190. The six-way valve 180 and the six-way valve 190 may be provided separately from each other without being housed in a single case. Each of the six-way valve 180 and the six-way valve 190 is an example of a "valve body unit" of the present disclosure.

[0017] The high temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111 , an electric heater 112 , a three-way valve 113 , a heater core 114 , and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115 .

[0018] The radiator 120 includes a high temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low temperature (LT) radiator 122. In the low temperature radiator 122, heat is exchanged between the heat medium and outside air.

[0019] The unit circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a reservoir tank 136.

[0020] The condenser 140 is connected to both the high temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150. The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and an expansion valve 155.

[0021] The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the flow path 161a. In the chiller 160, heat is exchanged between the heat medium flowing through the flow path 161a and the medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150. The flow path 161a connects a port P1 (described later) of the six-way valve 180 and a port P13 (described later) of the six-way valve 190. A water pump (W / P) 161 is provided in the flow path 161a.

[0022] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, an electric heater 171 and a battery 172. The electric heater 171 increases the temperature of the heat medium of the battery circuit 170.

[0023] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, and an interface 504.

[0024] The ECU 500 generates a control command based on sensor values ​​acquired from various sensors included in the thermal management circuit 100, a user operation accepted by the HMI 600, and the like, and outputs the generated control command to the thermal management circuit 100. As a result, for example, the states of the three-way valve 113, the six-way valve 180, and the six-way valve 190 are switched.

[0025] The HMI 600 is a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 accepts a user operation for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500.

[0026] The six-way valve 180 is provided with six ports P1 to P6. The port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the chiller 160 (flow path 161a). The port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the low-temperature radiator 122. The port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the low-temperature radiator 122. The port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the unit circuit 130 (PCU 133, etc.). The port P5 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the six-way valve 190 through flow path 6. The port P6 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the six-way valve 190 through flow path 5. Each of the flow paths 5 and 6 is a flow path formed (by an internal lid, groove, etc.) within the case 200a.

[0027] The six-way valve 190 is provided with six ports P11 to P16. The port P11 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the unit circuit 130 (such as the PCU 133). The port P12 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the battery circuit 170. The port P13 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the battery circuit 170. The port P14 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the chiller 160 (flow path 161a). The port P15 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the six-way valve 180 through flow path 5. The port P16 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the six-way valve 180 through flow path 6.

[0028] ECU 500 controls the states of each of 6-way valve 180 and 6-way valve 190. This switches the flow path of the heat medium in each of 6-way valve 180 and 6-way valve 190. As a result, the flow path of the heat medium in thermal management circuit 100 is switched. Note that 6-way valve 180 and 6-way valve 190 have the same configuration.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of each of the six-way valve 180 and the six-way valve 190. The six-way valve 180 includes a disk-shaped upper body 181, a disk-shaped drive plate 182, and a disk-shaped lower body 183. The upper body 181, the drive plate 182, and the lower body 183 are stacked in this order from the Z1 side. That is, the drive plate 182 is sandwiched between the upper body 181 and the lower body 183 in the Z direction. The Z direction is the direction in which the rotation center line α (β) extends. The Z direction is an example of the "axial direction" in the present disclosure. The upper body 181 and the drive plate 182 are examples of the "second valve body" and the "third valve body" in the present disclosure, respectively. The lower body 183 is an example of the "first valve body" in the present disclosure.

[0030] Lower body 183 is fixed and does not rotate. Upper body 181 and driving plate 182 rotate integrally on the Z1 side of lower body 183 around a rotation center line α. This changes the relative positions (rotation angles in the circumferential direction) of lower body 183, upper body 181, and driving plate 182. Note that upper body 181 and driving plate 182 may be fixed, and lower body 183 may rotate.

[0031] The upper body 181 has a circular ring shape. The upper body 181 is provided with grooves 181a to 181e. Each of the grooves 181a to 181e is formed in a sector shape so as to extend circumferentially around the rotation center line α. Each of the grooves 181a to 181e is open on the lower body 183 side (Z2 side). Each of the grooves 181a to 181e is an example of a "second groove" in the present disclosure.

