Cooling system and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a cooling system for coolant that can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core of a radiator. [Solution] The cooling water cooling system comprises a radiator having a core section that virtually divides a region along the flow direction of the cooling water, a fan section, a shutter section, a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the cooling water, and a control unit capable of independently controlling the first fan and the second fan of the fan section, as well as the first shutter and the second shutter of the shutter section. The control unit can switch between a first mode in which the first shutter is opened and the first fan is rotated when the detected temperature is within a first temperature range, and a second mode in which the first and second fans are rotated with the first and second shutters open when the detected temperature is within a second temperature range.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling system and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling device for cooling water, which arranges a plurality of fans on the rear side of a radiator, rotates the plurality of fans simultaneously, and forcibly cools an appropriately wide area of the core part (radiator core) of the radiator to cool the cooling water (coolant).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using a cooling system that rotates a plurality of fans at the same rotation speed simultaneously, a rotation speed difference or a wind speed difference may occur between the fans. When such fans are arranged along the flow direction of the cooling water to the core part on the rear side of the core part of the radiator, and a rotation difference or a wind speed difference occurs during the rotation of these fans, air tends to flow from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side. In this case, the forced cooling air flow passing through the core part due to the rotation of the plurality of fans may be inhibited, and the cooling efficiency of the cooling water in the cooling device may decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for cooling water that can improve the cooling efficiency of the cooling water flowing through the core part of the radiator, and a vehicle having the cooling system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A cooling water cooling system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a radiator having a core portion that allows air to pass from the front to the back, and which virtually divides the region along the flow direction of the cooling water, with the side closer to the upstream side which serves as the inlet for the cooling water that has passed through a heat source being designated as a first region, and the side closer to the downstream side which serves as the outlet for the cooling water being designated as a second region, and having a core portion that allows air to pass from the front to the back; a fan portion having a first fan facing the first region and a second fan facing the second region on the back side of the core portion; a first shutter facing the first region and which can be opened and closed relative to the first region; and a second shutter facing the second region and which can be opened and closed relative to the second region. The device comprises a shutter section having a shutter on the front side, the rear side of the core section, or the rear side of the fan section; a fan shroud separating the first fan and the second fan on the rear side of the core section; a first temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the cooling water as a first detected temperature at a predetermined position on the outlet side of the cooling water; and a control unit capable of independently controlling the first fan and the second fan of the fan section, respectively, based on the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, and also capable of independently controlling the first shutter and the second shutter of the shutter section. The control unit can switch between a first mode in which, when the first detected temperature is within a first temperature range, the first shutter is opened, the second shutter is closed, the first fan is rotated, and the rotation of the second fan is stopped; and a second mode in which, when the first detected temperature is within a second temperature range exceeding the first temperature, the first shutter and the second shutter are open, and the first fan and the second fan are rotated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooling device for coolant that can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core of a radiator, and a vehicle having the cooling device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]A schematic diagram showing a portion of the front section of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the cooling system as viewed from the direction along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic block diagram relating to the cooling of the heat source of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart relating to the cooling process of cooling water using the cooling device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic block diagram relating to the cooling of a vehicle's heat source according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the cooling process of cooling water using the cooling device shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing a portion of the front section of a vehicle according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing a portion of the front section of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing a portion of the front section of a vehicle according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing a portion of the front section of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A vehicle 10, which includes a cooling system 22 for cooling the cooling water (coolant) that has passed through the heat source 12, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) A vehicle 10 including a cooling system 22 for coolant (cooling fluid) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a part of the front portion of the vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the cooling device 14 as viewed in the direction along line II-II in FIG. 1. The cooling device 14 in FIG. 1 is shown as a cross-sectional view along line I-I in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a device for cooling the heat source 12 of the vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The front-rear and up-down directions of the vehicle 10 are taken as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 has a grill 10a on the front (front) side. The grill 10a is provided on, for example, the body of the vehicle 10 and is used as an intake port for air F into the body when the vehicle 10 is running.

[0013] The vehicle 10 includes a heat source 12, a cooling device 14 for cooling the cooling water that has passed through the heat source 12, flow paths 16a and 16b for circulating the cooling water to a radiator 32 described later of the heat source 12 and the cooling device 14, a temperature sensor 18 for measuring the temperature of the cooling water, and a control unit 20. The cooling device 14, the flow paths 16a and 16b, the temperature sensor 18, and the control unit 20 are used as a cooling system 22 for cooling the cooling water that passes through the heat source 12.

[0014] An example of the heat source 12 is an engine as a power source, a motor as a power source, a battery for supplying electric power to drive the motor, and the like. In the vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment, although the heat source 12 is described as a battery, it may be an engine, a motor, or the like. Examples of the vehicle 10 are so-called engine vehicles, EV vehicles, HEV vehicles, PHEV vehicles, FCEV vehicles, and the like.

