Vehicle heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a vehicle heat exchange device that can achieve a high level of both cooling effect and aerodynamic performance in the heat exchange section. [Solution] The vehicle heat exchanger 20 is a device mounted on a vehicle 10 and configured to cool in-vehicle equipment 12. The vehicle heat exchanger 20 comprises a heat exchange unit 21, an angle changing unit 22, a temperature detection unit 23, and a calculation control unit 24. The heat exchange unit 21 is configured so that a medium circulating between it and the in-vehicle equipment 12 exchanges heat. The angle changing unit 22 is configured to change the angle of the heat exchange unit 21. The temperature detection unit 23 is configured to detect the temperature of the medium or the equipment 26 through which the medium flows. The calculation control unit 24 changes the angle of the heat exchange unit 21 using the angle changing unit 22 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 23.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchange device for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] A general vehicle is provided with a radiator for cooling an engine. The radiator and the engine are connected via a pipe. Water as a heat transport medium that circulates between the radiator and the engine circulates in the pipe. The heat transport medium that has received heat from the engine dissipates heat to the atmosphere in the radiator, whereby the engine can be cooled effectively.

[0003] As a conventional cooling structure using a radiator, for example, the structure described in Patent Document 1 is known. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes an invention that changes the inclination angle of the radiator. More specifically, during high-load operation in which the engine reaches a high temperature, the radiator is positioned at the first position regardless of the vehicle speed. The first position is a position where the inclination angle of the radiator receives a large amount of traveling wind in accordance with the temperature of the cooling water and the vehicle speed. On the other hand, during low-load or medium-load operation and during high-speed traveling, the radiator is positioned at the second position. The second position is a position where the inclination angle of the radiator receives a small amount of traveling wind. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of passing air of a heat exchanger disposed adjacently so as to overlap the front surface of the radiator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the inventions described in the aforementioned respective patent documents have room for improvement from the viewpoint of aerodynamic performance during vehicle traveling.

[0006] Specifically, when a vehicle is in motion, if airflow is drawn into the engine hood and passed through the radiator, the pressure loss in the radiator increases, worsening aerodynamic performance. Poor aerodynamic performance can lead to increased energy consumption during vehicle operation, potentially negatively impacting driving performance.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of this invention is to provide a vehicle heat exchange device that can achieve a high level of both cooling effect and aerodynamic performance in the heat exchange section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a vehicle heat exchanger configured to be mounted on a vehicle and used to cool on-board equipment, comprising a heat exchange section, an angle changing section, a temperature detection section, and a calculation and control section, wherein the heat exchange section is configured to exchange heat with a medium circulating between it and the on-board equipment, the angle changing section is configured to change the angle of the heat exchange section, the temperature detection section detects the temperature of the medium or the equipment through which the medium flows, and the calculation and control section changes the angle of the heat exchange section using the angle changing section based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection section. According to the present invention, by changing the angle of the heat exchange section based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection section, the angle of the heat exchange section can be optimized, for example, according to the margin of cooling performance of the heat exchange section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, by changing the angle of the heat exchange section based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensing section, the angle of the heat exchange section can be optimized, for example, according to the margin of cooling performance of the heat exchange section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A side view showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a connection diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the operation of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the first mode. [Figure 5] This figure shows the operation of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the second mode. [Figure 6] This figure shows the operation of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the third mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a vehicle heat exchange device 20 and a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, rear, up, down, left, and right will be used. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components in principle, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a vehicle 10 equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger 20.

[0013] Vehicle 10 can be, for example, a gasoline engine vehicle, a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

[0014] The vehicle heat exchanger 20 is a device mounted on the vehicle 10 and configured to cool the on-board equipment 12 shown in Figure 2. As will be described later, the on-board equipment 12 cooled by the vehicle heat exchanger 20 is, for example, an engine or a battery. By using an engine as the on-board equipment 12, the engine can be effectively cooled by the radiator 211, which will be described later. By using a large battery, such as those installed in BEVs, HEVs, or PHEVs, as the on-board equipment 12, the battery can be effectively cooled.