[0032] Groove portions 181a to 181c are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction in the outer circumferential region of upper body 181. The circumferential length of groove portion 181a is greater than the circumferential lengths of groove portions 181b and 181c. Specifically, groove portion 181a has a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 120 degrees. Groove portions 181b and 181c each have a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0033] Groove 181d and groove 181e are arranged to face each other in an area of ​​upper body 181 that is more inward than grooves 181a to 181c. The circumferential length of groove 181d is greater than the circumferential length of groove 181e. Specifically, groove 181d has a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 210 degrees. Groove 181e has a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0034] Through holes 182a-182j are provided in drive plate 182. Each of through holes 182a-182j is formed to penetrate drive plate 182 in the Z direction. Each of through holes 182a-182j is formed in a fan shape to extend circumferentially about rotation center line α. Through holes 182a-182j are provided at positions shifted from one another in the circumferential direction so as not to overlap one another in the radial direction.

[0035] Through holes 182a-182f are arranged circumferentially in an outer circumferential region of drive plate 182. The circumferential length of each of through holes 182a and 182b is greater than the circumferential length of each of through holes 182c-182j.

[0036] Each of the through holes 182a and 182b is provided at a position overlapping with the groove portion 181a in the Z direction. Each of the through holes 182c and 182d is provided at a position overlapping with the groove portion 181b in the Z direction. Each of the through holes 182e and 182f is provided at a position overlapping with the groove portion 181c in the Z direction.

[0037] Through holes 182g-182j are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction in a region of drive plate 182 that is more inner than through holes 182a-182f.

[0038] Each of the through holes 182g and 182j is provided at a position overlapping with the groove portion 181d in the Z direction. Each of the through holes 182h and 182i is provided at a position overlapping with the groove portion 181e in the Z direction.

[0039] The lower body 183 includes an outer peripheral wall 184, an inner peripheral wall 185, and six partition walls 186. The outer peripheral wall 184 is provided so as to extend in an annular shape about the rotation center line α. The inner peripheral wall 185 extends in an annular shape about the rotation center line α and is formed closer to the rotation center line α than the outer peripheral wall 184.

[0040] The six partition walls 186 are formed so as to connect the inner peripheral wall 185 and the outer peripheral wall 184. The six partition walls 186 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the rotation center line α.

[0041] The lower body 183 is provided with six sector-shaped grooves 187 formed by six partition walls 186 between the outer circumferential wall 184 and the inner circumferential wall 185. The grooves 187 are an example of the "first groove" of the present disclosure.

[0042] Each of the six grooves 187 has an opening 187a that opens toward the upper body 181 (Z1 side) and an opening 187b formed in the outer circumferential wall 184. The openings 187b of the six grooves 187 correspond to the ports P1 to P6, respectively (communicate with the ports P1 to P6). The openings 187a and 187b are examples of the "first opening" and "second opening" of the present disclosure. The flow pipes (flow passage 161a and flow passage 6, etc.) connected to the ports P1, P3, and P5, respectively, are examples of the "first flow pipe" of the present disclosure. The flow pipes (flow passage 5, etc.) connected to the ports P2, P4, and P6, respectively, are examples of the "second flow pipe" of the present disclosure.

[0043] The hexagonal valve 190 has the same configuration as the hexagonal valve 180. The hexagonal valve 190 includes an upper body 191, a drive plate 192, and a lower body 193, which have the same configurations as the upper body 181, the drive plate 182, and the lower body 183, respectively. Each of the upper body 191 and the drive plate 192 rotates about a rotation center line β. The upper body 191 and the drive plate 192 are examples of a "second valve body" and a "third valve body", respectively, of the present disclosure. The lower body 193 is an example of a "first valve body" of the present disclosure.

[0044] Upper body 191 is formed with grooves 191a-191e corresponding to grooves 181a-181e of upper body 181. Drive plate 192 is formed with through holes 192a-192j corresponding to through holes 182a-182j of drive plate 182. Lower body 193 is provided with outer circumferential wall 194, inner circumferential wall 195, partition wall 196, and groove 197 corresponding to outer circumferential wall 184, inner circumferential wall 185, partition wall 186, and groove 187 of lower body 183. Groove 197 is an example of a "first groove" in the present disclosure.