[0015] The cooling device 14 is provided behind the grill 10a of the vehicle 10 at a position where the vehicle speed wind (wind during running) is applied through the grill 10a when the vehicle 10 is running.

[0016] The cooling device 14 includes a radiator 32, a shutter portion 34, a fan portion 36, and a fan shroud (fan guide) 38.

[0017] In addition, in FIG. 1, an example in which a capacitor 40 is provided on the front side of the radiator 32 is shown. The capacitor 40 communicates in the front-rear direction at multiple locations and can direct the vehicle speed wind (wind during driving) onto the radiator 32. The capacitor 40 may be arranged not on the front side of the radiator 32 but above, below, to the left, or to the right of the radiator 32.

[0018] The radiator 32 is a heat exchanger that cools the cooling water that has passed through the heat source 12 using the air (outside air) F supplied through the grill 10a of the vehicle 10. It is assumed that the radiator 32 according to this embodiment is a vertical flow type radiator in which the cooling water flows from top to bottom. The flow path 16a is connected to the outlet of the cooling water of the heat source 12 and is also connected to the inlet of the cooling water of the radiator 32. Further, the flow path 16b is connected to the inlet of the cooling water of the heat source 12 and is also connected to the outlet of the cooling water of the radiator 32. For this reason, the cooling water flowing in the upstream flow path 16a when viewed from the radiator 32 is at a higher temperature than the cooling water flowing in the downstream flow path 16b.

[0019] The radiator 32 includes an upper tank 52, a lower tank 54, and a core portion 56 between the upper tank 52 and the lower tank 54.

[0020] The upper tank 52 is provided at the inlet of the cooling water to the radiator 32, that is, at the connection portion of the flow path 16a with the radiator 32. The lower tank 54 is provided at the outlet of the cooling water from the radiator 32, that is, at the connection portion of the flow path 16b with the radiator 32.

[0021] The core section 56 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The core section 56 allows air (outside air) F supplied through the grill 10a to pass from the front to the back, and cools the cooling water flowing from the upstream side of the core section 56 as hot water that has passed through the heat source 12 and reached the temperature required for cooling, gradually cooling it as it moves downstream through heat exchange. In this embodiment, the upper side of the core section 56, which is closer to the upper tank 52 (the side closer to the upstream side along the direction of cooling water flow), is virtually designated as the first region (hereinafter mainly referred to as the upper section) 56a, the side below it is virtually designated as the second region (hereinafter mainly referred to as the middle section) 56b, and the lower side, which is closer to the lower tank 54 (the side closer to the downstream side along the direction of cooling water flow), is virtually designated as the third region (hereinafter mainly referred to as the lower section) 56c. Note that the upper section 56a and the middle section 56b, and the middle section 56b and the lower section 56c of the core section 56 are not separated but are continuous. Thus, in this embodiment, the core portion 56 is virtually divided into three sections: an upper section 56a, a middle section 56b, and a lower section 56c, along the direction of the cooling water flow. The upper section 56a, middle section 56b, and lower section 56c of the core portion 56 are each formed in a rectangular shape of, for example, the same size on the front and rear surfaces of the core portion 56.

[0022] The shutter section 34 is provided on the front side of the radiator 32 and the front side of the condenser 40. The shutter section 34 can allow / block the flow of air F to the radiator 32 that is taken in through the grille 10a. The shutter section 34 has a first shutter 62a facing the upper section 56a of the core section 56, a second shutter 62b facing the middle section 56b of the core section 56, and a third shutter 62c facing the lower section 56c of the core section 56.

[0023] Each shutter 62a, 62b, 62c is composed of, for example, one or more movable bodies 63 extending in the left-right direction. An example of a movable body 63 is a rectangular plate. Each plate 63 is defined by its long side, short side, and height (thickness). The long side is larger than the short side. The short side is larger than the height (thickness). The plate 63 is supported at its left-right ends and can be opened and closed by rotation. The left-right length of each plate 63 is set so that it can cover the front surface of the core 56 in the left-right direction.

[0024] The first shutter 62a, the second shutter 62b, and the third shutter 62c can each be opened and closed independently. On the other hand, the three plates 63 of the first shutter 62a can be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. Similarly, the three plates 63 of the second shutter 62b and the third shutter 62c can each be opened and closed in conjunction with each other. In Figures 1 and 2, the first shutter 62a is in the open state, while the second shutter 62b and the third shutter 62c are in the closed state.

[0025] The gaps between adjacent closed shutters 62a and 62b, and between adjacent closed shutters 62b and 62c, are preferably made small in order to prevent or suppress the passage of air F. Parts of the gaps between adjacent closed shutters 62a and 62b, and between adjacent closed shutters 62b and 62c, may overlap, resulting in zero gaps.

