Cooling device for vehicular heating circuit, cooling method for vehicular heating circuit and program

Abstract

To provide a cooling device etc.for a vehicular heating circuit capable of taking thermal countermeasures against a heating circuit 11 serving as a heat source while considering inclination of a heat pipe.SOLUTION: A cooling device 1 for a vehicular heating circuit includes: a first acquisition section 41 that acquires a temperature of the heating circuit 11 serving as a heat source; a second acquisition section 42 that acquires inclination of a heat pipe 20 connected to the heating circuit 11 when the temperature of the heating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition section 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and a processing section 43. The processing section 43 determines a cooling state of the heating circuit 11 by using the heat pipe 20 on the basis of the temperature of the heating circuit 11 and the inclination of the heat pipe 20, restricts execution of a first application when the cooling state of the heating circuit 11 is a first cooling state, and restricts execution of a second application with a processing load smaller than that of the first application when the cooling state of the heating circuit 11 is a second cooling state with more excellent cooling capacity than that of the first cooling state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle, a cooling method for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the performance of in-vehicle products has been improving, and high-performance SoCs (System on a chip) are now being installed in vehicles. When using high-performance SoCs, the conventional air-cooling method may not be sufficient to dissipate heat, so high-performance SoCs are cooled using heat pipes.

[0003] For example, the cooling device for electronic circuits in Patent Document 1 includes a heat receiving block to which power semiconductor elements are fixed, and a heat pipe connected to the heat receiving block, which is bent into a loop and has multiple heat dissipation fins attached at predetermined intervals. In this case, airflow along the axial direction of the loop shape is promoted in the heat pipe, and heat dissipated from the heat dissipation fins is efficiently discharged, thereby improving the cooling performance for cooling the power semiconductor elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5950857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the electronic circuit cooling device of Patent Document 1 is installed in a vehicle, the vehicle may be inclined, which may cause the heat pipe to be inclined as well. In this case, depending on the orientation of the heat pipe, the fluid inside the heat pipe may be biased vertically downward due to gravity, which may result in a deterioration in the cooling efficiency of the electronic circuit. Since the cooling performance for a high-performance SoC changes depending on the orientation of the heat pipe, it is thought that changes in cooling performance depending on the vehicle's orientation should be taken into consideration, but there is a problem in that no measures have been taken.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle that can take into account the inclination of the heat pipe and implement thermal countermeasures for the heat generating circuit that is a heat source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A cooling device for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the heat-generating circuit that serves as a heat source, a second acquisition unit that acquires the inclination of a heat pipe connected to the heat-generating circuit when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit by the heat pipe based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit and the inclination of the heat pipe, and restricts the execution of a first application if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit is a first cooling state, and restricts the execution of a second application that has a lower processing load than the first application if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit is a second cooling state that has better cooling capacity than the first cooling state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the cooling device for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to take thermal measures against the heat-generating circuit, which is a heat source, taking into consideration the posture of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a cooling system including a cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a case where the cooling system is tilted and the heat pipe is in the first position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a case where the cooling system is tilted and the heat pipe is in the second position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a constraint table. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth operation example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sixth operational example of the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as cylindrical, predetermined direction, and approximately horizontal are used. For example, cylindrical, predetermined direction, and approximately horizontal do not only mean completely cylindrical, predetermined direction, and horizontal, but also mean substantially cylindrical, predetermined direction, and horizontal, i.e., with an error of a few percent. Furthermore, cylindrical, predetermined direction, and approximately horizontal mean cylindrical, predetermined direction, and horizontal within the scope in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape," "direction," and "approximately."

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration and Function> Hereinafter, the configuration of a cooling system having a cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a cooling system including a cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a case where the cooling system is tilted and the heat pipe 20 is in a first position. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a case where the cooling system is tilted and the heat pipe 20 is in a second position. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0016] The cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle is a device that can cool a heat generating circuit 11 mounted on a vehicle by means of a heat pipe 20. The cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle is included in a cooling system.

[0017] Specifically, the cooling system includes a substrate 10, a heat generating circuit 11, a heat pipe 20, a heat sink 31, a fan 32, and a cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0018] Electronic circuits capable of performing various functions in a vehicle are mounted on the substrate 10. The electronic circuits mounted on the substrate 10 include a heat-generating circuit 11 that serves as a heat source. The substrate 10 is supported by the vehicle.

[0019] The heat generating circuit 11 includes, for example, an SoC mounted on a vehicle, an integrated circuit such as an integrated IC and a semiconductor memory, and a power semiconductor element such as a power transistor.

[0020] One end of the heat pipe 20 is connected to the upper surface of the heat-generating circuit 11 to be cooled. The heat pipe 20 is supported on the substrate 10 so as to extend in a predetermined direction from the heat-generating circuit 11. In this embodiment, the heat pipe 20 is a long cylindrical member extending in the predetermined direction.

[0021] The heat pipe 20 has a pipe body and a liquid 21. The interior of the heat pipe 20, i.e., the interior of the pipe body, is filled with the liquid 21, such as a coolant liquid. The heat pipe 20 is not filled with the coolant liquid, and the heat pipe 20 also contains a gas, such as air. Therefore, when the vehicle tilts, the heat pipe 20 also tilts, and inside the heat pipe 20, the liquid 21 moves vertically downward while the gas moves vertically upward.

