Heat management system

Abstract

To provide a heat management system that is configured so that air bubbles can be suppressed from mixing (staying) in a first passage and a second passage, using a reserve tank.SOLUTION: A heat management system 1 is provided with: a passage 130a (a first passage) through which a heat medium flows; a passage 170a (a second passage) through which a heat medium flows; a reserve tank 175 provided on the passage 170a; a water pump 171 (131) that circulates a heat medium; and a five-way valve 180 (a switching device). When charging of an electric vehicle 10 (electrical equipment) is started in a state where the passage 170a is separated from the passage 130a, the heat management system 1 connects the passage 170a to the passage 130a through the five-way valve 180 when the charging is executed, and drives the water pump 171 (131) to execute an air-bleeding process A (a first air-bleeding process) to the passage 170a and the passage 130a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Publication No. 2023-063735 (Patent Document 1) discloses a temperature control system having a coolant circuit that is provided with a path to which a PCU is connected, a path to which a battery is connected, a reserve tank, and a five-way valve that switches the coolant flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-063735 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, controlling the state of the five-way valve may temporarily form a circuit in which the path connected to the PCU (first flow path) or the path connected to the battery (second flow path) is not connected to the reserve tank. In this case, there is a risk that air bubbles may get mixed in (remain) in the path not connected to the reverb tank.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a thermal management system that can prevent air bubbles from entering (residing in) the first flow path and the second flow path by using a reserve tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a thermal management system is provided in a chargeable electrical device, and includes: a first flow path through which a heat medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat medium flows and which is provided with a reserve tank; a switching device that switches the connection state of the first flow path and the second flow path; and a pump that circulates the heat medium in each of the first flow path and the second flow path when the first flow path and the second flow path are connected. When charging of the electrical device is started with the first flow path and the second flow path disconnected, the thermal management system connects the first flow path and the second flow path by the switching device and drives the pump during charging, thereby performing a first air bleeding process for the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0007] In a thermal management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when charging of an electrical device is started with the first flow path and the second flow path disconnected, a first air bleed process is executed for the first flow path and the second flow path. This allows air to be bled from each of the first flow path and the second flow path while the electrical device is being charged. As a result, the reserve tank can be used to prevent air bubbles from entering (residing in) each of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0008] Furthermore, by performing the first air purging process during charging, the amount of trapped (residual) air bubbles after charging is completed can be made smaller than the amount of trapped (residual) air bubbles before the first air purging process is performed, which prevents restrictions on the use of the electrical device due to the need to purge air from the electrical device after charging is completed.

[0009] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, preferably, the first air venting process is terminated when the first air venting process has continued for a first hour or more. This configuration can prevent the first air venting process from continuing for a first hour or more. As a result, the time required to perform one cycle of the first air venting process can be relatively short. Note that "the air venting process continuing for a first hour or more" also includes a case where air venting is interrupted midway through one cycle of the first air venting process and then resumed, resulting in the execution time (cumulative time) of one cycle of the first air venting process being equal to or longer than the first hour.

[0010] The thermal management system according to the above aspect preferably includes a first power storage device that exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and a first drive device that exchanges heat with the heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path and is capable of generating driving force. With this configuration, by suppressing the intrusion (remaining) of air bubbles in each of the first flow path and the second flow path during charging, it is possible to efficiently cool each of the first power storage device and the first drive device by the heat medium during charging.

[0011] In this case, preferably, when the temperature of the first power storage device is equal to or higher than a first temperature during execution of the first air bleeding process, the first air bleeding process is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the heat medium, whose temperature has been increased by the heat of the first power storage device, from flowing into the second flow path. Furthermore, when the temperature of the first power storage device is equal to or higher than the first temperature, the first air bleeding process is stopped and other control (for example, cooling of the first power storage device) can be performed.

[0012] The thermal management system including the first power storage device preferably includes a bypass path that bypasses at least a portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the first power storage device and the heat medium occurs. When the temperature of the heat medium circulating through the second flow path is equal to or higher than a second temperature during the first air bleeding process, the heat medium is not circulated through the portion but is circulated through the bypass path. With this configuration, the air bleeding process can be performed while suppressing an increase in temperature of the first power storage device due to the heat medium circulating through the second flow path.

[0013] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the first air bleeding process is preferably not executed when the cumulative time during which the pump is driven with the first flow path and the second flow path connected exceeds the second time. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the first air bleeding process from being executed excessively in the electric device.

[0014] In this case, the accumulated time is preferably the sum of a first accumulated time during which the first air purging process was performed and a second accumulated time during which the pump was driven with the first and second flow paths connected while control other than charging was being performed in the electrical device. With this configuration, unlike when only the first accumulated time is considered as the accumulated time, it is possible to perform control to restrict the execution of the first air purging process based on the time during which air purging was actually performed in the first and second flow paths.

[0015] The thermal management system according to the above aspect is preferably set to a state in which the first air bleeding process can be performed when the heat medium circulating through the electrical device is replaced without the first air bleeding process being performed. Here, when the heat medium is replaced, the air bubbles are likely to be mixed in. Therefore, by configuring as described above, the air bubbles mixed in due to the replacement of the heat medium can be eliminated by the first air bleeding process.

[0016] In the thermal management system that terminates the first air purging process when the first air purging process has continued for a first hour or more, preferably, if charging is terminated before the first hour has elapsed since the start of the first air purging process, the first flow path and the second flow path are connected after charging is terminated and the pump is driven, thereby executing the second air purging process for the first flow path and the second flow path. With this configuration, even if charging is terminated before the first air purging process has been fully completed, air can be purged from the first flow path and the second flow path by the second air purging process.

[0017] In the thermal management system including the first power storage device and the drive device, preferably, when the temperature of the first power storage device at the start of charging is equal to or higher than a third temperature, the first flow path and the second flow path are connected and the pump is driven after charging is completed, thereby performing a third air bleed process for the first flow path and the second flow path. With this configuration, when the temperature of the first power storage device is equal to or higher than the third temperature, the first air bleed process during charging can be avoided and the third air bleed process can be performed after charging. As a result, it is possible to prevent the heat medium heated by heat from the first power storage device from flowing into the second flow path during charging (to prevent the temperature of the first power storage device from becoming excessively high due to heat from the drive device), and it is possible to bleed air from the first flow path and the second flow path after charging is completed.

[0018] In the thermal management system according to the above aspect, the switching device preferably includes a five-way valve or an eight-way valve. With this configuration, the connection state of the first flow path and the second flow path can be easily switched by the five-way valve or the eight-way valve.

