Thermal management system

Abstract

To provide a heat management system capable of facilitating temperature management of a temperature control object apparatus, and suppressing occurrence of temperature unevenness of a blowout temperature in a cooling operation.SOLUTION: The circulating pump P40 is disposed in the path on the downstream side of the joining b3 and the path on the upstream side of the branching a3 among the heat-medium circulating paths of the heat-medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that are the second circuit, and the flow-rate-regulating-valve V40 is disposed in the path on the upstream side of the joining 40a and the path on the downstream side of the branching 40b among the heat-medium circulating paths of the heat-medium flow paths,, and that are the second circuit. 40c b3 a3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for controlling the flow of heat medium in and out of a first circulation circuit and a second circulation circuit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a flow control valve is provided at a connection between the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit, and the flow control valve controls the flow of heat medium in and out of the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit. Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which, when the demands for air conditioning operation and battery cooling operation exceed the system capacity, a one-way valve in a battery circuit is opened to form a battery circulation circuit, thereby prioritizing air conditioning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-032565 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 117621760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a thermal management system that facilitates temperature control of temperature-controlled equipment and can suppress unevenness in the discharge temperature during cooling operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a thermal management system includes a first circulation circuit in which a heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in an evaporator of a refrigerant circuit flows through a cooler core that exchanges heat with air supplied into a vehicle cabin; a second circulation circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with a temperature-controlled device circulates; a first connection part through which the heat medium flows from a downstream side of the evaporator and an upstream side of the cooler core of the first circulation circuit to the second circulation circuit; a second connection part through which the heat medium flows from a downstream side of the temperature-controlled device of the second circulation circuit to the first circulation circuit; and a circulation port for circulating the heat medium in the second circulation circuit. and a circulation pump, the circulation pump including a flow control valve for controlling the flow of heat medium in and out of the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit, the circulation pump being disposed in a heat medium circulation path of the second circulation circuit, downstream of a junction where the first connection part joins the second circulation circuit, and upstream of a branch part where the second circulation circuit branches off from the second connection part; and the flow control valve being disposed in a heat medium circulation path of the second circulation circuit, upstream of the junction and downstream of the branch part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal management system that facilitates temperature control of temperature-controlled equipment and can suppress unevenness in the blown air temperature during cooling operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [System Configuration] System Overview FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment. The thermal management system 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0009] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10 configured to circulate a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefin, for example.

[0010] The thermal management system 1 also includes a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, a battery temperature control circuit 40, a motor temperature control circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which are configured to circulate a heat medium fluid such as a coolant liquid.

[0011] Of these circuits, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70 such as an eight-way valve. The flow path switching device 70 can connect these flow paths to each other to form a circulation path in which these circuits cooperate to circulate the heat medium, or can separate one or more circuits from the other circuits to make them independent.

[0012] The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device such as a four-way valve V20 that connects or disconnects the respective flow paths. The four-way valve V20 can form a circulation path through which the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat medium, or can separate these circuits from each other.

[0013] The thermal management system 1 also includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100 as an air conditioning unit.

[0014] The thermal management system 1 also includes a control device that controls the operation of various sensors and each part of the thermal management system 1. In the thermal management system 1, operations such as switching of flow paths are controlled by the control device based on the detected values ​​of the various sensors and various requests. The sensors include sensors that detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, a sensor that detects the temperature of the heat medium, and sensors that detect the temperatures of the battery 41 and the motor 51.

[0015] <Refrigerant circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure before discharging it, a high-temperature heat exchanger 12 that condenses the compressed gaseous refrigerant to release heat, a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve that expands the liquid refrigerant to a low pressure, and a low-temperature heat exchanger 14 that evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser that heats the heat medium. The refrigerant circuit 10 is configured to function as a heat pump that circulates the refrigerant and repeats compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0016] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating through a high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium circulating through a low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30.

[0017] In the example shown in the figure, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 12b through which the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes, and a heat medium passage 14b through which the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 passes.

