Temperature control device

Abstract

To improve temperature control performance. [Solution] The temperature control device 1 comprises a first temperature control unit 3 configured to adjust the temperature of the power source 2, a second temperature control unit 5 configured to adjust the temperature of the drive source 4, and a cooling unit 6 that enables heat exchange with the outside. The cooling unit 6 has an upper surface 6a that is inclined so that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 is on the front side of the vehicle 10. The first temperature control unit 3 is positioned on the rear side of the vehicle 10 than the second temperature control unit 5 on the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6 and is connected to the power source 2.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature regulation device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, efforts toward realizing a low-carbon society or a decarbonized society have intensified, and research and development on electrification technologies have been carried out in vehicles as well to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency. By the way, in electric vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), there is a tendency for the number of cooling device components to increase for thermal management. As the number of cooling device components increases, there are concerns that the layout space will be squeezed, and the number of parts such as brackets will increase. The squeezing of layout space may cause restrictions on the overall length of the vehicle, the hood height, and the like. As the required cooling performance increases, the output of the electric water pump tends to increase, and there is a concern that the vibration of the electric water pump will be transmitted to the vehicle interior through the vehicle body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for suppressing vibration components transmitted to the vehicle cabin among vibrations of a pump of a vehicle cooling device. The cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a radiator core fixed to a radiator support member via mount rubber, a fan shroud fixed to the radiator core, a pump for circulating a coolant, and a reserve tank connected to the pump via a coolant pipe, wherein the reserve tank and the pump are fixed to the fan shroud. The pump is fixed at the center of the fan shroud in the vehicle width direction and below the center in the height direction.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for simplifying the configuration and improving vehicle mountability in a vehicle cooling device. In the cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the electric pump and the flow rate control means are housed in one housing to form an integrated unit, and the unit is assembled to a cooling module including a radiator and arranged on the cooling water outlet side of the radiator.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-141113 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-250098 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the pump is fixed to the center of the fan shroud in the vehicle width direction, the length of the refrigerant pipe connecting the pump and the radiator core tends to be longer compared to the case where the pump is attached to the vehicle frame (body). Patent Document 2 discloses that by positioning the unit on the coolant outlet side of the radiator, the piping connecting the unit to the radiator's coolant outlet can be shortened. However, there is room for improvement in shortening the piping of the cooling circuit, including power sources mounted on the vehicle body and electric heat carriers (ECH) that serve as heat sources for electric vehicles. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to set the piping of the cooling circuit to be shorter and improve temperature control performance.

[0007] This invention aims to improve temperature control performance in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and consequently contribute to improving energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a means of solving the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A temperature control device according to an aspect of the present invention (for example, temperature control device 1 in the embodiment) comprises a first temperature control unit (for example, first temperature control unit 3 in the embodiment) configured to adjust the temperature of a power source (for example, power source 2 in the embodiment), a second temperature control unit (for example, second temperature control unit 5 in the embodiment) configured to adjust the temperature of a drive source (for example, drive source 4 in the embodiment), and a cooling unit (for example, cooling unit 6 in the embodiment) that enables heat exchange with the outside, wherein the cooling unit has an upper surface (for example, upper surface 6a in the embodiment) that is inclined such that the upper part of the cooling unit is on the front side of the moving body, the first temperature control unit is positioned on the upper surface of the cooling unit to the rear side of the moving body than the second temperature control unit, and is connected to the power source. This configuration allows the cooling unit to be positioned with reduced vertical height by having an inclined upper surface that faces forward of the mobile body. In this case, the first temperature control unit for the power source is positioned further rear than the second temperature control unit on the upper surface of the cooling unit and connected to the power source. This shortens the connection distance between the first temperature control unit and the power source compared to the case where the power source is connected from the rear of the second temperature control unit. As a result, the piping of the cooling circuit for temperature control of the power source (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first temperature control circuit") can be shortened. This reduces the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first temperature control circuit, thus reducing the heat capacity of the first temperature control circuit. Consequently, temperature control performance can be improved, which in turn contributes to improved energy efficiency. For example, a power source with high temperature control requirements (e.g., a battery) can be appropriately temperature-controlled to meet those requirements, thus improving the performance of the power source.

[0009] (2) In the temperature control device described in (1) above, the upper surface of the cooling unit is provided with a flow path switching unit (for example, a flow path switching unit 113 in the embodiment) connected to a first temperature control circuit (for example, a first temperature control circuit 101 in the embodiment) having the first temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit may overlap with at least a part of the first temperature control unit in the width direction of the moving body. This configuration allows for a shorter connection distance between the flow path switching section (e.g., a four-way valve) and the first temperature control section compared to a case where the flow path switching section does not overlap with the entire first temperature control section in the width direction of the moving body. As a result, the temperature of the power source can be controlled more effectively.