[0019] The thermal management system according to the above aspect preferably includes a radiator, a second power storage device, and a second drive device capable of generating driving force. The radiator is provided in the second flow path. At least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating through the first flow path. With this configuration, air can be bled from the first flow path and the second flow path while at least one of the second power storage device and the second drive device is cooled using the heat medium cooled by the radiator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present disclosure, the reserve tank can be used to prevent air bubbles from entering (residing in) the first flow path and the second flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric vehicle equipped with a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third communication pattern of the thermal management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a control flow in the thermal management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing a control flow in the thermal management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow in the thermal management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing a control flow in a thermal management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing a control flow in the thermal management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing a control flow in the thermal management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal management system according to a first modified example of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first communication pattern in a first modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second communication pattern in the first modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a second communication pattern in the first modified example. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the second communication pattern in the first modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first communication pattern of a thermal management system according to a second modification of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second communication pattern of a second modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a second communication pattern in the second modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of a second communication pattern in the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] The following description will be given taking as an example a configuration in which a thermal management system according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or 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.

[0024] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a thermal management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The electric vehicle 10 is rechargeable. Specifically, the electric vehicle 10 includes a battery 173, a charging circuit 11, and an inlet 12. The electric vehicle 10 and the battery 173 are examples of an "electrical device" and a "first power storage device," respectively, of the present disclosure.

[0025] The battery 173 stores electric power for driving the electric vehicle 10. When the charging connector 21 of the EVSE 20 is connected to the inlet 12, for example, the electric power is supplied from the EVSE 20 to the battery 173. The electric power input to the inlet 12 is supplied to the battery 173 through the charging circuit 11. The charging circuit 11 may include the SPU 132 described below.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 1. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0027] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured to allow a heat medium to flow through it. The thermal management circuit 100 includes a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a five-way valve 180. The five-way valve 180 is an example of the "switching device" of the present disclosure.

[0028] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reserve tank (R / T) 115. The radiator 120 is connected to (i.e., shared by) both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130.

[0029] The radiator 120 includes a high temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see FIG. 3 for both).

[0030] The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a temperature sensor 136. The water pump 131 is an example of a "pump" in the present disclosure. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each a device capable of generating driving force to be supplied to the electric vehicle 10. The PCU 133 and the oil cooler 134 are each an example of a "first driving device" in the present disclosure.

[0031] The condenser 140 is connected to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150. The refrigeration cycle 150 includes a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and an expansion valve 155. The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170.

[0032] The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, a reserve tank 175, and a temperature sensor 176. A five-way valve 180 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The water pump 171 is an example of the "pump" in the present disclosure.

[0033] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, an interface 504, a timer 505, and a timer 506.

[0034] The processor 501 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). The memory 502 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage 503 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage 503 stores system programs including an operating system (OS) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control calculations. The processor 501 performs various processes by reading the system programs and control programs, expanding them into the memory 502, and executing them. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and components of the thermal management circuit 100. The timers 505 and 506 each measure the elapsed time since a predetermined process was executed. The functions of the timers 505 and 506 will be described in detail below.

[0035] The ECU 500 generates control commands based on sensor values ​​(e.g., temperatures at various locations) acquired from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations accepted by the HMI 600, and the like, and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may be divided into multiple ECUs for each function. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include multiple processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503.

[0036] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing using a stored program. The term "processor" may also include hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be interpreted as processing circuitry whose processing is predefined by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuitry.

[0037] The HMI 600 includes a touch panel display, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 accepts user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500.

[0038] <Thermal management circuit configuration> 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. The heat medium (usually hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, heater core 114, reserve tank 115, and water pump 111, and a second path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, high-temperature radiator 121, reserve tank 115, and water pump 111.

[0039] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through a path extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, the step-up / step-down converter 135, the five-way valve 180, the low-temperature radiator 122, and the water pump 131. This path includes a flow path 130a extending from the water pump 131 to the SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, the step-up / step-down converter 135, and the five-way valve 180. The flow path 130a is an example of the "first flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0040] The water pump 131 circulates the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500 (see FIG. 2 ). The SPU 132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The PCU 133 converts DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 134 circulates lubricating oil for the motor using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). The temperature sensor 136 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the flow path 130a (for example, upstream of the step-up / step-down converter 135). The SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the step-up / step-down converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through the low-temperature circuit 130. Five-way valve 180 switches the paths of the heat medium in low-temperature circuit 130 and battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. Low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed near high-temperature radiator 121, and exchanges heat with high-temperature radiator 121.

[0041] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the following first and second paths. The first path is a path of the compressor 151, condenser 140, expansion valve 152, evaporator 153, EPR 154, and compressor 151. The second path is a path of the compressor 151, condenser 140, expansion valve 155, chiller 160, and compressor 151.

[0042] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of a first path extending from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the electric heater 172, the battery 173, the reserve tank 175, and the water pump 171, and a second path extending from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the bypass path 174, the reserve tank 175, and the water pump 171. The reserve tank 175 is provided at a point where the first path and the bypass path 174 join together. The first path includes a flow path 170a extending from the five-way valve 180 to the electric heater 172, the battery 173, the reserve tank 175, and the water pump 171. The location of the reserve tank 175 is not limited to the above example. For example, the reserve tank 175 may be located between the five-way valve 180 and the battery 173. The flow path 170a is an example of the "second flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0043] The water pump 171 circulates the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170 by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies electric power for driving to a motor built in the transaxle. The battery 173 can be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. The bypass path 174 bypasses at least a portion 170b of the flow path 170a where heat is exchanged between the battery 173 and the heat medium. The bypass path 174 is provided so that the heat medium bypasses the electric heater 172 (a portion (not numbered) of the flow path 170a that exchanges heat with the electric heater 172) and the battery 173 (portion 170b). When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174, it is possible to suppress temperature changes in the heat medium that accompany heat absorption / dissipation between the heat medium and the battery 173. The reserve tank 175 stores a portion of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170, thereby maintaining the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170. The temperature sensor 176 detects the temperature of the battery 173.

[0044] The five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. Port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the chiller 160. Port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 (portion 170b) of the battery circuit 170. Port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. Port P5 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0045] <Connection pattern> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first communication pattern by the five-way valve 180. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 has a path that connects ports P1 and P2 and a path that connects ports P3 and P5. These two paths are independent of each other. No other path is formed that connects the two paths. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 (path 130a) and the battery circuit 170 (path 170a) are connected in parallel and completely independently. The first communication pattern is a circuit pattern that is formed when an "air bleeding execution flag" (described later) is in the OFF state.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second communication pattern of the five-way valve 180. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 forms a path that communicates between the ports P1 and P5 and a path that communicates between the ports P3 and P2. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 (path 130a) and the battery circuit 170 (path 170a) are connected in series. As a result, the reserve tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series. In this state, by driving at least one of the water pump 171 and the water pump 131, the reserve tank 175 bleeds air from each of the paths 170a and 130a. The second communication pattern is a circuit pattern that is formed when an "air bleeding execution flag" (described later) is in an ON state and a predetermined condition (described later) is satisfied. In the first embodiment, in the second communication pattern, the water pump 171 and the water pump 131 are each driven. It is noted that only one of the water pump 171 and the water pump 131 may be driven.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a third communication pattern of five-way valve 180. As shown in FIG. 6, in the third communication pattern, five-way valve 180 forms a path that communicates between port P1 and port P5 and a path that communicates between port P3 and port P4. In this case, reserve tank 175, water pump 171, and water pump 131 are connected in series, while heat exchange between the heat medium and battery 173 does not occur. Note that the third communication pattern is a circuit pattern that is formed when an "air bleeding execution flag" (described later) is in the ON state and a predetermined condition (described later) is satisfied. In this case, both water pump 171 and water pump 131 are driven. Note that only one of water pump 171 and water pump 131 may be driven.

