Thermal management system

Abstract

This thermal management system utilizes a heat transfer medium heating device according to the target temperature of the air conditioning system, and under conditions where heating of on-board heat-generating equipment is required, it is possible to heat the on-board heat-generating equipment early. [Solution] The device includes a heating heat exchanger 80 capable of exchanging heat between a portion of the heat medium flowing downstream of the heat medium heating device 22 and the heat medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40, and a thermovalve V21 that connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series or in parallel downstream of the heat medium heating device 22.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A technique of flowing a heat medium heated by a water condenser to a heater core or a battery heating chiller as an in-vehicle heating device is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal management system that can heat an in-vehicle heating device early under conditions where heating of the in-vehicle heating device is required while using a heat medium heating device according to the target temperature of air conditioning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the thermal management system comprises a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, including a high-temperature side heat exchanger and a low-temperature side heat exchanger; a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant via the high-temperature side heat exchanger circulates, including a heater core; and a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with the refrigerant circulates, wherein the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit is provided with a heat transfer medium heating device capable of heating the heat transfer medium between the high-temperature side heat exchanger and the heater core, and further comprises a temperature control unit for temperature control of an on-board heat-generating equipment, an inflow control unit for controlling the inflow amount of the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the low-temperature side heat exchanger, and an on-board heat-generating equipment temperature control circuit through which a heat transfer medium circulates, and depending on the operating mode, a heating heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device and a heat transfer medium circulating in the on-board heat-generating equipment temperature control circuit, and a flow path switching unit that connects the heating heat exchanger and the heater core in series or in parallel downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, a thermal management system is provided that utilizes a heat transfer medium heating device according to the target temperature of the air conditioning system, and that can quickly heat on-board heat-generating equipment when heating of the on-board heat-generating equipment is required under certain conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and illustrates an example of the state of the thermal management system when the heating mode is started. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and illustrates an example of the state of the thermal management system when the heating mode is started. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and illustrates an example of the state of the thermal management system when the heating mode startup ends. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and illustrates an example of the state of the thermal management system when the heating mode is stable. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and illustrates an example of the state of the thermal management system during defrosting mode. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system, and is a diagram showing an example of the state of the thermal management system during defrosting mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [System Configuration] <System Overview> This embodiment relates to a thermal management system having a refrigerant circuit and a heat transfer medium circuit. The thermal management system of this embodiment utilizes a heat transfer medium heating device according to the target temperature of the air conditioning, and under conditions where heating of the on-board heat-generating equipment is required, it is possible to heat the on-board heat-generating equipment early.

[0009] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment. The thermal management system 1 is configured so that the circuit switches according to various operating modes. Figure 1 shows the circuit configuration in some of these operating modes.

[0010] The thermal management system 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 10. A refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerant may be, but is not limited to, hydrofluoroolefins.

[0011] The thermal management system 1 comprises a high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, a battery temperature control circuit 40, a motor temperature control circuit 50, and an outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. In the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the battery temperature control circuit 40, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, a fluid heat transfer medium, such as coolant, circulates.

[0012] Of these circuits, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a flow path switching device 70 such as a six-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 transfer fluid, or it can disconnect one or more circuits from other circuits to make them independent.

[0013] The flow paths of the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 are connected to a four-way valve V20 that connects or disconnects the flow paths of each other. This four-way valve V20 can either create a circulation path in which the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 work together to circulate the heat transfer medium, or it can separate these circuits from each other.

[0014] The thermal management system 1 includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 100.

[0015] The thermal management system 1 includes various sensors (not shown) and a control device that controls the operation of each part of the thermal management system 1. The operation of the thermal management system 1 is controlled by the control device based on the detected values ​​of the various sensors and various requirements.

[0016] <Refrigerant Circuit> The refrigerant circuit 10 includes a compressor 11, a high-temperature heat exchanger 12, a pressure reducing device 13 such as an expansion valve, and a low-temperature heat exchanger 14. The compressor 11 compresses the gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature and pressure before discharging it. The high-temperature heat exchanger 12 condenses the compressed gaseous refrigerant to release heat. The pressure reducing device 13 expands the liquid refrigerant to a low pressure. The low-temperature heat exchanger 14 evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat. The refrigerant circuit 10 functions as a heat pump, circulating the refrigerant and repeatedly performing compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

[0017] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20. In the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30.

[0018] In the example shown in the figure, the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 includes a refrigerant passage 12a and a heat medium passage 12b. In the refrigerant passage 12a, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes through. In the heat medium passage 12b, the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes through. The low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 includes a refrigerant passage 14a and a heat medium passage 14b. In the refrigerant passage 14a, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10 passes through. In the heat medium passage 14b, the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit 30 passes through.

