Thermal management system and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a heat management system and a vehicle capable of improving energy efficiency.SOLUTION: The thermal management system 1 includes the first thermal circuit (thermal circuit 110) and the second thermal circuit (thermal circuit 120). The first heat circuit and the second heat circuit include a mixing part M1 as a common part. The first heat circuit includes a first flow path (flow path F11) including a first pump, a mixing flow path (flow path M1) including a mixing section F14, and a first switching apparatus (switching apparatus 100). The first switching device is configured to be capable of switching connection / disconnection between a first end which is one end of the first flow path and the mixing flow path. The second heat circuit includes a second flow path (flow path M1) including a second pump and a mixing section F2. When the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching unit, the heat transfer medium circulated through the first heat circuit by the first pump is mixed in the mixing section M1 with the heat transfer medium circulated through the second heat circuit by the second pump.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems and vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2023-063735 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a temperature control system including a coolant circuit. The coolant circuit includes first to fifth paths through which the coolant flows, a five-way valve, and a reserve tank. One end of each of the first to fifth paths is connected to the five-way valve, and the other end is connected to the reserve tank. The five-way valve switches the connection of the cooling paths so that the coolant input from at least one of the third path and the fifth path is output to at least one of the first path, the second path, and the fourth path. A radiator is connected to the first path. The second path bypasses the radiator. A PCU (Power Control Unit) and a water pump are connected to the third path, a battery and an electric heater are connected to the fourth path, and a chiller and a water pump are connected to the fifth path. The chiller exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit and the coolant circulating through the coolant circuit. The liquid-phase refrigerant, the pressure of which has been reduced by the expansion valve, evaporates in the chiller, thereby removing heat from the coolant circulating in the coolant circuit. [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] In the temperature control system described in Patent Document 1, the battery is heated by an electric heater. However, a system that must drive an electric heater to heat the battery is prone to wasting energy. For this reason, the above system has room for improvement in terms of energy efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a thermal management system and a vehicle that can improve energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a thermal management system including a first thermal circuit and a second thermal circuit. The first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit include a mixing section as a common part. The first thermal circuit includes a first flow path including a first pump, a mixing flow path including the mixing section, and a first switching device. The first switching device is configured to be able to switch between connection and disconnection between a first end, which is one end of the first flow path, and the mixing flow path. The second thermal circuit includes a second flow path including a second pump and the mixing section. When the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching device, the heat medium circulated through the first thermal circuit by the first pump is mixed in the mixing section with the heat medium circulated through the second thermal circuit by the second pump.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle including the above thermal management system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a thermal management system and a vehicle that can improve energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing heat management control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing details of heating control of the power storage device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the system illustrated in FIG. 1 is in a first pattern. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the system illustrated in FIG. 1 is in a second pattern. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing details of the heating control of the radiator shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the system illustrated in FIG. 1 is in a third pattern. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a fourth pattern. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing details of heating control of the T / A shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a fifth pattern. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a sixth pattern. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a seventh pattern. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing details of the heating control shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in an eighth pattern. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a ninth pattern. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in the tenth pattern. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in an eleventh pattern. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is in a twelfth pattern. [Figure 20] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a path that bypasses a mixing section is formed in a first thermal circuit included in the system shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the mixing section shown in FIG. [Figure 22]22 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the mixer shown in FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an interruption heating control according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG.

[0012] The thermal circuit 110 includes flow paths F11 to F14 and a switching device 100. One end of each of the flow paths F11 to F14 is connected to the switching device 100. The switching device 100 has one input port and three output ports. The switching device 100 may be a four-way valve (for example, a flow regulation valve with a total of four input and output ports). One end of the flow path F11, i.e., a flow path end E1, is connected to the input port of the switching device 100. Meanwhile, the flow paths F12, F13, and F14 are connected to the first output port, second output port, and third output port of the switching device 100, respectively. The flow paths F11, F13, and F14 are connected at a junction E2. The junction E2 corresponds to the other end (common flow path end) of each of the flow paths F11, F13, and F14. The flow path F12 is connected to the flow path F13 at a junction E3. The confluence point E3 corresponds to the other end of the flow path F12. The switching device 100 may be a flow regulation valve that has an unused (unconnected) port in addition to the four connected ports.

[0013] The flow path F11 is provided with a pump 111, a heater 112, and a condenser 140. The heater 112 is, for example, an HVH (electric high voltage heater). The flow path F12 is provided with a heater core 114. The flow path F13 is provided with a radiator 115. The flow path F14 is a flow path that connects the junction E2 and the third output port of the switching device 100, and includes a mixing section M1. The mixing section M1 will be described in detail later.

[0014] In this embodiment, the switching device 100 connects an input port to one or more output ports instructed by a control device (for example, ECU 500 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later). The switching device 100 connects a flow path F11 connected to the input port to, for example, flow paths F12 and F13, to flow paths F12 and F14, or to only flow path F12 or F13. The switching device 100 is configured to be able to switch between connection and disconnection between a flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 and each of the flow paths F12 to F14.

[0015] The thermal circuit 120 includes flow paths F2 to F4, F7, F31 to F34, F41, and F42, and a switching device 300. The switching device 300 has ports P1 to P13. Each of the ports P1, P4 to P8, P12, and P13 is an output port. Each of the ports P2, P3, and P9 to P11 is an input port. The switching device 300 may be a 13-way valve (for example, a flow regulation valve with a total of 13 input and output ports). The switching device 300 may be a multifunction valve that has an unused (unconnected) port in addition to the 13 connected ports.

[0016] One end of the flow path F2 is connected to port P1, and the other end is connected to port P2. The flow path F2 is provided with a pump 121, an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) 122, an ESU (Electric Supply Unit) 123, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 124, an oil cooler (O / C) 125, and a reserve tank 127. A transaxle (T / A) 126 is connected to the oil cooler 125. The flow path F2 includes a mixing section M1. That is, the thermal circuit 110 and the thermal circuit 120 include the mixing section M1 as a common part. The details of the mixing section M1 will be described later.

[0017] One end of flow path F3 is connected to port P3. Flow path F3 branches into two flow paths (flow paths F31 and F32) at branch point E8. Branch point E8 corresponds to the other end of flow path F3. Of the two branch paths, flow path F31 is connected to port P7, and flow path F32 is connected to port P5. Of the two ends of flow paths F3 and F31 connected at branch point E8, one end is connected to port P3 and the other end is connected to port P7. Of the two ends of flow paths F3 and F32 connected at branch point E8, one end is connected to port P3 and the other end is connected to port P5. A radiator 200 is provided in flow path F3. According to the flow path formed by flow path F3 and flow path F31 or F32, the heat medium output from the switching device 300 passes through the radiator 200 (i.e., exchanges heat with the radiator 200) and returns to the switching device 300. One end of flow path F33 is connected to port P3, and the other end is connected to port P4. One end of flow path F34 is connected to port P3, and the other end is connected to port P6. Through each of flow paths F33 and F34, the heat medium coming out of switching device 300 returns to switching device 300 without passing through radiator 200.

[0018] One end of flow path F4 is connected to port P11 and the other end is connected to port P12. A battery 400 is provided in flow path F4. According to flow path F4, the heat medium output from the switching device 300 passes through the battery 400 (i.e., exchanges heat with the battery 400) and returns to the switching device 300. Furthermore, one end of flow path F41 is connected to port P10 and the other end is connected to port P12. According to each of flow paths F41 and F42, the heat medium output from the switching device 300 returns to the switching device 300 without passing through the battery 400.

[0019] One end of the flow path F7 is connected to a port P8, and the other end is connected to a port P9. A pump 170 and a chiller 160 are provided in the flow path F7.

[0020] The switching device 300 includes a rotating member 310 (inner circumference side unit) and a housing 320 (outer circumference side unit). The housing 320 is formed in an annular (e.g., circular) shape. The rotating member 310 is formed in a disk shape. The rotating member 310 is located inside the housing 320. The housing 320 is provided so as to surround the outer circumference surface of the rotating member 310. The rotating member 310 is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing 320. In this embodiment, the housing 320 is fixed, and the rotating member 310 is driven to rotate. The space between the rotating member 310 and the housing 320 may be sealed with a gasket (not shown).