[0018] The elements of the refrigerant circuit 10 are connected by refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0019] The discharge side of compressor 11 is connected to the inlet of refrigerant passage 12a of high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 via refrigerant passage 10a. The outlet of refrigerant passage 12a of high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the inlet of refrigerant passage 14a of low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via refrigerant passage 10b, and a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve is installed on this refrigerant passage 10b. The outlet of refrigerant passage 14a of low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the suction side of compressor 11 via refrigerant passage 10c. An accumulator 15 is installed on this refrigerant passage 10c.

[0020] <High temperature side heat medium circuit> The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 includes a heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and a heater core 21 that heats the air supplied into the vehicle cabin. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 is a circuit through which a heat medium that has received heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and been heated circulates. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 can be used to operate the heater core 21 to heat the vehicle cabin.

[0021] The elements of the high temperature side heat medium circuit 20 are connected by heat medium flow paths 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0022] An inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 is connected to an outlet of a heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by a heat medium passage 20a. An outlet side 21b of the heater core 21 is connected to a four-way valve V20 by a heat medium passage 20b. An inlet of the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by a heat medium passage 20c.

[0023] A circulation pump P20 for circulating the heat medium is installed on the path of this heat medium flow path 20c. The heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P20 and circulates through the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. The heat medium is heated by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 while passing through the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, and is supplied to the heater core 21 from the inlet side 21a and passes through the heater core 21. At this time, the heat medium releases heat from the heater core 21, causing the heater core 21 to function. After passing through the heater core 21, the heat medium is discharged from the outlet side 21b and returns to the heat medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0024] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 includes a heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and a cooler core 31 that cools the air supplied into the vehicle cabin. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is a circuit through which the heat medium that has been cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 via the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 circulates. The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 can be used to operate the cooler core 31 to cool or dehumidify the vehicle cabin.

[0025] The elements of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are connected by heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, and 30i.

[0026] The outlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 via the heat medium passage 30a connected thereto, the branching point a1, and the heat medium passage 30b downstream thereof. The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the inlet of the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 via the heat medium passage 30c connected thereto, the junction b1, the heat medium passage 30d, the junction b2, and the heat medium passage 30e downstream thereof. A circulation pump P30 for circulating the heat medium is installed on the path of the heat medium passage 30d.

[0027] The heat medium is circulated in the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e by being pushed out by the circulation pump P30. When the heat medium passes through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, it rejects heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 and is cooled. The cooled heat medium can be supplied to the cooler core 31 from the inlet side 31a and pass through the cooler core 31. At this time, the heat medium absorbs heat in the cooler core 31, allowing the cooler core 31 to function. The heat medium discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31 flows toward the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e function as a first circulation circuit in which the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 of the refrigerant circuit 10 flows through the cooler core 31, where the heat medium exchanges heat with the air supplied into the vehicle cabin.

[0029] The branching portion a1 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 30f. The path formed by the heat medium flow paths 30a and 30f via the branching portion a1 serves as a bypass path through which the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 bypasses the cooler core 31.

[0030] The flow path switching device 70 is connected to the junction b2 downstream of the circulation pump P30 by the heat medium flow path 30g, the branching portion a2, and the heat medium flow path 30h downstream thereof. The flow path switching device 70 is also connected to the junction b1 upstream of the circulation pump P30 by the heat medium flow path 30g, the branching portion a2, and the heat medium flow path 30i downstream thereof.

[0031] The path formed by the heat medium flow paths 30g, 30h and the heat medium flow paths 30g, 30i leading to the confluence b1 and the confluence b2 is the path through which the heat medium returning from the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 via an external circuit flows upstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0032] By setting the route as described above, the heat medium that flows through the bypass route and bypasses the cooler core 31 passes through at least one of the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, which are connected via the flow path switching device 70, and then flows again into the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0033] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40 includes a battery 41 as a temperature control target device. The battery 41 is provided with a battery temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the battery 41. The battery temperature control circuit 40 can be used to adjust the temperature of the battery 41.