[0019] Each element of the refrigerant circuit 10 is connected by refrigerant flow paths 10a, 10b, 10c. The compressor 11 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 by the refrigerant flow path 10a. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 12a of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by the refrigerant flow path 10b. A decompression device 13 is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10b. The outlet of the refrigerant passage 14a of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the compressor 11 by the refrigerant flow path 10c. An accumulator 15 is installed on the path of the refrigerant flow path 10c.

[0020] 〈High-temperature side heat medium circuit〉 The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 includes the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, a heater core 21 that heats the air supplied into the vehicle interior, a thermovalve V21 as a flow path switching unit, and a heating heat exchanger 80. In the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20, the heat medium heated by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 via the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 circulates. The high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 can be used to heat the vehicle interior by functioning the heater core 21.

[0021] The heating heat exchanger 80 includes a heat medium passage 80a and a heat medium passage 80b. In the heat medium passage 80a, the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat medium circuit 20 passes through. In the heat medium passage 80b, the heat medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 passes through.

[0022] Each element of the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 is connected by heat transfer fluid flow paths 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, and 20g.

[0023] The outlet of the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the thermovalve V21 by a heat transfer medium passage 20a connected thereto. A heat transfer medium heating device 22 capable of heating the heat transfer medium is installed along the path of the heat transfer medium passage 20a.

[0024] The thermovalve V21 is connected to the inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 by the heat transfer medium flow path 20b, the confluence point C20, and the heat transfer medium flow path 20c connected thereto. In other words, the heat transfer medium heating device 22 is installed between the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the heater core 21.

[0025] The thermovalve V21 can connect the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series or parallel downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device 22. That is, the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 are connected in series or parallel by controlling the thermovalve V21 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. The thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20.

[0026] The outlet side 21b of the heater core 21 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by a heat transfer fluid passage 20d connected thereto.

[0027] The inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 is connected to the four-way valve V20 by a heat transfer medium flow path 20e connected thereto. A circulation pump P20 for pushing out the heat transfer medium is installed along the path of the heat transfer medium flow path 20e.

[0028] The inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 80a of the heating heat exchanger 80 is connected to the thermovalve V21 by a heat transfer medium flow path 20g connected thereto. The outlet of the heat transfer medium passage 80a of the heating heat exchanger 80 is connected to the confluence point C20 by a heat transfer medium flow path 20f connected thereto. When the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device 22 passes through the heat transfer medium passage 80a of the heating heat exchanger 80 via the heat transfer medium flow path 20g, heat exchange is possible in the heating heat exchanger 80 between the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device 22 and the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40.

[0029] The heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P20 and circulates through the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20. The heat transfer medium, which has been heated by receiving heat from the refrigerant circuit 10 as it passes through the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, is supplied from the inlet side 21a of the heater core 21 and passes through the heater core 21. At this time, the heater core 21 functions as the heat transfer medium releases heat in the heater core 21. After passing through the heater core 21, the heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet side 21b returns to the heat transfer medium passage 12b of the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0030] <Low temperature side heat medium circuit> The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 includes a heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, a cooler core 31 that cools the air supplied to the vehicle interior, and a three-way valve V30. In the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the heat transfer 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 transfer medium circuit 30 can be used to operate the cooler core 31 to cool or dehumidify the vehicle interior.

[0031] The flow path of the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the flow path of the motor temperature control circuit 50 can be connected to each other by a flow path switching device 70. The low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30 can also be used to control the temperature of the motor 51 by forming a circulation path that circulates the heat transfer medium in cooperation with the motor temperature control circuit 50. In other words, in this case, the waste heat from the motor 51 can be used as a heat absorption source for the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0032] In the example shown in the figure, each element of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 is connected by heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, and 30i.

[0033] The outlet of the heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 is connected to the inlet side 31a of the cooler core 31 by a heat transfer medium passage 30a, a confluence point C30, a heat transfer medium passage 30b, a three-way valve V30, and a heat transfer medium passage 30c downstream thereof.

[0034] The outlet side 31b of the cooler core 31 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat transfer fluid flow path 30d, confluence point C31, heat transfer fluid flow path 30e, confluence point C32, and the heat transfer fluid flow path 30f downstream thereof.

[0035] The three-way valve V30 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via the heat transfer fluid flow path 30g, confluence point C31, heat transfer fluid flow path 30e, confluence point C32, and the heat transfer fluid flow path 30f downstream thereof.

[0036] The inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via a heat transfer medium flow path 30h connected thereto. A circulation pump P30 for pushing out the heat transfer medium is installed along the path of the heat transfer medium flow path 30h.

[0037] The confluence point C30 is connected to a thermovalve V41 included in the battery temperature control circuit 40 via a heat transfer fluid channel 30i connected thereto.