[0021] Flow paths 301 to 304 are formed inside the rotary member 310. Each of the flow paths 301 to 304 connects two of the ports P1 to P13 inside the rotary member 310. The combinations of ports (four pairs) connected by the flow paths 301 to 304 are determined by the rotational position (rotational angle) of the rotary member 310.

[0022] The rotating member 310 rotates in response to an instruction from a control device (e.g., ECU 500 shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later). The control device instructs, for example, an actuator (not shown) that rotates the rotating member 310 as to the amount of rotation or the rotation position. The rotating member 310 rotates, for example, around its center R2 as the rotation axis. In this embodiment, the rotation position of the rotating member 310 is represented by the angle between the reference position R0 of the housing 320 and the reference position R1 of the rotating member 310. The connection state of each port inside the rotating member 310 changes depending on the rotation position of the rotating member 310. Specifically, the rotation of the rotating member 310 relative to the housing 320 changes the connection destination of each of the flow paths 301 to 304. As a result, among the ports P1 to P13, a port that was in a disconnected state becomes connected, a port that was in a connected state becomes disconnected, or the connection destination of a connected port changes.

[0023] The thermal circuit 150 includes various devices that adjust temperature through a refrigeration cycle (i.e., a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion strokes). Specifically, the thermal circuit 150 includes flow paths F51 and F52. The flow path F51 forms a circuit through which a heat medium circulates. The flow path F51 includes a compressor 151, an expansion valve 155, a condenser 140 (heat exchanger), and a chiller 160. The flow path F52 includes an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, and an EPR (Evaporative Pressure Regulator) 154. One end of the flow path F52 is connected to the flow path F51 at a branch point E4, and the other end is connected to the flow path F51 at a junction E5. The branch point E4 corresponds to the upstream end of the flow path F52. The junction E5 corresponds to the downstream end of the flow path F52.

[0024] The thermal circuit 110 and the thermal circuit 150 are separate from each other and do not communicate with each other. However, the flow path F11 of the thermal circuit 110 and the flow path F51 of the thermal circuit 150 are connected to each other via the condenser 140 so that they can exchange heat with each other. The condenser 140 is connected to both the thermal circuit 110 and the thermal circuit 150. Furthermore, the radiator 115 of the thermal circuit 110 and the radiator 200 of the thermal circuit 120 are configured to be able to exchange heat with each other. The radiators 115 and 200 are arranged, for example, close enough to each other so that they can exchange heat with each other.

[0025] The thermal circuit 120 and the thermal circuit 150 are separate from each other and do not communicate with each other. However, the flow path F7 of the thermal circuit 120 and the flow path F51 of the thermal circuit 150 are connected to each other via the chiller 160 so that they can exchange heat with each other. The chiller 160 is connected to both the thermal circuit 120 and the thermal circuit 150.

[0026] A first heat medium flows through each of the thermal circuits 110 and 120. A second heat medium flows through the thermal circuit 150. In this embodiment, a heat medium (first heat medium) of the same type as the heat medium flowing through the thermal circuit 110 flows through the thermal circuit 120. A known heat medium can be used as each of the first and second heat mediums. Examples of the second heat medium include hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants, carbon dioxide (CO2), and propane gas. In this embodiment, a liquid heat medium (e.g., water or a coolant other than water) is used as the first heat medium. Examples of coolants other than water include insulating oil or antifreeze (e.g., LLC (Long Life Coolant)). In this embodiment, each of the pumps 111, 121, and 170 is a water pump (W / P).

[0027] Pumps 111, 121, and 170 are provided with pump sensors PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively. Each of pump sensors PS1 to PS3 is configured to detect the state (e.g., rotation speed, current, and temperature) of the corresponding pump. Furthermore, flow paths F11, F2, F3, F4, F51, and F7 are provided with flow path sensors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T7, respectively. Each of flow path sensors T1 to T5 and T7 includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the corresponding flow path, and a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the corresponding flow path.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle equipped with the thermal management system 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle (xEV) equipped with the thermal management system 1. The vehicle 10 is configured to be able to run using power output from a battery 400. The battery 400 functions as a power storage device for driving. The battery 400 may include a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The type of the secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack. Another power storage device (e.g., an electric double layer capacitor) may be adopted instead of the secondary battery. The vehicle 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine. However, the vehicle 10 is not limited thereto, and may be a PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) equipped with an internal combustion engine, or another electric vehicle (xEV).

[0029] The vehicle 10 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 500 and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 700. The HMI 700 functions as an interface between the user and the ECU 500. The HMI 700 includes an input device and a notification device. The input device accepts input from the user (for example, an operation on an operation unit or a voice input). The notification device notifies the user by display or sound (including voice). The HMI 700 is, for example, an in-vehicle HMI. However, a mobile terminal that can be carried by the user may also be adopted as the HMI.

[0030] The ECU 500 includes a processor and a storage device. An example of a processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The number of processors included in the ECU 500 may be one or two or more. The storage device may include at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a non-volatile memory. The storage device of the ECU 500 stores programs as well as various information used by the programs. In this embodiment, the processor executes the programs stored in the storage device, causing the ECU 500 to perform various controls. However, these processes may be performed only by hardware (for example, a logic circuit such as wired logic) without using software.

[0031] The vehicle 10 further includes an EOP (electric oil pump) 31, an oil circuit 32, an SMR (system main relay) 410, a BMS (battery management system) 420, an air conditioner 600, and an outside air temperature sensor T6. The outside air temperature sensor T6 is configured to detect the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 (the temperature of the outside air around the vehicle 10).

[0032] Battery 400 applies a voltage to power supply line PL. Vehicle 10 may further include an auxiliary battery (not shown). The auxiliary battery may provide power (e.g., power for driving auxiliary devices) with a voltage lower than that of battery 400 (power supply line PL). SMR 410 is located between battery 400 and PCU 124 on power supply line PL. BMS 420 includes various sensors that detect the state of battery 400 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature) and outputs the detection results to ECU 500. BMS 420 may further have at least one of a State Of Charge (SOC) estimation function and a State of Health (SOH) estimation function in addition to the above sensor functions. EOP 31, ESU 123, PCU 124, SMR 410, and air conditioner 600 are controlled by ECU 500.

[0033] The air conditioner 600 is connected to the power supply line PL and receives power from the battery 400. In the vehicle 10, the heating circuit of the air conditioner 600 constitutes the thermal circuit 110 (FIG. 1), and the cooling circuit of the air conditioner 600 constitutes the thermal circuit 150 (FIG. 1). The air conditioner 600 is configured to heat the vehicle interior using heat generated by the heater 112 (FIG. 1). The air conditioner 600 also includes a heat pump system. The air conditioner 600 can also perform heat pump heating using waste heat.

[0034] When the SMR 410 is connected, the battery 400 applies voltage to the PCU 124. The PCU 124 functions as a drive circuit for the transaxle 126. Specifically, the transaxle 126 of the vehicle 10 includes a motor generator (MG) 21, a gearbox 22, and a wheel speed sensor 23. The MG 21 functions as a drive motor and rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may have any number of drive motors, and a motor may be provided for each axle or each wheel. The PCU 124 is connected to the power supply line PL and drives the MG 21 using power supplied from the battery 400. The PCU 124 includes, for example, an inverter. The gearbox 22 includes, for example, a reducer and a differential gear device. The MG 21 converts power into torque. This torque is transmitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle 10 via the gearbox 22. The MG 21 also generates power regeneratively, for example, when the vehicle 10 is decelerating, to charge the battery 400. The wheel speed sensor 23 is provided on a wheel of the vehicle 10 or on an axle that rotates in conjunction with the wheel, and detects the rotation speed of the wheel.

[0035] Transaxle 126 further includes a braking device and a steering device (not shown). ADAS 122 may control transaxle 126 for driving assistance. ADAS 122 includes devices for driving assistance (including an arithmetic circuit for information processing) and sensors (including environmental recognition sensors such as a camera, millimeter-wave radar, or LIDAR).