[0015] Specifically, the vehicle heat exchanger 20 comprises a heat exchange unit 21, an angle changing unit 22, a temperature detection unit 23, and a calculation control unit 24. The vehicle heat exchanger 20 is also built into the engine compartment 17, which is the front of the vehicle.

[0016] The heat exchange unit 21 is configured such that a medium circulating between it and the on-board equipment 12 exchanges heat. For example, a radiator 211 can be used as the heat exchange unit 21. The radiator 211 is connected to the aforementioned on-board equipment 12 via piping (not shown here). The radiator 211 is a fin-and-tube type, for example, comprising stacked heat dissipation fins and tubes that penetrate the heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation fins are, for example, metal plates made of aluminum, copper, etc., having a main surface facing in the vertical direction. Cooling water, which acts as a heat exchange medium, circulates between the radiator 211 and the on-board equipment 12, thereby effectively cooling the on-board equipment 12, such as the engine or a large battery.

[0017] The angle changing unit 22 is configured to change the angle of the radiator 211 that is the heat exchange unit 21. Specifically, the angle changing unit 22 is configured to rotate the heat exchange unit 22 about the lower portion, for example, the lower end, of the radiator 211 as the rotation center. The radiator 211 is configured to be rotatable toward the front and the rear with the lower end portion as the rotation center. When the vehicle 10 is a BEV, since the engine and its peripheral devices are not disposed inside the engine compartment 17, there are few space constraints inside the engine compartment 17. Therefore, particularly when the vehicle 10 is a BEV, the space for arranging the vehicle heat exchange device 20 and the space for the radiator 211 to rotate can be easily secured inside the engine compartment 17.

[0018] The angle changing unit 22 includes a support portion 221, a drive portion 222, and a guide portion 223.

[0019] The support portion 221 is configured to rotatably support the lower end portion of the radiator 211. The support portion 221 has, for example, a rotation shaft extending along the width direction of the vehicle 10.

[0020] The drive portion 222 is configured to rotationally drive the heat exchange unit 21 about the support portion 221 as the rotation center. The drive portion 222 is a motor disposed at or near the support portion 221. The drive portion 222 rotates the radiator 211 toward the front or the rear with the support portion 221 as the rotation center.

[0021] The guide portion 223 is configured to guide the upper portion of the radiator 211 as the radiator 211 rotates. The guide portion 223 is a rail-shaped member extending in an arc shape around the support portion 221 as the rotation center when viewed along the width direction of the vehicle 10. Only one guide portion 223 may be disposed at the widthwise end of the radiator 211. Alternatively, two guide portions 223 may be disposed at both the left end and the right end of the radiator 211. An unillustrated engagement portion, for example, in the form of a protrusion, formed at the left end or the right end of the radiator 211 engages with the guide portion 223. As a result, the radiator 211 rotates forward or backward around the support portion 221 as the rotation center while the engagement portion is engaged with the guide portion 223.

[0022] The air duct 14 is formed in the upper front portion of the vehicle body 11. The air duct 14 is a wind tunnel that connects the engine compartment 17 and the upper surface of the hood 13.

[0023] The front grille 16 is formed on the front surface of the vehicle body 11. The front grille 16 is made of, for example, a grid-shaped synthetic resin member. The engine compartment 17 communicates with the outside via the front grille 16. When the vehicle 10 travels, traveling wind is sent from the front side of the vehicle into the engine compartment 17 via the front grille 16.

[0024] Figure 2 is a connection diagram showing the vehicle 10 provided with the vehicle heat exchange device 20.

[0025] The vehicle 10 mainly includes an arithmetic control unit 24, a temperature detection unit 23, a vehicle speed detection unit 27, an angle adjustment unit 22, and an on-vehicle device 12. The temperature detection unit 23 and the vehicle speed detection unit 27 are connected to the input-side terminals of the arithmetic control unit 24. The angle adjustment unit 22 and the on-vehicle device 12 are connected to the output-side terminals of the arithmetic control unit 24.