[0010] (3) In the temperature control device described in (2) above, the cooling unit includes a switching unit mounting portion (for example, a switching unit mounting portion 60 in the embodiment) to which the flow path switching unit is attached, and the flow path switching unit may overlap the cooling unit vertically with the piping (for example, the piping 30 in the embodiment) connecting the flow path switching unit and the first temperature control unit, or with at least a part of the first temperature control unit. With this configuration, compared to the case where the flow path switching section does not overlap vertically with the piping connecting the flow path switching section and the first temperature control section, and the entirety of the first temperature control section and the cooling section, the piping connecting the flow path switching section and the first temperature control section can be connected over a shorter distance, regardless of the shape of the first temperature control section or the flow path switching section.

[0011] (4) The temperature control device described in any of (1) to (3) above further comprises a tank (for example, tanks 122A to 122B in the embodiment) for temporarily retaining the refrigerant of the first temperature control circuit (for example, the first temperature control circuit 101 in the embodiment) having the first temperature control unit, and the tank may be positioned above the first temperature control unit. This configuration allows for a shorter distance between the tank and the first temperature control unit compared to the case where the entire tank is located below the top of the first temperature control unit, thus enabling a shorter piping length for the first temperature control unit. Furthermore, since the refrigerant in the tank can flow from top to bottom, an appropriate flow path can be established.

[0012] (5) In the temperature control device described in any of (2) to (4) above, the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit may be located below the upper end of the cooling unit. This configuration allows for securing internal space in front of the moving body compared to a case where the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit are all positioned above the upper end of the cooling unit. Furthermore, in the event of a collision with the moving body, the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit can prevent excessive load from being applied to the cooling unit.

[0013] (6) In the temperature control device described in any of (1) to (5) above, the cooling unit comprises a radiator having a refrigerant inside (for example, a radiator 132 in the embodiment) and a fan shroud (for example, a fan shroud 70 in the embodiment) connected to the radiator by fixed parts (for example, fixed parts 80A to 80F in the embodiment) arranged at the widthwise ends, the fan shroud comprises a fan housing (for example, a fan housing 72 in the embodiment) for housing a fan (for example, a fan 71 in the embodiment) and a shroud part (for example, a shroud part 73 in the embodiment) formed in the widthwise direction of the fan housing, the fan housing protrudes perpendicular to the cooling unit relative to the shroud part, and the first temperature control unit may be arranged in the shroud part. With this configuration, the fan housing protrudes perpendicularly from the shroud, reducing the amount of protrusion when the first temperature control unit is located in the shroud, thus improving layout flexibility. Similarly, when the flow path switching unit is located in the shroud, the amount of protrusion is reduced, further improving layout flexibility.

[0014] (7) In the temperature control device described in (6) above, the fixed portion may overlap with at least a part of the first temperature control unit and the second temperature control unit in the vertical direction with respect to the cooling unit. With this configuration, compared to the case where the fixed part does not overlap the cooling part with the first and second temperature control parts in the vertical direction, the fixed part (the connection between the radiator and the fan shroud) is more susceptible to vibrations when at least one of the first and second temperature control parts vibrates. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations to the main body of the moving object (for example, the vehicle body).

[0015] (8) In the temperature control device described in (6) or (7) above, the shroud portion comprises a first shroud portion (for example, a first shroud portion 74 in the embodiment) formed on one side in the width direction of the fan housing portion, and a second shroud portion (for example, a second shroud portion 75 in the embodiment) formed on the other side in the width direction of the fan housing portion, and the temperature control device further comprises a second flow path switching portion (for example, a second flow path switching portion 123 in the embodiment) that forms a flow path to allow the refrigerant of the radiator to flow through a second temperature control circuit (for example, a second temperature control circuit 102 in the embodiment) having the second temperature control portion, and the first temperature control portion may be located in the first shroud portion, and the second flow path switching portion may be located in the second shroud portion. In this configuration, the second flow path switching unit is located in the second shroud section (the part of the shroud section opposite in the width direction to the first shroud section where the first temperature control unit is located). This allows the weight of the components connected to the radiator to be ensured on the opposite side in the width direction compared to the case where the second flow path switching unit is located in the first shroud section. Therefore, uneven distribution of load on the radiator connection and the radiator itself can be suppressed.

[0016] (9) In the temperature control device described in (8) above, the fan housing may be formed such that the center position of the fan housing (for example, the center position CP in the embodiment) is located on the side of the second shroud portion that is on the side of the first shroud portion. This configuration makes it easier to secure space for the first temperature control unit compared to a case where the fan housing is formed so that its center is located closer to the first shroud than to the second shroud. Furthermore, by setting the fan's weight to be greater towards the second shroud, it is possible to suppress weight imbalances in the cooling unit, including the radiator.

[0017] (10) In the temperature control apparatus according to the above (8) or (9), the cooling unit may include: a first mounting portion (for example, the first mounting portion 91 in the embodiment) disposed at a width-direction end portion of the cooling unit and attached to the moving body; and a second mounting portion (for example, the second mounting portion 92 in the embodiment) disposed above the cooling unit relative to the first mounting portion and attached to the moving body, wherein at least a part of the second flow path switching portion may be disposed between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a side view. According to this configuration, compared with the case where the entire second flow path switching portion is not disposed between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a side view, the center of gravity of the cooling unit including the radiator can be easily set between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. Therefore, the stability when the cooling unit including the radiator is mounted on the moving body can be enhanced.

Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the aspect of the present invention, the temperature control performance can be improved, which in turn contributes to the improvement of energy efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] A side view of the temperature control apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A circuit diagram of a temperature control system including the temperature control apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the cooling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A top view of the temperature control apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A side view for explaining the arrangement of the constituent elements of the temperature control apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A top view for explaining the arrangement of the constituent elements on the shroud portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A side view for explaining the operation of the configuration of the temperature control apparatus according to the embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a vehicle will be used as an example of a mobile body. The vehicle is, for example, an electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In the following description, the directions of front, back, up, down, left, and right will correspond to the orientation of the vehicle. In this case, the arrow FR in the figure indicates the front of the vehicle, the arrow UP in the figure indicates the top of the vehicle, and the arrow LH in the figure indicates the left of the vehicle.

[0021] In the following explanation, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "centered," and "coaxial," mean not only strictly such arrangements, but also include states of relative displacement with tolerances or angles and distances sufficient to achieve the same function. In the drawings used in the following explanation, the scale of each component has been appropriately changed to make each component recognizable.

[0022] <Temperature control device> Figure 1 is a side view of the temperature control device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature control device 1 comprises a first temperature control unit 3 configured to adjust the temperature of the power source 2, a second temperature control unit 5 configured to adjust the temperature of the drive source 4, and a cooling unit 6 that enables heat exchange with the outside.

[0023] The first temperature control unit 3 controls the temperature of the power source 2 (e.g., a battery) with a refrigerant, and also controls the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant is, for example, water or LLC (Long Life Coolant). The first temperature control unit 3 may also include, for example, an EWP (Electric Water Pump) and an ECH (Electric Heat Carrier).

[0024] The second temperature control unit 5 controls the temperature of the electric axle (eAxle), which serves as the drive source 4 (e.g., DU: Drive Unit), using a refrigerant, and also controls the temperature of the refrigerant. The second temperature control unit 5 may be configured to include, for example, an EWP and an ECH.

[0025] The cooling unit 6 has an upper surface 6a that slopes so that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 faces forward of the vehicle (mobile body 10). The upper surface of the cooling unit 6 corresponds to the upper surface of the radiator core or the upper surface of the fan shroud that constitutes the cooling unit 6. The cooling unit 6 may be arranged, for example, on an air intake duct 7. The first temperature control unit 3 is positioned on the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6, further rearward than the second temperature control unit 5, and is connected to a power source 2 (for example, a battery).

[0026] <Temperature control system> Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a temperature control system 100 including a temperature control device 1 according to an embodiment. In Figure 2, solid arrows indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant (e.g., cooling water). Referring also to Figure 2, the temperature control system 100 includes a first temperature control circuit 101 having a first temperature control unit 3, and a second temperature control circuit 102 having a second temperature control unit 5.

[0027] The first temperature control circuit 101 is a circuit for adjusting the temperature of an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), which is a unit integrating a high-voltage device and a battery (for example, cooling the IPU). The first temperature control circuit 101 may include, for example, an EWP 110 (Electric Water Pump) and an ECH 111 (Electric Heat Carrier) that function as the first temperature control unit 3, an A / S 112 (Air Separator), a four-way valve which is a flow path switching unit 113, an IPU 114, an SVS 115 (Seat Ventilation System), and a chiller 116 (cooling water circulator). The components of the first temperature control circuit 101 are connected to each other via piping and the like. The first temperature control unit 3 may include, for example, an EWP (pump for the IPU) for the IPU.

[0028] The first temperature control circuit 101 may be connected to the air conditioning cooling circuit 103 via a chiller 116. The air conditioning cooling circuit 103 may consist of, for example, an air conditioning compressor 130, a condenser 131, a center radiator 132 (corresponding to the main radiator), an evaporator 133, and electric expansion valves 134A, 134B (EXV). The components of the air conditioning cooling circuit 103 are connected to each other via piping and the like.

[0029] The second temperature control circuit 102 is a circuit for adjusting the temperature of the EWP, which functions as the second temperature control unit 5. The second temperature control circuit 102 may include, for example, an EWP 120 that functions as the second temperature control unit 5, an A / S 121, tanks 122A, 122B, a three-way valve which is the second flow path switching unit 123, radiators 124A, 124B, 132, oil coolers 125A to 125D, inverters 126A to 126D, a charger 127 (OBC: On Board Charger), and a voltage converter 128 (DC-DC). The components of the second temperature control circuit 102 are connected to each other via piping and the like. The second temperature control unit 5 may include an EWP for the drivetrain (for DT) (a pump for DU).

[0030] The second temperature control circuit 102 may be configured to include a plurality of tanks 122A, 122B (for example, a filler tank 122A and a reservoir tank 122B). The second temperature control circuit 102 may be configured to include a plurality of radiators 124A, 124B, 132 (for example, side radiators 124A, 124B and a center radiator 132). The second temperature control circuit 102 may be configured to include a plurality of oil coolers 125A to 125D (for example, left-side and right-side oil coolers 125A to 125D for the front and rear, respectively). The second temperature control circuit 102 may be configured to include a plurality of inverters 126A to 126D (for example, front and rear inverters 126A to 126D).