[0036] The EOP 31 circulates lubricating oil through the oil circuit 32. The oil circuit 32 is provided with a temperature sensor 33 that detects the temperature of the oil (lubricating oil) in the oil circuit 32. The oil cooler 125 is connected to both the flow path F2 (FIG. 1) and the oil circuit 32 and functions as a heat exchanger. The oil cooler 125 cools the lubricating oil in the oil circuit 32 using a heat medium flowing through the flow path F2. The oil circuit 32 supplies lubricating oil to the MG 21 and the gear box 22, and the MG 21 and the gear box 22 are cooled by the lubricating oil. However, this is not a limitation, and the cooling method around the motor can be changed as appropriate. For example, one of the MG 21 and the gear box 22 may be oil-cooled by the oil circuit 32, and the other may be water-cooled by the flow path F2.

[0037] The vehicle 10 is configured to be able to perform external charging (charging the battery 400 with power from outside the vehicle). The ESU 123 is provided on the charging line CHL and includes an inlet 11, a charging circuit 12 (an on-board charger), and a charging relay 13. The charging relay 13 switches between connection and disconnection of the charging line CHL. The ECU 500 connects the charging relay 13 and the SMR 410 before starting external charging and controls the ESU 123 during external charging. As shown in FIG. 2 , when a tip end (connector) of a charging cable connected to an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 800 is connected (plugged in) to the inlet 11 of the parked vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 is electrically connected to the EVSE 800. The charging circuit 12 charges the battery 400 using power input from the EVSE 800 to the inlet 11. The ESU 123 may further include a circuit (discharge circuit) for external power supply (supplying power from the battery 400 to an external device outside the vehicle). The ESU 123 may have a V2H (Vehicle to Home) function and / or a V2L (Vehicle to Load) function. The charging circuit 12 may function as a charging / discharging circuit. In the example shown in FIG. 2, one end of the charging line CHL is connected between the SMR 410 and the PCU 124, and the other end of the charging line CHL is connected to the inlet 11. However, this is not limiting, and one end of the charging line CHL may be connected between the battery 400 and the SMR 410.

[0038] The multiple on-board devices shown in FIG. 2 may be integrated as an electric axle (eAxle) with an "Xin1" structure. Examples of the "Xin1" structure include a "3-in-1" structure in which a drive motor, inverter, and gearbox are integrated, a "6-in-1" structure in which a DC / DC converter, on-board charger, and BMS are integrated, and an "8-in-1" structure in which a power distribution unit (PDU) and ECU are integrated. An electric axle may be provided at each of the front and rear of the vehicle 10. The thermal circuit 120 may be configured to be able to cool these electric axles.

[0039] As described above, the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment includes the thermal management system 1 shown in FIG. 1. In the vehicle 10, the PCU 124 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the flow path F2. The heat medium flowing through the flow path F2 cools the lubricating oil in the oil circuit 32, and the MG 21 is cooled by the lubricating oil. In this manner, the flow path F2 is configured to be able to cool the PCU 124 and the transaxle 126 by the heat medium. The battery 400 is cooled by the heat medium flowing through the flow path F4. The flow path F4 is configured to be able to cool the battery 400 by the heat medium. The radiator 200 is configured to cool the heat medium flowing through the flow path F3. Each pump (pumps 111, 121, 170) that circulates the heat medium is controlled by the ECU 500. The ECU 500 may perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of each pump using a pump drive signal. The pump drive signal indicates, for example, a duty ratio (the ratio of a high-level period to a cycle) of a drive instruction (high-level / low-level drive signal) for the pump. The ECU 500 may acquire the state of the vehicle 10 using the outputs of the various sensors shown in Figures 1 and 2, and control the thermal management system 1 (for example, each pump and each switching device) based on the acquired state of the vehicle 10.

[0040] The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal circuit 110 and a thermal circuit 120. The thermal circuit 110 and the thermal circuit 120 include a mixing section M1 as a common part. Specifically, the thermal circuit 110 includes a flow path F11 including a pump 111, a flow path F14 including the mixing section M1, and a switching device 100. The switching device 100 is configured to be able to switch between connecting and disconnecting a flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 and the flow path F14. The thermal circuit 120 includes a flow path F2 including a pump 121 and the mixing section M1. The flow paths F2 and F14 merge at a confluence section E6, which is one end of the mixing section M1, and branch off at a branch section E7, which is the other end of the mixing section M1. In this embodiment, when the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 is connected to the flow path F14 via the switching device 100, the ECU 500 executes cooperative control of the pumps 111 and 121 so that the heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 is mixed in the mixer M1 with the heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 120 by the pump 121. Hereinafter, the control mode of the thermal management system 1 by the ECU 500 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 20.

[0041] 3 is a flowchart showing the thermal management control according to this embodiment. "S" in the flowchart denotes a step. The processing shown in this flowchart is started by ECU 500 when a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a "heating condition") is met. The heating condition is met, for example, when air conditioner 600 performs heating. Heating by air conditioner 600 may be performed when the outside air temperature of vehicle 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Heating by air conditioner 600 may be started when an air conditioning start instruction is input to HMI 700. Heating by air conditioner 600 may be stopped when an air conditioning stop instruction is input to HMI 700.

[0042] 1 and 2 as well as FIG. 3, in S11, the ECU 500 drives the heater 112. As a result, the heat medium in the flow path F11 is heated by the heater 112. The ECU 500 may determine the drive amount (heating amount) of the heater 112 using the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F11 and the heating setting temperature of the air conditioner 600. The ECU 500 may also determine the drive amount of the heater 112 using at least one of the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10, the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F3, the temperature of the battery 400, the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F4, the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F2, the temperature of the oil in the oil circuit 32, and the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F7.

[0043] In the following S12, the ECU 500 determines whether the current temperature of the battery 400 detected by the BMS 420 (FIG. 2) is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as "Th1"). If the temperature of the battery 400 is equal to or lower than Th1 (YES in S12), the process proceeds to S13. Th1 is a threshold value for determining whether the temperature of the battery 400 is lower than the recommended range. When the temperature of the battery 400 is equal to or lower than Th1, the ECU 500 is requested to heat the battery 400, and the ECU 500 executes heating control of the battery 400 in S13. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S13.

[0044] 4, in S21, ECU 500 determines whether air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using heat from outside air. ECU 500 may make the determination in S21 based on the current outside air temperature detected by outside air temperature sensor T6.

[0045] If the air conditioner 600 does not perform heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air (NO in S21), then in S22 the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the first pattern shown in Fig. 5. If the air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air (YES in S21), then in S23 the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the second pattern shown in Fig. 6. In each of the first and second patterns, the ECU 500 drives the pumps 111, 121, 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a first pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to FIG. 5, in the first pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 through the switching device 100. In the first pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ1. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120A and 120B shown in FIG. 5. The thermal circuit 120A corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 via the flow path 302, the flow path F4, and the flow path 303 and returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120B corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F7 via the flow path 304, the flow path F34, and the flow path 301 and returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120A, 120B formed in the first pattern, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing section M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F4 via the switching device 300. This causes the battery 400 to be heated.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a thermal management system 1 according to a second pattern. Referring to FIG. 6, in the second pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the second pattern, the switching device 300 controls the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to an angle θ2. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120C and 120D shown in FIG. 6. The thermal circuit 120C corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 via the flow path 302, the flow path F4, and the flow path 303 and returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120D corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F7 via the flow path 304, the flow path F32, the flow path F3, and the flow path 301 and returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120C, and 120D formed in the second pattern, during the execution of heat pump heating using the heat of outside air, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing unit M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F4 via the switching device 300. This heats the battery 400.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 4, according to the processing of S22 or S23, battery 400 is heated as described above. Subsequently, in S24, ECU 500 determines whether or not heating of battery 400 has been completed. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether or not heating of battery 400 has been completed based on whether or not the temperature of battery 400 has exceeded a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, ECU 500 may determine whether or not heating of battery 400 has been completed based on whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since heating of battery 400 began. If heating of battery 400 has not been completed (NO in S24), the process returns to S21, and heating of battery 400 is continued by the processing of S22 or S23. If heating of battery 400 has been completed (YES in S24), the process flow shown in FIG. 4 (S13 in FIG. 3) ends.