[0038] The heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30 and circulates through the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30. As the heat transfer medium passes through the heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, it is cooled by releasing heat to the refrigerant circuit 10. The cooled heat transfer 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 cooler core 31 can function by absorbing heat in the cooler core 31. The heat transfer medium discharged from the outlet side 31b after passing through the cooler core 31, or the heat transfer medium that bypasses the cooler core 31, then passes through at least one of the motor temperature control circuit 50 or the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 connected via the flow path switching device 70, or bypasses both, and returns to the heat transfer medium passage 14b of the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14.

[0039] <Battery temperature control circuit> The battery temperature control circuit 40, which serves as a temperature control circuit for an in-vehicle heating device, includes a heat transfer medium passage 14b of a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, a battery 41 as an in-vehicle heating device, a thermovalve V41 as an inflow control unit, and a heating heat exchanger 80. 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. The battery temperature control circuit 40 forms a circulation path that circulates the heat transfer medium independently without being connected to other circuits.

[0040] Furthermore, a configuration similar to that of the battery temperature control circuit 40 can be applied not only to batteries but also to other in-vehicle equipment temperature control circuits that have an in-vehicle equipment temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of other in-vehicle equipment that similarly requires temperature control.

[0041] In the example shown in the figure, each element of the battery temperature control circuit 40 is connected by heat transfer fluid channels 40a, 40b, and 40c.

[0042] The inlet side 41a of the battery 41 is connected to the outlet of the heat transfer medium passage 80b of the heating heat exchanger 80 via a heat transfer medium passage 40a connected thereto. The outlet side 41b of the battery 41 is connected to the thermovalve V41 via the heat transfer medium passage 40b, branch point C40, and heat transfer medium passage 40c connected thereto. The inlet of the heat transfer medium passage 80b of the heating heat exchanger 80 is connected to the thermovalve V41 via a heat transfer medium passage 40d.

[0043] The thermovalve V41 controls the inflow rate of the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. That is, by controlling the thermovalve V41 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41, the inflow rate of the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 into the battery temperature control circuit 40 is controlled. The appropriate temperature of the battery 41 is managed within a temperature range with defined lower and upper limits. For example, the appropriate temperature of the battery 41 is 10°C at the lower limit and 40°C at the upper limit. The thermovalve V41 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40. Note that the appropriate temperature of the battery 41 mentioned in this embodiment is just an example, and a specific temperature may be designated as the appropriate temperature instead of managing it within a temperature range.

[0044] The branching point C40 is connected to the confluence point C32 by a heat transfer fluid channel 40e connected to it. A backflow prevention valve V40 is installed along the path of the heat transfer fluid channel 40e to prevent backflow of the heat transfer fluid towards the branching point C40.

[0045] In the battery temperature control circuit 40, the heat transfer medium can be circulated by the circulation pump P40, and the temperature of the battery 41 can be adjusted.

[0046] <Motor temperature control circuit> The motor temperature control circuit 50 includes a motor 51. 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 adjust the temperature of the motor 51 by circulating a heat transfer medium. Furthermore, the thermal management system 1 can use the motor 51, which constantly generates heat during operation, as a heat source via the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0047] The motor temperature control circuit 50 can be isolated from other circuits by the flow path switching device 70. Furthermore, the motor temperature control circuit 50 can connect its flow path with at least one of the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the flow path switching device 70, forming a circulation path that circulates the heat transfer medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0048] In the example shown in the figure, each element of the motor temperature control circuit 50 is connected by heat transfer fluid passages 50a and 50b.

[0049] The inlet side 51a of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by a heat transfer fluid flow path 50a. The outlet side 51b of the motor 51 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 by a heat transfer fluid flow path 50b.

[0050] <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 transfer medium and exchange heat between the heat transfer medium and the outside air.

[0051] The outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can be isolated from other circuits by a flow path switching device 70. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 can connect its flow path to at least one of the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the motor temperature control circuit 50 by the flow path switching device 70, forming a circulation path that circulates the heat transfer medium in cooperation with at least one of these circuits.

[0052] In the example shown in the figure, each element of the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 is connected by heat transfer fluid channels 60a, 60b, and 60c.

[0053] The inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the four-way valve V20 via a heat transfer fluid passage 60a. The outlet side 61b of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70 via a heat transfer fluid passage 60b. The flow path switching device 70 and the four-way valve V20 are connected via a heat transfer fluid passage 60c. When the four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passage 60a and the heat transfer fluid passage 60c, the inlet side 61a of the radiator 61 is connected to the flow path switching device 70.

[0054] <HVAC Unit> The heater core 21 and the cooler core 31 are housed within the case 110 of the HVAC unit 100. The case 110 forms the outer shell of the HVAC unit 100 and also forms an air passage 120 inside.

[0055] The HVAC unit 100 includes an intake unit 130. The intake unit 130 switches the air introduced into the case 110 between outside air (outside air intake) and inside air (inside air circulation) by closing either an outside air intake for introducing outside air or an inside air intake for introducing inside air. Furthermore, the HVAC unit 100 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 passage 120.