[0048] The first to third communication patterns of the five-way valve 180 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS.

[0049] Here, as described above, a circuit (for example, the first connection pattern) in which the flow path 130a to which the PCU 133 is connected and the reserve tank 175 are not connected may be temporarily formed. In this case, in the conventional heat management system, there is a risk that air bubbles may be mixed (remain) in the flow path 130a.

[0050] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when charging of the electric vehicle 10 is started in a state where the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are disconnected, the heat management system 1 connects the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a with the five-way valve 180 and drives the water pumps (131, 171) during the execution of the charging, thereby performing (starting) an air bleeding process (hereinafter referred to as "air bleeding process A") for the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a. Specifically, the ECU 500 forms a second communication pattern (see FIG. 5) or a third communication pattern (see FIG. 6) by controlling the five-way valve 180 and drives the water pumps (131, 171) to perform the air bleeding process A. Thereby, air bleeding is performed in both the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a by the reserve tank 175. Note that the air bleeding process A is an example of the "first air bleeding process" of the present disclosure.

[0051] <ECU Control Flow> Next, referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the control flow of the ECU 500 (processor 501) will be described. The control flow shown in FIG. 7 may be executed (started) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 second).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S1, the ECU 500 determines whether the air bleeding end flag is OFF. The air bleeding end flag is a flag (signal) that changes based on the length of the integrated time during which air bleeding is performed in the electric vehicle 10, which will be described in detail later. When the above integrated time is less than or equal to a specified time t2 described later, it is determined that the air bleeding is insufficient, and the air bleeding end flag is maintained OFF. If the air bleeding end flag is OFF (Yes in S1), the process proceeds to step S2. If the air bleeding end flag is ON (No in S1), the process ends.

[0053] In step S2, ECU 500 determines whether or not the air bleeding completion flag is OFF. The air bleeding completion flag is a flag that indicates whether or not one air bleeding process A during charging has been completed (accomplished). If the execution time (duration) of one air bleeding process A is less than a predetermined time t1 described below, it is determined that the air bleeding process A has not been completed, and the air bleeding completion flag is maintained OFF. If the air bleeding completion flag is OFF (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the air bleeding completion flag is ON (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0054] In step S3, the ECU 500 determines whether the air bleeding execution flag is ON. If the air bleeding execution flag is ON, an air bleeding process (air bleeding process A) is executed while the battery 173 is being charged. If the air bleeding execution flag is ON (Yes in S3), the process proceeds to step S6. If the air bleeding execution flag is OFF (No in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. Note that if the air bleeding execution flag is OFF, the first communication pattern (see FIG. 4), for example, is formed in the thermal management circuit 100.

[0055] In step S4, ECU 500 determines whether battery 173 is being charged. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether charging is being performed based on whether charging connector 21 is connected to inlet 12, the charging schedule, whether the vehicle is parked at a charging facility (or near a charging station, etc.), etc. If charging is being performed (Yes in S4), the process proceeds to step S5. If charging is not being performed (No in S4), the process ends.

[0056] In step S5, the ECU 500 turns on the air bleeding execution flag. This causes the ECU 500 to start the air bleeding process A. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 to establish the second communication pattern (see FIG. 5) or the third communication pattern (see FIG. 6) and to drive the water pump (131, 171). Note that at the time of step S5, the second communication pattern or the third communication pattern may be established. Also, the control of the communication pattern by the five-way valve 180 may be temporarily suspended until the determination in step S10, which will be described later, is completed.

[0057] In step S6, ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of battery 173 is lower than a specified temperature T1. Specifically, ECU 500 determines whether the detected value of temperature sensor 176 (see FIG. 2) is lower than a specified temperature T1 (e.g., 35° C.) pre-stored in memory 502. If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than the specified temperature T1 (Yes in S6), it is determined that cooling of battery 173 is not necessary, and the process proceeds to step S7. If the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or higher than the specified temperature T1 (No in S6), cooling of battery 173 is prioritized, and the process proceeds to step S8. Note that specified temperature T1 is an example of the “first temperature” in the present disclosure.

[0058] In step S7, ECU 500 starts counting time using timer 505 (see FIG. 2). If timer 505 is already counting time at the time of step S7, ECU 500 continues counting time using timer 505. Next, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0059] In step S8, the ECU 500 turns off the air bleeding execution flag, that is, the ECU 500 stops (ends or interrupts) the air bleeding process A. Next, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0060] In step S9, ECU 500 stops the time count by timer 505. If the time count by timer 505 has been stopped at the time of step S7, ECU 500 maintains the stopped state of the time count by timer 505. Next, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0061] In step S10, the ECU 500 determines whether the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature circuit 130 (flow path 130a) is lower than the cooling allowable temperature T2. Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the detected value of the temperature sensor 136 (see FIG. 2) is lower than the cooling allowable temperature T2 (e.g., 40°C) pre-stored in the memory 502. The cooling allowable temperature T2 is higher than the specified temperature T1 in step S6. If the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the cooling allowable temperature T2 (Yes in S10), the process proceeds to step S11. If the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the cooling allowable temperature T2 (No in S10), the process proceeds to step S12. The cooling allowable temperature T2 is an example of the "second temperature" in the present disclosure.

[0062] In step S11, ECU 500 controls five-way valve 180 to form the second communication pattern (see FIG. 5) in order to pass (circulate) the heat medium through battery 173 (portion 170b). Next, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0063] In step S12, ECU 500 controls five-way valve 180 to form the third communication pattern (see FIG. 6) in order to pass (circulate) the heat medium through bypass path 174 without passing (circulating) the heat medium through battery 173 (portion 170b). Next, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0064] In step S13, ECU 500 determines whether the time count by timer 505 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time t1 (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute). Information about the predetermined time t1 may be stored in advance in memory 502. If the time count is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t1 (Yes in S13), the process proceeds to step S14. If the time count is less than the predetermined time t1 (No in S13), the process proceeds to step S15. The predetermined time t1 is an example of the "first time" in the present disclosure.

[0065] In step S14, the ECU 500 turns on an air bleeding completion flag. Next, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0066] In step S15, ECU 500 determines whether charging of battery 173 is complete. For example, ECU 500 may determine that charging is complete based on the fact that charging connector 21 is removed from inlet 12, that SOC (State Of Charge) has reached a predetermined value (e.g., 100%), that electric vehicle 10 has moved away from a charging facility, etc. If charging is complete (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If charging is not complete (No in S15), the process ends.

[0067] In step S16, ECU 500 stores the sum of the current accumulated time and the time count of timer 505 as an updated accumulated time in memory 502, etc. Note that the accumulated time is the accumulated value of the time during which the water pumps (131, 171) are driven in a state in which flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected.