[0026] The arithmetic control unit 24 consists of semiconductor elements such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The arithmetic control unit 24 may also include semiconductor memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) as storage units. Such storage units store programs, parameters, etc. Based on the programs, parameters, etc. read from the storage units, the arithmetic control unit 24 executes the functions and methods described later.

[0027] As will be described later, the calculation control unit 24 changes the angle of the heat exchange unit 21 using the angle changing unit 22 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 23. The calculation control unit 24 also changes the angle of the heat exchange unit 21 using the angle changing unit 22 according to the driving speed of the vehicle 10 detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 27. For example, if the aforementioned temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the calculation control unit 24 adjusts the angle of the front of the heat exchange unit 21 with respect to the direction of airflow to be closer to a right angle. Furthermore, if the driving speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold speed, the calculation control unit 24 tilts the heat exchange unit 21 upwards and backwards. On the other hand, if the driving speed exceeds a threshold speed, the calculation control unit 24 tilts the heat exchange unit 21 upwards and forwards. These matters will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0028] The temperature sensing unit 23 is configured to detect the temperature of a medium or equipment 26 through which the medium flows. Here, equipment 26 is, for example, a radiator 211, piping connecting the radiator 211 to the engine or battery, etc. The temperature sensing unit 23 detects one or more of the following temperatures: the temperature of the coolant that cools the engine, the temperature of the lubricating oil that lubricates the engine, the temperature of the lubricating oil that lubricates the transmission, and the temperature of the lubricating oil that lubricates the differential gear. Here, the temperature of the coolant that cools the engine is the temperature of the water circulating between the radiator 211 and the engine as described above. The information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit 23 is transmitted to the calculation control unit 24.

[0029] The vehicle speed detection unit 27 detects the driving speed of the vehicle 10 while it is in motion. The information indicating the driving speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 27 is transmitted to the calculation control unit 24.

[0030] The angle changing unit 22 changes the angle of the radiator 211 using the drive unit 222 based on information transmitted from the calculation control unit 24.

[0031] The in-vehicle equipment 12 is equipment that is cooled by the radiator 211 mentioned above, and is, for example, an engine or battery that generates heat when in operation.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle 10 equipped with a vehicle heat exchanger 20. Based on Figure 3 and referring to other drawings, the operation of the vehicle heat exchanger 20 during vehicle operation will be explained. Figures 4 to 6 are side views showing the angle of the radiator 211 in each state. In Figures 4 to 6, the airflow during driving is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0033] In step S10, the calculation control unit 24 checks whether the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Specifically, referring to Figure 1, the temperature detection unit 23 detects the temperature of the coolant in the radiator 211 as equipment 26 or its vicinity, for example, at the inlet of the radiator 211. The temperature detection unit 23 transmits a signal indicating the temperature to the calculation control unit 24. Here, the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 23 does not have to be the temperature of the water at the inlet of the radiator 211. For example, as mentioned above, the temperature detection unit 23 may detect the temperature of the lubricating oil that lubricates the engine, etc. As will be described later, the calculation control unit 24 compares the detected temperature with a predetermined threshold temperature and changes the transition operation according to the magnitude of the difference.

[0034] If the answer in step S10 is YES, that is, if the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S12. In this case, the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 is high, and the cooling capacity of the radiator 211 is insufficient. Therefore, if the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 exceeds the threshold temperature further, there is a risk that the engine and battery will not be able to be cooled effectively. Therefore, in order to improve the cooling performance of the radiator 211, step S12, which will be described later, is executed.

[0035] If the answer in step S10 is NO, that is, if the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 does not exceed a predetermined threshold temperature, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S11. In this case, the water temperature near the inlet of the radiator 211 is relatively low, and the cooling function of the radiator 211 has leeway. Therefore, tilting the radiator 211 improves the aerodynamic performance and handling of the vehicle 10 while it is in motion.

[0036] In step S11, the calculation control unit 24 checks whether the vehicle 10's travel speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. Here, the angle of the radiator 211 is changed according to the vehicle 10's travel speed.

[0037] If the answer in step S11 is YES, that is, if the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 does not exceed a predetermined threshold speed, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S13.