[0056] A cooler core 31 is installed on the upstream side of the airflow passage 120. A heater core passage 121 and a bypass passage 122 are formed in parallel on the downstream side of the airflow passage 120. The heater core 21 is located in the heater core passage 121. Therefore, when air introduced into the case 110 is directed to the heater core passage 121, the air is passed through the cooler core 31 before being passed through the heater core 21. On the other hand, when air introduced into the case 110 is directed to the bypass passage 122, the air is passed through the cooler core 31 before bypassing the heater core 21. The ratio of air passing through the heater core passage 121 to air passing through the bypass passage 122 is adjusted by the air mix damper 150.

[0057] [System operation] The specific operation of the thermal management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0058] <Heating mode (at startup / when battery temperature is below the lower limit of the appropriate temperature)> Figure 1 shows a state where, in winter or when the outside temperature is low (for example, -10°C to 0°C), the temperature of the battery 41 is below the lower limit of the appropriate temperature when the heating mode is activated. In other words, it shows a state where the battery 41 needs to be warmed up. The appropriate temperature for the battery 41 is, for example, 10°C to 40°C, and Figure 1 shows a state where the temperature of the battery 41 is below 10°C. When the heating mode is activated, the vehicle interior is not heated, and the battery 41 is warmed up.

[0059] In this case, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows.

[0060] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passages 20d and 20e so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is separated from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the push of the heat transfer fluid by the circulation pump P20.

[0061] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 is less than 10°C, the thermovalve V21 determines that the temperature of the battery 41 is below the lower limit of the appropriate temperature, and connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series.

[0062] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports for the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20g, while closing the connection port for the heat transfer fluid passage 20b. As a result, the thermovalve V21 forms the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20g, and 20f so that the heat transfer fluid, which is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and also heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, flows to the heater core 21 via the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0063] As a result, a path is formed by the heat transfer fluid channels 20a, 20g, 20f, 20c, 20d, and 20e through which the heat transfer fluid flows in the order of circulation pump P20, high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heat transfer fluid heating device 22, heating heat exchanger 80, and heater core 21. Consequently, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the high-temperature heat transfer fluid circuit 20 can be raised in preparation for heating the vehicle interior by heat absorption in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and heating by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22.

[0064] Furthermore, when the heating mode is activated, the operation of the blower 140 stops, and the air mix damper 150 closes the heater core passage 121. Therefore, air is not blown into the vehicle interior before the temperature of the heat transfer medium has risen to a temperature suitable for heating.

[0065] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0066] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it.

[0067] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, and 30h of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c that pass through the radiator 61.

[0068] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium channels 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, 60c, 60b, 60a, and 30h, as the heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30.

[0069] As a result, the heat transfer medium that is heat-exchanged in the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61. This causes the refrigerant circuit 10 to operate using the heat from the heat transfer medium absorbed from the outside air in the radiator 61 as the heat absorption source.

[0070] Furthermore, the flow path switching device 70 disconnects the motor temperature control circuit 50 from the low-temperature heat transfer fluid circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. Therefore, the heat transfer fluid does not circulate in the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0071] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer medium passage 30i and opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40.

[0072] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 undergoes heat exchange with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 in the heating heat exchanger 80. On the other hand, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow into the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium flow path 30i. Therefore, the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 is heated, and the battery 41 is warmed up. This allows the temperature of the battery 41 to be kept at an appropriate temperature.

[0073] As described above, by exchanging heat between the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 installed on the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 and the heat transfer medium of the battery temperature control circuit 40 using the heating heat exchanger 80, the battery 41 can be warmed up quickly under conditions where warming up of the battery 41 is necessary, such as when starting the heating mode in winter.

[0074] Furthermore, by connecting the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 flows through the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21. This allows the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 to simultaneously warm up the battery 41 and prepare the interior of the vehicle for heating.

[0075] Furthermore, by controlling the thermovalve V21 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium set according to the appropriate temperature of the battery 41, the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 can be appropriately heated under conditions where heating of the battery 41 is required.

[0076] <Heating mode (at startup / the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20 is below the lower limit of the battery's appropriate temperature / heat is stored in the battery and motor)> Figure 2 shows a state where, in winter or when the outside temperature is low (for example, -10°C to 0°C), the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 decreases, falling below the lower limit of the battery 41's optimal temperature, but the battery 41 and motor 51 are still storing heat. The optimal temperature for the battery 41 is, for example, 10°C to 40°C, and Figure 2 shows, for example, a state where the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 is below 10°C. In other words, under conditions where the battery 41 does not require warming up due to heat storage, the vehicle interior is prepared for heating when the heating mode is started.

[0077] In this case, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows.

[0078] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passages 20d and 20e so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is separated from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the push of the heat transfer fluid by the circulation pump P20.