[0022] A heat sink 31 is connected to the other end of the heat pipe 20 on the side opposite to the substrate 10. The heat sink 31 is a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat from the heat pipe 20. The heat sink 31 is in contact with the heat pipe 20, that is, the heat sink 31 is thermally connected to the heat pipe 20, and therefore can dissipate heat from the heat pipe 20. The heat sink 31 is made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0023] The heat sink 31 is composed of a plate-shaped base portion connected to the heat pipe 20 and a plurality of fins protruding from the base portion to the side opposite to the substrate 10 side.

[0024] A fan 32 is attached to the multiple fins formed on the heat sink 31. The fan 32 is driven by a drive unit to blow air onto the multiple fins, thereby cooling the heat sink 31.

[0025] In this way, one end of the heat pipe 20 is connected to the heat generating circuit 11, so that the heat generated from the heat generating circuit 11 is conducted to the heat pipe 20. The other end of the heat pipe 20 is connected to the heat sink 31, so that the heat of the heat generating circuit 11 conducted to the heat pipe 20 can be conducted to the heat sink 31. Air from the fan 32 is blown onto the multiple fins of the heat sink 31, so that the heat conducted from the multiple fins is dissipated efficiently.

[0026] Furthermore, when the vehicle tilts, the heat pipe 20 also tilts. For example, the tilt, or posture, of the heat pipe 20 changes between a first posture state in which the heat pipe 20 tilts upward from the other end to one end of the heat pipe 20, a second posture state in which the heat pipe 20 tilts upward from one end to the other end of the heat pipe 20, and a third posture state in which the heat pipe 20 is substantially horizontal.

[0027] Next, the function of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] The cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle includes a first acquisition unit 41, a second acquisition unit 42, a processing unit 43, and a storage unit 44.

[0029] The first acquisition unit 41 can acquire the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11, which is a heat source. The first acquisition unit 41 may be, for example, a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11. The first acquisition unit 41 may also be a calculation unit capable of acquiring the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 by calculating the junction temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11. The first acquisition unit 41 may also be an input interface capable of acquiring the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 from an external sensor or an external calculation unit. The first acquisition unit 41 can output the acquired temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 to the processing unit 43.

[0030] The second acquisition unit 42 acquires the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat-generating circuit 11 when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second acquisition unit 42 may be, for example, an angle sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like capable of detecting the inclination of the heat pipe 20. The second acquisition unit 42 may also be an analysis unit capable of acquiring the inclination of the heat pipe 20 from an image of the heat pipe 20. The second acquisition unit 42 may also be capable of detecting or calculating the inclination of the heat pipe 20 from the inclination of the vehicle and acquiring the inclination of the heat pipe 20. The second acquisition unit 42 may also be an input interface capable of acquiring the inclination of the heat pipe 20 from an external sensor or an external analysis unit. The second acquisition unit 42 can output the acquired inclination of the heat pipe 20 to the processing unit 43.

[0031] The processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 and the inclination of the heat pipe 20, and restricts the application executed by the heat-generating circuit 11 according to the determined cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11.

[0032] Specifically, the processing unit 43 determines the posture of the heat pipe 20 when the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. For example, when the heat pipe 20 is in a first posture state in which the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from the other end of the heat pipe 20 to one end of the heat pipe 20, the first posture state is established in which the coolant liquid in the heat pipe 20 collects at the other end of the heat pipe 20 where the heat sink 31 is disposed. When the heat pipe 20 is in a second posture state in which the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from one end of the heat pipe 20 to the other end of the heat pipe 20, the second posture state is established in which the coolant liquid in the heat pipe 20 collects at the one end of the heat pipe 20 where the heat generating circuit 11 is disposed. The processing unit 43 determines whether the posture state is the first posture state or the second posture state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42.

[0033] When the heat pipe 20 assumes a substantially horizontal third posture, the coolant liquid in the heat pipe 20 is dispersed horizontally across the heat pipe 20. Therefore, the processing unit 43 may determine that the heat pipe 20 is in the third posture. In this embodiment, the third posture is considered to be included in the second posture.

[0034] When the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 can determine that the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. When the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state, the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 moves away from the heat-generating circuit 11, which reduces the heat dissipation performance of the heat-generating circuit 11 and causes the heat-generating circuit 11 to enter the first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor. Therefore, when the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, it restricts the execution of a first application with a high processing load. As a result, when the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, the processing unit 43 can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from executing the first application. This can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot. The first application is, for example, an application with a high processing load, such as a car navigation application or an application for displaying meter information.

[0035] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 determines that the heat pipe 20 is in the second attitude state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. When the heat pipe 20 is determined to be in the second attitude state, the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 approaches the heat-generating circuit 11, improving the heat dissipation performance of the heat-generating circuit 11 compared to the first attitude state. Therefore, the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 becomes the second cooling state, which has a higher cooling capacity than the first cooling state. Therefore, when the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of the second application, which has a lower processing load than the first application. As a result, when the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, which has a higher cooling capacity than the first cooling state, the processing unit 43 can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from executing the second application. This can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot. The second application is, for example, an application with a low processing load, such as a music application.

[0036] When the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 may determine that the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the third attitude state from the inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. When the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the third cooling state, in which the cooling state is good, the processing unit 43 may not restrict the execution of the application.

[0037] Furthermore, even after restricting the execution of the second application, the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 may rise. For this reason, the processing unit 43 can continue to acquire the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 from the first acquisition unit 41. When the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of the first application without taking into account the attitude of the heat pipe 20. In this case, the processing unit 43 may remove the restriction on the execution of the second application and restrict the execution of the first application, or may restrict the execution of the first application while continuing the restriction on the execution of the second application.