[0031] The tanks 122A and 122B that constitute the second temperature control circuit 102 may be connected to the air conditioning and heating circuit 104. The air conditioning and heating circuit 104 may consist of, for example, a heater core 140, an EWP 141, an ECH 142, and an A / S 143. The components of the air conditioning and heating circuit 104 are connected to each other by piping and the like. The piping connecting the pump and the tanks 122A and 122B is shown as a dashed line in the circuit diagram of Figure 2.

[0032] The output of the IPU pump may be the same as the output of the DU pump. The output of the DU pump may be lower than the output of the EWP pump. Pumps with higher output (for example, the IPU pump and the DU pump) may be mounted on the radiator. The pump output may be set to satisfy, for example, the following equation (1). IPU=DU>EWP ···(1)

[0033] Referring also to Figure 1, the temperature control device 1 is provided with a flow path switching unit 113 (for example, a four-way valve) on the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6, which is connected to the first temperature control circuit 101 having the first temperature control unit 3. The flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, when viewed from the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3. In the example in Figure 1, the outlines of the flow path switching unit 113 and the first temperature control unit 3 are shown by simplified rectangular dashed lines. When viewed from the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the lower part of the flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with the upper part of the first temperature control unit 3.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cooling unit 6 according to the embodiment. In the following description, the vertical, up-down, and width directions of the cooling unit 6 correspond to the orientation of the cooling unit 6 shown in Figure 3. In this case, the vertical direction of the cooling unit 6 corresponds to the thickness direction of the cooling unit 6. The cooling unit 6 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the width direction. In this case, the up-down direction of the cooling unit 6 corresponds to the short side of the cooling unit 6, and the width direction of the cooling unit 6 corresponds to the long side of the cooling unit 6. In this embodiment, the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6 is inclined such that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 faces the front of the vehicle and the lower part of the cooling unit 6 faces the rear of the vehicle (see Figure 1).

[0035] Figure 4 is a top view of the temperature control device 1 according to an embodiment. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cooling unit 6 includes a switching unit mounting portion 60 to which the flow path switching unit 113 is attached. The flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with at least a portion of the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching unit 113 to the first temperature control unit 3 or the first temperature control unit 3 in the vertical direction of the cooling unit 6. In other words, when viewed from the vertical direction of the cooling unit 6, the flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with at least a portion of either the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching unit 113 to the first temperature control unit 3 or the first temperature control unit 3. Furthermore, when viewed from the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the flow path switching unit 113 may overlap with at least a portion of either the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching unit 113 to the first temperature control unit 3 or the first temperature control unit 3.

[0036] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the arrangement of the components of the temperature control device 1 according to this embodiment. Referring also to Figure 5, the temperature control device 1 further includes a tank 122A for temporarily holding the refrigerant of the first temperature control circuit 101 having the first temperature control unit 3. The tank 122A is, for example, a filler tank. At least a portion of the tank 122A is positioned above the first temperature control unit 3. In this embodiment, the entire tank 122A is positioned above the first temperature control unit 3. The arrows in Figure 4 indicate the direction of refrigerant flow from the tank 122A to the first temperature control unit 3.

[0037] At least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 are positioned below the upper end of the cooling unit 6. In this embodiment, all of the first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 are positioned below the upper end of the cooling unit 6. In Figure 5, the horizontal line HL (dummy line) passing through the upper end of the cooling unit 6 is shown as a dashed line. The first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 are positioned below the horizontal line HL in a side view.

[0038] Figure 6 is a top view illustrating the arrangement of components on the shroud portion 73 according to the embodiment. Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the cooling unit 6 comprises a radiator 132 having a refrigerant inside, and a fan shroud 70 connected to the radiator 132 by fixed parts 80A to 80F located at the widthwise ends.

[0039] The radiator 132 is, for example, a side-flow type radiator. The radiator 132 comprises left and right side tanks and a radiator core (core body). The fan shroud 70 is connected to the left and right side tanks of the radiator 132 via fixing parts 80A to 80F.

[0040] The fan shroud 70 is positioned above the radiator 132. The fan shroud 70 comprises a fan housing 72 that houses the fan 71, and a shroud portion 73 formed in the width direction of the fan housing 72. The fan housing 72 protrudes perpendicular to the cooling unit 6 relative to the shroud portion 73. The first temperature control unit 3 is positioned in the shroud portion 73.

[0041] The amount by which the fan housing 72 protrudes vertically from the shroud 73 in relation to the cooling unit 6 may be set based on the amount of protrusion when the first temperature control unit 3 is positioned in the shroud 73. For example, the upper end of the fan housing 72 may be positioned above the upper end of the first temperature control unit 3, or below the upper end of the first temperature control unit 3.