[0068] That is, the accumulated time is the sum of a first accumulated time during which the air removal process A was executed and a second accumulated time during which the water pump (131, 171) was driven with the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a connected while control other than charging was being executed in the electric vehicle 10. The first accumulated time is an accumulated value of the time count by the timer 505. The second accumulated time will be described later. Note that control other than charging includes, for example, travel control of the electric vehicle 10, and control to use the air conditioner, audio, etc. using power from an external power source (such as the EVSE 20) with the charging connector 21 connected to the electric vehicle 10.

[0069] In step S16, the ECU 500 clears the time count of the timer 505. The ECU 500 also turns off the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding completion flag. This stops (ends) the air bleeding process A. Then, the process ends.

[0070] 8 is a second diagram showing a control flow by the ECU 500 (processor 501) according to the first embodiment. Note that the control flow shown in FIG. 8 may be executed (started) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

[0071] In step S21, the ECU 500 determines whether the air bleeding execution flag is off. That is, the ECU 500 determines whether the air bleeding process A is not being executed. If the air bleeding execution flag is off (Yes in S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the air bleeding execution flag is on (No in S21), the process ends.

[0072] In step S22, the ECU 500 determines whether the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a are connected and the water pump (131 or 171) is driven. That is, the ECU 500 determines whether air bleeding is being performed in each of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a while the air bleeding process A is not being performed. If the answer is Yes in step S22, the process proceeds to step S23. If the answer is No in step S22, the process ends.

[0073] In step S23, ECU 500 starts counting time using timer 506 (see FIG. 2) to count the time during which flow path 170a and flow path 130a are connected and the water pump (131 or 171) is driven (hereinafter referred to as the connection time). The counted connection time is stored in memory 502 or the like. Thereafter, the process ends. The connection time is an example of the second integrated time.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a third diagram showing a control flow by the ECU 500 according to the first embodiment. Note that the control flow shown in Fig. 9 may be executed (started) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

[0075] In step S31, the ECU 500 determines whether the electric vehicle 10 is in a ready-off state (not capable of traveling). Specifically, the ECU 500 determines whether the electric vehicle 10 is in a ready-off state and the ignition power is on (IGON) (system activated) state. If the electric vehicle 10 is in a ready-off state (Yes in S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If the electric vehicle 10 is in a ready-on state (No in S31), the process ends.

[0076] In step S32, ECU 500 stores the sum of the current integrated time and the connection time (see S23 in FIG. 8) in memory 502 or the like as an updated integrated time.

[0077] In step S33, ECU 500 clears the information on the connection time. Specifically, ECU 500 erases the information on the connection time from memory 502 and the like.

[0078] In step S34, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time calculated in step S32 has exceeded a specified time t2 (e.g., 80 hours). That is, ECU 500 determines whether the cumulative time during which the water pump (131 or 171) was driven while flow path 130a and flow path 170a were connected has exceeded the specified time t2. If the cumulative time has exceeded the specified time t2 (Yes in S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If the cumulative time is equal to or less than the specified time t2 (No in S34), the process ends. Note that the specified time t2 is an example of the "second time" in the present disclosure.

[0079] In step S35, the ECU 500 turns on the air bleeding completion flag. That is, as can be seen from step S1 in FIG. 7, after the air bleeding completion flag is turned on, the air bleeding process A is not executed (execution is restricted) in the thermal management system 1. In addition, the ECU 500 clears the information on the cumulative time calculated in step S32. Specifically, the ECU 500 erases the information on the cumulative time from the memory 502, etc.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a fourth diagram showing a control flow by the ECU 500 according to the first embodiment. Note that the control flow shown in Fig. 10 may be executed (started) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

[0081] In step S41, the ECU 500 determines whether the heat medium circulating in the electric vehicle 10 (thermal management circuit 100) has been replaced. For example, the ECU 500 may determine whether the heat medium has been replaced based on information (information indicating that replacement of the heat medium has been completed) input to the electric vehicle 10 when the heat medium is replaced at a dealer or the like. If the heat medium has been replaced (Yes in S41), the process proceeds to step S42. If the heat medium has not been replaced (No in S41), the process ends.

[0082] In step S42, the ECU 500 turns off the air bleeding completion flag. As a result, as can be seen from step S1 in Fig. 7, after the air bleeding completion flag is turned off, the thermal management system 1 is brought into a state in which it is possible to execute the air bleeding process A. Then, the process ends.

[0083] As described above, in the first embodiment, when charging of the electric vehicle 10 is started in a state in which the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a are disconnected, the thermal management system 1 connects the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a using the five-way valve 180 and drives the water pumps (131, 171) during the charging process, thereby performing the air removal process A for the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a. This makes it possible to prevent air bubbles from entering (residing in) the flow path 130a and the flow path 170a. As a result, it is possible to efficiently cool the battery 173, the PCU 133, and the like. Furthermore, by preventing the water pumps (131, 171) from being driven in a state in which air bubbles have entered (resided), it is possible to reduce the load on the water pumps (131, 171). Furthermore, by performing air removal during charging, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from remaining when the electric vehicle 10 starts to travel. As a result, it is possible to prevent restrictions on the use (travel) of the electric vehicle 10 after charging is completed.

[0084] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. Unlike the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment, which can only perform air removal process A, the thermal management system 2 of the second embodiment can also perform air removal process B. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0085] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system 2. The thermal management system 2 includes an ECU 510 instead of the ECU 500 of the first embodiment.

[0086] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 510 includes a processor 511, a memory 512, a storage 503, an interface 504, a timer 515, and a timer 506.

[0087] <ECU Control Flow> Next, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the control flow of the ECU 510 (processor 511) will be described. The control flow shown in FIG. 12 may be executed (started) every predetermined period (for example, 1 second). Note that, for the same processes as those in the first embodiment, the description may be simplified or omitted.

[0088] In steps S51 to S53, the same processes as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 7 are executed, respectively. If it is determined in step S53 that the air bleeding execution flag is ON (Yes in S53), the process proceeds to step S59. If it is determined in step S53 that the air bleeding execution flag is OFF (No in S53), the process proceeds to step S54.

[0089] In step S54, the ECU 510 determines whether the air bleeding execution flag 2 is OFF. If the air bleeding execution flag 2 is ON, an air bleeding process (hereinafter referred to as "air bleeding process B") is executed after the charging of the battery 173 is completed. The air bleeding process B is the same circuit as the circuit during the execution of the air bleeding process A and is a process of performing air bleeding after the charging is completed. Note that the air bleeding process B is an example of the "second air bleeding process" and the "third air bleeding process" of the present disclosure. If the air bleeding execution flag 2 is OFF (Yes in S54), the process proceeds to step S55. If the air bleeding execution flag 2 is ON (No in S54), the process ends.

[0090] In step S55, the same process as step S4 in FIG. 7 is performed. If it is charging (Yes in S55), the process proceeds to step S56. If it is not charging (No in S55), the process ends.