[0038] The processing unit 43 can also determine the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the integrated circuit, the inclination of the heat pipe 20, and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20. Even if the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is approximately parallel to the horizontal, when the vehicle accelerates, the heat pipe 20 also accelerates, and the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 becomes biased to one end or the other end of the heat pipe 20.

[0039] For example, when the vehicle accelerates, the liquid 21 may be biased to one end or the other end of the heat pipe 20, regardless of the attitude of the heat pipe 20. Also, when the vehicle decelerates, the liquid 21 may be biased to one end or the other end of the heat pipe 20, regardless of the attitude of the heat pipe 20.

[0040] From this, the processing unit 43 estimates whether the liquid 21 is in a first biased state in which the liquid 21 is biased toward the other end of the heat pipe 20, or a second biased state in which the liquid 21 is biased toward one end of the heat pipe 20, based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20. The processing unit 43 may estimate this biased state using a predetermined function of the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20, or may estimate this biased state using a learned learning model.

[0041] In addition, when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed or is stopped and the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the third attitude state, the processing unit 43 may estimate that the liquid 21 is not unevenly distributed.

[0042] When the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 can also estimate that the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in a first biased state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. If the heat pipe 20 is in the first biased state, the heat dissipation performance of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, resulting in a first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor. Therefore, when the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, it restricts the execution of a first application with a large processing load. As a result, when the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the first cooling state in which the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, the processing unit 43 can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from executing the first application. This can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot.

[0043] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 can also estimate that the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in the second biased state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. When the heat pipe 20 is in the second biased state, the heat-generating circuit 11 has better heat dissipation capability than in the first orientation state, and the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the second cooling state, which has a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state. Therefore, when the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the second cooling state, the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of a second application with a low processing load. As a result, when the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the second cooling state, which has a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, the processing unit 43 can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from executing the second application. This can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot.

[0044] When the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 may estimate that the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in an even state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. If the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is good and even, the processing unit 43 does not need to restrict the execution of the application.

[0045] In consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle, the heat pipe 20 may be installed on the vehicle so that its orientation is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0046] In addition, if the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 can release the restriction on the application when the execution of the application is already restricted.

[0047] Specifically, the processing unit 43 determines the priority of applications based on the constraint table, and lists the applications that are constrained based on the priority. The constraint table indicates the relationship between the application's processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and accuracy of guidance to the driver, and multiple applications. In the constraint table, the priority of the application that executes the constraint is determined as follows: Guidance accuracy for drivers > Processing load > Frequency of use > Relevance to functional safety In other words, applications related to safety and frequently used applications are given high priority.

[0048] When the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state, if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the first application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 does not release the constraint on the first application. On the other hand, if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is different from the first application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 releases the constraint on the first application.

[0049] Furthermore, when the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the second attitude state, if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the second application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 does not release the constraint on the second application. On the other hand, if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is different from the second application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 releases the constraint on the second application.

[0050] Here, the processing unit 43 stores the application for which the constraint was most recently released in the storage unit 44. The storage unit 44 is a semiconductor memory that stores the application for which the constraint was most recently released in an identifiable manner.

[0051] <Example 1> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0053] First, the first acquisition unit 41 acquires the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11, which is a heat source (S11). The first acquisition unit 41 outputs the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 to the processing unit 43.

[0054] Next, the processing unit 43 acquires the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 from the first acquisition unit 41, and determines whether the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (S12).

[0055] When the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value (NO in S12), the processing unit 43 returns to step S11.

[0056] On the other hand, if the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 exceeds the predetermined threshold (YES in S12), the second acquisition unit 42 acquires the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat generating circuit 11 (S13). The second acquisition unit 42 outputs the inclination of the heat pipe 20 to the processing unit 43.

[0057] Next, if the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 determines the inclination of the heat pipe 20 obtained from the second obtaining unit 42. That is, the processing unit 43 determines whether the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state or the second attitude state from the inclination of the heat pipe 20. Then, the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 (S14). That is, as in steps S11 to S14, the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the integrated circuit and the inclination of the heat pipe 20.

[0058] If the device is in the first attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the first application (S15). Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11.

[0059] On the other hand, if the second attitude state is present, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, which has a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the second application, which has a smaller processing load than the first application (S16).

[0060] Next, after restricting the execution of the second application, the first acquisition unit 41 acquires the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11, which is a heat source (S17). The first acquisition unit 41 outputs the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 to the processing unit 43.

[0061] Next, the processing unit 43 acquires the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 from the first acquisition unit 41, and determines whether the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (S18).

[0062] When the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value (NO in S18), the processing unit 43 returns to step S11.

[0063] On the other hand, when the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 exceeds the predetermined threshold (YES in S18), it restricts the execution of the first application. That is, when the execution of the second application is restricted but the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 continues to rise and becomes high, the processing unit 43 can restrict the execution of the first application. In this case, the processing unit 43 may remove the restriction on the execution of the second application and restrict the execution of the first application, or may restrict the execution of the first application while continuing the restriction on the execution of the second application. This makes it possible to prevent the heat-generating circuit 11, which serves as a heat source, from becoming too hot.

[0064] <Example 2> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0066] The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0067] First, after step S11, if the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold (YES in S12), the second acquisition unit 42 acquires the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat generating circuit 11 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 (S13a). The second acquisition unit 42 outputs the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 to the processing unit 43.

[0068] Next, when the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 43 estimates whether the imbalance of the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in the first imbalance state or the second imbalance state based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42 (S13b).