[0042] The fixed sections 80A to 80F overlap vertically with at least a portion of the first temperature control section 3 and the second temperature control section 5 and the cooling section 6. Multiple fixed sections 80A to 80F are provided. In the example in Figure 3, a total of six fixed sections 80A to 80F are provided, three at each end in the width direction of the cooling section 6. The three fixed sections 80A to 80F at the width direction ends of the cooling section 6 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 4, the fixing portions 80A to 80F (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first fixing portion 80A") at the lower end of one end (right end) in the width direction of the cooling unit 6 overlap the first temperature control unit 3 and the cooling unit 6 in the vertical direction. In other words, when viewed from the vertical direction of the cooling unit 6, the first fixing portion 80A overlaps with the first temperature control unit 3. In this embodiment, the entirety of the first fixing portion 80A is arranged within the outer shape of the first temperature control unit 3 when viewed from above.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 4, the fixing portions 80A to 80F (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second fixing portion 80B") located on the vertically central side of one end (right end) in the width direction of the cooling unit 6 overlap the second temperature control unit 5 and the cooling unit 6 in the vertical direction. In other words, when viewed from the vertical direction of the cooling unit 6, the second fixing portion 80B overlaps with the second temperature control unit 5. In this embodiment, the entirety of the second fixing portion 80B is positioned within the outer shape of the second temperature control unit 5 when viewed from above.

[0045] Referring together to Figures 3 to 6, the shroud portion 73 comprises a first shroud portion 74 formed on one side in the width direction of the fan housing portion 72, and a second shroud portion 75 formed on the other side in the width direction of the fan housing portion 72. The temperature control device 1 further comprises a second flow path switching portion 123 (for example, a three-way valve) that forms a flow path so that the refrigerant of the radiator 132 flows through the second temperature control circuit 102 having a second temperature control portion 5. The first temperature control portion 3 is located in the first shroud portion 74. The second flow path switching portion 123 is located in the second shroud portion 75.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first temperature control unit 3 is located on the lower end side of the right end of the first shroud unit 74 when viewed from above. The second temperature control unit 5 is located on the vertically central side of the right end of the first shroud unit 74 when viewed from above. The second flow path switching unit 123 is located on the lower side of the left end of the second shroud unit 75 when viewed from above.

[0047] The fan housing 72 is formed such that its center position CP is located closer to the second shroud portion 75 than to the first shroud portion 74. The center position CP of the fan housing 72 refers to the center of the circular fan housing 72 when viewed from the vertical direction of the cooling portion 6. In Figure 6, the dashed line CL (dummy line) passing through the center position CP of the fan housing 72 is shown.

[0048] In this embodiment, the width W1 of the first shroud portion 74 is greater than the width W2 of the second shroud portion 75 (W1 > W2), with respect to the center position CP of the fan housing portion 72. The width W1 of the first shroud portion 74 corresponds to the distance between the center position CP of the fan housing portion 72 and the right end of the first shroud portion 74 when viewed from above. The width W2 of the second shroud portion 75 corresponds to the distance between the center position CP of the fan housing portion 72 and the right end of the second shroud portion 75 when viewed from above.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the cooling unit 6 includes a first mounting portion 91 located at the widthwise end of the cooling unit 6 and attached to the vehicle body (e.g., the vehicle frame), and a second mounting portion 92 located above the first mounting portion 91 of the cooling unit 6 and attached to the vehicle body. In the example in Figure 5, the outer shape of the second flow path switching unit 123 is shown by a simplified rectangular dashed line. At least a portion of the second flow path switching unit 123 is located between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92 in a side view. Also, at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 is located between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92 in a side view.

[0050] The first mounting portion 91 is composed of, for example, an elastic member such as a rubber mount (vibration-damping rubber). The first mounting portion 91 is positioned on the lower end side of the rear end of the cooling portion 6 in a side view. The first mounting portion 91 may be attached to the vehicle body, for example, via a bracket and bolts.

[0051] The second mounting portion 92 is composed of, for example, an elastic member such as a rubber mount (vibration damping bomb). The second mounting portion 92 is positioned on the vertically central side of the vertically central part of the cooling portion 6 in a side view. The second mounting portion 92 may have a shaft portion that protrudes upward.

[0052] In this embodiment, the entirety of the second flow path switching unit 123 is positioned between the rear end of the first mounting unit 91 and the front end of the second mounting unit 92 in a side view. Similarly, the entirety of each of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 is positioned between the rear end of the first mounting unit 91 and the front end of the second mounting unit 92 in a side view. In Figure 5, the vertical straight line VL1 (virtual line) passing through the rear end of the first mounting unit 91 and the vertical straight line VL2 (virtual line) passing through the front end of the second mounting unit 92 are shown as dashed lines in a side view. The second flow path switching unit 123, the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 are positioned between the vertical straight line VL1 and the vertical straight line VL2 (in the front-rear direction) in a side view.