[0026] The shutter unit 34 includes a first shutter drive source 64a for opening and closing the first shutter 62a, a second shutter drive source 64b for opening and closing the second shutter 62b, and a third shutter drive source 64c for opening and closing the third shutter 62c. These shutter drive sources 64a, 64b, and 64c are, for example, motors or solenoids, and are driven using power from, for example, the battery 12.

[0027] The fan unit 36 ​​is provided on the rear side of the core unit 56. The fan unit 36 ​​is provided to provide forced ventilation from the front side to the rear side of the core unit 56. The fan unit 36 ​​has a first fan 72a facing the upper section 56a of the core unit 56, a second fan 72b facing the middle section 56b of the core unit 56, and a third fan 72c facing the lower section 56c of the core unit 56. It is preferable that the same fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are used. In this embodiment, two fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are arranged side by side, facing each section 56a, 56b, and 56c.

[0028] The fan unit 36 ​​includes a first fan drive source 74a for rotating the first fan 72a, a second fan drive source 74b for rotating the second fan 72b, and a third fan drive source 74c for rotating the third fan 72c. These fan drive sources 74a, 74b, and 74c are, for example, motors and are driven, for example, by power from the battery 12.

[0029] These first fan 72a, second fan 72b, and third fan 72c can be controlled to rotate and stop independently. The first fans 72a can operate at the same rotational speed. Similarly, the second fans 72b and the third fans 72c can operate at the same rotational speed.

[0030] The fan shroud 38 covers the entire rear side of the core section 56 and also covers the area outside each of the fans 72a, 72b, and 72c. In addition, the fan shroud 38 partitions the space between the upper section 56a and the middle section 56b, and between the middle section 56b and the lower section 56b, respectively, on the rear side of the core section 56, thereby preventing or blocking the airflow between the upper section 56a and the middle section 56b, and between the middle section 56b and the lower section 56b on the rear side of the core section 56.

[0031] In this embodiment, the fan shroud 38 has annular portions 82a1 that surround the outer circumference of each of the two first fans 72a, and a cylindrical first cylindrical portion 82a that extends to the outer edge of the back surface of the upper section 56a of the core section 56 or in its vicinity. Similarly, the fan shroud 38 has annular portions 82b1 that surround the outer circumference of each of the two second fans 72b, and a cylindrical second cylindrical portion 82b that extends to the outer edge of the back surface of the middle section 56b of the core section 56 or in its vicinity, and annular portions 82c1 that surround the outer circumference of each of the two third fans 72c, and a cylindrical third cylindrical portion 82c that extends to the outer edge of the back surface of the lower section 56c of the core section 56 or in its vicinity. Each cylindrical section 82a, 82b, and 82c has two fans 72a, 72b, and 72c, each surrounded by annular sections 82a1, 82b1, and 82c1, arranged on the left and right sides. These three cylindrical sections 82a, 82b, and 82c are, for example, integrated into a single unit.

[0032] The cylindrical portions 82a, 82b, and 82c of the fan shroud 38 have end faces 83 that abut against or are close to the back surface of the core portion 56. The fan shroud 38 blocks or prevents the airflow between the cylindrical portions 82a and 82b, and between the cylindrical portions 82b and 82c, via the end faces 83, on the back surface of the core portion 56, regardless of whether the fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are rotating or not.

[0033] The left-right spacing between each of the fans 72a, 72b, and 72c is, for example, the same. The first set of fans 72a is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the rear side of the upper section 56a of the core section 56. The second set of fans 72b is positioned to the left on the rear side of the middle section 56b of the core section 56. The third set of fans 72c is positioned to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the rear side of the lower section 56c of the core section 56. The rightmost of the second set of fans 72b is positioned below the set of first fans 72a and above the set of third fans 72c. As a result, the cooling device 14 can use fans 72a, 72b, and 72c with larger outer diameters without interference between fans 72a, 72b and fans 72b, 72c. Therefore, by arranging the central axes of fans 72a, 72b, and 72c in a zigzag pattern as shown in Figure 2, it is possible to use fans 72a, 72b, and 72c with larger outer diameters than simply arranging them in a straight line vertically.

[0034] The temperature sensor 18 is controlled by the control unit 20 and can detect the temperature of the coolant as a first detection temperature at a predetermined position on the coolant outlet side of the radiator 32.

[0035] The control unit 20 is preferably formed as one or more in-vehicle ECUs (Electric Control Units). The control unit 20 is composed of a computer or the like and includes a processor (processing unit) and a storage medium. The control unit 20 performs appropriate processing based on the flow described later by executing a program stored in the storage medium or the like. The program executed by the control unit 20 may also be stored on a computer (server) connected to the control unit 20 via a network such as the Internet, or on a server in a cloud environment. In this case, the control unit 20 downloads the program via the network and executes processing according to the program.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the cooling process of the cooling water using the cooling system 22 according to the first embodiment. The cooling process of the cooling water using the cooling system 22 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 4.

[0037] The first shutter 62a may be open at all times, but here we assume that the first shutter 62a is closed when the vehicle 10 is parked.