[0069] Next, the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 (S14).

[0070] That is, as in steps S11 to S14, the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the integrated circuit, the inclination of the heat pipe 20, and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20.

[0071] If the cooling state is the first imbalance state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the first application (S15). Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11.

[0072] On the other hand, if the second bias state is present, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, which has a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the second application, which has a smaller processing load than the first application (S16).

[0073] Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11 via steps S17 and S18.

[0074] <Example 3> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0075] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a constraint table.

[0076] The same processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0077] First, after step S11, if the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 does not exceed a predetermined threshold (NO in S12), it determines whether the execution of the application is already restricted (S30).

[0078] When the processing unit 43 determines that the execution of the application is no longer restricted (NO in S30), the processing unit 43 returns to step S11.

[0079] On the other hand, if the processing unit 43 determines that the execution of an application has already been restricted (YES in S30), it releases the restriction on the application (S31). That is, all restricted applications are released, and all applications can be executed. Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11. Details of the process of releasing the restriction on an application will be explained in the next operation example.

[0080] Furthermore, after step S11, if the processing unit 43 determines that the acquired temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 exceeds a predetermined threshold (YES in S12), it lists the restricted applications and determines the applications to be restricted from the list (S32).

[0081] Specifically, the processing unit 43 determines the priority of the applications based on the constraint table and lists the applications based on the priority. The priority of the applications is such that a first application with a large processing load has a high priority, and a second application with a small processing load has a low priority.

[0082] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when applications 1 to 5 are being executed, the applications are listed according to the constraint table. Note that applications 1 to 5 are merely an example, and the number of applications may be four or less, or six or more. Furthermore, the processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and accuracy of guidance to the driver corresponding to the applications are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0083] For example, application 1 shows a case where the processing load is large, the frequency of use is low, the relevance to functional safety is low, and the accuracy of guidance to the driver is medium.

[0084] Application 2 shows a case where the processing load is small, the frequency of use is low, the relevance to functional safety is low, and the accuracy of guidance to the driver is high.

[0085] Application 3 shows a case where the processing load is medium, the frequency of use is medium, the relevance to functional safety is medium, and the accuracy of guidance to the driver is medium.

[0086] Application 4 shows a case where the processing load is small, the frequency of use is high, the relevance to functional safety is low, and the accuracy of guidance to the driver is high.

[0087] Application 5 shows a case where the processing load is small, the frequency of use is high, the relevance to functional safety is low, and the accuracy of guidance to the driver is medium.

[0088] The processing unit 43 determines, from among the applications listed based on the constraint table, a first application to be restricted in the first cooling state and a second application to be restricted in the second cooling state, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0089] 8 listed based on the constraint table, if the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the determined first application (S15).Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11.

[0090] 8 listed based on the constraint table, if the heat pipe 20 is in the second attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S14 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, which has a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, and restricts the execution of the determined second application (S16).Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11.

[0091] As in FIG. 5, steps S17 and S18 may be executed after step S16.

[0092] Also, similarly to FIG. 6, steps S13a and S13b may be executed instead of step S13.

[0093] <Example 4> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0095] In this operation example, a detailed description will be given of step S31 in operation example 3. In this operation example, it is assumed that the application restriction is released when the temperature of heat generating circuit 11 is below a predetermined threshold.

[0096] First, the processing unit 43 makes a list of restricted applications and determines from the list the applications for which the restrictions are to be released (S41). At this time, the processing unit 43 determines the priority of the applications based on the constraint table and makes a list of restricted applications based on the priority.

[0097] The processing unit 43 determines a first application for which the constraint is to be released in the first cooling state and a second application for which the constraint is to be released in the second cooling state from among the applications listed based on the constraint table, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that the determination of the listed applications for which the constraint is to be released will be explained in the next operation example.

[0098] Next, the second obtaining unit obtains the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat generating circuit 11 (S42). The second obtaining unit outputs the attitude, which is the inclination of the heat pipe 20, to the processing unit 43.

[0099] Next, the processing unit 43 determines the attitude of the heat pipe 20 acquired from the second acquisition unit 42. That is, the processing unit 43 determines whether the attitude of the heat pipe 20 is the first attitude state or the second attitude state. Then, the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 (S43).

[0100] If the state is the first attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S43 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the first cooling state, and determines whether the application is the same as the application whose constraint was released immediately before, that is, whether the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the first application in the list whose constraint is about to be released (S44).

[0101] If the processing unit 43 determines that the application whose restriction was just released is the same as the first application in the list from which the restriction is about to be released (YES in S44), the processing unit 43 ends the flowchart of FIG. 9 without releasing the restriction, and returns the processing to step S11 of FIG. 7.

[0102] On the other hand, if the processing unit 43 determines that the application whose restriction was released immediately before is different from the first application in the list from which the restriction is about to be released (NO in S44), it releases the restriction on the determined first application (S45).

[0103] In this way, it is determined whether the application is the same as the application for which the restriction was previously released, and the restriction is released if it is a different application, thereby preventing a loop from occurring in which the restriction on the same first application is released and then the execution of the same first application is restricted.

[0104] Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11 in FIG.

[0105] If the state is the second attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines in step S43 that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is the second cooling state, and determines whether the application is the same as the application whose constraint was released immediately before, i.e., whether the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the second application in the list whose constraint is about to be released (S46).

[0106] If the processing unit 43 determines that the application whose restriction was just released is the same as the second application in the list from which the restriction is about to be released (YES in S46), the processing unit 43 ends the flowchart in Figure 9 without releasing the restriction, and returns the processing to step S11 in Figure 7.