[0053] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating the operation of the temperature control device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the cooling unit 6 has an upper surface 6a that is inclined so that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 faces the front of the vehicle, thereby allowing the cooling unit 6 to be positioned while keeping the vertical height of the vehicle low. The inclination angle A of the cooling unit 6 with respect to the horizontal plane may be set to, for example, an angle of 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0054] In Figure 7, the hood position HPX when the cooling unit 6 is arranged along the vertical direction of the vehicle (comparative example) is shown by a dashed line, and the hood position HP according to the configuration of this embodiment is shown by a solid line. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the radiator 132 is positioned at an angle to the front and upward relative to the horizontal, and components are placed on the shroud portion 73, thereby lowering the center of gravity and contributing to a lower hood. In addition, a layout space S (space) can be created at the front of the vehicle (below the hood), contributing to the feasibility of the vehicle package.

[0055] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the temperature control device 1 of the above embodiment includes a first temperature control unit 3 configured to adjust the temperature of the power source 2, a second temperature control unit 5 configured to adjust the temperature of the drive source 4, and a cooling unit 6 that enables heat exchange with the outside. The cooling unit 6 has an upper surface 6a that is inclined so that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 is on the front side of the vehicle 10. The first temperature control unit 3 is positioned on the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6 further rearward than the second temperature control unit 5 and is connected to the power source 2. With this configuration, the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6 is inclined so that the upper part of the cooling unit 6 faces the front of the vehicle 10, allowing the cooling unit 6 to be positioned while keeping the vertical height of the vehicle 10 low. In this case, the first temperature control unit 3 for the power source 2 is positioned on the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6, behind the second temperature control unit 5, and connected to the power source 2. Compared to the case where the power source 2 is connected from the position of the second temperature control unit 5, the connection distance between the first temperature control unit 3 and the power source 2 can be shortened. Therefore, the piping of the cooling circuit (first temperature control circuit 101) for temperature control of the power source 2 can be set to a shorter length. As a result, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first temperature control circuit 101 is reduced, and the heat capacity of the first temperature control circuit 101 is reduced. Consequently, the temperature control performance can be improved. And, in turn, this contributes to improved energy efficiency. For example, a power source 2 with high temperature control requirements (e.g., a battery) can be appropriately temperature-controlled to meet the temperature control requirements, thus improving the performance of the power source 2.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the upper surface 6a of the cooling unit 6 is provided with a flow path switching unit 113 connected to the first temperature control circuit 101 having the first temperature control unit 3. The flow path switching unit 113 overlaps with at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3 in the width direction of the vehicle 10. With this configuration, the connection distance between the flow path switching unit 113 (for example, a four-way valve) and the first temperature control unit 3 can be shortened compared to the case where the flow path switching unit 113 does not overlap with the entire first temperature control unit 3 in the width direction of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the temperature of the power source 2 can be controlled more appropriately.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit 6 includes a switching unit mounting portion 60 to which the flow path switching unit 113 is attached. The flow path switching unit 113 overlaps the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching unit 113 and the first temperature control unit 3, or at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3, in the vertical direction with respect to the cooling unit 6. With this configuration, compared to the case where the flow path switching section 113 does not overlap vertically with the entirety of the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching section 113 and the first temperature control section 3, and with the entirety of the first temperature control section 3 and the cooling section 6, the piping 30 connecting the flow path switching section 113 and the first temperature control section 3 can be connected over a short distance, regardless of the shape of the first temperature control section 3 or the flow path switching section 113.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the system further includes a tank 122A for temporarily retaining the refrigerant of the first temperature control circuit 101 having the first temperature control unit 3. The tank 122 is positioned above the first temperature control unit 3. With this configuration, the distance between the tank 122A and the first temperature control unit 3 can be shortened compared to the case where the entire tank 122A is located below the upper end of the first temperature control unit 3, thus allowing the piping of the first temperature control unit 3 to be set shorter. In addition, since the refrigerant in the tank 122A can be flowed from top to bottom, an appropriate flow path can be set.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 are positioned below the upper end of the cooling unit 6. This configuration allows for greater front-side internal space for the vehicle 10 compared to the case where the first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 are all positioned above the upper end of the cooling unit 6. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, the first temperature control unit 3, the second temperature control unit 5, and the flow path switching unit 113 can prevent excessive load from being placed on the cooling unit 6.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit 6 comprises a radiator 132 having a refrigerant inside, and a fan shroud 70 connected to the radiator 132 by fixed portions 80A to 80F arranged at the widthwise ends. The fan shroud 70 comprises a fan housing portion 72 that houses a fan 71, and a shroud portion 73 formed in the widthwise direction of the fan housing portion 72. The fan housing portion 72 protrudes perpendicular to the cooling unit 6 relative to the shroud portion 73. The first temperature control unit 3 is arranged in the shroud portion 73. With this configuration, the fan housing 72 protrudes perpendicularly from the shroud 73 relative to the cooling unit 6, which reduces the amount of protrusion when the first temperature control unit 3 is positioned in the shroud 73, thus improving layout flexibility. Similarly, when the flow path switching unit 113 is positioned in the shroud 73, the amount of protrusion is also reduced, further improving layout flexibility.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the fixed portions 80A to 80F overlap vertically with at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 and the cooling unit 6. With this configuration, compared to the case where the fixed parts 80A to 80F do not overlap vertically with the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 and the cooling unit 6, vibrations from at least one of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 are more easily transmitted to the fixed parts 80A to 80F (the connection points between the radiator and the fan shroud 70). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations to the main body of the vehicle 10 (for example, the vehicle body).