[0091] In step S56, it is determined whether the temperature of battery 173 (the value detected by temperature sensor 176) is lower than a specified temperature T3 (e.g., 35°C). If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than specified temperature T3 (Yes in S56), the process proceeds to step S57. If the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or higher than specified temperature T3 (No in S56), the process proceeds to step S58. The specified temperature T3 in step S56 may be different from the specified temperature T1 in step S6. Note that the specified temperature T3 in step S56 is an example of the "third temperature" in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the temperature of battery 173 in step S56 refers to the temperature of battery 173 at the start of charging.

[0092] In step S57, ECU 510 turns on the air bleeding execution flag, and then the process proceeds to step S59.

[0093] In step S58, ECU 510 turns on air bleeding execution flag 2. As a result, while the air bleeding execution flag is OFF, air bleeding execution flag 2 is turned on.

[0094] In step S59, the same process as in step S6 in Fig. 7 is performed. If the temperature of battery 173 is lower than specified temperature T4 (Yes in S59), the process proceeds to step S60. If the temperature of battery 173 is equal to or higher than specified temperature T4 (No in S59), the process proceeds to step S61. Note that specified temperature T4 in step S59 is an example of the "first temperature" in the present disclosure.

[0095] In step S60, ECU 510 starts counting time using timer 515 (see FIG. 11). If timer 515 is already counting time, ECU 510 continues counting time using timer 515. The process then proceeds to step S63.

[0096] In step S61, ECU 510 turns off the air bleeding execution flag. Next, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0097] In step S62, ECU 510 stops the time count by timer 515. If the time count by timer 515 has already been stopped, ECU 510 maintains the stopped state of the time count by timer 515. Next, the process proceeds to step S63.

[0098] In step S63, ECU 510 determines whether the time count by timer 515 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time t3 (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute). If the time count is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t3 (Yes in S63), the process proceeds to step S64. If the time count is less than the predetermined time t3 (No in S63), the process proceeds to step S65. Note that the predetermined time t3 is an example of the "first time" in the present disclosure.

[0099] In steps S64 and S65, the same processes as steps S14 and S15 in Fig. 7 are performed. After step S65, the process proceeds to step S66.

[0100] In step S66, ECU 510 determines whether the air bleeding completion flag is ON. If the air bleeding completion flag is ON (Yes in S66), the process proceeds to step S67. If the air bleeding completion flag is OFF (No in S66), the process proceeds to step S68. Note that the air bleeding completion flag being OFF means that the time count in step S63 is less than the predetermined time t3.

[0101] In step S67, ECU 510 stores the sum of the current cumulative time and the time count of timer 515 in memory 512 or the like as an updated cumulative time. ECU 510 also clears the time count of timer 515. ECU 510 also turns OFF the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding completion flag. Then, the process ends.

[0102] In step S68, ECU 510 turns on air bleeding execution flag 2. ECU 510 also turns off both the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding completion flag, and then the process ends.

[0103] Fig. 13 is a second diagram showing a control flow by ECU 510 according to the second embodiment. Note that the control flow shown in Fig. 13 may be executed (started) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

[0104] In step S71, it is determined whether or not charging of battery 173 is complete. If charging of battery 173 is complete (Yes in S71), the process proceeds to step S72. If charging of battery 173 is not complete (No in S71), the process ends.

[0105] In step S72, ECU 510 determines whether air bleeding execution flag 2 is ON. If air bleeding execution flag 2 is ON (Yes in S72), the process proceeds to step S73. If air bleeding execution flag 2 is OFF (No in S72), the process ends.

[0106] In step S73, ECU 510 starts counting time using timer 515 (see FIG. 11). Specifically, ECU 510 adds the time count of air bleeding process B to the time count of air bleeding process A already counted by timer 515 in the process of FIG.

[0107] In step S74, ECU 510 determines whether the time count by timer 515 (the time count in S73) is equal to or greater than a predetermined time t3. If the time count is equal to or greater than the predetermined time t3 (Yes in S74), the process proceeds to step S74. If the time count is less than the predetermined time t3 (No in S74), the process ends.

[0108] In step S75, ECU 510 turns off air bleeding execution flag 2, and ends air bleeding process B.

[0109] In step S76, ECU 510 stores the sum of the current cumulative time and the time count of timer 515 in memory 512 or the like as an updated cumulative time.

[0110] FIG. 14 is a third diagram showing a control flow by ECU 510 according to the second embodiment. Note that the control flow shown in FIG. 14 may be executed (started) at predetermined intervals (for example, every second). The control flow in FIG. 14 differs from the control flow in FIG. 8 in that the process of step S121 is executed instead of step S21. In step S121, ECU 510 determines whether each of the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding execution flag 2 is off. That is, ECU 510 determines whether each of air bleeding process A and air bleeding process B is not being executed. If each of the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding execution flag 2 is off (Yes in S121), the process proceeds to step S22. If at least one of the air bleeding execution flag and the air bleeding execution flag 2 is on (No in S121), the process ends.

[0111] Although detailed description and illustration are omitted, the ECU 510 executes the control shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the first embodiment.

[0112] The other configurations and processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0113] <Modifications of the thermal management system> In the first and second embodiments, the communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 100 is controlled by the five-way valve 180, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A switching valve other than the five-way valve 180 may also be used.

[0114] <First Modification> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 3 (thermal management circuit 200) which is a first modified example of the first and second embodiments.

[0115] The thermal management system 3 includes a thermal management circuit 200. The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. The thermal management circuit 200 is controlled by the ECU 520. The eight-way valve 280 is an example of a "switching device" of the present disclosure.

[0116] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240.

[0117] The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246, an evaporator 247, a check valve 248, and an accumulator 249. The condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252. The water-cooled condenser 251 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the radiator circuit 230.

[0118] Drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, water pump 261, SPU 262, PCU 263, oil cooler 264, reserve tank 265, and heat medium temperature sensor 266. Note that a transaxle may be provided in drive unit circuit 260 instead of oil cooler 264. Also, PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 (or transaxle) may be combined to form an e-axle. Note that PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are devices capable of generating driving force to be supplied to the electric vehicle. PCU 263 and oil cooler 264 are an example of a "first drive device" in the present disclosure. Also, water pump 261 is an example of a "pump" in the present disclosure.

[0119] The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 271, a battery 272, and a temperature sensor 273. The battery 272 is an example of a "first power storage device" in the present disclosure.

[0120] The eight-way valve 280 includes eight ports P11 to P18. The eight-way valve 280 is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0121] The heat medium circulating through the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P13), the water pump 211, the chiller 220, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P15).

[0122] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium within chiller circuit 210 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating through refrigeration cycle 240. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which chiller circuit 210 is connected in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. The path switching performed by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0123] The heat medium circulating through the radiator circuit 230 flows through a first path of an eight-way valve 280 (port P16), the water-cooled condenser 251, the radiator 231, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P17), or a second path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P16), the water-cooled condenser 251, the bypass path 230b, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P17). The first path and the second path can be switched by rotating the eight-way valve 280. The radiator 231 is disposed downstream of a grille shutter (not shown), and exchanges heat between the heat medium and the outside air of the vehicle.