[0107] On the other hand, if the processing unit 43 determines that the application whose restriction was previously released is different from the second application in the list from which the restriction is about to be released (NO in S46), it releases the restriction on the determined second application (S47).

[0108] In this way, it is determined whether the application is the same as the application for which the restriction was previously released, and the restriction is released if it is a different application, thereby preventing a loop from occurring in which the restriction on the same second application is released and then the execution of the same second application is restricted.

[0109] Then, the processing unit 43 returns the process to step S11 in FIG.

[0110] <Example 5> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0112] In this operation example, a detailed description will be given of step S41 in operation example 4. In this operation example, it is assumed that applications 1 to 5 in Fig. 8 described above are being executed, and a second application to be restricted in the second cooling state is determined from among the applications listed based on the restriction table.

[0113] First, the processing unit 43 acquires a variable a for restricting the execution of the second application based on the restriction table (S51). In this operation example, applications 1 to 5 are exemplified as examples of the second application.

[0114] Variable a has the items [processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and guidance accuracy for the driver] as shown in Figure 8. The initial value of the variable in the items is variable a = (small, small, small, small).

[0115] Next, the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a, and determines whether the applications 1 to 5 and the variable a are the same or not (S52).

[0116] When the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a and determines that they are the same (YES in S52), it restricts the execution of the applications that are the same (S53).

[0117] On the other hand, when the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a and determines that they are different (NO in S52), it increases the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] for the variable a (S54).

[0118] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application for which the variable a=(small, small, small, small), the processing unit 43 increases the priority from variable a=(small, small, small, small) to variable a=(small, small, small, medium).

[0119] Next, the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a, and determines whether the applications 1 to 5 and the variable a are the same or not (S55).

[0120] When the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a and determines that they are the same (YES in S55), it restricts the execution of the applications that are the same (S56).

[0121] On the other hand, when the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable a and determines that they are different (NO in S55), it determines whether the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] can be further increased for the variable a (S57).

[0122] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] can be further increased for the variable a (YES in S57), it further increases the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] for the variable a (S54).

[0123] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application where the variable a=(small, small, small, medium), the processing unit 43 increases the priority from the variable a=(small, small, small, medium) to the variable a=(small, small, small, large).

[0124] The processing unit 43 compares applications 1 to 5 with the variable a and determines that it is the same as application 2 in Fig. 8 (YES in S55), so it determines application 2 as the second application and restricts its execution (S56). Note that the number of second applications is not limited to one, and there may be multiple second applications.

[0125] In this manner, the process of FIG. 10 is repeated until a match is found with the corresponding application.

[0126] If the result of S55 is NO, the processing unit 43 determines whether or not the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] can be further increased for the variable a after step S55 (S57). Here, the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] cannot be increased for the variable a (NO in S57). In FIG. 8, since there are three levels of priority, high, medium, and low, the processing unit 43 determines that the priority cannot be increased if the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] for the variable a has reached high. If the result of step S57 is NO, the processing unit 43 determines whether or not the priority of [processing load] can be further increased for the variable a (S58).

[0127] Next, when the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [processing load] for the variable a can be further increased (YES in S58), it further increases the priority of [processing load] for the variable a and sets [guidance accuracy for the driver] to the lowest value (S59).

[0128] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application where the variable a=(small, small, small, large), the processing unit 43 increases the priority of the variable a=(small, small, small, large) so that the variable a=(medium, small, small, small) and sets the [Guidance accuracy for driver] to the minimum value.

[0129] When the result of step S52 is NO and the process proceeds to step S54, the processing unit 43 raises the priority so that the variable a=(medium, small, small, small) becomes the variable a=(medium, small, small, medium).

[0130] Next, when NO in step S55, YES in S57, and S54 are passed, the processing unit 43 raises the priority so that the variable a=(medium, small, small, medium) becomes the variable a=(medium, small, small, large).

[0131] In this way, by repeating steps S52, S54, S55, S57, and S58, the variable a becomes (large, small, small, medium).

[0132] If the answer is NO in S55, then the answer is YES in step S57, and if the variable a becomes (large, small, small, large) through S54 and S55, and the answer is NO in step S57, the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [processing load] cannot be increased for the variable a (NO in S58).The processing unit 43 then determines whether the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable a can be further increased (S60).

[0133] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable a can be further increased (YES in S60), it further increases the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable a and sets [processing load, accuracy of guidance to the driver] to the minimum value (S61).

[0134] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application where the variable a=(large, small, small, large), the processing unit 43 increases the priority from variable a=(large, small, small, large) to variable a=(small, medium, small, small), and sets the [processing load, guidance accuracy to the driver] to the minimum value.

[0135] When processing unit 43 repeats steps S52, S54, S55, and S57 to S61, variable a = (small, medium, small, small) becomes variable a = (large, medium, small, large), so processing unit 43 increases the priority so that variable a = (large, medium, small, large) becomes variable a = (small, large, small, small).

[0136] When the processing unit 43 goes through step S52 and reaches step S54, it raises the priority from variable a=(small, large, small, small) to variable a=(small, large, small, medium).

[0137] If the result of S55 is NO, when steps S52, S54, S55, and S57 to S61 are repeated, the variable a becomes (large, large, small, large). When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable a cannot be increased (NO in S60), it determines whether the priority of [degree of relevance to functional safety] for the variable a can be further increased (S62).