[0034] In this embodiment, the battery 41 is taken as an example of the temperature control target device, but the temperature control target device is not limited to the battery 41. For example, the temperature control target device may be a motor 51.

[0035] The elements of the battery temperature control circuit 40 are connected by heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e.

[0036] The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the inlet side 41a of the battery 41 by the heat medium flow path 40a connected thereto, the branching portion a3, the heat medium flow path 40b, the merging portion b3 and the heat medium flow path 40c downstream thereof.

[0037] In this embodiment, the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c function as a second circulation circuit through which the heat medium that exchanges heat with the battery 41 circulates.

[0038] The flow path switching device 70 is connected to the junction b3 by the heat medium flow path 40d, while the branching point a3 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 40e.

[0039] When the flow path switching device 70 connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40, the heat medium flow paths 30f, 40d function as first connection parts through which the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, downstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and upstream of the cooler core 31, to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, which are the second circulation circuit.

[0040] Furthermore, when the flow path switching device 70 connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40, the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30h and the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30i function as second connection parts through which the heat medium flows from the downstream side of the battery 41 of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, which is the second circulation circuit, to the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, which is the first circulation circuit.

[0041] When the heat medium passes through the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 connected via the flow path switching device 70, the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows through the heat medium flow paths 40d, 40c, 40a, and 40e and passes through the battery 41, and the heat medium passing through the battery 41 absorbs heat, thereby cooling the battery 41. Furthermore, the heat medium that flows through the heat medium flow paths 40d, 40c, 40a, and 40e and then flows upstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 rejects heat to the refrigerant circuit 10 and is cooled when passing through the heat medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0042] Furthermore, flow path resistance is provided to the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which are first connecting parts, while flow path resistance is also provided to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h, which are second connecting parts, and the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i, which are second connecting parts.

[0043] The flow path resistance for the first and second connection parts may be provided by an appropriate method depending on the circuit configuration and installation space, for example, by adjusting the angle of the flow paths in the first and second connection parts, adjusting the diameter of the flow paths in the first and second connection parts, adjusting the length of the flow paths in the first and second connection parts, or adjusting the height of the flow paths in the first and second connection parts.

[0044] A circulation pump P40 for circulating the heat medium is installed on the heat medium flow path 40c. That is, the circulation pump P40 is arranged on the heat medium circulation path of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c which are the second circulation circuit, downstream of a junction b3 where the heat medium flow paths 30f, 40d which are first connecting parts join, and upstream of a branching part a3 where the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c which are the second circulation circuit branch off to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30h which are second connecting parts or the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30i which are second connecting parts.

[0045] Furthermore, a flow control valve V40 is installed on the heat medium flow path 40b to control the flow of the heat medium between the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which form the first circulation circuit, and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit. That is, the flow control valve V40 is arranged in the heat medium circulation paths of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, upstream of the junction b3 and downstream of the branching point a3.

[0046] <Motor temperature control circuit> The motor temperature control circuit 50 includes a motor 51 as an in-vehicle device. The motor 51 is provided with a motor temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the motor 51. The motor temperature control circuit 50 can be used to circulate a heat medium to adjust the temperature of the motor 51. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can use the motor 51, which constantly generates heat while the vehicle is running, as a heat source via the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0047] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the motor temperature control circuit 50 are connected by heat medium flow paths 50a and 50b. The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 50b.

[0048] <Outdoor heat exchange circuit> The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 includes a radiator 61 as an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be used to circulate a heat medium and exchange heat between the heat medium and outdoor air.

[0049] In the example shown in the figure, the elements of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected by heat medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c. The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by the heat medium flow path 60a. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by the heat medium flow path 60b. The flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V20 are connected by the heat medium flow path 60c. When the four-way valve V20 connects the heat medium flow paths 60a and 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70.

[0050] <HVAC unit> The heater core 21 of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the cooler core 31 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 are housed in a case 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The case 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and also forms an air flow passage 120 inside.