[0038] Before the start of the cooling process for the coolant, the vehicle 10 is parked, the circulation of coolant to the radiator 32, heat source 12, and passages 16a and 16b is stopped, the shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c are closed, and the fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are stopped rotating.

[0039] For example, when the vehicle 10 is switched from a parked state to a drivable state (including a stopped state), coolant is circulated through the radiator 32, heat source 12, and flow paths 16a and 16b by a pump (not shown), and the control unit 20 starts the cooling process of the coolant using the radiator 32. The cooling process of the coolant using the radiator 32 by the control unit 20 is repeated until the vehicle 10 is switched from a drivable state to a parked state, or until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 falls below a predetermined temperature after the vehicle 10 has been switched to a parked state. The predetermined temperature here is temperature T0, which is lower than the temperature T1a of 1a described later.

[0040] As described above, when the vehicle 10 is switched from a parked state to a drivable state, the control unit 20 controls the temperature sensor 18 to measure (detect) the temperature near the outlet of the coolant in the radiator 32 (step S1).

[0041] The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 18 (detected temperature) is less than or equal to the temperature T1a of the first a (step S21). If it is less than or equal to the temperature T1a of the first a (step S21-Yes), the control unit 20 uses power from the battery 12 to control the shutter drive sources 64a, 64b, and 64c to open the first shutter 62a and keep the second shutter 62b and the third shutter 62c closed. The control unit 20 also uses power from the battery 12 to control the fan drive sources 74a, 74b, and 74c to rotate the first fan 72a. The control unit 20 maintains the state in which the rotation of the second fan 72b and the third fan 72c is stopped (step S31). This mode is referred to as the first mode.

[0042] In the first mode, the rotation of the first fan 72a inside the first cylindrical section 82a draws air F into the vehicle 10 through the grille 10a. The air F drawn into the vehicle 10 undergoes heat exchange as it passes through the first shutter 62a and the upper section 56a of the core section 56, becoming hotter than when it passed through the grille 10a, before passing through the first cylindrical section 82a and being discharged behind the first cylindrical section 82a. As a result, the air on the back side of the core section 56, that is, the air on the back side of the core section 56 that has passed through the first cylindrical section 82a, is hotter and higher in pressure than the air between the grille 10a and the core section 56. In other words, the air between the grille 10a and the core section 56 is colder and lower in pressure than the air on the back side of the core section 56.

[0043] Here, assuming that all shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c are open, the temperature difference between the upstream cooling water passing through the heat source 12 and the upper 56a of the core 56 and the air passing through the upper 56a of the core 56 is greater than the temperature difference between the downstream cooling water passing through the lower 56c of the core 56 and the air passing through the lower 56c of the core 56. Therefore, in the first mode, when the shutters 62b and 62c of the core section 56 are closed, and the shutter 62a opposite the upper section 56a is opened to rotate the fan 72a, and the air F introduced into the vehicle 10 through the grille 10a is directed onto the upper section 56a of the core section 56, for example, the effect of lowering the temperature of the coolant is greater than when the shutters 62a are closed and the rotation of the fan 72a is stopped, and the shutters 62b and 62c are opened and the fans 72b and 72c are rotated, and the air F introduced into the vehicle 10 through the grille 10a is directed onto the middle section 56b or lower section 56c of the core section 56.

[0044] Therefore, as in the first mode, by opening the shutter 62a facing the upper stage 56a further upstream along the flow direction of the cooling water in the core 56 and actively rotating the fan 72a facing the upper stage 56a to direct air F onto the upper stage 56a, the cooling effect (heat dissipation effect) of the cooling water can be further enhanced. In addition, when the control unit 20 controls the cooling device 14 as in the first mode, there is no need to operate the fans 72b and 72c, which increases the power efficiency of the battery 12, that is, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the battery 12.

[0045] Generally, air tends to flow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. In the first mode, the second shutter 62b and the third shutter 62c are closed. However, the fan shroud 38 partitions the space between the upper section 56a and the middle section 56b on the rear side of the core section 56, and between the middle section 56b and the lower section 56c, preventing airflow between the first cylindrical section 82a and the second cylindrical section 82b, and between the second cylindrical section 82b and the third cylindrical section 82c on the rear side of the core section 56. As a result, the cooling device 14 can suppress airflow that obstructs the flow of air F taken in from the grille 10a, such as air flowing from the second cylindrical section 82b to the first cylindrical section 82a, and air flowing from the third cylindrical section 82c to the second cylindrical section 82b on the rear side of the core section 56. Therefore, when only the shutter 62a facing the upper stage 56a further upstream of the core section 56 is opened and only the fan 72a is rotated, the cooling efficiency of the cooling water can be improved.

[0046] Therefore, when the cooling system 22 performs cooling in the first mode, it can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core 56 of the radiator 32.