[0049] 3 again, when S13 ends, the process proceeds to S14. If the temperature of battery 400 is higher than Th1 (NO in S12), the process skips S13 and proceeds to S14. In S14, ECU 500 determines whether frost has formed on radiator 200. ECU 500 may determine whether frost has formed on radiator 200 based on whether the temperature of the heat medium currently in flow path F3 detected by flow path sensor T3 (FIG. 1) is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as "Th2"). Th2 is a threshold value for determining whether frost has formed on radiator 200. However, the method for determining whether frost has formed is arbitrary. ECU 500 may determine whether frost has formed based on the outside air temperature. Furthermore, ECU 500 may determine that frost has formed on radiator 200 when the temperature difference between the temperature of the heat medium before heat exchange with radiator 200 (the temperature of the heat medium near the radiator inlet) and the temperature of the heat medium after heat exchange with radiator 200 (the temperature of the heat medium near the radiator outlet) is lower than a predetermined value. If it is determined that frost has formed on radiator 200 (YES in S14), ECU 500 is requested to heat radiator 200, and ECU 500 executes heating control of radiator 200 in S15. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing details of the processing of S15.

[0050] 7, in S31, ECU 500 determines whether air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400. ECU 500 may make the determination in S31 based on at least one of the current temperature of battery 400 detected by BMS 420 and the current temperature of the heat medium in flow path F4 detected by flow path sensor T4 (FIG. 1).

[0051] If air conditioner 600 does not perform heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400 (NO in S31), ECU 500 controls switching devices 100 and 300 in S32 so that thermal management system 1 is in the third pattern shown in Fig. 8. If air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400 (YES in S31), ECU 500 controls switching devices 100 and 300 in S33 so that thermal management system 1 is in the fourth pattern shown in Fig. 9. In each of the third and fourth patterns, ECU 500 drives pumps 111, 121, and 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit.

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a thermal management system 1 according to a third pattern. Referring to FIG. 8, in the third pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the third pattern, the switching device 300 controls the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to an angle θ3. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120E and 120F shown in FIG. 8. The thermal circuit 120E corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 via the flow paths 302, F31, F3, and 303, and returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120F corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F7 via the flow paths 304, F42, and 301, and returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120E, and 120F formed in the third pattern, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing section M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F3 via the switching device 300. This heats the radiator 200.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to FIG. 9, in the fourth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the fourth pattern, the switching device 300 controls the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to an angle θ4. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120G and 120H shown in FIG. 9. The thermal circuit 120G corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 via the flow path 304, the flow path F32, the flow path F3, and the flow path 301, and then returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120H corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F7 via the flow path 302, the flow path F4, and the flow path 303, and then returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120G, and 120H formed in the fourth pattern, during the execution of heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 400, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing unit M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F3 via the switching device 300. This heats the radiator 200.

[0054] 7, according to the processing of S32 or S33, radiator 200 is heated as described above. Subsequently, in S34, ECU 500 determines whether or not the heating of radiator 200 has been completed. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether or not the heating of radiator 200 has been completed based on whether or not the temperature of the heat medium in flow path F3 detected by flow path sensor T3 (FIG. 1) has exceeded a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, ECU 500 may determine whether or not the heating of radiator 200 has been completed based on whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the heating of radiator 200 began. If the heating of radiator 200 has not been completed (NO in S34), the process returns to S31, and the heating of radiator 200 is continued by the processing of S32 or S33. If the heating of radiator 200 has been completed (YES in S34), the process flow shown in FIG. 7 (S15 in FIG. 3) ends.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 3, when S15 ends, the process proceeds to S16. If it is determined that frost has not formed on radiator 200 (NO in S14), the process skips S15 and proceeds to S16. In S16, ECU 500 determines whether the current oil temperature detected by temperature sensor 33 (FIG. 2) is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as "Th3"). Th3 is a threshold value for determining whether the temperature of transaxle 126 is lower than the recommended range. When the oil temperature falls below Th3 (YES in S16), a request is made to ECU 500 to heat transaxle 126, and ECU 500 executes heating control of transaxle 126 in S17. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S17.

[0056] 10, in S41, ECU 500 determines whether air conditioner 600 will perform heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400. The method of determination in S41 may be the same as S31 in FIG. 7. If air conditioner 600 will not perform heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400 (NO in S41), ECU 500 determines in S42 whether air conditioner 600 will perform heat pump heating using heat from outside air. The method of determination in S42 may be the same as S21 in FIG. 4.

[0057] If the determinations in both S41 and S42 are NO, the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S43 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the fifth pattern shown in Fig. 11. If the determination in S41 is YES, the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S44 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the sixth pattern shown in Fig. 12. If the determinations in S41 are NO and S42 are YES, the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S45 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the seventh pattern shown in Fig. 13. In each of the fifth to seventh patterns, the ECU 500 drives the pumps 111, 121, and 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit.

[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates a thermal management system 1 according to a fifth pattern. Referring to FIG. 11, in the fifth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the fifth pattern, the switching device 300 controls the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to an angle θ5. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120I and 120J shown in FIG. 11. The thermal circuit 120I corresponds to a fluid circuit that flows from the flow path F2 via the flow path 304, the flow path F41, and the flow path 301 and returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120J corresponds to a fluid circuit that flows from the flow path F7 via the flow path 302, the flow path F33, and the flow path 303 and returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120I, and 120J formed in the fifth pattern, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing section M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the oil circuit 32 (FIG. 2) via the oil cooler 125. This heats the transaxle 126.

[0059] FIG. 12 illustrates a sixth pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to FIG. 12, in the sixth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 through the switching device 100. In the sixth pattern, the switching device 300 controls the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to an angle θ6. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120K and 120L shown in FIG. 12. The thermal circuit 120K corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow path 304, the flow path F34, and the flow path 301 and returns to the flow path F2. The thermal circuit 120L corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F7 through the flow path 302, the flow path F4, and the flow path 303 and returns to the flow path F7. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120K, 120L formed in the sixth pattern, when heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 400 is in operation, heat from the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing section M1, and further transferred from the flow path F2 to the oil circuit 32 (FIG. 2) via the oil cooler 125. This heats the transaxle 126.

[0060] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a thermal management system 1 according to a seventh pattern. Referring to FIG. 13, in the seventh pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the seventh pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ7. The switching device 300 then divides the thermal circuit 120 into two thermal circuits 120M and 120N shown in FIG. 13. The thermal circuit 120M corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow path 304, the flow path F42, and the flow path 301 and returns to the flow path F2. Thermal circuit 120N corresponds to a fluid circuit that flows from flow path F7 through flow path 302, flow path F31, flow path F3, and flow path 303 and returns to flow path F7. According to thermal circuits 110, 120M, and 120N formed in the seventh pattern, during operation of heat pump heating using the heat of outside air, heat from heater 112 is transferred from flow path F11 through mixer M1 to flow path F2, and then from flow path F2 through oil cooler 125 to oil circuit 32 (FIG. 2). This heats transaxle 126.

[0061] Referring again to FIG. 10, transaxle 126 is heated as described above according to the processes of S43 to S45. Subsequently, ECU 500 determines in S46 whether or not the heating of transaxle 126 has been completed. For example, ECU 500 may determine whether or not the heating of transaxle 126 has been completed based on whether or not the oil temperature detected by temperature sensor 33 (FIG. 2) has exceeded a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, ECU 500 may determine whether or not the heating of transaxle 126 has been completed based on whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating of transaxle 126. If the heating of transaxle 126 has not been completed (NO in S46), the process returns to S41, and the heating of transaxle 126 is continued by the process of any of S43 to S45. If the heating of transaxle 126 has been completed (YES in S46), the process flow shown in FIG. 10 (S17 in FIG. 3) ends.