[0045] Each of the six grooves 197 has an opening 197a that opens toward the upper body 191 (Z1 side) and an opening 197b formed in the outer circumferential wall 194. The openings 197b of the six grooves 197 correspond to the ports P11 to P16, respectively (they communicate with the ports P11 to P16). The openings 197a and 197b are examples of the "first opening" and "second opening" of the present disclosure. The flow pipes (flow passage 5, etc.) connected to the ports P11, P13, and P15, respectively, are examples of the "first flow pipe" of the present disclosure. The flow pipes (flow passage 161a, flow passage 6, etc.) connected to the ports P12, P14, and P16, respectively, are examples of the "second flow pipe" of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a plurality of states (phase states) that can be taken by the six-way valve 180. Note that since the six-way valves 180 and 190 have the same configuration, only the six-way valve 180 will be described in Fig. 3.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, in the first embodiment, the six-way valve 180 switches the overlapping state in the Z direction (the overlapping state when viewed along the Z direction) of each of the openings 187a of the six grooves 187 of the lower body 183, the grooves 181a to 181e of the upper body 181, and the through holes 182a to 182j of the drive plate 182 by rotating each of the drive plate 182 and the upper body 181.

[0048] In phase No. 1, groove 181a of upper body 181, through holes 182a and 182b of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P2) and 187(P1) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P1 to communicate with port P2.

[0049] In phase No. 1, groove 181b of upper body 181, through holes 182c and 182d of drive plate 182, and grooves 187 (P5) and 187 (P6) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P5 and port P6 to communicate with each other.

[0050] In phase No. 1, groove 181c of upper body 181, through holes 182e and 182f of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P3) and 187(P4) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P3 and port P4 to communicate with each other.

[0051] Phase No. 2 is a state in which drive plate 182 and upper body 181 are rotated 30 degrees counterclockwise around rotation center line α (see FIG. 2) with respect to phase No. 1.

[0052] In phase No. 2, groove 181a of upper body 181, through holes 182a and 182b of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P2) and 187(P1) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P1 to communicate with port P2.

[0053] In phase No. 2, groove 181d of upper body 181, through holes 182g and 182j of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P3) and 187(P6) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P3 and port P6 to communicate with each other.

[0054] In phase No. 2, groove 181e of upper body 181, through holes 182h and 182i of drive plate 182, and groove 187(P4) and groove 187(P5) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P4 and port P5 to communicate with each other.

[0055] Phase No. 3 is a state in which drive plate 182 and upper body 181 are rotated 30 degrees counterclockwise around rotation center line α (see FIG. 2) relative to phase No. 2.

[0056] In phase No. 3, groove 181a of upper body 181, through holes 182a and 182b of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P2) and 187(P3) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P2 to communicate with port P3.

[0057] In phase No. 3, groove 181b of upper body 181, through holes 182c and 182d of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P1) and 187(P6) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P1 and port P6 to communicate with each other.

[0058] In phase No. 3, groove 181c of upper body 181, through holes 182e and 182f of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P4) and 187(P5) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P4 and port P5 to communicate with each other.

[0059] Phase No. 4 is a state in which drive plate 182 and upper body 181 are rotated 30 degrees counterclockwise around rotation center line α (see FIG. 2) relative to phase No. 3.

[0060] In phase No. 4, groove 181a of upper body 181, through holes 182a and 182b of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P2) and 187(P3) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P2 to communicate with port P3.

[0061] In phase No. 4, groove 181d of upper body 181, through holes 182g and 182j of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P1) and 187(P4) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P1 and port P4 to communicate with each other.

[0062] In phase No. 4, groove 181e of upper body 181, through holes 182h and 182i of drive plate 182, and grooves 187 (P5) and 187 (P6) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P5 and port P6 to communicate with each other.

[0063] Phase No. 5 is a state in which drive plate 182 and upper body 181 are rotated 60 degrees counterclockwise around rotation center line α (see FIG. 2) with respect to phase No. 4.

[0064] In phase No. 5, groove 181a of upper body 181, through holes 182a and 182b of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P3) and 187(P4) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P3 and port P4 to communicate with each other.