[0062] In the above embodiment, the shroud portion 73 comprises a first shroud portion 74 formed on one side in the width direction of the fan housing portion 72, and a second shroud portion 75 formed on the other side in the width direction of the fan housing portion 72. The temperature control device 1 further comprises a second flow path switching portion 123 that forms a flow path so that the refrigerant of the radiator flows through the second temperature control circuit 102 having a second temperature control portion 5. The first temperature control portion 3 is located in the first shroud portion 74. The second flow path switching portion 123 is located in the second shroud portion 75. In this configuration, the second flow path switching unit 123 is positioned in the second shroud section 75 (the part of the shroud section 73 opposite in the width direction to the first shroud section 74 where the first temperature control unit 3 is located). This allows the weight of the components connected to the radiator 132 to be ensured on the opposite side in the width direction compared to the case where the second flow path switching unit 123 is positioned in the first shroud section 74. Therefore, uneven distribution of load on the connection part of the radiator 132 and on the radiator 132 can be suppressed.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the fan housing 72 is formed such that the center position CP of the fan housing 72 is located on the side of the second shroud portion 75 rather than the first shroud portion 74. With this configuration, it is easier to secure space for the first temperature control unit 3 compared to the case where the fan housing 72 is formed so that its center position CP is located closer to the first shroud section 74 than to the second shroud section 75. In addition, by setting the weight of the fan to be greater on the second shroud section 75 side, it is possible to suppress weight imbalance in the cooling unit 6, including the radiator 132.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit 6 includes a first mounting portion 91 located at the widthwise end of the cooling unit 6 and attached to the vehicle 10, and a second mounting portion 92 located above the first mounting portion 91 of the cooling unit 6 and attached to the vehicle 10. At least a portion of the second flow path switching unit 123 is located between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92 in a side view. With this configuration, compared to a case where the entire second flow path switching section 123 is not positioned between the first mounting section 91 and the second mounting section 92 in a side view, it is easier to set the center of gravity of the cooling section 6, including the radiator 132, between the first mounting section 91 and the second mounting section 92. Therefore, the stability of the cooling section 6, including the radiator 132, when it is mounted on the vehicle 10 can be improved. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 is positioned between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92 in a side view. With this configuration, compared to the case where the entirety of the first temperature control unit 3 and the second temperature control unit 5 is not positioned between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92 in a side view, it is easier to set the center of gravity of the cooling unit 6, including the radiator 132, between the first mounting portion 91 and the second mounting portion 92, thereby improving the stability when the cooling unit 6, including the radiator 132, is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0065] <Variation> In the above embodiment, a flow path switching section connected to a first temperature control circuit having a first temperature control section is provided on the upper surface of the cooling section, and an example was given in which the flow path switching section overlaps with at least a part of the first temperature control section in the width direction of the vehicle, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the flow path switching section does not have to overlap with the entire first temperature control section in the width direction of the vehicle. The manner in which the flow path switching section overlaps with the first temperature control section in the width direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit is provided with a switching unit mounting portion to which the flow path switching unit is attached, and the flow path switching unit is described as overlapping the cooling unit vertically with at least a part of the piping connecting the flow path switching unit and the first temperature control unit or the first temperature control unit, but it is not limited to this. For example, the flow path switching unit does not have to overlap the cooling unit vertically with the piping connecting the flow path switching unit and the first temperature control unit and the entirety of the first temperature control unit. The manner in which the flow path switching unit overlaps the flow path switching unit and the piping connecting the flow path switching unit and the first temperature control unit and the cooling unit vertically can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a tank for temporarily retaining the refrigerant of the first temperature control circuit having the first temperature control unit is further provided, and the tank is positioned above the first temperature control unit, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the tank does not have to be positioned above the first temperature control unit. For example, the entire tank may be positioned below the upper end of the first temperature control unit. The arrangement of the tank relative to the first temperature control unit in the vertical direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit were described in an example where they are arranged below the upper end of the cooling unit, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit do not have to be arranged below the upper end of the cooling unit. For example, the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit may all be arranged above the upper end of the cooling unit. The arrangement of the first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit with respect to the upper end of the cooling unit in the vertical direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit comprises a radiator having a refrigerant inside, and a fan shroud connected to the radiator by a fixed portion located at the widthwise end, the fan shroud comprises a fan housing portion for housing a fan, and a shroud portion formed in the widthwise direction of the fan housing portion, the fan housing portion protrudes perpendicular to the cooling unit relative to the shroud portion, and the first temperature control unit is located in the shroud portion. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, the fan housing portion does not have to protrude perpendicular to the cooling unit relative to the shroud portion. For example, the first temperature control unit does not have to be located in the shroud portion. For example, the first temperature control unit may be located in the fan housing portion. The manner in which the fan housing portion protrudes and the arrangement of the first temperature control unit can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the fixed portion overlaps with at least a part of the first and second temperature control sections and the cooling section in the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fixed portion does not have to overlap with each of the first and second temperature control sections and the cooling section in the vertical direction. The manner in which the fixed portion overlaps with each of the first and second temperature control sections and the cooling section in the vertical direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the shroud portion comprises a first shroud portion formed on one side in the width direction of the fan housing portion and a second shroud portion formed on the other side in the width direction of the fan housing portion, and the temperature control device further comprises a second flow path switching portion that forms a flow path so that the refrigerant of the radiator flows through the second temperature control circuit having the second temperature control portion, and the first temperature control portion is located in the first shroud portion and the second flow path switching portion is located in the second shroud portion, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the second flow path switching portion may be located in the first shroud portion. The arrangement of the second flow path switching portion in the shroud portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the fan housing was described as being formed such that its center is located on the side of the second shroud portion rather than the first shroud portion, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fan housing does not have to be formed such that its center is located on the side of the second shroud portion rather than the first shroud portion. For example, the fan housing may be formed such that its center is located on the side of the first shroud portion rather than the second shroud portion. The configuration of the fan housing can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the cooling unit comprises a first mounting portion located at the widthwise end of the cooling unit and attached to the vehicle, and a second mounting portion located above the first mounting portion of the cooling unit and attached to the vehicle, and at least a portion of the second flow path switching unit is described as being located between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a side view, but it is not limited to this. For example, the entirety of the second flow path switching unit does not have to be located between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a side view. The arrangement of the second flow path switching unit between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a side view can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a vehicle was used as an example of a mobile body, but it is not limited to this. For example, the mobile body may be a ship, an aircraft, or any other vehicle. For example, the mobile body to which the present invention is applied can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0075] Although embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1 Temperature control device 2 Power source 3 1st temperature control section 4. Power source 5 2nd temperature control section 6 Cooling section 6a Top side 10. Vehicles (mobile devices) 30 Piping 60 Switching part mounting part 70 Fan Shroud 71 Fans 72 Fan storage compartment 73 Shroud section 74. First Shroud Section 75 Second Shroud Section 80A~80F Fixed part 91 First mounting section 92 Second mounting section 101 1st temperature control circuit 102 Second temperature control circuit 113 Flow path switching section 122A Filler Tank (Tank) 123 Second flow path switching section 132 Center radiator (radiator) Center position of the CP fan housing