[0047] Then, as a result of processing the first mode in step S31, the control unit 20 performs the processing in step S1 again while rotating the first fan 72a at an appropriate rotation speed with the first shutter 62a open.

[0048] For example, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 18 is not less than or equal to the temperature T1a of the first a (step S21-No), the control unit 20 determines whether the measured temperature is less than or equal to the temperature T2a of the second a (step S22). Note that the relationship is that the temperature T2a of the second a > the temperature T1a of the first a. If the temperature is less than or equal to the temperature T2a of the second a (step S22-Yes), the control unit 20 uses power from the battery 12 to control the shutter drive sources 64a, 64b, and 64c, opening the second shutter 62b while keeping the first shutter 62a open, and keeping the third shutter 62c closed. The control unit 20 also uses power from the battery 12 to control the fan drive sources 74a, 74b, and 74c, rotating the second fan 72b while keeping the first fan 72a rotating. The control unit 20 maintains the state in which the rotation of the third fan 72c has stopped (step S32). Furthermore, the rotational speed of the first fan 72a and the rotational speed of the second fan 72b are either the same or approximately the same, or the rotational speed of the second fan 72b is set lower than that of the first fan 72a. This mode is referred to as the second mode.

[0049] As described above, cooling the cooling water upstream of the core 56 is more effective in lowering the temperature of the cooling water than cooling it downstream of the core 56. Therefore, as in the second mode, by opening the shutters 62a and 62b facing the upper 56a and middle 56b further upstream along the direction of the cooling water flow in the core 56, and actively rotating the fans 72a and 72b facing the upper 56a and middle 56b so that air F is directed onto the upper 56a and middle 56b, the cooling effect of the cooling water can be further enhanced. For this reason, by controlling the cooling device 14 as in the second mode, the control unit 20 does not need to operate the fan 72c, and the power consumption of the battery 12 can be increased.

[0050] Furthermore, in the second mode, the fan shroud 38 prevents airflow not only between the first cylindrical portion 82a and the second cylindrical portion 82b at the rear of the core portion 56, but also between the second cylindrical portion 82b and the third cylindrical portion 82c. As a result, the cooling device 14 can suppress airflow that obstructs the flow of air F taken in from the grille 10a, such as air flowing from the second cylindrical portion 82b to the first cylindrical portion 82a and air flowing from the third cylindrical portion 82c to the second cylindrical portion 82b at the rear of the core portion 56. Consequently, the cooling efficiency of the cooling water can be improved when only the shutters 62a and 62b facing the upper 56a and middle 56b further upstream of the core portion 56 are opened, and only the fans 72a and 72b are rotated.

[0051] For example, by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 72a on the upper stage 56a side, which is closer to the upstream side when viewed from the radiator 32, the temperature of the coolant can be efficiently lowered, and the coolant can be delivered to the middle stage 56b and lower stage 56c. On the other hand, if there is a difference in air velocity in the air passing through the core section 56, the air will flow from the area of ​​higher pressure to the area of ​​lower pressure. In this case, some of the air will obstruct the airflow from the front side to the back side of the core section 56, which may reduce the cooling efficiency. In this embodiment, the fan shroud 38 prevents airflow between the first cylindrical section 82a and the second cylindrical section 82b at the back of the core section 56. Therefore, even if there is a difference in rotation speed between the first fan 72a and the second fan 72b, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of air flowing from the area of ​​higher pressure to the area of ​​lower pressure, which reduces the cooling efficiency. Therefore, by using a fan shroud 38 in this embodiment that partitions the space between the upper 56a and middle 56b on the back of the core 56, and between the middle 56b and the lower 56c, and prevents airflow between the first cylindrical portion 82a and the second cylindrical portion 82b, and between the second cylindrical portion 82b and the third cylindrical portion 82c, the cooling efficiency of the cooling water can be improved even if there is a difference in the rotational speed between the fans 72a and 72b, or if a difference in air velocity occurs due to individual differences in the fans 72a and 72b themselves.

[0052] Therefore, when the cooling system 22 performs cooling in the second mode, it can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core 56 of the radiator 32.

[0053] Then, in the processing of the second mode in step S32, the control unit 20 performs the processing of step S1 again while rotating the first fan 72a and the second fan 72b at an appropriate rotation speed with the first shutter 62a and the second shutter 62b open.

[0054] For example, if the temperature of 2a is not below T2a (step S22-No), that is, if it exceeds the temperature of 2a, the control unit 20 uses power from the battery 12 to control the shutter drive sources 64a, 64b, and 64c, and while maintaining the first shutter 62a and the second shutter 62b in an open state, it opens the third shutter 62c. The control unit 20 also uses power from the battery 12 to control the fan drive sources 74a, 74b, and 74c, and while maintaining the first fan 72a and the second fan 72b in a rotating state, it controls the third fan drive source 74c to rotate the third fan 72c (step S33). Furthermore, the rotational speeds of the first fan 72a, the second fan 72b, and the third fan 72c are set to be the same or approximately the same, or the rotational speed of the second fan 72b is set lower than that of the first fan 72a, and the rotational speed of the third fan 72c is set lower than that of the second fan 72b. This mode is referred to as the third mode.