[0065] In phase No. 5, groove 181d of upper body 181, through holes 182g and 182j of drive plate 182, and groove 187(P2) and groove 187(P5) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P2 and port P5 to communicate with each other.

[0066] In phase No. 5, groove 181e of upper body 181, through holes 182h and 182i of drive plate 182, and grooves 187(P1) and 187(P6) of lower body 183 overlap in the Z direction. This allows port P1 and port P6 to communicate with each other.

[0067] Although phase patterns other than those described above can be formed by adjusting the rotation angles of drive plate 182 and upper body 181, the communication state of the flow paths formed by phase patterns other than those described above will be the same as the communication state of the flow paths in any of the above phase patterns (Nos. 1 to 5). Therefore, a description of phase patterns other than those described above for phase Nos. 1 to 5 will be omitted.

[0068] By setting each of the phase patterns of the six-way valve 180 and the six-way valve 190 to any of phases No. 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 3, any of the circuit patterns A to M (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is formed in the heat management circuit 100.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit pattern A is a circuit when each of the six-way valves 180 and 190 is in the phase No. 1 state. A closed circuit is formed in which a heat medium and the like flows through the PCU 133, the battery 172, the chiller 160, and the low-temperature radiator 122. In the circuit pattern A, the PCU 133 and the battery 172 can be cooled by the low-temperature radiator 122 and the chiller 160. Also, heat pump heating is possible using the heat of the PCU 133 and the battery 172. Note that the circuit pattern A is formed even if the combination of the six-way valves 180 / 190 is No. 1 / No. 2, No. 1 / No. 5, No. 2 / No. 1, or No. 5 / No. 1.

[0070] Circuit pattern B is a circuit when each of six-way valves 180 and 190 is in the state of phase No. 5. In this case, a first closed circuit is formed in which the heat medium flows through PCU 133 and low-temperature radiator 122, and a second closed circuit is formed in which the heat medium flows through battery 172 and chiller 160. In circuit pattern B, PCU 133 can be cooled by low-temperature radiator 122, and battery 172 can be cooled by chiller 160.

[0071] Circuit pattern C is a circuit when each of the six-way valves 180 and 190 is in the state of phase No. 2. In this case, a first closed circuit is formed in which the heat medium flows through the PCU 133 and the battery 172, and a second closed circuit is formed in which the heat medium flows through the low-temperature radiator 122 and the chiller 160. In circuit pattern C, the temperature of the battery 172 can be increased by the heat of the PCU 133, and heat pump heating using outside air is also possible.

[0072] The circuit pattern D is a circuit when the hexagonal valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 4 and phase No. 1 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which a heat medium flows through the PCU 133, the battery 172, and the chiller 160, and a second closed circuit in which the low-temperature radiator 122 is independent (separated) are formed. In the circuit pattern D, the battery 172 can be heated and heated by the heat of the PCU 133, and heat pump heating can be performed by the heat of the PCU 133 and the battery 172. In addition, heat radiation from the low-temperature radiator 122 is suppressed. In addition to the above-mentioned combinations of phase patterns, the circuit pattern D is also formed when the combination of the hexagonal valves 180 / 190 is No. 3 / No. 1, No. 4 / No. 2, or No. 4 / No. 5.

[0073] The circuit pattern E is a circuit when the hexagonal valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 1 and phase No. 4 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which a heat medium flows through the PCU 133, the chiller 160, and the low-temperature radiator 122, and a second closed circuit in which the battery 172 is independent (separated) are formed. In the circuit pattern E, heating is possible using the heat of the PCU 133, and excess heat can be dissipated from the low-temperature radiator 122. In addition, a decrease in temperature of the battery 172 is suppressed. In addition to the combinations of the above phase patterns, the circuit pattern E is also formed when the combination of the hexagonal valves 180 / 190 is No. 1 / No. 3, No. 2 / No. 4, or No. 5 / No. 4.