[0062] 3, when S17 ends, the process proceeds to S18. If the oil temperature detected by temperature sensor 33 (FIG. 2) is higher than Th3 (NO in S16), the process skips S17 and proceeds to S18. In S18, ECU 500 executes heating control. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of S18.

[0063] 14, in S51, the ECU 500 determines whether the air conditioner 600 will perform heat pump heating using waste heat from each device related to the drive of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "drive system"). The drive system of the vehicle 10 is arranged to exchange heat with the heat medium flowing through the flow path F2. The drive system of the vehicle 10 includes the ADAS 122, the PCU 124, the oil cooler 125, and the transaxle 126. The ECU 500 may make the determination in S51 based on the current temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F2 detected by the flow path sensor T2 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the flow path sensor T2 is located upstream of the mixer M1.

[0064] When air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using waste heat from the drive train (YES in S51), ECU 500 determines in S52 whether air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400. The determination method in S52 may be the same as S31 in FIG. 7. When air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using waste heat from battery 400 (YES in S52), ECU 500 determines in S53 whether air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using heat from outside air. The determination method in S53 may be the same as S21 in FIG. 4.

[0065] If the determinations in S51 to S53 are all YES, the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S54 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the eighth pattern shown in Fig. 15. At this time, the ECU 500 controls the pumps 111, 121, and 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit formed in the eighth pattern.

[0066] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an eighth pattern of the thermal management system 1. Referring to FIG. 15, in the eighth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 through the switching device 100. In the eighth pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ8. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 is in the pattern shown in FIG. 15. The thermal circuit 120 shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow path 303, the flow path F32, the flow path F3, the flow path 302, the flow path F7, the flow path 301, the flow path F4, and the flow path 304, and returns to the flow path F2. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120 formed in the eighth pattern, during the execution of heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air, the waste heat of the battery 400, and the waste heat of the drive system, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing unit M1, then transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F3 to the flow path F7, and further transferred from the flow path F7 to the thermal circuit 150 via the chiller 160. Therefore, the heat of the heater 112 can be re-input into the thermal circuit 150 and used for heating.

[0067] 14 again, if the determinations in S51 and S52 are YES and the determination in S53 is NO, the ECU 500 determines in S55 whether the temperature of the drivetrain of the vehicle 10 is high. In this embodiment, the determination in S55 is YES if the current temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F2 detected by the flow path sensor T2 is higher than the current temperature of the battery 400 detected by the BMS 420. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ECU 500 may determine whether the temperature of the drivetrain of the vehicle 10 is high based on whether the temperature of the heat medium in the flow path F2 is higher than a predetermined value.

[0068] If it is determined that the temperature of the drivetrain is not high (NO in S55), ECU 500 controls switching devices 100 and 300 in S551 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the ninth pattern shown in Fig. 16. If it is determined that the temperature of the drivetrain is high (YES in S55), ECU 500 controls switching devices 100 and 300 in S552 so that the thermal management system 1 is in the tenth pattern shown in Fig. 17. In each of the ninth and tenth patterns, ECU 500 controls pumps 111, 121, and 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a thermal management system 1 according to a ninth pattern. Referring to FIG. 16, in the ninth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 through the switching device 100. In the ninth pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ9. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 forms the pattern illustrated in FIG. 16. The thermal circuit 120 illustrated in FIG. 16 corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow paths 301, F4, 302, F7, 303, F34, and 304, and returns to the flow path F2. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120 formed in the ninth pattern, during heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 400 and the drive system, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from flow path F11 to flow path F2 via the mixer M1, then transferred from flow path F2 to flow path F4 to flow path F7, and further transferred from flow path F7 to the thermal circuit 150 via the chiller 160. Therefore, the heat of the heater 112 can be re-introduced into the thermal circuit 150 and used for heating. In addition, by arranging the high-temperature battery 400 (flow path F4) downstream of the low-temperature drive system (flow path F2), the battery 400 can be cooled.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a thermal management system 1 according to a tenth pattern. Referring to FIG. 17, in the tenth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 through the switching device 100. In the tenth pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ10. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 forms the pattern illustrated in FIG. 17. The thermal circuit 120 illustrated in FIG. 17 corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow paths 303, F34, 302, F7, 301, F4, and 304, and returns to the flow path F2. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120 formed in the tenth pattern, during heat pump heating using waste heat from the battery 400 and the drive train, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from flow path F11 to flow path F2 via the mixer M1, then transferred from flow path F2 to flow path F7 via flow path F34, and further transferred from flow path F7 to the thermal circuit 150 via the chiller 160. Therefore, the heat of the heater 112 can be re-introduced into the thermal circuit 150 and used for heating. Furthermore, by arranging flow path F4 upstream of flow path F2, the temperature of the battery 400 is prevented from becoming excessively high due to waste heat from the drive train.

[0071] 14 again, if the determination in S51 is YES and the determination in S52 is NO, the ECU 500 determines in S56 whether the air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air. The determination method in S56 may be the same as that in S21 of FIG. 4. If the air conditioner 600 performs heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air (YES in S56), the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S57 so that the thermal management system 1 becomes the eleventh pattern shown in FIG. 18. If the determination in S56 is NO, the ECU 500 controls the switching devices 100 and 300 in S58 so that the thermal management system 1 becomes the twelfth pattern shown in FIG. 19. The ECU 500 controls the pumps 111, 121, 170 so that the heat medium circulates through each thermal circuit in each of the eleventh and twelfth patterns.

[0072] FIG. 18 illustrates a thermal management system 1 according to an eleventh pattern. Referring to FIG. 18, in the eleventh pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the eleventh pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ11. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 forms the pattern illustrated in FIG. 18. The thermal circuit 120 illustrated in FIG. 18 corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow paths 301, F41, 302, F7, 303, F32, F3, and 304, and returns to the flow path F2. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120 formed in the eleventh pattern, during the execution of heat pump heating using the heat of the outside air and the waste heat of the drive system, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixer M1, then transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F7 via the flow path F41, and further transferred from the flow path F7 to the thermal circuit 150 via the chiller 160. Therefore, the heat of the heater 112 can be re-introduced into the thermal circuit 150 and used for heating. Furthermore, since the flow path F3 is located upstream of the flow path F2, the drive system is cooled by the heat medium cooled by the radiator 200. This prevents the temperature of the drive system from becoming excessively high.

[0073] FIG. 19 illustrates a thermal management system 1 according to a twelfth pattern. Referring to FIG. 19, in the twelfth pattern, the switching device 100 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F14. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F14 via the switching device 100. In the twelfth pattern, the switching device 300 is controlled so that the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) is at an angle θ12. Specifically, the ECU 500 controls the switching device 300 so that the thermal circuit 120 forms the pattern illustrated in FIG. 19. The thermal circuit 120 illustrated in FIG. 19 corresponds to a fluid circuit that runs from the flow path F2 through the flow paths 301, F33, 304, F7, 303, F41, and 302, and returns to the flow path F2. According to the thermal circuits 110, 120 formed in the 12th pattern, during the execution of heat pump heating using waste heat from the drive system, the heat of the heater 112 is transferred from the flow path F11 to the flow path F2 via the mixing unit M1, then transferred from the flow path F2 to the flow path F7 via the flow path F33, and further transferred from the flow path F7 to the thermal circuit 150 via the chiller 160. Therefore, the heat of the heater 112 can be re-input into the thermal circuit 150 and used for heating.

[0074] 14 again, when air conditioner 600 does not perform heat pump heating using waste heat from the drive train (NO in S51), ECU 500 controls switching device 100 in S59 to form a path that bypasses mixing unit M1 in thermal circuit 110. In S59 in FIG. 14, ECU 500 controls switching device 100 as shown in FIG. 20, for example.

[0075] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a thermal circuit 110 including a path that bypasses the mixer M1. The switching device 100 shown in Fig. 20 connects the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 connected to the input port to each of the flow paths F12 and F13. This disconnects the flow path F14 from the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11. The heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 flows from the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 to each of the flow paths F12 and F13.