[0138] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [relevance to functional safety] for the variable a can be further increased (YES in S62), it further increases the priority of [relevance to functional safety] for the variable a and sets [processing load, frequency of use, and accuracy of guidance to the driver] to their minimum values ​​(S63).

[0139] In this way, by repeating steps S52, S54, S55, and S57 to S63, variable a becomes (large, large, large, large). When processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [degree of relevance to functional safety] for variable a cannot be increased (NO in S62), it ends the processing.

[0140] <Example 6> Next, the operation of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sixth operation example of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

[0142] In this operation example, a detailed description will be given of step S41 in operation example 4. In this operation example, it is assumed that the above-mentioned applications 1 to 5 are being executed, and a first application to be restricted in the first cooling state is determined from among the applications listed based on the restriction table.

[0143] First, the processing unit 43 acquires a variable b for restricting the execution of the first application based on the restriction table (S71). In this operation example, applications 1 to 5 are exemplified as examples of the first application.

[0144] Variable b has the items [processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and guidance accuracy for the driver] as shown in Figure 8. The initial values ​​of the variables in the items are variable b = (large, small, small, small).

[0145] Next, the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable b to determine whether they are the same or not (S72).

[0146] When the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable b and determines that they are the same (YES in S72), it restricts the execution of the applications that are the same (S73).

[0147] On the other hand, when the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable b and determines that they are different (NO in S72), it increases the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] for the variable b (S74).

[0148] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application for which variable b=(large, small, small, small), processing unit 43 increases the priority from variable b=(large, small, small, small) to variable b=(large, small, small, medium).

[0149] Next, the processing unit 43 compares the applications 1 to 5 with the variable b to determine whether they are the same or not (S75).

[0150] The processing unit 43 compares applications 1 to 5 with the variable b, and determines that it is the same as application 1 in Fig. 8 (YES in S75), so it determines application 1 to be the first application and restricts the execution of application 1 (S76). Note that the first application is not limited to one, and there may be multiple first applications.

[0151] In this manner, the process of FIG. 11 is repeated until a match is found with the corresponding application.

[0152] If the answer is NO in S75, the processing unit 43 compares applications 1 to 5 with variable b and determines that they are different (NO in S75), and then determines whether the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] can be further increased for variable b (S77).

[0153] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] can be further increased for the variable b (YES in S77), it further increases the priority of [guidance accuracy for the driver] for the variable b (S74).

[0154] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application for which variable b=(large, small, small, medium), processing unit 43 increases the priority of variable b=(large, small, small, medium) so that variable b=(large, small, small, large).

[0155] After step S75, the processing unit 43 determines whether or not the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] can be further increased for the variable b (S77). Here, when the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [accuracy of guidance to the driver] cannot be increased for the variable b (NO in S77), the processing unit 43 determines whether or not the priority of [frequency of use] can be further increased for the variable b (S78).

[0156] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable b can be further increased (YES in S78), it further increases the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable b and sets [guidance accuracy for the driver] to the lowest value (S79).

[0157] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application with variable b=(large, small, small, large), the processing unit 43 increases the priority from variable b=(large, small, small, large) to variable b=(large, medium, small, small).

[0158] When the result of step S72 is NO and the process proceeds to step S74, the processing unit 43 increases the priority of the variable b=(large, medium, small, small) so that the variable b=(large, medium, small, medium).

[0159] Next, when NO in step S75, YES in S77, and S74 are passed, the processing unit 43 increases the priority so that the variable b=(large, medium, small, medium) becomes variable b=(large, medium, small, large).

[0160] Furthermore, when the processing unit 43 repeats steps S72, S74, S75, S77, and S78, the variable b becomes (large, large, small, large). When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [frequency of use] for the variable b cannot be increased (NO in S78), the processing unit 43 determines whether the priority of [degree of relevance to functional safety] for the variable b can be further increased (S80).

[0161] When the processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [relevance to functional safety] for the variable b can be further increased (YES in S80), it further increases the priority of [relevance to functional safety] for the variable b and sets [frequency of use, accuracy of guidance to the driver] to the minimum value (S81).

[0162] For example, in FIG. 8, if there is no application where variable b=(large, large, small, large), processing unit 43 increases the priority from variable b=(large, large, small, large) to variable b=(large, small, medium, small).

[0163] Next, when processing unit 43 repeats steps S72, S74, S75, S77 to S81, variable b = (large, small, medium, small) becomes variable b = (large, large, medium, large), so processing unit 43 increases the priority so that variable b = (large, large, medium, large) becomes variable b = (large, small, large, small).

[0164] Furthermore, the processing unit 43 repeats steps S72, S74, S75, and S77 to S81 to raise the priority so that the variable b=(large, small, large, small) becomes the variable b=(large, large, large, small).

[0165] When steps S72, S74, S75, and S77 to S81 are repeated, variable b becomes (large, large, large, large). When processing unit 43 determines that the priority of [degree of relevance to functional safety] for variable b cannot be increased (NO in S80), it ends the processing.

[0166] <Action and effect> Next, the operation and effect of the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle in the above embodiment will be described.

[0167] The cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle of Technology 1 in this embodiment includes a first acquisition unit 41 that acquires the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11, which is a heat source; a second acquisition unit 42 that acquires the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat-generating circuit 11 when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a processing unit 43.The processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 and the inclination of the heat pipe 20, and if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a first cooling state, it restricts the execution of a first application, and if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a second cooling state that has better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, it restricts the execution of a second application that has a smaller processing load than the first application.