[0074] The circuit pattern F is a circuit when each of the six-way valves 180 and 190 is in the state of phase No. 4. In this case, a first closed circuit in which a heat medium flows through the PCU 133 and the chiller 160, a second closed circuit in which the battery 172 is independent (separated), and a third closed circuit in which the low-temperature radiator 122 is independent (separated) are formed. In the circuit pattern F, the PCU 133 can be cooled by the chiller 160, and heat pump heating using the heat of the PCU 133 is possible. In addition, a temperature drop of the battery 172 and heat radiation from the low-temperature radiator 122 are suppressed. In addition to the combination of the above phase patterns, the circuit pattern F is also formed when the combination of the six-way valves 180 / 190 is No. 3 / No. 4 or No. 4 / No. 3.

[0075] Circuit pattern G is a circuit when six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the states of phase No. 5 and phase No. 2, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which a heat medium flows through PCU 133, battery 172, and low-temperature radiator 122, and a second closed circuit in which flow path 161a (see FIG. 1) in which chiller 160 is provided is formed. In circuit pattern G, PCU 133 can be cooled by low-temperature radiator 122, and battery 172 can be heated using heat from PCU 133.

[0076] Circuit pattern H is a circuit when the six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 2 and phase No. 5 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which a heat medium flows through the battery 172, the low-temperature radiator 122, and the chiller 160, and a second closed circuit in which the unit circuit 130 including the PCU 133 and the like is independent are formed. In the circuit pattern H, heat storage in the unit circuit 130 (PCU 133) and cooling of the battery 172 by the low-temperature radiator 122 and the chiller 160 are possible. Also, heat pump heating using the heat of the battery 172 is possible.

[0077] Circuit pattern I is a circuit when six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 5 and phase No. 3 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which the heat medium flows through low-temperature radiator 122 and PCU 133, a second closed circuit in which flow path 161a (see FIG. 1) in which chiller 160 is provided is independent, and a third closed circuit in which battery 172 is independent (separated) are formed. In circuit pattern I, it is possible to defrost low-temperature radiator 122 and suppress a decrease in temperature of battery 172.

[0078] Circuit pattern J is a circuit when the six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 3 and phase No. 5 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which the heat medium flows through the battery 172 and the chiller 160, a second closed circuit in which the unit circuit 130 including the PCU 133 and the like is independent, and a third closed circuit in which the low-temperature radiator 122 is independent (separated) are formed. In the circuit pattern J, heat storage in the unit circuit 130 (PCU 133), cooling of the battery 172 by the chiller 160, and heat pump heating using the heat of the battery 172 are possible. In addition, heat dissipation in the low-temperature radiator 122 is suppressed.

[0079] Circuit pattern K is a circuit when the six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 2 and phase No. 3 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which the unit circuit 130 including the PCU 133 and the like is independent, a second closed circuit in which the heat medium flows through the low-temperature radiator 122 and the chiller 160, and a third closed circuit in which the battery 172 is independent (separated) are formed. In circuit pattern K, heat storage in the unit circuit 130 (PCU 133) and heat pump heating using outside air are possible. Also, a temperature drop in the battery 172 is suppressed.

[0080] Circuit pattern L is a circuit when the six-way valves 180 and 190 are in the phase No. 3 and phase No. 2 states, respectively. In this case, a first closed circuit in which the heat medium flows through the PCU 133 and the battery 172, a second closed circuit in which the flow path 161a (see FIG. 1) in which the chiller 160 is provided is independent, and a third closed circuit in which the low-temperature radiator 122 is independent (separated) are formed. In the circuit pattern L, the temperature of the battery 172 can be increased by using the heat generated in the PCU 133.

[0081] Circuit pattern M is a circuit when each of the six-way valves 180 and 190 is in the state of phase No. 3. In this case, a first closed circuit is formed in which the unit circuit 130 including the PCU 133 and the like is independent, a second closed circuit is formed in which the flow path 161a (see FIG. 1) in which the chiller 160 is provided is independent, a third closed circuit is formed in which the low-temperature radiator 122 is independent (separated), and a fourth closed circuit is formed in which the battery 172 is independent (separated). In circuit pattern M, heat storage is possible in the unit circuit 130 (PCU 133).