[0051] The HVAC unit 100 also has an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 closes either an outside air intake port that introduces outside air into the vehicle cabin or an inside air intake port that introduces inside air into the vehicle cabin, thereby switching the air introduced into the case 110 between outside air (outside air intake) and inside air (inside air circulation). The HVAC unit 100 also has a blower 140 installed adjacent to the intake unit 130 so that the air introduced into the case 110 is supplied to the air flow passage 120.

[0052] A cooler core 31 is installed at the upstream side of the air flow passage 120. A heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel at the downstream side of the air flow passage 120. The heater core 21 is provided in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the heater core passage 121, the air is ventilated through the cooler core 31 and then ventilated to the heater core 21. On the other hand, when air introduced into the case 110 is guided to the bypass passage 122, the air is ventilated through the cooler core 31 and then bypasses the heater core 21. The ratio of air passing through the heater core passage 121 and air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by an air mix damper 150.

[0053] [System Operation] A specific operation of the heat management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] <Cooling operation> The operation of the heat management system 1 when performing cooling operation will be described.

[0055] The low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, through which the heat medium that is heat exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is set as follows: The flow path switching device 70 separates the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 from the motor temperature control circuit 50 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60.

[0056] The flow path switching device 70 also connects the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40. The circulation pump P30 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 operates, and the circulation pump P40 of the battery temperature control circuit 40 operates.

[0057] When the cooling operation is performed, the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is set to the full open position.

[0058] When the flow control valve V40 is fully open, the flow resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, is smaller than the flow resistance of the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which form the first connection parts. Therefore, the circulation pump P40 draws in the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, and which have lower flow resistance than the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which form the first connection parts. Therefore, the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is hardly drawn into the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which form the first connection parts. As a result, when the flow control valve V40 is fully open, the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 hardly flows into the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit.

[0059] Furthermore, when the flow control valve V40 is fully open, the flow path resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circuit, is smaller than the flow path resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h, which form the second connection parts, and the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i, which form the second connection parts. Therefore, when the flow control valve V40 is fully open, the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circuit, does not flow into the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h, which form the second connection parts, or the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i, which form the second connection parts. As a result, when the flow control valve V40 is fully open, the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circuit, does not flow upstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0060] As described above, when the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is fully open, the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, via the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which are the first connection parts. Therefore, all of the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit. In other words, the ratio of the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flowing to the cooler core 31 and the battery 41 is 100:0.

[0061] Furthermore, the heat medium does not flow from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that form the second circulation circuit to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h that form the second connection parts or to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i that form the second connection parts. Therefore, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that form the second circulation circuit without flowing in or out.

[0062] That is, when the cooling operation is performed, a path in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which is the first circulation circuit, and a path in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which is the second circulation circuit, are formed independently.

[0063] As a result, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, and the heat medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the cooler core 31, and the vehicle interior is cooled by the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. At this time, the air mix damper 150 closes the heater core passage 121, so that the air cooled by the cooler core 31 passes through the bypass passage 122, and the vehicle interior is cooled.

[0064] The four-way valve V20 connects the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 work together to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium. As a result, the exhaust heat from the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is dissipated to the outside air via the radiator 61. The refrigerant circuit 10 is then operated by the heat medium dissipated to the outside air by the radiator 61, and the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin is operated in cooling mode. The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 work together to form a circulation path for circulating the heat medium.

[0065] <Battery cooling operation> Next, we will explain the operation of the thermal management system 1 when the vehicle cabin is not air-conditioned but the battery 41 is cooled when there is a request to cool the battery 41. Note that the connection states of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are the same as those during air-conditioning operation, and therefore will not be described here.

[0066] When the cooling operation of the battery 41 is performed without performing the cooling operation of the vehicle compartment, the circulation pump P30 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 stops operating and the circulation pump P40 of the battery temperature control circuit 40 operates.

[0067] When the cooling operation of the battery 41 is performed without performing the cooling operation of the vehicle compartment, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is set to the fully closed position.