[0076] 14 again, in S59, for example, by controlling the switching device 100 as described above, the flow path F14 (including the mixing section M1) is separated from the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11. However, even when the switching device 100 separates the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 from the flow path F14 (mixing section M1), the flow path F11 (junction section E2) and the flow path F2 (branch section E7) are connected via the flow path F14. By connecting the thermal circuit 110 and the thermal circuit 120, the reserve tank 127 (FIG. 1) of the thermal circuit 120 can absorb the volume change of the heat medium circulating through the thermal circuit 110. Note that the control mode of the switching device 100 in S59 is not limited to the mode shown in FIG. 20. In S59, the ECU 500 may control the switching device 100 so that the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 is connected only to the flow path F12. Furthermore, in S59, the ECU 500 may control the switching device 100 so that the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 is connected only to the flow path F13. Through these controls, the flow path F14 is also disconnected from the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11. Furthermore, the control manner of the switching device 300 in S59 is arbitrary. For example, the ECU 500 may set the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) to angle θ12 (FIG. 19). Alternatively, the ECU 500 may variably set the rotational position of the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) depending on the state of the vehicle 10.

[0077] When any one of the processes of S54, S551, S552, S57, S58, and S59 is executed, the process flow shown in FIG. 14 (S18 in FIG. 3) ends, and the process returns to S11 in FIG. 3. In S11, the drive amount (heating amount) of the heater 112 is adjusted. In this embodiment, the process flow shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed while the air conditioner 600 is performing heating. Then, when the air conditioner 600 finishes heating, the process flow shown in FIG. 3 also ends. Note that when the air conditioner 600 is not performing heating, the thermal management system 1 may be controlled by a process flow (an algorithm different from the above-described algorithm) not shown.

[0078] In the thermal management system 1 described above, when the flow path end E1 of the flow path F11 is connected to the flow path F14 via the switching device 100 (see patterns 1 to 12), the heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 110 by the pump 111 and the heat medium circulated through the thermal circuit 120 by the pump 121 are mixed in the mixing section M1. By mixing these heat mediums, heat can be transferred with high efficiency from the higher-temperature thermal circuit (e.g., thermal circuit 110) to the lower-temperature thermal circuit (e.g., thermal circuit 120) of the thermal circuits 110 and 120. In the mixing section M1, the heat mediums directly exchange heat with each other, which reduces energy loss during heat exchange compared to indirect heat exchange using a heat exchanger. This improves energy efficiency.

[0079] Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the mixing section M1. Referring to Fig. 21, the mixing section M1 is a portion common to the flow paths F2 and F14. The mixing section M1 includes a confluence section E6, a central section M10, and a branch section E7. The central section M10 may be formed in a straight tubular shape. However, this is not limiting, and the shape or structure of the central section M10 can be changed as appropriate (see Fig. 22 described below).

[0080] By mixing the heat medium (e.g., high-temperature water) circulating through the thermal circuit 110 and the heat medium (e.g., low-temperature water) circulating through the thermal circuit 120 in the mixing section M1, the heat exchange rate between the thermal circuits 110 and 120 increases. For example, if the high-temperature water and the low-temperature water are mixed evenly, the heat exchange rate can be 100%. If the high-temperature water and the low-temperature water are mixed unevenly, the heat exchange rate may exceed 100%. The ECU 500 (control device) may adjust the heat exchange rate in the mixing section M1 by cooperative control of the pumps 111 and 121. The ECU 500 may adjust the heat exchange rate in the mixing section M1 to a target value, for example, based on the ratio between the flow rate of the heat medium in the flow path F11 and the flow rate of the heat medium in the flow path F2.

[0081] If heat can be transferred from the high-temperature side thermal circuit 110 to the low-temperature side thermal circuit 120 with sufficient efficiency, the high-temperature side thermal circuit 110 can replace the electric heater in the low-temperature side thermal circuit 120. If the high-temperature side thermal circuit 110 serves as an electric heater, it becomes unnecessary to provide an electric heater in the low-temperature side thermal circuit 120. In the above embodiment, an electric heater is not provided in the thermal circuit 120. However, this is not limited to this, and an electric heater for heating the heat medium circulating in the thermal circuit 120 may be provided in the thermal circuit 120.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the switching device 300, controlled by the ECU 500 (control device), can switch between multiple flow path patterns (including the first to twelfth patterns described above). The rotational positions (angles of the reference positions R0 and R1) of the rotating member 310 in the first to twelfth patterns are, in ascending order, θ9, θ4, θ6, θ12, θ2, θ1, θ3, θ8, θ10, θ5, θ7, and θ11. The ECU 500 moves the rotating member 310 (FIG. 1) according to the situation and switches the fluid circuit pattern, thereby delivering heat transferred from the thermal circuit 110 to the thermal circuit 120 via the mixer M1 to the radiator 200 and / or the battery 400. The ECU 500 can raise the temperature of the battery 400 and melt frost on the radiator 200.

[0083] The mixing section M1 may be provided with a turbulence generating means for generating a turbulent flow in the heat medium. For example, the mixing section M1 may be formed with at least one of a throttle section and a bellows section. Figure 22 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the mixing section shown in Figure 21.

[0084] 22 includes a throttle portion P31. The throttle portion P31 is provided in a central portion M10 of the mixing portion M1A and generates turbulence in the heat medium. This promotes mixing of the heat medium in the mixing portion M1A and tends to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0085] 22 includes a bellows portion P32. The bellows portion P32 is provided in a central portion M10 of the mixing portion M1B and generates turbulence in the heat medium. This promotes mixing of the heat medium in the mixing portion M1B and tends to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0086] The mixing section M1C according to the third modified example shown in Fig. 22 includes a convex portion P33 and a concave portion P34. The convex portion P33 protrudes inward from the flow path to locally reduce the diameter of the central portion M10 of the mixing section M1C, while the concave portion P34 protrudes outward from the flow path to locally increase the diameter of the central portion M10 of the mixing section M1C. The convex portion P33 and the concave portion P34 generate turbulence in the heat medium at the central portion M10 of the mixing section M1C. This promotes mixing of the heat medium in the mixing section M1C, and tends to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0087] 22 shows a mixer M1D according to a fourth modified example, which includes a protrusion P35. The protrusion P35 is provided at a corner of the confluence E6 so as to interrupt the flow of the heat medium from the flow path F14 to the flow path F2. The protrusion P35 generates turbulence in the heat medium at the confluence E6. This promotes mixing of the heat medium in the mixer M1D, which tends to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0088] The processing flows shown in each of Figures 3, 4, 7, 10, and 14 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the order of processing can be changed or unnecessary steps can be omitted depending on the purpose. Furthermore, the content of any of the processing can be changed. For example, in the processing flow shown in Figure 3, the priority of the three types of heating control is set in the order of battery heating control, radiator heating control, and T / A heating control, from highest to lowest. However, the priority of these heating controls can be modified as appropriate. The ECU 500 may prioritize radiator heating control over battery heating control. The ECU 500 may execute four or more types of heating control using the thermal management system 1. Conversely, any of the three types of heating control may be omitted.

[0089] The ECU 500 may be configured to be able to execute another heating control by interrupting the heating control currently being executed. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of such interrupt processing. For example, when any of the heating controls (S13, S15, S17) is started in the processing flow shown in Figure 3, the ECU 500 starts the processing flow shown in Figure 23. The processing flow shown in Figure 23 is executed in parallel with the heating control (Figures 4, 7, and 10).

[0090] 23, in S101, ECU 500 acquires information about vehicle 10. The acquired information about vehicle 10 may include environmental information about vehicle 10 (e.g., outside air temperature), the driving status of vehicle 10, a request from a user to vehicle 10, and the status of on-board components (battery 400, radiator 200, transaxle 126, etc.). In the following S102, ECU 500 determines whether there is any heating control that should be prioritized over the heating control currently being executed (e.g., the heating control started in S13, S15, or S17 of FIG. 3). For example, if, based on a request to vehicle 10, another heating control has a higher priority for vehicle 10 than the heating control currently being executed, ECU 500 may determine YES in S102. Furthermore, when frost forms on radiator 200 while heating control of battery 400 is being executed, ECU 500 may prioritize heating control of radiator 200 over heating control of battery 400 by determining YES in S102.