[0079] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 is less than 10°C, the thermovalve V21 connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series.

[0080] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports for the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20g, while closing the connection port for the heat transfer fluid passage 20b. As a result, the thermovalve V21 forms the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20g, and 20f so that the heat transfer fluid, which is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and also heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, flows to the heater core 21 via the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0081] As a result, a path for the heat transfer medium to flow through the circulation pump P20, high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heat transfer medium heating device 22, heating heat exchanger 80, and heater core 21 is formed by heat transfer medium channels 20a, 20g, 20f, 20c, 20d, and 20e. The heat transfer medium heating device 22 is also operated to heat the heat transfer medium according to the target temperature of the air conditioning. As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 20 can be raised in preparation for heating the vehicle interior by absorbing heat in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heating by the heat transfer medium heating device 22, and absorbing heat stored in the battery 41 and heat generated in the battery 41 in the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0082] Furthermore, when the heating mode is activated, the operation of the blower 140 stops, and the air mix damper 150 closes the heater core passage 121. Therefore, air is not blown into the vehicle interior before the temperature of the heat transfer medium has risen to a temperature suitable for heating.

[0083] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0084] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it.

[0085] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, and 30h of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51 and the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c passing through the radiator 61.

[0086] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium channels 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, 50a, 50b, 60c, 60b, 60a, and 30h, as the heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30.

[0087] As a result, the heat transfer medium that undergoes heat exchange in the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 passes through the motor 51 and the radiator 61. This causes the refrigerant circuit 10 to operate using the heat from the heat transfer medium, which has been heated by the heat generated by the motor 51, as a heat absorption source.

[0088] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer medium passage 30i and opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40.

[0089] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 undergoes heat exchange with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 and the heating heat exchanger 80. On the other hand, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow into the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium flow path 30i. Therefore, the temperature of the battery 41 can be kept at an appropriate temperature.

[0090] As described above, by exchanging heat between the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 installed on the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 and the heat transfer medium of the battery temperature control circuit 40 using the heating heat exchanger 80, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 can be raised quickly in preparation for heating the vehicle interior, such as when starting the heating mode in winter.

[0091] Furthermore, by connecting the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 flows through the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21. This allows for both the storage and utilization of heat from the battery 41 and the preparation of heating in the vehicle interior using the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 and the heat exchanger 80.

[0092] Furthermore, by controlling the thermovalve V21 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium set according to the appropriate temperature of the battery 41, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 can be appropriately controlled.

[0093] <Heating mode (start / shutdown / battery temperature is at the appropriate temperature)> Figure 3 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 when the heating mode has finished starting and the battery 41 has reached the appropriate temperature. The appropriate temperature for the battery 41 is, for example, between 10°C and 40°C. When the battery 41 has finished warming up, the heating mode starts up and the vehicle interior is heated.

[0094] In this case, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows.

[0095] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passages 20d and 20e so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is separated from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the push of the heat transfer fluid by the circulation pump P20.

[0096] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 is 10°C or higher, the thermovalve V21 determines that the temperature of the battery 41 is above the lower limit of the appropriate temperature, and connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in parallel.

[0097] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports of the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20b, and closes the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 20g. Thus, the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed so that the heat transfer fluid, which is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and also heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, flows to the heater core 21 without passing through the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0098] As a result, a path for the heat transfer medium to flow through the circulation pump P20, high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heat transfer medium heating device 22, and heater core 21 is formed by the heat transfer medium channels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e. The heat transfer medium heating device 22 is also operated to heat the heat transfer medium according to the target temperature of the air conditioning. As a result, the interior of the vehicle is heated by the heat absorbed by the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and the heat from the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22.

[0099] After the heating mode has finished starting, the blower 140 will operate and the air mix damper 150 will open the heater core passage 121. As a result, the heated air that has passed through the heater core 21 will be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0100] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0101] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it. The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 30i.

[0102] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, and 30h of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c that pass through the radiator 61.

[0103] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium channels 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, 60c, 60a, 60b, and 30h, as the heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30.

[0104] As a result, the heat transfer medium that is heat-exchanged in the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 passes through the radiator 61. This causes the refrigerant circuit 10 to operate using the heat from the heat transfer medium absorbed from the outside air in the radiator 61 as the heat absorption source.

[0105] Furthermore, the flow path switching device 70 disconnects the motor temperature control circuit 50 from the low-temperature heat transfer fluid circuit 30 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. Therefore, the heat transfer fluid does not circulate in the motor temperature control circuit 50.

[0106] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer medium passage 30i and opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40.

[0107] The heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 does not exchange heat with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 or with the heating heat exchanger 80. On the other hand, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow into the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium flow path 30i. Therefore, the battery 41 is temperature-controlled by the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 so that it reaches an appropriate temperature. As a result, the temperature of the battery 41 can be kept at an appropriate temperature.