[0124] The heat medium (gas-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any of the following first to fourth paths. The first path is the path of the compressor 241, solenoid valve 244A, air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245, evaporator 247, accumulator 249, and compressor 241. The second path is the path of the compressor 241, solenoid valve 244A, air-cooled condenser 252, check valve 248, solenoid valve (expansion valve) 246, chiller 220, accumulator 249, and compressor 241. The third path is the path of the compressor 241, solenoid valve 244B, water-cooled condenser 251, solenoid valve (expansion valve) 245, evaporator 247, accumulator 249, and compressor 241. The fourth path is the path of the compressor 241 - the solenoid valve 244B - the water-cooled condenser 251 - the solenoid valve 246 - the chiller 220 - the accumulator 249 - and the compressor 241 .

[0125] Compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating through refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to compressor 241 and adjusts the amount of gas-phase refrigerant flowing into compressor 241 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the air-cooled condenser 252, in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat between the gas-phase refrigerant discharged from compressor 241 and the heat medium flowing through radiator circuit 230. Air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with air introduced into the vehicle cabin to produce warm air. Solenoid valve 245 limits the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into evaporator 247 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Solenoid valve 246 limits the inflow of liquid-phase refrigerant into chiller 220 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. Solenoid valves 245 and 246 also have the function of expanding the liquid-phase refrigerant. Accumulator 249 removes liquid-phase refrigerant from the refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state, and prevents the liquid-phase refrigerant from being drawn into compressor 241 if the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by evaporator 247.

[0126] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the route of the eight-way valve 280 (port P18), the reserve tank 265, the water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P12).

[0127] Water pump 261 circulates a heat medium within drive unit circuit 260 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. SPU 262 controls charging and discharging of battery 272 in accordance with a control command from ECU 520. PCU 263 converts DC power supplied from battery 272 into AC power in accordance with a control command from ECU 520, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260 and lubricating oil for the motor. Note that heat generated by supplying power to a stator without rotating the rotor of the motor may be heat exchanged with the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260.

[0128] The SPU 262, the PCU 263, and the oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through the drive unit circuit 260. The reserve tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (the heat medium that overflows due to an increase in pressure).

[0129] The heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium in a flow path 260a (described later) in which the PCU 263 and the like are provided. Specifically, the heat medium temperature sensor 266 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing between the oil cooler 264 and the eight-way valve 280 (downstream of the oil cooler 264). Note that the heat medium temperature sensor 266 may detect the temperature of the heat medium between the PCU 263 and the oil cooler 264, for example.

[0130] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P11)-ADAS 271-battery 272-eight-way valve 280 (port P14).

[0131] The ADAS 271 includes, for example, an adaptive cruise control (ACC), an auto speed limiter (ASL), a lane keeping assist (LKA), a pre-crash safety (PCS), and a lane departure alert (LDA). The battery circuit 270 may include an autonomous driving system (ADS) in addition to the ADAS 271. The battery 272 supplies power for driving to a motor built in the transaxle. The temperature sensor 273 detects the temperature of the battery 272.

[0132] 16, the chiller 220 is provided in a flow path 210a of the chiller circuit 210. The flow path 210a is a flow path that connects the port P13 and the port P15 of the eight-way valve 280.

[0133] The radiator 231 is provided in a flow path 230a of the radiator circuit 230. The flow path 230a also includes a bypass path 230b that bypasses the radiator 231. The bypass path 230b is provided to connect a portion between the water-cooled condenser 251 and the radiator 231 to the eight-way valve 280. When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 230b, the heat medium does not flow through the radiator 231. When the heat medium flows through the radiator 231, the heat medium does not flow through the bypass path 230b.

[0134] The water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, and the reserve tank 265 (the SPU 262 and the oil cooler 264 are not shown in FIG. 16) are provided in a flow path 260a of the drive unit circuit 260. The flow path 260a connects the port P18 and the port P12 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 260a is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0135] The battery 272 is provided in a flow path 270a of the battery circuit 270. The flow path 270a connects the port P11 and the port P14 of the eight-way valve 280. The flow path 270a is an example of the "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0136] <Connection pattern> 16 and 17 are diagrams showing examples of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern, respectively, by the eight-way valve 280. The first communication pattern and the second communication pattern by the eight-way valve 280 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 16, in the first communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P11 and port P15. In addition, in the first communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P14 and port P13. In addition, in the first communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P17 and port P18. In addition, in the first communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P12 and port P16. In addition, in the first communication pattern, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by the flow path 230a. As described above, in the first communication pattern, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are separated. Note that the first communication pattern shown in FIG. 16 is a circuit pattern corresponding to the first communication pattern of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4).

[0138] As shown in FIG. 17, in the second communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P11 and port P12. In addition, in the second communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P14 and port P18. In addition, in the second communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P13 and port P17. In addition, in the second communication pattern, a path is formed in the eight-way valve 280 that communicates between port P15 and port P16. In addition, in the second communication pattern, the radiator 231 and port P17 of the eight-way valve 280 are connected by the flow path 230a. As described above, in the second communication pattern, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are connected. That is, the second communication pattern shown in FIG. 17 is a circuit pattern corresponding to the second communication pattern of the second embodiment (see FIG. 5).

[0139] Similar to the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment, when charging of an electric vehicle (not shown) is started with the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a separated (see FIG. 16), the thermal management system 3 connects the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a via the eight-way valve 280 and drives the water pump 261 during the charging process, thereby performing the air bleeding process A for the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a. Note that the control flow of the first or second embodiment may be applied to the control flow of the air bleeding process in the first modified example.

[0140] <Modification of the first modification> In the first modified example described above, the flow path 270a and the flow path 260a are connected to each other in the second communication pattern, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 18, the second communication pattern may be such that the flow path 270a, the flow path 260a, the flow path 230a (or the bypass path 230b), and the flow path 210a are connected to each other.

[0141] 19, the second communication pattern may be such that the flow path 270a, the flow path 260a, and the flow path 210a are connected to each other. In this case, the flow path 230a (and the bypass path 230b) are separated from the other flow paths. Although not shown, the second communication pattern may be such that the flow path 270a, the flow path 260a, and the flow path 230a (or the bypass path 230b) are connected to each other, and the flow path 210a is separated from the other flow paths.

[0142] The combination of the first communication pattern and the second communication pattern is not limited to the above examples. For example, the circuit shown in Figure 17 or 19 may be the first communication pattern, and the circuit shown in Figure 18 may be the second communication pattern. Also, the circuit shown in Figure 17 may be the first communication pattern, and the circuit shown in Figure 18 or 19 may be the second communication pattern.

[0143] <Second Modification> FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system 4 (thermal management circuit 300) which is a second modified example of the first and second embodiments.

[0144] The thermal management circuit 300 includes a heat medium circuit 310 containing a heat medium (such as water), and a refrigeration circuit 320 containing a working medium (such as water or a medium with a boiling point lower than that of water). First, the refrigeration circuit 320 will be described below.