[0055] By opening all shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c and actively rotating the fans 72a, 72b, and 72c facing the upper, middle, and lower 56a, middle, and lower 56c so that air F is directed onto the upper, middle, and lower 56c, the cooling effect of the cooling water can be further enhanced.

[0056] In the third mode, all shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c are open, and all fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are rotating. The fan shroud 38 prevents airflow not only between the first cylindrical section 82a and the second cylindrical section 82b at the back of the core section 56, but also between the second cylindrical section 82b and the third cylindrical section 82c. As a result, the cooling device 14 can suppress airflow that obstructs the airflow F taken in from the grille 10a, such as air flowing from the second cylindrical section 82b to the first cylindrical section 82a and air flowing from the third cylindrical section 82c to the second cylindrical section 82b at the back of the core section 56. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cooling water can be improved when all shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c are open and all fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are rotating.

[0057] Therefore, when the cooling system 22 performs cooling in the third mode, it can improve the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core 56 of the radiator 32.

[0058] Then, in step S33, the processing of the third mode, the control unit 20 opens the first shutter 62a, the second shutter 62b, and the third shutter 62c, and rotates the first fan 72a, the second fan 72b, and the third fan 72c at appropriate rotation speeds, and performs the processing of step S1 again.

[0059] Therefore, the control unit 20 repeats the cooling process of the cooling water, switching between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode based on the temperature of the cooling water detected by the temperature sensor 18, according to the flow shown in Figure 4.

[0060] The control unit 20 repeatedly performs the cooling process of the coolant using the radiator 32 until the vehicle 10 is parked, or after the vehicle 10 is parked, until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 18 falls below a predetermined temperature T0. The control unit 20 then switches the shutter unit 34 and the fan unit 36 ​​to one of the first mode, second mode, or third mode.

[0061] In this way, the cooling system 22 can appropriately cool the coolant while improving energy efficiency compared to opening all shutters 62a, 62b, and 62c and rotating all fans 72a, 72b, and 72b, by, for example, opening only the shutter 62a facing the upper stage 56a further upstream of the core 56 and rotating only the fan 72a, based on the temperature near the outlet of the coolant from the radiator 32. At this time, the end faces 83 of the cylindrical portions 82a, 82b, and 82c of the fan shroud 38 come into contact with or are close to the back surface of the core 56, thereby suppressing the airflow that obstructs the airflow F taken in from the grille 10a at the back surface of the core 56. Therefore, the cooling efficiency can be improved when only the shutter 62a facing the upper stage 56a further upstream of the core 56 is opened and only the fan 72a is rotated.

[0062] When forced cooling is performed using fans 72a, 72b, and 72c, the greater the temperature difference between the cooling water and the air F directed to the core 56, the higher the cooling efficiency (heat dissipation efficiency), and the smaller the temperature difference, the lower the cooling efficiency. Therefore, the closer to the upper stage 56a, the greater the temperature difference between the cooling water and the air F directed to the core 56, and the greater the cooling effect. Also, when using fans 72a, 72b, and 72c, electricity is consumed, so rotating them while maintaining as large a temperature difference as possible between the cooling water and the air F directed to the core 56 results in better energy efficiency. Accordingly, in the cooling system 22 according to this embodiment, by first cooling the upper stage 56a of the core 56, efficient cooling can be achieved, resulting in good cooling efficiency, including energy efficiency.

[0063] Furthermore, in the cooling system 22, if the cooling water temperature does not drop to within the temperature T1a of 1a by cooling only the upper stage 56a, the middle stage 56b is cooled together with the upper stage 56a. If the cooling water temperature does not drop to within the temperature T2a of 2a by cooling only the upper stage 56a and middle stage 56b, the lower stage 56c is cooled together with the upper stage 56a and middle stage 56b. This allows for efficient cooling and improves cooling efficiency, including power consumption.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 72a on the upper stage 56a side, which is closer to the upstream side when viewed from the radiator 32, the temperature of the coolant can be efficiently lowered, and the coolant can be delivered to the middle stage 56b and the lower stage 56c. At this time, a fan shroud 38 is used to partition the space between the upper stage 56a and the middle stage 56b, and between the middle stage 56b and the lower stage 56c on the rear side of the core 56, and to prevent airflow between the first cylindrical part 82a and the second cylindrical part 82b, and between the second cylindrical part 82b and the third cylindrical part 82c on the rear side of the core 56. Therefore, by using the fan shroud 38 according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress airflow that obstructs the flow of air F taken in from the grille 10a, such as air flowing from the second cylindrical part 82b to the first cylindrical part 82a, and air flowing from the third cylindrical part 82c to the second cylindrical part 82b on the rear side of the core 56. Therefore, by using the cooling system 22 according to this embodiment, the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing through the core portion 56 of the radiator 32 can be improved.