[0108] As described above, by providing a heat transfer medium heating device 22 in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, which is independent of the battery temperature control circuit 40, after the battery 41 has reached an appropriate temperature, the heat transfer medium heating device 22 can be used according to the target temperature of the air conditioning without imposing any restrictions on the heating temperature of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium heating device 22.

[0109] <Heating mode (stable state / battery temperature and motor temperature exceed the upper limit of the appropriate temperature)> Figure 4 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 when the temperature of the battery 41 exceeds the upper limit of the appropriate temperature during a stable heating mode when the temperature inside the vehicle reaches the target temperature. The appropriate temperature for the battery 41 is, for example, between 10°C and 40°C, and Figure 4 shows, for example, a state where the temperature of the battery 41 exceeds 40°C. When the temperature of the battery 41 exceeds the upper limit of the appropriate temperature during a stable heating mode, the battery 41 is cooled while the inside of the vehicle is heated.

[0110] In this case, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows.

[0111] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passages 20d and 20e so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is separated from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the push of the heat transfer fluid by the circulation pump P20.

[0112] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 is 10°C or higher, the thermovalve V21 determines that the temperature of the battery 41 is above the lower limit of the appropriate temperature, and connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in parallel.

[0113] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports of the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20b, while closing the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 20g. As a result, the thermovalve V21 forms the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, and 20c so that the heat transfer fluid heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows to the heater core 21 without passing through the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0114] As a result, a path for the heat transfer medium to flow through the circulation pump P20, high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heat transfer medium heating device 22, and heater core 21 is formed by the heat transfer medium flow paths 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e. When the heating mode is stable, the temperature inside the vehicle has reached the target temperature, so the operation of the heat transfer medium heating device 22 is stopped. As a result, the inside of the vehicle is heated by the heat of the heat transfer medium that has been heated by the heat absorption in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12.

[0115] When the blower 140 is activated, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. As a result, the heated air that has passed through the heater core 21 is blown into the vehicle interior.

[0116] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0117] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it.

[0118] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, and 30h of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51 and the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c passing through the radiator 61.

[0119] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium channels 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, 50a, 50b, 60c, 60a, 60b, and 30h, as the heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30.

[0120] As a result, the heat transfer medium that is heat-exchanged in the low-temperature heat exchanger 14 passes through the motor 51 and the radiator 61. This causes the refrigerant circuit 10 to operate when the motor 51 exceeds the upper limit of the appropriate temperature, releasing the heat recovered by the motor 51 into the outside air from the radiator 61, and using a portion of the recovered heat as a heat absorption source.

[0121] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 opens the connection port of the heat transfer medium passage 30i and opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d.

[0122] Therefore, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40, pushed out by the circulation pump P40. In addition, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P30 flows from the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 to the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium passage 30i.

[0123] As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 decreases, and the battery 41 is cooled. This allows the temperature of the battery 41 to be kept at an appropriate temperature.

[0124] Furthermore, the same amount of heat transfer fluid that flows from the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30 to the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer fluid channel 30i flows out from the battery temperature control circuit 40 to the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30 via the heat transfer fluid channel 40e. Therefore, the amount of heat transfer fluid circulating in the low-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 30 and the battery temperature control circuit 40 is maintained at the same amount.

[0125] Furthermore, the thermovalve V41 adjusts the amount the heat transfer medium flow path 30i is opened according to the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40. In other words, the thermovalve V41 controls the amount of heat transfer medium that has been heat-exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14. Therefore, when the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 is high and the thermovalve V41 wants to maximize the amount of heat transfer medium that has been heat-exchanged and cooled in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, it opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium flow paths 30i and 40d and closes the connection port of the heat transfer medium flow path 40c.

[0126] In this case, in the battery temperature control circuit 40, all of the heat transfer medium that flows in from the heat transfer medium channel 30i and through the heat transfer medium channels 40d, 40a, and 40b flows out from the heat transfer medium channel 40e.

[0127] As described above, by separating the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, which is equipped with a heat transfer medium heating device 22, from the battery temperature control circuit 40, and by flowing the heat transfer medium from the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 into the battery temperature control circuit 40, it is possible to prevent the flow of low-temperature heat transfer medium into the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, thereby suppressing heat loss of the heat transfer medium in the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 and a decrease in temperature when cooling the battery 41. This prevents a decrease in heating efficiency when cooling the battery 41.

[0128] <Heating mode (defrosting using motor waste heat)> Figure 5 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 when defrosting the radiator 61 is performed in the heating mode when the temperature inside the vehicle reaches the target temperature and the heating mode is stable. Figure 5 shows the state in which defrosting is performed using the waste heat from the motor 51. When defrosting the radiator 61 is performed, the inside of the vehicle is heated.

[0129] In this case, the high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows, is set as follows.