[0068] When the flow rate regulating valve V40 is fully closed, the heat medium does not pass through the flow rate regulating valve V40, and therefore the circulation pump P40 does not suck in the heat medium passing through the flow rate regulating valve V40. Therefore, the circulation pump P40 sucks the heat medium from the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which are the first connections and have lower flow path resistance than the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit. As a result, when the flow rate regulating valve V40 is fully closed, the heat medium that has exchanged heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c.

[0069] Furthermore, when the flow rate regulating valve V40 is fully closed, the heat medium does not pass through the flow rate regulating valve V40. Therefore, the heat medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P40, and flows into the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h, which are the second connection parts and have lower flow path resistance than the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit. Note that the operation of the circulation pump P30 is stopped, and there is no suction from the circulation pump P30, so the heat medium does not flow into the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i, which are the second connection parts. As a result, when the flow rate regulating valve V40 is fully closed, the heat medium in the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, flows upstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0070] As a result, when the flow rate regulating valve V40 is fully closed, the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows entirely to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, via the heat medium flow paths 30f, 40d, which are the first connecting parts. That is, the ratio of the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flowing to the cooler core 31 and the battery 41 is 0:100.

[0071] Furthermore, the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30h, which are the second connection portions.

[0072] That is, a path is formed in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30f, 40d, 40c, 40a, 40e, 30g, 30h, and 30e. As a result, the heat medium circulates through the path in which the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30f, 40d, 40c, 40a, 40e, 30g, 30h, and 30e, and thereby the heat medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the battery 41, and the battery 41 is cooled by the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0073] <Cooling operation and battery cooling operation> Next, we will explain the operation of the thermal management system 1 when the vehicle cabin air-conditioning operation and the battery 41 cooling operation are performed simultaneously when there is a request to cool the battery 41. Note that the connection states of the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are the same as those during air-conditioning operation, so explanations will be omitted.

[0074] When the cooling operation of the vehicle interior and the cooling operation of the battery 41 are performed at the same time, the circulation pump P30 of the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 is operated, and the circulation pump P40 of the battery temperature control circuit 40 is also operated. In this embodiment, the suction forces of the circulation pumps P30 and P40 are set so that the suction force of the circulation pump P30 is stronger than that of the circulation pump P40.

[0075] When the cooling operation of the vehicle interior and the cooling operation of the battery 41 are performed at the same time, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is set between fully open and fully closed in accordance with the temperature of the battery 41. In this case, in this embodiment, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is set by gradually decreasing the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 from fully open.

[0076] When the aperture of the flow control valve V40 is reduced from fully open, the flow resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, increases, and the heat medium passing through the flow control valve V40 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the amount of heat medium suctioned by the circulation pump P40. However, because the suction rate of the circulation pump P40 is constant, the circulation pump P40 draws an amount of heat medium equivalent to the reduced suction rate from the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d, which form the first connections. As a result, when the aperture of the flow control valve V40 is reduced, of the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, an amount corresponding to the aperture of the flow control valve V40 flows through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit.

[0077] Furthermore, when the aperture of the flow control valve V40 is reduced, the flow resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, increases, and the amount of heat medium passing through the flow control valve V40 decreases. Therefore, the remaining heat medium that does not pass through the flow control valve V40 flows into the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i, which form the second connection part, by suction from the circulation pump P30. As a result, when the aperture of the flow control valve V40 is reduced, of the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which form the second circulation circuit, an amount of heat medium corresponding to the aperture of the flow control valve V40 flows upstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0078] As described above, when the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is reduced, the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, and also flows through the heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit. In other words, the ratio of the heat medium undergoing heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 that flows to the cooler core 31 and the battery 41 depends on the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40.

[0079] Furthermore, while the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that form the second circulation circuit, the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that form the second circulation circuit to the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, and 30i that form the second connection portion.

[0080] That is, when the air conditioning operation in the vehicle cabin and the cooling operation of the battery 41 are performed at the same time, a path in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which is the first circulation circuit, a path in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30f, 40d, 40c, 40a, 40e, 30g, 30i, 30d, and 30e, and a path in which the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which is the second circulation circuit, are formed.