[0091] If it is determined that there is no heating control that should take priority over the heating control currently being executed (NO in S102), ECU 500 determines in S103 whether or not the heating control currently being executed should be continued. While the heating control is being executed (YES in S103), S101 to S103 are repeated. In S102, it is determined whether or not to execute interrupt processing for the heating control currently being executed. On the other hand, if the heating control has ended (NO in S103), the process flow ends. The heating control ends, for example, when heating is completed (see FIGS. 4, 7, and 10).

[0092] If it is determined that there is heating control that should take priority over the heating control currently being executed (YES in S102), the ECU 500 stops the heating control currently being executed in S104. Subsequently, the ECU 500 starts the heating control that should take priority in S105. For example, if the ECU 500 determines that the heating control of the radiator 200 should take priority over the heating control of the battery 400 while the heating control of the battery 400 is being executed, the ECU 500 stops the heating control of the battery 400 (processing flow shown in FIG. 4) in S104 and starts the heating control of the radiator 200 in S105. Specifically, the ECU 500 shifts the process from S13 to S15 in the process flow of FIG. 3 and starts the heating control of the radiator 200 according to the process flow shown in FIG. 7. Thereafter, in the process flow shown in FIG. 23, the process returns to the first step (S101). In the next step S102, it is determined whether to execute interrupt processing for the heating control started in step S105 (heating control currently being executed). According to the processing flow shown in Fig. 23, interrupt processing for the heating control currently being executed makes it possible to execute heating control with a high priority.

[0093] The configuration of the thermal management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the drive system components (ADAS 122, PCU 124, etc.) and the components for external charging or external power supply (ESU 123) are provided on the same flow path F2. However, this is not limited thereto, and the drive system components and the components for external charging or external power supply may be provided on separate flow paths. The flow path provided with the drive system components and the flow path provided with the components for external charging or external power supply may be connected via a switching device. Furthermore, the configuration of each of the switching devices 100 and 300 can be modified as appropriate. The number of flow paths connected to each switching device may be increased or decreased.

[0094] The vehicle to which the thermal management system is applied is not limited to the passenger car shown in FIG. 2, but may also be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (tractor, forklift, etc.). The vehicle may be configured to be capable of unmanned driving by automatic driving or remote driving. The vehicle may also be an automated guided vehicle (AGV). An autonomous driving system (ADS) may be arranged on the flow path F2. The vehicle may also be configured to be capable of wireless external charging and / or wireless external power feeding. Components for wireless external charging and / or wireless external power feeding may be arranged on the flow path F2.

[0095] The various features related to the thermal management system and vehicle described above (the features described in the embodiments and modifications) may be implemented in any combination. The thermal management system may be applied to devices other than vehicles. The functions of ECU 500 may be implemented on the cloud using cloud computing.

[0096] [Aspect] According to the various examples described above, the following aspects can be understood.

[0097] (Item 1) A thermal management system according to a first aspect includes a first thermal circuit and a second thermal circuit. The first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit include a mixing section as a common part. The first thermal circuit includes a first flow path including a first pump, a mixing flow path including the mixing section, and a first switching device. The first switching device is configured to be able to switch between connection and disconnection between a first end, which is one end of the first flow path, and the mixing flow path. The second thermal circuit includes a second flow path including a second pump and the mixing section. When the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching device, the heat medium circulated through the first thermal circuit by the first pump is mixed in the mixing section with the heat medium circulated through the second thermal circuit by the second pump.

[0098] 1 correspond to examples of the "thermal management system," "first thermal circuit," "second thermal circuit," "first pump," "first flow path," "first end," "mixing flow path," "first switching device," "second pump," "second flow path," and "mixing unit" in Section 1. The configuration of Section 1 makes it possible to improve the energy efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0099] (Item 2) In the thermal management system described in item 1, the first thermal circuit further includes a non-mixing flow path that does not include a mixing section. The non-mixing flow path is connected to a second end, which is the other end of the first flow path. The first switching device is configured to be able to switch between connection and disconnection between the first end of the first flow path and the non-mixing flow path.

[0100] For example, each of the flow paths F12 and F13 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the "non-mixing flow path" in the second paragraph. Also, the confluence E2 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the "second end" in the second paragraph. In the thermal management system 1 shown in FIG. 1, each of the flow paths F12 and F13 does not include the mixing section M1 and is connected to the confluence E2. According to the configuration of the second paragraph, the first switching device connects the first end of the first flow path to the non-mixing flow path rather than to the mixing flow path, thereby making it possible to prevent the heat medium circulating in the first thermal circuit and the heat medium circulating in the second thermal circuit from mixing in the mixing section (see FIG. 20).

[0101] (Item 3) In the thermal management system described in item 2, the second flow path of the second thermal circuit further includes a reserve tank. A second end of the first flow path is connected to the second flow path via a mixing flow path.

[0102] For example, the reserve tank 127 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the "reserve tank" in Section 3. In the thermal management system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the confluence E2 is connected to the flow path F2 via the flow path F14. The reserve tank 127 is located between the switching device 300 and the pump 121 and stores the heat medium in the circulation path of the pump 121. According to the configuration of Section 3, the first flow path of the first thermal circuit and the second flow path of the second thermal circuit are connected, so that the reserve tank of the second thermal circuit can absorb volume changes of the heat medium circulating in the first thermal circuit. The reserve tank provided in the second thermal circuit functions as a reserve tank (air space) for both the first and second thermal circuits, eliminating the need for a reserve tank in the first thermal circuit. In the thermal management system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the thermal circuit 110 does not include a reserve tank. However, this is not limited to this, and a reserve tank may be provided in the thermal circuit 110.

[0103] (4) In the thermal management system described in the 2nd or 3rd paragraph, the first thermal circuit includes a flow path including a heater core of an air conditioner as the non-mixing flow path.

[0104] For example, the air conditioner 600 (FIG. 2) and the heater core 114 (FIG. 1) are examples of the "air conditioner" and "heater core" in Section 4. According to the configuration in Section 4, it is possible to increase the temperature of the first thermal circuit by utilizing the heat generated by the air conditioner during heating.

[0105] (Item 5) In the thermal management system described in any one of Items 1 to 4, the first flow path of the first thermal circuit further includes a heater, and the second thermal circuit further includes at least one of a flow path including a power storage device and a flow path including a radiator.

[0106] 1 correspond to examples of the "heater," the "path including the power storage device," and the "path including the radiator" in Section 5. According to the configuration in Section 5, it is possible to use the heat of the first thermal circuit to raise the temperature of the power storage device and melt frost on the radiator.

[0107] (Item 6) In the thermal management system described in any one of Items 1 to 5, the second thermal circuit further includes, in addition to the second flow path, a plurality of flow paths and a second switching device, which is configured to connect the second flow path to one or more flow paths selected from the plurality of flow paths.

[0108] 1 corresponds to an example of the "second switching device" in Section 6. According to the configuration of Section 6, it becomes possible to further transfer heat transferred from the first thermal circuit to the second flow path of the second thermal circuit to another flow path (a flow path other than the second flow path).

[0109] (Item 7) The thermal management system described in item 6 further includes a control device. The multiple flow paths of the second thermal circuit include a flow path including a power storage device and a flow path including a radiator. The control device is configured to control the first switching device and the second switching device when a predetermined first condition is met so that a first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path and the second flow path is connected to the flow path including the power storage device. The control device is configured to control the first switching device and the second switching device when a predetermined second condition is met so that a first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path and the second flow path is connected to the flow path including the radiator.

[0110] For example, ECU 500 shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to an example of the "control device" in Section 7. Also, flow path F4 including battery 400 and flow path F3 including radiator 200 shown in Fig. 1 correspond to examples of the "flow path including a power storage device" and the "flow path including a radiator" in Section 7, respectively. According to the configuration of Section 7, the control device determines whether each of the first condition and the second condition is met, and can raise the temperature of the power storage device or melt frost on the radiator as necessary.

[0111] (Item 8) In the thermal management system described in item 7, the control device uses the temperature of the power storage device to determine whether a predetermined first condition is met.