[0082] As described above, in the first embodiment, the state of the thermal management circuit 100 can be switched to any one of the circuit patterns A to M by the six-way valves 180 and 190.

[0083] [Second embodiment] Unlike the first embodiment in which a six-way valve 180 (190) is used, the second embodiment uses a six-way valve 280. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0084] 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a six-way valve 280 provided in a switching device 300 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a six-way valve having the same configuration as the six-way valve 280 is further provided, but for simplicity of explanation, only the six-way valve 280 will be explained. The six-way valve 280 is an example of a "valve body unit" in the present disclosure.

[0085] The six-way valve 280 includes a columnar (cylindrical) inner periphery unit 210 and an annular outer periphery unit 220. The outer periphery unit 220 is provided so as to surround the inner periphery unit 210 from the outer periphery. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction) of a disk-shaped upper portion 211 which is a portion on the Z1 side of the inner periphery unit 210. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction) of a disk-shaped lower portion 212 which is a portion on the Z2 side of the inner periphery unit 210. The upper portion 211 is integrally formed with the lower portion 212. The upper portion 211 and the lower portion 212 are examples of the "first portion" and the "second portion" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0086] The outer periphery side unit 220 is fixed and does not rotate. The inner periphery side unit 210 rotates about a rotation center line γ (see FIG. 8). This causes a change in the relative positions (rotation angle in the circumferential direction) of the inner periphery side unit 210 and the outer periphery side unit 220. Note that the outer periphery side unit 220 may rotate while the inner periphery side unit 210 is fixed.

[0087] The inner unit 210 includes an outer peripheral wall 213 and an inner peripheral wall 214. Each of the outer peripheral wall 213 and the inner peripheral wall 214 is formed to extend in an annular shape centered on the rotation center line γ. The inner peripheral wall 214 is provided on the rotation center line γ side of the outer peripheral wall 213. Each of the outer peripheral wall 213 and the inner peripheral wall 214 extends in the Z direction across the upper portion 211 and the lower portion 212. The outer peripheral wall 213 is an example of a "first outer peripheral wall" in the present disclosure.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of sector-shaped grooves 215 are formed in the upper portion 211 of the inner periphery unit 210. The plurality of grooves 215 include grooves 215a, 215b, and 215c. The grooves 215a, 215b, and 215c include openings 215d, 215e, and 215f, respectively. Each of the openings 215d to 215f is formed in a region of the outer periphery wall 213 corresponding to the upper portion 211. The grooves 215 (215a to 215c) are an example of a "first inner periphery groove" in the present disclosure. Each of the openings 215d to 215f is an example of a "first opening" in the present disclosure.

[0089] The groove 215a has a sector shape with a central angle of about 120 degrees. The grooves 215b and 215c each have a sector shape with a central angle of about 90 degrees.

[0090] A plurality of partition walls 216 are provided between the grooves 215. The plurality of partition walls 216 include partition wall 216a, partition wall 216b, and partition wall 216c. Each of partition wall 216a and partition wall 216b has a sector shape with a central angle of approximately 30 degrees. Partition wall 216c has a plate shape with a smaller circumferential thickness than each of partition wall 216a and partition wall 216b.

[0091] 7, a plurality of grooves 217 are formed in the lower portion 212 of the inner circumference side unit 210. The plurality of grooves 217 include grooves 217a and 217b. Note that the grooves 217 (217a, 217b) are an example of a "second inner circumference side groove" in the present disclosure.

[0092] The groove portion 217a has a sector shape. The groove portion 217a has an opening 217c formed in a region of the outer peripheral wall 213 corresponding to the lower portion 212. The opening 217c is an example of a "second opening" in the present disclosure.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 7, the groove portion 217b extends across the inner circumferential unit 210. Specifically, the groove portion 217b has a V-shape when viewed from the Z1 side. The groove portion 217b has an opening 217d and an opening 217e provided on opposite sides of the rotation center line γ. Each of the openings 217d and 217e is formed in a region of the outer circumferential wall 213 corresponding to the lower portion 212. Each of the openings 217d and 217e is an example of a "second opening" in the present disclosure.