[0168] This allows the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 to be determined from the inclination of the heat pipe 20 mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is poor, such as in the first cooling state, it is possible to restrict the execution of a first application with a large processing load. Also, if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in a second cooling state with a better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, it is possible to restrict the execution of a second application with a small processing load.

[0169] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is taken into consideration, and thermal measures can be taken against the heat generating circuit 11 that serves as a heat source.

[0170] In particular, when the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 is poor, the execution of the first application with a large processing load can be suppressed, thereby preventing the heat generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot. As a result, failure or abnormality of the heat generating circuit 11 can be suppressed.

[0171] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 2 of this embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 1. In this case, a heat-generating circuit 11 is connected to one end of a heat pipe 20, and a heat sink 31 is connected to the other end of the heat pipe 20. The inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired by the second acquisition unit 42 includes a first attitude state in which the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from the other end of the heat pipe 20 to one end of the heat pipe 20, and a second attitude state in which the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from one end of the heat pipe 20 to the other end of the heat pipe 20. If the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is in the first attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the first cooling state and restricts the execution of a first application. If the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is in the second attitude state, the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is in the second cooling state and restricts the execution of a second application.

[0172] This makes it possible to determine the cooling state of the heat generating circuit 11 from the attitude of the heat pipe 20. Therefore, the cooling state of the heat pipe 20 can be determined with high accuracy.

[0173] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 3 in this embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 1 or 2. In this case, after restricting the execution of the second application, the first acquisition unit 41 acquires the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11, which serves as a heat source, and the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of the first application when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0174] According to this, even if the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is large, as long as the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is not high, it is not necessary to enforce the application restrictions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for the user of the application.

[0175] Furthermore, if the temperature of the heat generating circuit 11 is high, the execution of the application can be restricted, so that the heat generating circuit 11 can be prevented from becoming too hot.

[0176] The cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to any one of the first to third aspects. In this case, the second acquisition unit 42 further acquires the acceleration of the heat pipe 20, and the processing unit 43 determines the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11, the inclination of the heat pipe 20, and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20.The processing unit 43 estimates, based on the inclination of the heat pipe 20 and the acceleration of the heat pipe 20 acquired by the second acquisition unit 42, whether the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in a first biased state in which it is biased toward the other end of the heat pipe 20, or a second biased state in which it is biased toward one end of the heat pipe 20.If the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in the first biased state, the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a first cooling state and restricts the execution of the first application.If the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 is in the second biased state, the processing unit 43 determines that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a second cooling state and restricts the execution of the second application.

[0177] This allows the uneven distribution of the liquid 21 inside the heat pipe 20 to be estimated taking into account not only the inclination of the heat pipe 20 but also the acceleration of the heat pipe 20, making it possible to more accurately determine the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11. Therefore, even if the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is large, if there is no uneven distribution, it is not necessary to implement application restrictions. On the other hand, even if there is no inclination of the heat pipe 20, it is expected that the execution of a first application will be restricted if there is a first uneven distribution, and the execution of a second application will be restricted if there is a second uneven distribution. If the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 becomes high, implementing application restrictions can prevent the heat-generating circuit 11 from becoming too hot.

[0178] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 5 of the present embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to any one of Technology 1 to 4. In this case, if the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 does not exceed a predetermined threshold, and if the execution of an application is already restricted, the processing unit 43 releases the restriction on the application.

[0179] This makes it possible to prevent the convenience of the user of the application from being reduced by removing the restrictions on the application.

[0180] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to Technical Example 6 of this embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to Technical Example 5. In this case, the processing unit 43 lists restricted applications, and the inclination of the heat pipe 20 acquired by the second acquisition unit 42 includes a first posture state in which the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from the other end of the heat pipe 20 to one end of the heat pipe 20 and a second posture state in which the heat pipe 20 is inclined upward from one end of the heat pipe 20 to the other end of the heat pipe 20. If the application whose constraint was released immediately before is different from the first application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 releases the constraint of the first application in the first cooling state. If the application whose constraint was released immediately before is different from the second application in the list whose constraint is to be released, the processing unit 43 releases the constraint of the second application in the second cooling state.

[0181] This allows for restricting an application that is different from the previously restricted application, preventing repeated release of restrictions on the same application. Therefore, the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle can appropriately release applications.

[0182] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 7 of this embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat generation circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 6. In this case, when the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is in a first attitude state, the processing unit 43 does not release the constraint on the first application if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the first application in the list whose constraint is to be released, and when the inclination of the heat pipe 20 is in a second attitude state, the processing unit 43 does not release the constraint on the second application if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the second application in the list whose constraint is to be released.

[0183] This prevents a loop in which an application that was just released from a constraint is again constrained and then released again. Therefore, the cooling device 1 for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle can appropriately constrain and release the constraint on an application.

[0184] Furthermore, the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 8 in this embodiment is the cooling device 1 for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle according to Technology 6 or 7. In this case, the processing unit 43 determines and lists the priority of applications based on a constraint table, and the constraint table indicates the relationship between the application's processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and guidance accuracy for the driver, and the multiple applications.

[0185] This allows applications that are restricted according to priority to be listed, so that restrictions can be placed on the most appropriate applications. This makes it possible to minimize restrictions on low-priority, i.e., important, applications. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience for users who use applications.