Claims

1. A first temperature control unit configured to allow adjustment of the temperature of the power source, A second temperature control unit configured to allow adjustment of the temperature of the drive source, It is equipped with a cooling unit that enables heat exchange with the outside, The cooling unit has an upper surface that is inclined such that the upper part of the cooling unit is on the front side of the moving body. The first temperature control unit is positioned on the upper surface of the cooling unit, further rearward than the second temperature control unit of the moving body, and is connected to the power source. Temperature control device.

2. The upper surface of the cooling unit is provided with a flow path switching unit connected to the first temperature control circuit having the first temperature control unit, The flow path switching section overlaps with at least a part of the first temperature control section in the width direction of the moving body. The temperature control device according to claim 1.

3. The cooling unit includes a switching unit mounting portion to which the flow path switching unit is attached, The flow path switching unit is connected to the piping that connects the flow path switching unit and the first temperature control unit, or to at least a part of the first temperature control unit that overlaps vertically with the cooling unit. The temperature control device according to claim 2.

4. The first temperature control circuit, which has the first temperature control unit, further includes a tank for temporarily holding the refrigerant, The tank is positioned above the first temperature control unit. A temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first temperature control unit, the second temperature control unit, and the flow path switching unit are positioned below the upper end of the cooling unit. The temperature control device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The cooling unit is A radiator containing a refrigerant inside, It comprises a fan shroud connected to the radiator by a fixed portion located at the widthwise end, The aforementioned fan shroud is, A fan housing section for storing the fan, The fan housing comprises a shroud portion formed in the width direction, The fan housing portion protrudes perpendicularly from the shroud portion to the cooling portion, The first temperature control unit is located in the shroud portion, A temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The fixed portion overlaps with at least a part of the first temperature control unit and the second temperature control unit in the vertical direction with the cooling unit. The temperature control device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned shroud portion is, A first shroud portion formed on one side in the width direction of the fan housing portion, The fan housing portion comprises a second shroud portion formed on the other side in the width direction, The temperature control device further includes a second flow path switching unit that forms a flow path in the second temperature control circuit having the second temperature control unit so that the refrigerant of the radiator can flow through it. The first temperature control unit is located in the first shroud section. The second flow path switching unit is located in the second shroud. The temperature control device according to claim 6.

9. The fan housing is formed such that the center of the fan housing is located closer to the second shroud than to the first shroud. The temperature control device according to claim 8.

10. The cooling unit is A first mounting portion is provided, which is positioned at the widthwise end of the cooling section and attached to the moving body. It comprises a second mounting portion positioned above the first mounting portion and attached to the moving body, At least a portion of the second flow path switching section is positioned between the first mounting section and the second mounting section in a side view. The temperature control device according to claim 8.

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