[0081] As a result, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, and the heat medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the cooler core 31, and the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 cools the vehicle interior.

[0082] On the other hand, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, and the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30f, 40d, 40c, 40a, 40e, 30g, 30i, 30d, and 30e, so that the heat medium circulates between the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the battery 41, and the battery 41 is cooled by the heat medium that is a mixture of the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and the heat medium that has been warmed by the exhaust heat of the battery 41.

[0083] When the cooling operation of the vehicle interior and the cooling operation of the battery 41 are performed at the same time, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40 is set to an opening degree corresponding to the target temperature of the battery 41 included in the cooling request of the battery 41. The lower the target temperature of the battery 41, the smaller the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve V40.

[0084] Therefore, as the target temperature of the battery 41 decreases, the opening of the flow control valve V40 decreases and the flow path resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, increases, and therefore the amount of heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flowing into the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, increases. As a result, the proportion of heat medium that has been warmed by the exhaust heat of the battery 41 decreases, and the proportion of heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 increases. This decreases the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the battery 41, and therefore the cooling temperature of the battery 41 can be reduced.

[0085] On the other hand, as the target temperature of the battery 41 increases, the opening degree of the flow control valve V40 increases and the flow path resistance of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, decreases, and the amount of the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flowing into the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, decreases. As a result, the proportion of the heat medium that has been warmed by the exhaust heat of the battery 41 increases in the heat medium flowing through the battery 41, and the proportion of the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 decreases. This increases the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the battery 41, and the cooling temperature of the battery 41 can be increased. In this case, the amount of the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 that flows into the cooler core 31 can be increased, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow resistance of the heat medium in the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, can be adjusted by adjusting the aperture of the flow control valve V40. As a result, by adjusting the aperture of the flow control valve V40, it is possible to control the flow of the heat medium in and out of the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit.

[0087] By adjusting the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve V40, it is possible to improve the accuracy of temperature control of the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, and therefore it is possible to easily control the temperature of the battery 41 according to demand.

[0088] Furthermore, by circulating the heat medium through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c which are the second circulation circuit in accordance with the opening degree of the flow control valve V40 and allowing the heat medium to flow in and out of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c which are the second circulation circuit in accordance with the opening degree of the flow control valve V40, it is not necessary for all of the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c which are the second circulation circuit to flow in from the heat medium flow paths 30f, 40d which are the first connection parts. This makes it possible to suppress increases or decreases in the amount of heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e which are the first circulation circuit and flowing into the cooler core 31, and thereby suppressing the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the discharge temperature during cooling operation.

[0089] In addition, when there is a request to cool the battery 41, the opening of the flow control valve V40 is reduced, so that the temperature of the heat medium can be precisely controlled simply by controlling the opening of the flow control valve V40, which adjusts the opening of the flow control valve V40 for the heat medium branched at the branch section a1.

[0090] In this embodiment, the branching ratio of the heat medium at the branching portion a1 is changed by the suction of the circulation pump P40, and the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is circulated in either the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e or the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, or in both the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, depending on the operation mode. As explained above, a circuit switching valve (for example, a three-way valve) may be provided at the branching portion a1, and by controlling the opening and closing of the circuit switching valve, it is possible to select, depending on the operation mode, whether the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is circulated through either the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e or the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, or whether the heat medium is circulated through both the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c. This makes it possible to reliably switch the path through which the heat medium flows depending on the operation mode.