[0130] The four-way valve V20 connects the heat transfer fluid passages 20d and 20e so that the heat transfer fluid circulates in the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20, which is separated from the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 by the push of the heat transfer fluid by the circulation pump P20.

[0131] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 is 10°C or higher, the thermovalve V21 determines that the temperature of the battery 41 is above the lower limit of the appropriate temperature, and connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in parallel.

[0132] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports of the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20b, and closes the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 20g. Thus, the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed so that the heat transfer fluid, which is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and also heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, flows to the heater core 21 without passing through the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0133] As a result, a path is formed by the heat transfer fluid channels 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e through which the heat transfer fluid flows in the order of circulation pump P20, high-temperature heat exchanger 12, heat transfer fluid heating device 22, and heater core 21. The heat transfer fluid heating device 22 is also activated. As a result, the interior of the vehicle is heated by the heat absorbed by the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and the heat from the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22.

[0134] As the blower 140 operates, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. This allows the heated air that has passed through the heater core 21 to be blown into the vehicle interior.

[0135] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0136] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it.

[0137] The flow path switching device 70 connects the flow paths of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, forming a circulation path in which the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 cooperate to circulate the heat transfer medium. Thus, the heat transfer medium flow paths 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, and 30h of the low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 are connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths 50a and 50b passing through the motor 51 and the heat transfer medium flow paths 60a, 60b, and 60c passing through the radiator 61.

[0138] As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium channels 30a, 30b, 30g, 30e, 30f, 50a, 50b, 60c, 60a, 60b, and 30h, as the heat transfer medium is pushed out by the circulation pump P30.

[0139] As a result, the radiator 61 is defrosted by the heat transfer medium heated by the heat generated by the motor 51. Alternatively, the heat from the heat transfer medium leaving the radiator 61 can be used as a heat absorption source to operate the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0140] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer medium passage 30i and opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40.

[0141] The heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 does not exchange heat with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 or with the heating heat exchanger 80. On the other hand, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow into the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium flow path 30i. Therefore, the battery 41 is temperature-controlled by the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 so that it reaches an appropriate temperature. As a result, the temperature of the battery 41 can be kept at an appropriate temperature.

[0142] As described above, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 can be used for heating while defrosting the radiator 61 is performed.

[0143] <Heating mode (defrosting using a heat transfer device)> Figure 6 shows the state of the thermal management system 1 when defrosting the radiator 61 is performed in the heating mode when the temperature inside the vehicle reaches the target temperature and the heating mode is stable. Figure 6 shows the state when defrosting is performed using the heat transfer medium heating device 22. At the same time, heating of the vehicle interior is also performed.

[0144] The high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 is configured as follows: The four-way valve V20 connects the flow paths of the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60, and connects the heat transfer fluid flow paths 20d and 60a so that the heat transfer fluid circulating in the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 flows into the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60. In addition, heat transfer fluid flow paths 60c and 20e are connected so that the heat transfer fluid circulating in the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60 flows into the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12.

[0145] Furthermore, the thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. For example, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 is 10°C or higher, the thermovalve V21 determines that the temperature of the battery 41 is above the lower limit of the appropriate temperature, and connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in parallel.

[0146] In other words, the thermovalve V21 opens the connection ports of the heat transfer fluid passages 20a and 20b, and closes the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 20g. Thus, the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed so that the heat transfer fluid, which is heated by heat exchange in the high-temperature heat exchanger 12 and also heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22, flows to the heater core 21 without passing through the heating heat exchanger 80.

[0147] As a result, the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e of the high-temperature side heat transfer fluid circuit 20 are connected to the heat transfer fluid passages 60a, 60b, and 60c passing through the radiator 61. This causes the heat transfer fluid to circulate through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer fluid passages 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 60a, 60b, 60c, and 20e, pushed out by the circulation pump P20. At this time, the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 is operated, but the output of the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 is increased compared to the case where the waste heat from the motor 51 is used, in order to utilize the heat generated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22 for defrosting. As a result, the vehicle interior is heated by the heat absorbed by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the heat from the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22. Furthermore, the radiator 61 is defrosted by the heat transfer fluid heated by the heat transfer fluid heating device 22.

[0148] Furthermore, when defrosting the radiator 61 with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22, it is preferable to perform a preparatory operation to heat the heat transfer medium so that the discharge temperature into the vehicle interior does not change.

[0149] When the blower 140 is activated, the air mix damper 150 opens the heater core passage 121. As a result, the heated air that has passed through the heater core 21 is blown into the vehicle interior.

[0150] The low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30, through which the heat transfer medium exchanged in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows, is configured as follows.

[0151] The three-way valve V30 forms heat transfer fluid passages 30a, 30b, 30g, and 30e so that the heat transfer fluid cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 flows around the cooler core 31 without passing through it. The thermovalve V41 closes the connection port of the heat transfer fluid passage 30i.