[0038] If the answer in step S11 is NO, that is, if the vehicle 10's travel speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S14.

[0039] In steps S12 to S14, the angle of the heat exchange unit 21 is changed by the angle changing unit 22 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit 23 and the travel speed of the vehicle 10.

[0040] In step S12, the calculation control unit 24 executes the first operating mode if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. That is, the calculation control unit 24 brings the angle of the front of the radiator 211 closer to a right angle with respect to the direction of airflow. Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the calculation control unit 24 rotates the radiator 211 around the support unit 221 as the center of rotation by driving the drive unit 222, thereby making the angle of the front of the radiator 211 perpendicular to the front-rear direction. If the radiator 211 is tilted forward, the radiator 211 is rotated backward to make the angle of the front of the radiator 211 perpendicular to the front-rear direction. On the other hand, if the radiator 211 is tilted backward, the radiator 211 is rotated forward to make the angle of the front of the radiator 211 perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In this way, when the vehicle is in motion, the airflow entering the engine compartment 17 through the front grille 16 hits the radiator 211 perpendicularly, promoting heat exchange between the coolant in the radiator 211 and the airflow. Consequently, the engine and battery, which are the components that the radiator 211 cools, can be cooled effectively.

[0041] In step S13, the calculation control unit 24 executes the second operation mode if the driving speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold speed. That is, the calculation control unit 24 tilts the heat exchange unit 21 upward and backward. Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the calculation control unit 24 drives the drive unit 222 so that the radiator 211 tilts upward and backward, with the drive unit 222 as the axis of rotation. In this way, when the vehicle is in motion, the airflow entering the engine compartment 17 through the front grille 16 passes through the radiator 211 and proceeds in a direction that tilts downward and backward. After that, the airflow that has exchanged heat in the radiator 211 is released to the side of the vehicle 10 via the wheel well (not shown here). In this way, the airflow that has passed through the radiator 211 can be merged with the airflow flowing along the side of the vehicle 10. Thus, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 10 when it is in motion can be improved.

[0042] In step S14, the calculation control unit 24 executes the third operation mode if the driving speed exceeds the threshold speed. Specifically, the calculation control unit 24 tilts the heat exchange unit 21 forward and upward. Specifically, referring to Figure 6, the calculation control unit 24 drives the drive unit 222, thereby tilting the radiator 211 forward and upward using the drive unit 222 as the axis of rotation. In this way, when the vehicle is in motion, the airflow entering the engine compartment 17 through the front grille 16 exchanges heat with the coolant in the radiator 211 and then proceeds to tilt upward and backward. In addition, a portion of the airflow passes over the upper part of the radiator 211 and is then discharged outside the vehicle through the hood 13 via the air passage 14. In this way, the lift acting on the front of the vehicle 10, i.e., front lift, can be reduced. Therefore, the handling stability of the vehicle 10 when it is in motion can be improved. On the other hand, some of the airflow passing through the lower part of the radiator 211 may be released to the side of the vehicle 10 via the wheel well, similar to the second operating mode described above.

[0043] The above is a description of the operation of the vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle heat exchanger 20.

[0044] The technical concepts that can be understood from the aforementioned embodiment, along with their effects, are described below.

[0045] The present invention relates to a vehicle heat exchanger configured to be mounted on a vehicle and used to cool on-board equipment, comprising a heat exchange section, an angle changing section, a temperature detection section, and a calculation and control section, wherein the heat exchange section is configured to exchange heat with a medium circulating between it and the on-board equipment, the angle changing section is configured to change the angle of the heat exchange section, the temperature detection section detects the temperature of the medium or the equipment through which the medium flows, and the calculation and control section changes the angle of the heat exchange section using the angle changing section based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection section. According to the present invention, by changing the angle of the heat exchange section based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection section, the angle of the heat exchange section can be optimized, for example, according to the margin of cooling performance of the heat exchange section.