[0094] 6 and 7, the outer periphery side unit 220 includes an outer periphery wall 221. The outer periphery wall 221 is formed so as to extend in an annular shape centered on the rotation center line γ. The outer periphery wall 221 is an example of the “second outer periphery wall” of the present disclosure.

[0095] The outer periphery side unit 220 includes six partition walls 222 provided between the outer periphery wall 221 and the outer periphery wall 213 of the inner periphery side unit 210. The six partition walls 222 are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the rotation center line γ. Each of the six partition walls 222 is formed to extend in the radial direction of the outer periphery side unit 220.

[0096] The outer periphery side unit 220 includes an inner periphery wall 223. The inner periphery wall 223 is formed so as to extend in an annular shape centered on the rotation center line γ. The inner periphery wall 223 is disposed closer to the rotation center line γ than the outer periphery wall 221. Each of the six partition walls 222 is provided so as to connect the outer periphery wall 221 and the inner periphery wall 223. Between the outer periphery wall 221 and the outer periphery wall 213 (the inner periphery wall 222), six fan-shaped grooves 224 are formed by the six partition walls 222.

[0097] The inner circumferential surface of the inner circumferential wall 223 is covered with a seal member 225. The seal member 225 is provided at a radial position where it is in close contact with the outer circumferential wall 213 of the inner circumferential side unit 210. This makes it possible for the seal member 225 to prevent the movement (leakage) of the heat medium between the groove portions 224 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with the partition wall 222 sandwiched therebetween.

[0098] Six openings 221a are provided in the outer peripheral wall 221 of the outer peripheral side unit 220. Each of the six grooves 224 has an opening 221a (communicates with the opening 221a). In other words, the six openings 221a communicate with the grooves 224 that are different from one another. In addition, six openings 223a are provided in the inner peripheral wall 223 of the outer peripheral side unit 220. Each of the six grooves 224 has an opening 223a (communicates with the opening 223a). In other words, the six openings 223a communicate with the grooves 224 that are different from one another. The openings 221a are an example of a "third opening" in the present disclosure.

[0099] The six openings 221a of the outer periphery side unit 220 correspond to the ports P1 to P6, respectively (are in communication with the ports P1 to P6). Note that a six-way valve (not shown) having the same configuration as the six-way valve 280 has six openings corresponding to the ports P11 to P16.

[0100] In the example shown in Fig. 6, port P1 and port P2 communicate with each other through groove 215c and groove 224. Port P3 and port P4 communicate with each other through groove 215b and groove 224. Port P5 and port P6 communicate with each other through groove 215a and groove 224. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the ports do not communicate with each other.

[0101] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing a state in which the inner circumferential unit 210 is rotated 30 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation center line γ from the state in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the port P5 and the port P6 are in communication with each other through the groove portion 215a and the groove portion 224.

[0102] 10, the port P2 and the port P3 communicate with each other through the groove 217a and the groove 224. The port P1 and the port P4 communicate with each other through the groove 217b and the groove 224. In the example shown in FIG.

[0103] As described above, it is possible to adjust the combination of ports that communicate with each other by changing the relative rotation angle between the outer periphery side unit 220 and the inner periphery side unit 210. Note that the circuit pattern that can be realized using the six-way valve 280 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0104] The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so that the description will not be repeated.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the thermal management circuit is provided with the high temperature circuit 110, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management circuit does not necessarily have to be provided with the high temperature circuit 110.

[0106] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 5, 6, 161a flow passage (circulation pipe), 180, 190, 280 hexagonal valve (valve body unit), 181, 191 upper body (second valve body), 181a to 181e, 191a to 191e groove portion (second groove portion), 182, 192 drive plate (third valve body), 182a to 182j, 192a to 192j through hole, 183, 193 lower body (first valve body), 184, 194 outer peripheral wall, 185, 195 inner peripheral wall, 186, 196 partition wall, 187, 197 groove portion (first groove portion), 187a, 197a opening (first opening), 187b, 197b opening (second opening), 200, 300 switching device, 210 inner peripheral unit, 211 Upper part (first part), 212 Lower part (second part), 213 Outer wall (first outer wall), 214 Inner wall, 215, 215a~215c Groove (first inner groove), 215d~215f Opening (first opening), 217, 217a, 217b Groove (second inner groove), 217c~217e opening (second opening), 220 outer unit, 221 outer wall (second outer wall), 221a opening (third opening), 222 partition wall, 224 outer groove, Z direction (axial direction), α, β, γ rotation center line.