[0065] In this embodiment, we can provide a cooling water cooling system 22 that can improve the cooling efficiency of the cooling water flowing through the core portion 56 of the radiator 32, and a vehicle 10 having the cooling system 22.

[0066] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the first fan drive source 74a is driven using power from the battery 12 to rotate the first fan 72a. For example, the first fan 72a may be rotated using the movement of the engine's crankshaft, which is the heat source 12.

[0067] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the core portion 56 of the radiator 32 is virtually divided into three sections: upper section 56a, middle section 56b, and lower section 56c. The core portion 56 of the radiator 32 may be virtually divided into two sections, for example, upper section and lower section, or it may be further subdivided into four or more sections. The number of sections of the shutter section 34, fan section 36, and fan shroud 38 is preferably defined to correspond to the virtual division of the core portion 56.

[0068] In this embodiment, an example was described in which two fans 72a, 72b, and 72c are arranged corresponding to each of the stages 56a, 56b, and 56c. Alternatively, one fan 72a, 72b, or 72c may be arranged corresponding to each of the stages 56a, 56b, and 56c, or three or more fans 72a, 72b, or 72c may be arranged for each stage.

[0069] Figure 1 shows an example where the grille 10a, shutter section 34, radiator 32, and fan section 36 are aligned in a straight line along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 10. However, these grille 10a, shutter section 34, radiator 32, and fan section 36 do not need to be aligned in a straight line as long as they are in line with the airflow F.

[0070] (First variation) A first modified example of the first embodiment will be described using Figures 5 and 6.

[0071] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram relating to an apparatus for cooling the heat source 12 of a vehicle 10 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart relating to the cooling process of the cooling water using the cooling system 22 according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle 10 has a first temperature sensor 18 and a second temperature sensor 18a. The first temperature sensor 18 is the same as the temperature sensor 18 described in the first embodiment. The second temperature sensor 18a can detect the temperature of the coolant as a second detection temperature at a predetermined position on the coolant inlet side to the radiator 32. For example, the second temperature sensor 18a can detect the temperature of the coolant in the upstream flow path 16a. The second temperature sensor 18a is controlled by the control unit 20.

[0073] The cooling process using the radiator 32 will be explained using the flow chart shown in Figure 6. Parts that are the same as those explained using Figure 4 will be omitted as appropriate, and only the differences will be explained.

[0074] If the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 18 is less than or equal to the temperature T1a of 1a (step S21-Yes), the control unit 20 calculates the difference in temperature between the first temperature sensor 18 and the second temperature sensor 18a (step S21a). If this temperature difference is less than or equal to the temperature Tb of 1b, which is within a predetermined temperature range (step S21a-Yes), the control unit 20 performs the process of step S31 (processing of the first mode). If this temperature difference is greater than the temperature Tb of 1b (step S21a-No), the control unit 20 performs the process of step S32 (processing of the second mode).

[0075] If the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 18 is less than or equal to the temperature T2a of 2a (step S22-Yes), the control unit 20 calculates the difference in temperature between the first temperature sensor 18 and the second temperature sensor 18a (step S22a). If this temperature difference is less than or equal to the temperature Tb of 2b, which is within another predetermined temperature range (step S22a-Yes), the control unit 20 performs the process in step S32 (processing of the second mode). If this temperature difference is greater than the temperature Tb of 2b (step S22a-No), the control unit 20 performs the process in step S33 (processing of the third mode).

[0076] When using two temperature sensors 18, 18a, the control unit 20 can control the cooling device 14, for example, in this manner.

[0077] (Modification 2) A second modified example of the first embodiment will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the front section of the vehicle 10.

[0078] The radiator 32 of the cooling device 14 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a so-called vertical flow type (downflow type), and an example in which the cooling water is cooled by flowing the cooling water from the top to the bottom was described.

[0079] The radiator 32 of the cooling device 14 according to this modified example shown in Figure 7 is of the so-called horizontal flow type, and has a structure that cools the cooling water by flowing it, for example, from the right side to the left side.

[0080] In this case, a first side tank is used instead of the upper tank 52 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a second side tank is used instead of the lower tank 54 shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the first side tank 52 is provided on the right side of the core 56, and the second side tank 54 is provided on the left side of the core 56.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the first region (upper section) 56a corresponds to the right-side region of the core section 56 in this embodiment, the second region (middle section) 56b corresponds to the intermediate region, and the third region (lower section) 56c corresponds to the left-side region.

[0082] A cooling water cooling system 22 with this structure is controlled by a control unit 20, similar to the cooling water cooling system 22 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, a description of the cooling process for the cooling water is omitted here.