[0091] [Effects of this embodiment] (1) Heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are a first circulation circuit in which a heat medium that has exchanged heat in a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 serving as an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit 10 flows through a cooler core 31 where the heat medium exchanges heat with air supplied into the vehicle cabin; heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that are second circulation circuits through which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with a battery 41 as a temperature control target device; heat medium flow paths 30f and 40d which are first connection parts through which the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e which are the first circulation circuit downstream of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 and upstream of the cooler core 31 to the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c which are the second circulation circuit; a heat medium flow path 40e, 30g, 30h or a heat medium flow path 40e, 30g, 30i which is a second connection part through which the heat medium flows from the heat medium flow path 40a, 40b, 40c downstream of the battery 41 which is the second circulation circuit to the heat medium flow path 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e which is the first circulation circuit; a circulation pump P40 that circulates the heat medium in the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c that form the second circulation circuit; A thermal management system 1 comprising: a flow control valve V40 for controlling the flow of the heat medium through the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e, which are the first circulation circuit, and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are the second circulation circuit; The circulation pump P40 is disposed in a heat medium circulation path of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit, downstream of a junction b3 where the heat medium flow paths 30f, 40d that are the first connection parts join the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit, and upstream of a branch part a3 where the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit branch off into the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30h that are the second connection parts or the heat medium flow paths 40e, 30g, 30i that are the second connection parts; The flow rate adjustment valve V40 is arranged in the heat medium circulation path of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, which is the second circulation circuit, on the path upstream of the junction b3 and downstream of the branching point a3. Therefore, by adjusting the opening of the flow control valve V40, the accuracy of temperature control of the heat medium circulating through the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c, which are the second circulation circuit, can be improved, making it easier to control the temperature of the battery 41 according to demand.

[0092] Furthermore, by circulating the heat medium in the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit according to the opening degree of the flow control valve V40 and allowing the heat medium to flow in and out of the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit according to the opening degree of the flow control valve V40, it is not necessary for all of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c that are the second circulation circuit to flow in from the first connection part. This makes it possible to suppress increases or decreases in the amount of heat medium circulating in the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e that are the first circulation circuit and flowing into the cooler core 31, and thereby suppressing the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the discharge temperature during cooling operation.

[0093] (2) A circuit switching valve is provided at the branching portion a1 between the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e forming the first circulation circuit and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c forming the second circulation circuit, depending on the operation mode. The circuit switching valve selects whether the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is circulated through either the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e forming the first circulation circuit or the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c forming the second circulation circuit, or whether the heat medium is circulated through both the heat medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e forming the first circulation circuit and the heat medium flow paths 40a, 40b, 40c forming the second circulation circuit. Therefore, the path through which the heat medium flows can be reliably switched depending on the operation mode.

[0094] (3) In response to a cooling request from the battery 41, the opening of the flow rate adjusting valve V40 is reduced. Therefore, the temperature of the heat medium branched at the branching portion a1 can be precisely controlled by simply controlling the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve V40.

[0095] The present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: Thermal management system 10: Refrigerant circuit 14: Low temperature side heat exchanger 31: Cool Core P40: Circulation pump V40: Flow control valve

Claims

1. a first circulation circuit in which the heat medium that has exchanged heat in an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit flows through a cooler core that exchanges heat with air supplied into the vehicle cabin; a second circulation circuit through which a heat medium circulates to exchange heat with the temperature control target device; a first connection portion through which the heat medium flows from a downstream side of the evaporator and an upstream side of the cooler core of the first circulation circuit to the second circulation circuit; a second connection portion through which the heat medium flows from a downstream side of the temperature control target device of the second circulation circuit to the first circulation circuit; a circulation pump that circulates the heat medium in the second circulation circuit; A thermal management system comprising: a flow rate regulating valve for controlling the flow of the heat medium in and out of the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit, the circulation pump is disposed in a circulation path of the heat medium in the second circulation circuit, the path being downstream of a junction where the first connection part joins the second circulation circuit and upstream of a branch part where the second circulation circuit branches off from the second connection part, The flow rate adjustment valve is disposed in a path upstream of the junction and downstream of the branching portion of the heat medium circulation path of the second circulation circuit. A thermal management system comprising:

2. A circuit switching valve is provided at a connection point between the first circulation circuit and the first connection part, and selects whether the heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the evaporator is circulated in either the first circulation circuit or the second circulation circuit, or whether the heat medium is circulated in both the first circulation circuit and the second circulation circuit, depending on an operation mode. The thermal management system of claim 1 .

3. The opening of the flow rate control valve is reduced in response to a cooling request from the temperature control target device.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2.

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