[0046] Furthermore, in the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the calculation control unit changes the angle of the heat exchange section using the angle changing unit according to the vehicle's travel speed. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, by changing the angle of the heat exchange section according to the vehicle's travel speed, the direction of air passing through the heat exchange section can be changed, thereby improving aerodynamic performance or handling stability.

[0047] Furthermore, in the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the angle changing unit is characterized by rotating the heat exchange unit with the lower portion of the heat exchange unit as the rotation center. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the angle of the heat exchange unit can be easily changed.

[0048] Furthermore, in the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the calculation and control unit is characterized in that, if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, it brings the angle of the front surface of the heat exchange section with respect to the direction of airflow closer to a right angle. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the heat exchange section can be raised relative to the airflow, and heat exchange in the heat exchange section can be promoted.

[0049] Furthermore, the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention further comprises a vehicle speed detection unit for detecting the vehicle's travel speed, and the calculation control unit tilts the heat exchange unit upward and backward if the travel speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold speed, and tilts the heat exchange unit upward and forward if the travel speed exceeds the threshold speed. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, when the vehicle is traveling at low speed, tilting the heat exchange unit upward and backward causes the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit to be discharged from the wheel well. In this way, the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit is smoothly merged with the airflow along the side of the vehicle, improving the aerodynamic performance when the vehicle is traveling. On the other hand, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, tilting the heat exchange unit upward and forward causes the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit to be discharged upward. In this way, the lift at the front of the vehicle is reduced, and steering is stabilized when the vehicle is traveling.

[0050] Furthermore, the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention is characterized in that the heat exchange section is a radiator. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, by changing the angle of the radiator, the cooling performance of the radiator can be ensured, and the aerodynamic effect during vehicle operation can be improved.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the angle changing section comprises a support section, a drive section, and a guide section, wherein the support section is configured to rotatably support the lower end portion of the heat exchange section, the drive section is configured to rotationally drive the heat exchange section with the support section as the center of rotation, and the guide section guides the upper portion of the heat exchange section as the heat exchange section rotates. According to the vehicle heat exchange device of the present invention, the angle of the heat exchange section can be easily changed.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 vehicles 11 Car body 12 In-vehicle equipment 13 Food 14 Wind path 16 Front Grille 17 Engine Room 20 Heat exchangers for vehicles 21 Heat exchange section 211 Radiator 22 Angle adjustment section 221 Support part 222 Drive Unit 223 Guide Section 23 Temperature detection unit 24. Arithmetic Control Unit 26 Equipment 27 Vehicle speed detection unit

Claims

1. A vehicle heat exchanger configured to be mounted on a vehicle and used to cool on-board equipment, It comprises a heat exchange unit, an angle changing unit, a temperature detection unit, and a calculation and control unit. The heat exchange unit is configured such that the medium circulated between it and the in-vehicle equipment undergoes heat exchange. The angle changing unit is configured to change the angle of the heat exchange unit. The temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the medium or the equipment through which the medium flows. The heat exchange device for vehicles is characterized in that the calculation control unit changes the angle of the heat exchange unit using the angle changing unit based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

2. The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation control unit changes the angle of the heat exchange unit by the angle changing unit according to the vehicle's travel speed.

3. The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle changing part rotates the heat exchange part with the lower part of the heat exchange part as the rotation center.

4. The calculation control unit, The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, the angle of the front surface of the heat exchange section with respect to the direction of airflow is brought closer to a right angle.

5. The vehicle further comprises a vehicle speed detection unit for detecting the vehicle's travel speed, The calculation control unit, If the aforementioned travel speed does not exceed a predetermined threshold speed, the heat exchange section is tilted upward and backward. The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that if the aforementioned travel speed exceeds the aforementioned threshold speed, the heat exchange section is tilted forward toward upward.

6. The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchange section is a radiator.

7. The angle-changing section comprises a support section, a drive section, and a guide section. The support portion is configured to rotatably support the lower end portion of the heat exchange portion. The drive unit is configured to rotationally drive the heat exchange unit with the support unit as the center of rotation. The vehicle heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide portion guides the upper portion of the heat exchange portion as the heat exchange portion rotates.

Images