[0083] (Second Embodiment) The cooling system 22 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, including each of the modifications, and the same reference numerals are used for members that are the same as or have the same function as those described in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0084] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the front section of the vehicle 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the shutter section 34 may be positioned between the condenser 40 and the radiator 32. Even if the cooling device 14 is configured in this way, it can be used in the same way as the cooling device 14 described in the first embodiment.

[0085] (Third embodiment) The cooling system 22 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0086] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the front section of the vehicle 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the shutter section 34 is positioned between the radiator 32 and the fan section 36. In this case, the first shutter 62a of the shutter section 34 is positioned, for example, within the first cylindrical section 82a, facing the upper section 56a. The second shutter 62b is positioned, for example, within the second cylindrical section 82b, facing the middle section 56b. The third shutter 62c is positioned, for example, within the third cylindrical section 82c, facing the lower section 56c. Even if the cooling device 14 is configured in this way, it can be used in the same way as the cooling device 14 described in the first embodiment.

[0087] (Fourth Embodiment) The cooling system 22 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10.

[0088] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the front section of the vehicle 10 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the shutter section 34 is located behind the fan section 36 and the fan shroud 38.

[0089] In this case, the shutter unit 34 may be located on, for example, the fan shroud 38, or on a frame supported by the chassis. Even if the cooling device 14 is configured in this way, it will be used in the same manner as the cooling device 14 described in the first embodiment.

[0090] Therefore, in the cooling water cooling system 22, the shutter section 34 may be installed immediately before, immediately after, or immediately after the fan section 36 of the radiator 32. And, regardless of which cooling system 22 described in the first to fourth embodiments is used, the cooling efficiency of the coolant flowing to the core section 56 of the radiator 32 can be improved.

[0091] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10...Vehicle, 10a...Grille, 12...Heat source, 14...Cooling device, 16a,16b...Flow path, 18...Temperature sensor, 20...Control unit, 22...Cooling system, 32...Radiator, 34...Shutter section, 36...Fan section, 38...Fan shroud, 40...Condenser, 52...Upper tank, 54...Lower tank, 56...Core section, 56a...First area (upper section), 56b...Second area (middle section), 56c...Third area (lower section), 62a,62b,62c...Shutter, 63...Plate, 64a,64b,64c...Shutter drive source, 72a,72b,72c...Fan, 74a,74b,74c...Fan drive source, 82a,82b,82c...Cylinder section.

Claims

1. A radiator has a core section through which air passes from the front to the back, with the side closer to the upstream side, which is the inlet of the cooling water that has passed through the heat source, designated as a first region, and the side closer to the downstream side, which is the outlet of the cooling water, designated as a second region, virtually dividing the region along the flow direction of the cooling water, and A fan section having a first fan facing the first region and a second fan facing the second region on the rear side of the core section, A shutter section having a first shutter facing the first region and capable of opening and closing relative to the first region, and a second shutter facing the second region and capable of opening and closing relative to the second region, on the front side of the core section, the rear side of the core section, or the rear side of the fan section, A fan shroud surrounds the outer circumference of the first fan and the outer circumference of the second fan on the rear side of the core portion, and demarcates the first region and the second region on the rear side of the core portion. A first temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the cooling water as a first detection temperature at a predetermined position on the outlet side of the cooling water, A control unit is provided that can independently control the first fan and the second fan of the fan unit, and independently control the first shutter and the second shutter of the shutter unit, based on a first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. Equipped with, The control unit, A first mode in which, when the first detected temperature is within the first temperature range, the first shutter is opened, the second shutter is closed, the first fan is rotated, and the rotation of the second fan is stopped. When the first detected temperature is within a second temperature range that exceeds the first temperature, a second mode is activated in which the first and second fans are rotated with the first and second shutters open. It can be switched to Cooling system for cooling water.

2. The aforementioned fan shroud is, A cylindrical first cylindrical portion surrounds the outer circumference of the first fan and extends to the outer edge of the back surface of the first region of the core portion or to its vicinity, A cylindrical second cylindrical portion surrounds the outer circumference of the second fan and extends to the outer edge or vicinity of the back surface of the second region of the core portion, preventing airflow between the first cylindrical portion and the back surface of the core portion. A cooling system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. In the second mode described above, the rotational speed of the first fan is equal to or greater than the rotational speed of the second fan. The cooling system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The radiator is equipped with a second temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the coolant as a second detection temperature at a predetermined position on the inlet side of the coolant, The control unit, When the first detected temperature is within the first temperature range and the difference between the first detected temperature and the second detected temperature is within a predetermined temperature range, the first mode is activated. When the first detected temperature is within the first temperature range and the difference between the first detected temperature and the second detected temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature range, the second mode is activated. Switchable, The cooling system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A cooling system according to claim 1 or claim 2, A grille provided on the front of the vehicle, which serves as an air intake for drawing air towards the core of the radiator when the vehicle is in motion, The heat source and A vehicle that possesses.

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