Claims

1. A switching device provided in a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows, At least one valve body unit; a plurality of flow pipes connected to the at least one valve body unit; the plurality of flow pipes include a plurality of first flow pipes and a plurality of second flow pipes, The at least one valve body unit includes: A disk-shaped first valve body; a disk-shaped second valve body that is rotatable about a rotation center line relative to the first valve body and is disposed on one side of the first valve body in an axial direction along which the rotation center line extends; a disk-shaped third valve body that is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first valve body and the second valve body in the axial direction and is rotatable around the rotation center line relative to the first valve body, The first valve body is An outer peripheral wall extending annularly about the rotation center line; an inner circumferential wall extending annularly about the rotation center line and formed closer to the rotation center line than the outer circumferential wall; a plurality of partition walls formed to connect the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, The first valve body is provided with a plurality of sector-shaped first groove portions formed by the plurality of partition walls between the outer circumferential wall and the inner circumferential wall, Each of the plurality of first groove portions has a first opening that is open to the second valve body side and a second opening that is formed in the outer circumferential wall, some of the second openings among the plurality of first grooves allow the heat medium to flow into the first valve body through the plurality of first flow pipes, and some of the second openings among the remaining plurality of first grooves allow the heat medium to flow out of the first valve body through the plurality of second flow pipes, The second valve body is provided with a plurality of fan-shaped second groove portions that are formed to extend circumferentially around the rotation center line and open toward the first valve body side, The third valve body is provided with a plurality of through holes that penetrate the third valve body in the axial direction and are arranged circumferentially around the rotation center line, a switching device in which an overlapping state in the axial direction between the first openings of each of the plurality of first groove portions, the plurality of second groove portions, and the plurality of through holes is switched by rotating each of the second valve body and the third valve body relative to the first valve body.

2. A switching device provided in a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows, At least one valve body unit; a plurality of flow pipes connected to the at least one valve body unit; the plurality of flow pipes include a plurality of first flow pipes and a plurality of second flow pipes, The at least one valve body unit includes: a cylindrical inner circumferential unit formed integrally by stacking a disk-shaped first portion and a disk-shaped second portion; an annular outer circumferential side unit that is provided to be rotatable relative to the inner circumferential side unit about a rotation center line and that is disposed so as to surround the inner circumferential side unit from an outer circumferential side, The inner circumferential unit includes: a first outer peripheral wall extending annularly about the rotation center line; an inner circumferential wall extending annularly about the rotation center line and formed closer to the rotation center line than the first outer circumferential wall, The inner circumferential unit includes: a plurality of first inner peripheral groove portions each having a sector shape, each of which has a first opening formed at a position of the first outer peripheral wall corresponding to the first portion; a plurality of second inner peripheral groove portions each having a second opening formed at a position of the first outer peripheral wall corresponding to the second portion; The outer periphery side unit is a second outer peripheral wall extending annularly about the rotation center line; a plurality of partition walls provided between the second outer peripheral wall and the first outer peripheral wall so as to extend in a radial direction of the outer peripheral side unit, A plurality of fan-shaped outer peripheral groove portions are formed between the second outer peripheral wall and the first outer peripheral wall by the plurality of partition walls, Each of the plurality of outer circumferential groove portions has a third opening formed in the second outer circumferential wall, the third openings, which are a part of the plurality of outer periphery side grooves, allow the heat medium to flow into the outer periphery side unit through the plurality of first flow pipes, and the third openings, which are a part of the remaining plurality of outer periphery side grooves, allow the heat medium to flow out of the outer periphery side unit through the plurality of second flow pipes; A switching device in which the radial overlap state between the multiple outer periphery groove portions and each of the first opening and the second opening is switched by rotating the outer periphery unit relative to the inner periphery unit.

3. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one valve body unit is constituted by two valve body units.

4. 3. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of partition walls are configured by six partition walls.

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