[0112] For example, in the control shown in Fig. 3, it is determined in S12 whether the first condition is met. If the first condition is met (YES in S12), the flow path end E1 is connected to the flow path F14, and the flow path F2 is connected to the flow path F4 (see Figs. 5 and 6). According to the configuration of paragraph 8, when it becomes necessary to increase the temperature of the power storage device, it becomes easier to increase the temperature of the power storage device by utilizing the heat of the first thermal circuit.

[0113] (Item 9) In the thermal management system described in item 7 or 8, the control device is configured to determine whether frost has formed on the radiator. When it is determined that frost has formed on the radiator, a predetermined second condition is met.

[0114] For example, in the control shown in Fig. 3, it is determined in S14 whether the second condition is met. If the second condition is met (YES in S14), the flow path end E1 is connected to the flow path F14, and the flow path F2 is connected to the flow path F3 (see Figs. 8 and 9). According to the configuration of paragraph 9, when it becomes necessary to increase the temperature of the radiator, it becomes easier to increase the temperature of the radiator by using the heat of the first thermal circuit.

[0115] (Item 10) In the thermal management system described in any one of Items 1 to 9, the second flow path includes a reserve tank that stores the heat medium in the circulation path of the second pump. The heat medium flowing through the second flow path is configured to exchange heat with at least one electric device upstream of the mixer.

[0116] For example, the reserve tank 127 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the "reserve tank" in paragraph 10. Furthermore, each of the ADAS 122, ESU 123, and PCU 124 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the "electrical equipment" in paragraph 10. According to the configuration of paragraph 10, the electrical equipment can be cooled by the heat medium circulating in the second thermal circuit. By locating the mixer downstream, the pressure in the mixer can be made closer to atmospheric pressure (the pressure of the most downstream reserve tank). This makes it less likely that the increased internal pressure in the circulation path of the second thermal circuit will affect the circulation of the heat medium in the first thermal circuit. This makes it easier for the heat medium to circulate appropriately in each of the first and second thermal circuits.

[0117] (Item 11) In the thermal management system described in item 10, the heat medium flowing through the second flow path is configured to further exchange heat with at least one mechanical component upstream of the mixing section.

[0118] For example, the oil cooler 125 and transaxle 126 shown in FIG. 1 each correspond to an example of the "mechanical component" in paragraph 11. According to the configuration of paragraph 11, the mechanical components can be cooled by the heat medium circulating through the second thermal circuit. By locating the mixing section downstream, the pressure in the mixing section can be made closer to atmospheric pressure (the pressure of the most downstream reserve tank). This makes it less likely that the increased internal pressure in the circulation path of the second thermal circuit will affect the circulation of the heat medium in the first thermal circuit. This makes it easier for the heat medium to circulate appropriately through each of the first and second thermal circuits.

[0119] (Item 12) The thermal management system according to any one of Items 1 to 11 further includes a control device. When the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching device, the control device executes coordinated control of the first pump and the second pump based on the flow rate of the heat medium circulating through the first thermal circuit and the flow rate of the heat medium circulating through the second thermal circuit.

[0120] For example, the ECU 500 shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to an example of the "control device" in paragraph 12. According to the configuration of paragraph 12, cooperative control of the first pump and the second pump can prevent high internal pressure in one of the circulation paths of the first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit from affecting the circulation of the heat medium in the other thermal circuit. This makes it easier for the heat medium to circulate appropriately in each of the first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit.

[0121] (13) In the thermal management system according to any one of the first to 12th paragraphs, the mixer includes a turbulence generating means for generating turbulence in the heat medium.

[0122] For example, each of the throttle portion P31, bellows portion P32, convex portion P33, concave portion P34, and convex portion P35 shown in Fig. 22 corresponds to an example of the "turbulence generating means" in paragraph 13. According to the configuration of paragraph 13, turbulence is likely to occur in the mixing section. This promotes mixing of the heat medium circulating in the first thermal circuit and the heat medium circulating in the second thermal circuit, and tends to improve the heat exchange rate.

[0123] (Item 14) In the thermal management system described in any one of items 1 to 12, the mixing section includes at least one of a throttle section and a bellows section.

[0124] For example, the throttle portion P31 and the bellows portion P32 shown in Fig. 22 are examples of the "throttle portion" and the "bellows portion" in paragraph 14. According to the configuration in paragraph 14, mixing of the heat medium circulating in the first thermal circuit and the heat medium circulating in the second thermal circuit is promoted, and the heat exchange rate is likely to be improved.

[0125] (15th paragraph) A vehicle according to a second aspect includes the thermal management system according to any one of the first to fourteenth paragraphs.

[0126] For example, the vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to an example of the "vehicle" in Section 15. According to the configuration of Section 15, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency in the thermal management of the vehicle.

[0127] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention 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]

[0128] 1 Thermal management system, 10 Vehicle, 100,300 Switching device, 110,120,150 Thermal circuit, 111,121,170 Pump, 112 Heater, 127 Reserve tank, 200 Radiator, 400 Battery, 500 ECU, M1 Mixing section.

Claims

1. 1. A thermal management system comprising a first thermal circuit and a second thermal circuit, the first thermal circuit and the second thermal circuit include a mixing section as a common part; the first thermal circuit includes a first flow path including a first pump, a mixing flow path including the mixing unit, and a first switching device; the first switching device is configured to be able to switch between connection and disconnection between a first end, which is one end of the first flow path, and the mixing flow path; the second thermal circuit includes a second flow path including a second pump and the mixing section; When the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching device, the heat medium circulated through the first thermal circuit by the first pump is mixed with the heat medium circulated through the second thermal circuit by the second pump in the mixing section.

2. the first thermal circuit further includes a non-mixing flow path that does not include the mixing section; the non-mixing flow path is connected to a second end that is the other end of the first flow path, The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first switching device is configured to be capable of switching between connection and disconnection between the first end of the first flow path and the non-mixing flow path.

3. the second flow path of the second thermal circuit further includes a reserve tank; The thermal management system of claim 2 , wherein the second end of the first flow path is connected to the second flow path via the mixing flow path.

4. The thermal management system of claim 2 , wherein the first thermal circuit includes a flow path including a heater core of an air conditioner as the non-mixing flow path.

5. the first flow path of the first thermal circuit further includes a heater; The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the second thermal circuit further includes at least one of a flow path including a power storage device and a flow path including a radiator.

6. the second thermal circuit further includes a plurality of flow paths and a second switching device in addition to the second flow path; The thermal management system of claim 1 , wherein the second switching device is configured to connect the second flow path to one or more selected flow paths from the plurality of flow paths.

7. The thermal management system further comprises a controller; the plurality of flow paths of the second thermal circuit include a flow path including a power storage device and a flow path including a radiator, The control device when a predetermined first condition is satisfied, controlling the first switching device and the second switching device so that the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path and the second flow path is connected to the flow path including the power storage device; 7. The thermal management system of claim 6, configured to control the first switching device and the second switching device when a predetermined second condition is met so that the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path and the second flow path is connected to the flow path including the radiator.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 7 , wherein the control device determines whether the predetermined first condition is met using a temperature of the power storage device.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 7 , wherein the control device determines whether frost has formed on the radiator, and the predetermined second condition is met when it is determined that frost has formed on the radiator.

10. the second flow path includes a reserve tank that stores a heat medium in a circulation path of the second pump, The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the heat medium flowing through the second flow path is configured to exchange heat with at least one electric device upstream of the mixing section.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 10 , wherein the heat medium flowing through the second flow path is configured to further exchange heat with at least one mechanical component upstream of the mixing section.

12. The thermal management system further comprises a controller; 2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein when the first end of the first flow path is connected to the mixing flow path via the first switching device, the control device performs coordinated control of the first pump and the second pump based on a flow rate of the heat medium circulating through the first thermal circuit and a flow rate of the heat medium circulating through the second thermal circuit.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing section includes a turbulence generating means for generating turbulence in the heat medium.

14. The thermal management system of claim 1 , wherein the mixing section includes at least one of a throttling section and a bellows section.

15. A vehicle comprising a thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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