[0186] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooling method for a heat-generating circuit for a vehicle of Technology 9 includes a first acquisition unit 41 acquiring the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11, which is a heat source; when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 acquired by the first acquisition unit 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold, a second acquisition unit 42 acquiring the inclination of the heat pipe 20 connected to the heat-generating circuit 11; and a processing unit 43 determining the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 by the heat pipe 20 based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit 11 and the inclination of the heat pipe 20; if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a first cooling state, the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of a first application; and if the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit 11 is a second cooling state, which has better cooling capacity than the first cooling state, the processing unit 43 restricts the execution of a second application, which has a smaller processing load than the first application.

[0187] This cooling method for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0188] Further, the program of the tenth aspect of the present embodiment is a program that enables a computer to execute the cooling method for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the ninth aspect.

[0189] This program also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0190] (others) While the cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0191] For example, in the cooling device for the heat generating circuit of the vehicle, all or some of the components such as the control circuit may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0192] The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as a single functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to another functional block.Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0193] The order in which the steps in the flowchart are executed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and an order other than the above may be used. Also, some of the steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0194] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0195] The information processing device according to the present disclosure can be mounted in a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1. Cooling device for heat generating circuits in vehicles 11 Heating circuit 20 heat pipe 41 First acquisition part 42 Second acquisition part 43 Processing section

Claims

1. a first acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of a heat generating circuit that serves as a heat source; a second acquisition unit that acquires an inclination of a heat pipe connected to the heat generating circuit when the temperature of the heat generating circuit acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined threshold; a processing unit; The processing unit determining a cooling state of the heat-generating circuit by the heat pipe based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit and the inclination of the heat pipe; If the cooling state of the heat generating circuit is a first cooling state, restricting execution of a first application; When the cooling state of the heat generating circuit is a second cooling state having a cooling capacity superior to that of the first cooling state, execution of a second application having a smaller processing load than the first application is restricted. Cooling device for heat generating circuits in vehicles.

2. The heat generating circuit is connected to one end of the heat pipe, A heat sink is connected to the other end of the heat pipe, the inclination of the heat pipe acquired by the second acquisition unit includes a first attitude state in which the heat pipe is inclined upward from the other end to the one end of the heat pipe, and a second attitude state in which the heat pipe is inclined upward from the one end of the heat pipe to the other end of the heat pipe, The processing unit If the inclination of the heat pipe is in the first attitude state, it is determined that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit is in the first cooling state, and the execution of the first application is restricted; If the inclination of the heat pipe is in the second attitude state, it is determined that the cooling state of the heat generating circuit is in the second cooling state, and execution of the second application is restricted.

2. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 1.

3. After restricting the execution of the second application, the first acquisition unit acquires a temperature of the heat generating circuit that serves as a heat source; The processing unit restricts execution of the first application when the temperature of the heat-generating circuit acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

3. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second acquisition unit further acquires an acceleration of the heat pipe, the processing unit determines a cooling state of the heat-generating circuit by the heat pipe based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit, the inclination of the heat pipe, and the acceleration of the heat pipe; The processing unit based on the inclination of the heat pipe and the acceleration of the heat pipe acquired by the second acquisition unit, estimate whether the liquid inside the heat pipe is in a first biased state in which the liquid is biased toward the other end of the heat pipe or a second biased state in which the liquid is biased toward one end of the heat pipe; If the liquid inside the heat pipe is in the first uneven state, it is determined that the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit is in the first cooling state, and the execution of the first application is restricted; If the liquid inside the heat pipe is in the second uneven state, the cooling state of the heat generating circuit is determined to be the second cooling state, and execution of the second application is restricted.

3. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the temperature of the heat-generating circuit acquired by the first acquisition unit does not exceed a predetermined threshold, if execution of an application is already restricted, the processing unit releases the restriction on the application.

3. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The processing unit lists applications that are subject to restrictions, the inclination of the heat pipe acquired by the second acquisition unit includes a first attitude state in which the heat pipe is inclined upward from the other end to the one end of the heat pipe, and a second attitude state in which the heat pipe is inclined upward from the one end of the heat pipe to the other end of the heat pipe, The processing unit If the first cooling state is present, and the application whose restriction was most recently released is different from the first application in the list whose restriction is being released, release the restriction on the first application; In the second cooling state, if the application whose restriction was released immediately before is different from the second application in the list that is being released, release the restriction on the second application.

6. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 5.

7. The processing unit When the inclination of the heat pipe is in the first attitude state, if the application whose constraint was released immediately before is the same as the first application in the list that is to be released, the constraint of the first application is not released, When the inclination of the heat pipe is in the second attitude state, if the application for which the constraint was released immediately before is the same as the second application in the list that is being released, the constraint of the second application is not released.

7. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 6.

8. the processing unit determines and lists the priority of applications based on a constraint table; The constraint table indicates the relationship between the application's processing load, frequency of use, relevance to functional safety, and guidance accuracy for the driver and a plurality of applications.

7. The cooling device for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 6.

9. a first acquisition unit acquiring a temperature of a heat generating circuit serving as a heat source; a second acquisition unit acquiring an inclination of a heat pipe connected to the heat generating circuit when the temperature of the heat generating circuit acquired by the first acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined threshold; a processing unit determining a cooling state of the heat-generating circuit by the heat pipe based on the temperature of the heat-generating circuit and the inclination of the heat pipe; If the cooling state of the heat-generating circuit is a first cooling state, the processing unit restricts execution of a first application; When the cooling state of the heat generating circuit is a second cooling state having a higher cooling capacity than the first cooling state, the processing unit restricts the execution of a second application having a smaller processing load than the first application. A method for cooling a heat generating circuit for a vehicle.

10. A cooling method for a heat generating circuit for a vehicle according to claim 9, program.

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