[0145] The refrigeration circuit 320 includes a compressor 321, a condenser 322, a first expansion valve 323, an in-vehicle evaporator 324, a second expansion valve 325, a chiller 326, a circulation flow path 350, and an in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351.

[0146] The compressor 321 compresses the working medium. The condenser 322 condenses the working medium discharged from the compressor. The first expansion valve 323 expands the working medium flowing out from the condenser 322. The interior evaporator 324 exchanges heat between the working medium flowing out from the first expansion valve 323 and the air inside the vehicle.

[0147] The working medium circulates through the circulation flow path 350. The circulation flow path 350 connects the compressor 321, the condenser 322, the first expansion valve 323, and the in-vehicle evaporator 324 in this order.

[0148] The interior evaporator bypass flow path 351 is connected to the circulation flow path 350 so as to bypass the interior evaporator 324. The second expansion valve 325 is provided in the interior evaporator bypass flow path 351.

[0149] The refrigeration circuit 320 further includes a manifold 327 , a receiver dryer 328 , and an internal heat exchanger 329 .

[0150] The manifold 327 is provided in the circulation flow path 350. The receiver dryer 328 is connected to the manifold 327. The internal heat exchanger 329 is connected to a portion of the circulation flow path 350 upstream of the first expansion valve 323 and a portion of the circulation flow path 350 downstream of the in-vehicle evaporator 324.

[0151] Next, the heat medium circuit 310 will be described. The heat medium circuit 310 includes a first circuit 311, a second circuit 312, a flow path 313, a radiator 313a, a reserve tank 313b, a flow path 314, a chiller 326, a flow path 315, and a five-way valve 330. The five-way valve 330 has ports P21 to P25. The five-way valve 330 is an example of the "switching device" of the present disclosure.

[0152] The first circuit 311 has a flow path 311a, a battery 311b, a water pump 311c, and a temperature sensor 311d. The first circuit 311 is a circuit formed by the flow path 311a and any one of the flow paths 313 to 315. The water pump 311c and the battery 311b are examples of a "pump" and a "second power storage device," respectively, in the present disclosure. The flow path 311a is an example of a "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0153] Flow path 311a is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. Flow path 311a connects water pump 311c and port P22 of five-way valve 330. Battery 311b is connected to flow path 311a so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through flow path 311a. In other words, battery 311b is in thermal contact with flow path 311a. Water pump 311c is provided in flow path 311a. Temperature sensor 311d detects the temperature of battery 311b.

[0154] Second circuit 312 has flow path 312a, water pump 312b, a drive unit, and temperature sensor 312i. Second circuit 312 is a circuit formed by flow path 312a and any one of flow paths 313 to 315. Water pump 312b and flow path 312a are examples of the "pump" and "first flow path" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0155] The flow path 312a is a flow path through which the heat medium flows. The flow path 312a connects the water pump 312b and the port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The water pump 312b is provided in the flow path 312a.

[0156] The drive unit is a device capable of generating drive power to be supplied to an electric vehicle. The drive unit is connected to flow path 312a so as to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through flow path 312a. In other words, the drive unit is in thermal contact with flow path 312a. The drive unit is connected to a portion of flow path 312a downstream of water pump 312b. The drive unit includes a front inverter 312c, a front electric motor 312d, a DC-DC converter 312e, a rear inverter 312f, and a rear electric motor 312g. An ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 312h is connected to flow path 312a. The above drive unit is an example of a "second drive unit" in the present disclosure.

[0157] The temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second circuit 312 (flow path 312a). Specifically, the temperature sensor 312i detects the temperature of the heat medium immediately after it has flowed through the drive device (immediately before it flows into the five-way valve 330).

[0158] The heat medium flows through the flow path 313. The radiator 313a and the reserve tank 313b are provided in the flow path 313. The flow path 313 is an example of the "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0159] The heat medium flows through the flow path 314. The chiller 326 is connected to the flow path 314 and the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351. The chiller 326 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the flow path 314 and the working medium flowing through the in-vehicle evaporator bypass flow path 351.

[0160] The five-way valve 330 can switch the connection states of the flow paths 311 a, 312 a, 313, 314, and 315.

[0161] 20, one end of the flow path 311a is connected to a port P22 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium that has flowed through the flow path 311a flows from the port P22 into the five-way valve 330. The other end of the flow path 311a is connected to a water pump 311c.

[0162] One end of the flow path 312a is connected to a port P21 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium that has flowed through the flow path 312a flows from the port P21 into the five-way valve 330. The other end of the flow path 312a is connected to a water pump 312b.

[0163] One end of the flow path 313 is connected to a port P25 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out from the port P25 flows through the flow path 313. The other end 313c of the flow path 313 is connected to the branching portion 340.

[0164] One end of the flow path 314 is connected to a port P24 of the five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out from the port P24 flows through the flow path 314. The other end of the flow path 314 is connected to a branching portion 341.

[0165] One end of flow path 315 is connected to port P23 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium flowing out from port P23 flows through flow path 315. The other end of flow path 315 is connected to branch portion 342. Branch portion 341 is provided between branch portion 340 and branch portion 342.

[0166] As described above, the flow path 311a and the flow path 312a are connected to the five-way valve 330 in parallel with each other.

[0167] The five-way valve 330 can switch the thermal management circuit 300 between a heating mode in which the battery 311b is heated, a cooling mode in which the battery 311b is cooled, a vehicle interior cooling mode, a vehicle interior heating mode, or a combination of these modes. The five-way valve 330 is switched by the ECU 530.

[0168] 20 shows an example of a first communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300. In the first communication pattern, ports P21, P22, and P24 are open, and ports P23 and P25 are closed. Water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0169] In the first communication pattern, the heat medium that flows out from port P24 of five-way valve 330 to flow path 314 is branched at branching portion 341 and flows toward flow paths 311a and 312a. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 312b exchanges heat with the drive unit and then flows into port P21 of five-way valve 330. The heat medium pressurized by water pump 311c exchanges heat with battery 311b and then flows into port P22 of five-way valve 330. In the first communication pattern, the heat medium does not pass through reserve tank 313b, and therefore air is not bled from flow paths 311a and 312a.

[0170] 21 shows an example of a second communication pattern of the thermal management circuit 300. In the second communication pattern, ports P21, P22, and P25 are open, and ports P23 and P24 are closed. Water pumps 311c and 312b are driven.

[0171] The heat medium flowing out from port P25 of five-way valve 330 to flow path 313 passes through reserve tank 313b, branches at branching point 340, and flows toward flow paths 311a and 312a. As a result, air is removed from each of flow paths 311a and 312a by reserve tank 313b.

[0172] As in the first embodiment, when charging of an electric vehicle (not shown) is started with flow path 311a and flow path 312a disconnected from flow path 313 (see FIG. 20), the thermal management system 4 connects flow path 311a and flow path 312a to flow path 313 using five-way valve 330 during charging (see FIG. 21) and drives water pumps (311c, 312b), thereby performing an air bleeding process for flow path 311a and flow path 312a and flow path 313. The control flow of the first or second embodiment may be applied to the control flow of the air bleeding process in the second modified example.