[0152] The flow path switching device 70 separates the low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit 30, the motor temperature control circuit 50, and the outdoor heat exchange circuit 60.

[0153] The battery temperature control circuit 40 is configured as follows: The thermovalve V41 opens the connection ports of the heat transfer medium passages 40c and 40d. As a result, the heat transfer medium circulates through the circulation path formed by the heat transfer medium passages 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d of the battery temperature control circuit 40 by being pushed out by the circulation pump P40.

[0154] The heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40 does not exchange heat with the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 or with the heating heat exchanger 80. On the other hand, the heat transfer medium cooled by heat exchange in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14 does not flow into the battery temperature control circuit 40 via the heat transfer medium flow path 30i. Therefore, the battery 41 is temperature-controlled to an appropriate temperature by the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40.

[0155] As described above, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat transfer medium heating device 22 can be used for heating while defrosting the radiator 61 is performed.

[0156] [Effects of this embodiment] The thermal management system 1 of this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0157] (1) A refrigerant circuit 10 in which the refrigerant circulates, including a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, A high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 includes a heater core 21 and a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with a refrigerant via a high-temperature side heat exchanger 12, It comprises a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 30 through which a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with a refrigerant circulates via a low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, The high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit 20 is provided with a heat transfer medium heating device 22 capable of heating the heat transfer medium between the high-temperature side heat exchanger 12 and the heater core 21, in the heat management system 1. The battery temperature control circuit 40 includes a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the battery 41, and a thermovalve V41 for controlling the inflow rate of the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 14, and the heat transfer medium circulates through the battery temperature control circuit 40, A heating heat exchanger 80 capable of exchanging heat between a portion of the heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device 22 and the heat transfer medium circulating in the battery temperature control circuit 40, The downstream side of the heat transfer medium heating device 22 is provided with a thermovalve V21 that connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series or in parallel. Therefore, by providing the heat transfer medium heating device 22 on the high-temperature side of the heat transfer medium circuit 20, the heat transfer medium heating device 22 can be used according to the target temperature of the air conditioning, and the battery 41 can be warmed up quickly under conditions where warming up of the battery 41 is necessary, such as when starting the heating mode in winter.

[0158] In this embodiment, a battery 41 is given as an example of an on-board heating device, and a battery temperature control circuit 40 is given as an example of an on-board heating device temperature control circuit. However, the on-board heating device and the on-board heating device temperature control circuit may differ from those in this embodiment, for example, by using a motor 51 as the on-board heating device and a motor temperature control circuit 50 as the on-board heating device temperature control circuit.

[0159] (2) The thermovalve V21 connects the heating heat exchanger 80 and the heater core 21 in series when the heating mode is started. Therefore, under conditions where heating of the battery 41 is necessary, such as when activating the heating mode in winter, it is possible to warm up the battery 41 and heat the interior of the vehicle at the same time.

[0160] (3) The thermovalve V21 is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the battery 41. Therefore, the heat transfer medium circulating through the battery temperature control circuit 40 can be appropriately heated under conditions where heating of the battery 41 is necessary, such as when activating the heating mode in winter.

[0161] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1: Thermal Management System 10: Refrigerant circuit, 20: High temperature side heat medium circuit 30: Low temperature side heat medium circuit 40: Battery temperature control circuit 50: Motor temperature control circuit 60: Outdoor heat exchange circuit 70: Flow path switching device 100: HVAC Unit

Claims

1. A refrigerant circuit includes a high-temperature side heat exchanger and a low-temperature side heat exchanger, through which the refrigerant circulates. A high-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit includes a heater core, and a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with a refrigerant circulates through the high-temperature side heat exchanger, The system includes a low-temperature side heat transfer medium circuit through which a heat transfer medium capable of exchanging heat with a refrigerant circulates via the low-temperature side heat exchanger, The high-temperature side heat transfer circuit is a heat transfer heating device capable of heating the heat transfer medium between the high-temperature side heat exchanger and the heater core, and is a thermal management system. A temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of an in-vehicle heating device, and an inflow rate control unit for controlling the inflow rate of the heat transfer medium that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the low-temperature side heat exchanger, are included in the in-vehicle heating device temperature control circuit through which the heat transfer medium circulates. A heating heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat between a heat transfer medium flowing downstream of the heat transfer medium heating device and a heat transfer medium circulating in the vehicle-mounted heating equipment temperature control circuit, depending on the operating mode, The downstream side of the heat transfer medium heating device includes a flow path switching unit that connects the heating heat exchanger and the heater core in series or in parallel. A thermal management system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned flow path switching unit connects the heating heat exchanger and the heater core in series when the heating mode is activated. The thermal management system according to feature 1.

3. The flow path switching unit is controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium, which is set based on the appropriate temperature of the on-board heating device. The thermal management system according to feature 1.

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