[0173] <Modification of the second modification> In the second modified example described above, an example has been shown in which the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, and the flow path 313 are connected in the second communication pattern, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 22, the second communication pattern may be such that the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, the flow path 313, and the flow path 314 are connected. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 23, the second communication pattern may be such that the flow path 311a, the flow path 312a, the flow path 313, the flow path 314, and the flow path 315 are connected.

[0174] Although not shown, one or two of the flow channels 311a, 312a, 314, and 315 may be connected to the flow channel 313 as a second communication pattern.

[0175] The combination of the first communication pattern and the second communication pattern is not limited to the above example. For example, the circuit shown in Fig. 21 may be the first communication pattern, and the circuit shown in Fig. 22 or 23 may be the second communication pattern. Also, the circuit shown in Fig. 22 may be the first communication pattern, and the circuit shown in Fig. 23 may be the second communication pattern.

[0176] Also, in the thermal management circuits of the first and second modifications described above, a bypass path that bypasses the battery may be provided, similar to the first embodiment.

[0177] <Other variations> In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the thermal management system 1 (2) is mounted on the electric vehicle 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal management system may also be mounted on an electric device other than an electric vehicle (for example, a stationary power storage device).

[0178] In the first and second embodiments, the heat medium flow path is switched by the five-way valve 180, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the heat medium flow path may be switched by a six-way valve or a ten-way valve. Also, multiple switching valves may be provided.

[0179] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been shown in which the reserve tank 175 is arranged in the flow path 170a in which the battery 173 is provided, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A reserve tank may not be arranged in the flow path 170a, and a reserve tank may be arranged in the flow path 130a in which a drive device (such as the PCU 133) is provided.

[0180] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been shown in which the air bleed process A is performed by connecting the flow path 170a in which the battery 173 is provided and the flow path 130a in which the drive device (PCU 133, etc.) is provided when charging the battery 173, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The air bleed process may be performed by connecting flow paths other than the above two when charging the battery 173.

[0181] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the bypass path 174 that bypasses the battery 173 is provided in the thermal management circuit 100, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The bypass path 174 that bypasses the battery 173 does not have to be provided in the thermal management circuit. In this case, the processes of steps S10 to S12 in Fig. 7 do not have to be executed. Note that in the second embodiment, processes corresponding to steps S10 to S12 in Fig. 7 may be executed.

[0182] In the first and second embodiments, an example has been shown in which the air bleeding process A is stopped if the temperature of the battery 173 is equal to or higher than the specified temperature T1 when the air bleeding process A is being executed, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The air bleeding process A may be completed regardless of the temperature of the battery 173.

[0183] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the air bleeding process A (B) is not executed when the cumulative time during which the air bleeding process has been performed exceeds the specified time t2 (upper limit), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. An upper limit does not have to be set for the cumulative time during which the air bleeding has been performed.

[0184] In the first and second embodiments, the cumulative time during which the air bleed process is performed is the total of the cumulative time during charging and the cumulative time during periods other than charging, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the cumulative time during which the air bleed process is performed may include only the cumulative time during charging.

[0185] In the second embodiment, the air bleeding process B is executed when charging ends before the predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of the air bleeding process A, and when the temperature of the battery 173 at the start of charging is equal to or higher than the specified temperature T3. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The air bleeding process B may be executed in only one of the above two cases.

[0186] In the first and second embodiments, examples have been described in which a water pump is provided in each of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A water pump may be provided in only one of the flow path 170a and the flow path 130a.

[0187] In the first and second embodiments, the ECU 500 (510) includes two timers that measure different times, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The ECU may include only one timer.

[0188] The configurations (processing) of the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0189] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1, 2, 3, 4 Thermal management system, 10 Electric vehicle (electrical equipment), 130a, 270a, 311a, 312a Flow path (first flow path) 131, 171, 261, 311c, 312b Water pump (pump), 133, 263 PCU (first drive device), 134, 264 Oil cooler (first drive device), 170a, 260a, 313 Flow path (second flow path), 170b Part, 173, 272 Battery (first power storage device), 174 Bypass path, 175, 265, 313b Reserve tank, 180, 330 Five-way valve (switching device), 280 Eight-way valve (switching device), 311b Battery (second power storage device), 313a Radiator, t1, t3 Specified time (first time), t2 specified time (second time), T1, T4 specified temperature (first temperature), T2 allowable cooling temperature (second temperature), T3 specified temperature (third temperature).

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a rechargeable electrical device, comprising: a first flow path through which a heat transfer medium flows; a second flow path through which the heat transfer medium flows and in which a reserve tank is provided; a switching device capable of switching a connection state between the first flow path and the second flow path; a pump that circulates the heat medium through each of the first flow path and the second flow path in a state in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected to each other, a thermal management system that, when charging of the electrical device is started with the first flow path and the second flow path disconnected, connects the first flow path and the second flow path using the switching device and drives the pump during charging, thereby performing a first air bleeding process for the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first air bleeding process is terminated when the first air bleeding process has continued for a first time period or longer.

3. a first power storage device that exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through one of the first flow path and the second flow path; The thermal management system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first drive device capable of generating a drive force, the first drive device being heat exchanged with the heat medium flowing through the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3 , wherein the first air bleeding process is stopped when the temperature of the first power storage device is equal to or higher than a first temperature during execution of the first air bleeding process.

5. a bypass path that bypasses at least a portion of the first flow path where heat exchange between the first power storage device and the heat medium occurs; 4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein, when the first air bleeding process is performed, if a temperature of the heat medium circulating through the second flow path is equal to or higher than a second temperature, the heat medium is not circulated through the portion but is circulated through the bypass path.

6. 3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the first air bleeding process is not performed when the cumulative time during which the pump is driven with the first flow path and the second flow path connected exceeds a second time.

7. 7. The thermal management system according to claim 6, wherein the accumulated time is a sum of a first accumulated time during which the first air bleeding process is performed and a second accumulated time during which the pump is driven with the first flow path and the second flow path connected while control other than the charging is being performed in the electrical device.

8. 3. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the first air bleeding process is enabled when the heat medium circulating through the electrical equipment is replaced without the first air bleeding process being performed.

9. 3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein, when the charging is completed before the first time has elapsed since the start of the first air bleeding process, the first flow path and the second flow path are connected after the charging is completed and the pump is driven, thereby performing a second air bleeding process for the first flow path and the second flow path.

10. 4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, wherein, when the temperature of the first power storage device at the start of the charging is equal to or higher than a third temperature, after the charging is completed, the first flow path and the second flow path are connected and the pump is driven, thereby performing a third air bleeding process for the first flow path and the second flow path.

11. The thermal management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching device includes a five-way valve or an eight-way valve.

12. A radiator and a second power storage device; a second drive device capable of generating a drive force; The radiator is provided in the second flow path, The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the second power storage device and the second driving device exchanges heat with a heat medium flowing through the first flow path.

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