Battery temperature control device

Abstract

To adjust the temperature of an on-vehicle battery while suppressing the power consumption of the on-vehicle battery.SOLUTION: A battery temperature adjustment device is equipped with an on-vehicle battery, a temperature adjustment plate, a heat exchanger, first, second, and third channels which lead a first heat medium, a radiator, a valve, a first temperature sensor, and a control device. The heat exchanger has a storage member, and a first inner channel. The control device has a processor and a memory. The processor executes processing which includes cooperating with a program included in the memory to determine whether or not the temperature of the on-vehicle battery is higher than an upper limit threshold value within a proper temperature range, determining whether or not a heat source body is stored in the storage member on the basis of at least the first temperature sensor, and controlling the valve so as to circulate the first heat medium in the heat exchanger when it is determined that the temperature of the on-vehicle battery is higher than the upper limit threshold value and the heat source body is stored in the storage member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery temperature control device capable of adjusting the temperature of an in-vehicle battery.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a technique for adjusting the temperature of an in-vehicle battery. In such a technique, a coolant is circulated around the in-vehicle battery, and the coolant is cooled by the refrigerant of an air conditioner. Thereby, an excessive rise in the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, in order to adjust the temperature of the in-vehicle battery, since the refrigerant of the air conditioner is used, electric power such as driving a compressor is required. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is adjusted, the power consumption of the in-vehicle battery may increase.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery temperature control device capable of adjusting the temperature of an in-vehicle battery while suppressing the power consumption of the in-vehicle battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a battery temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an in-vehicle battery; a temperature control plate capable of heat exchange between the heat of the in-vehicle battery and a first heat medium fed thereinto; a heat exchanger; A first flow path that guides the first heat medium sent from the temperature control plate to the heat exchanger; A second flow path that guides the first heat medium sent from the heat exchanger to the temperature control plate; A third flow path that branches from the first flow path and merges into the second flow path; A radiator provided in the middle of the third flow path; A valve capable of opening and closing the flow path on the heat exchanger side of the first flow path and the flow path on the third flow path side with respect to the branch point where the third flow path branches from the first flow path; Provided between the branch point and the temperature control plate in the first flow path A first temperature sensor; A control device; Comprising; The heat exchanger includes: A housing member capable of housing a heat source body that does not require the vehicle's power supply; A first internal flow path that is formed around the housing member so as to be heat-exchangeable and communicates the first flow path and the second flow path; The control device includes: One or more processors; One or more memories connected to the processor; The processor cooperates with a program included in the memory to Determine whether the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range; With the heat exchanger side of the valve in the open state and the radiator side of the valve in the closed state Based on at least the first temperature sensor, determine whether the heat source body is housed in the housing member; When it is determined that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper threshold value and the heat source body is housed in the housing member, Controlling the opening and closing of the heat exchanger side of the valve and the opening and closing of the radiator side of the valve according to the comparison result between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the in-vehicle battery Execute processing including.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the in-vehicle battery while suppressing the power consumption of the in-vehicle battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 1 to which a battery temperature control device 10 according to the first embodiment is applied. The vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0011] The vehicle 1 includes an in-vehicle battery 20. The in-vehicle battery 20 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The in-vehicle battery 20 supplies power to a motor generator that is a drive source of the vehicle 1. The motor generator drives the wheels of the vehicle 1. Also, the motor generator generates electricity when the vehicle 1 decelerates. The in-vehicle battery 20 is charged by the power generated by the motor generator.

[0012] An appropriate temperature range indicating a predetermined temperature range suitable for charging and discharging is set for the in-vehicle battery 20. When the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range, the deterioration of the in-vehicle battery 20 may progress. Also, when the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is lower than the lower threshold value of the appropriate temperature range, the in-vehicle battery 20 may not be able to output the desired power.

[0013] Therefore, the battery temperature control device 10 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 so that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 falls within an appropriate temperature range. Hereinafter, the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 may be referred to as the battery temperature. Also, adjusting the temperature may be referred to as temperature control.

[0014] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a temperature control plate 22. The temperature control plate 22 is formed, for example, in a plate shape and is provided in contact with the in-vehicle battery 20. The temperature control plate 22 has internal piping therein. A first heat medium can flow through the internal piping. The first heat medium is, for example, water or the like, but may be any heat medium.

[0015] The internal piping is formed in a bellows shape, for example, within the temperature control plate 22 so that the surface area of the internal piping becomes larger. Note that the internal piping is not limited to a bellows shape, and may be any configuration in which the surface area of the internal piping becomes larger, such as a configuration in which the internal piping branches into a plurality of pipes within the temperature control plate 22. The temperature control plate 22 enables heat exchange between the heat of the in-vehicle battery 20 and the first heat medium fed into the internal piping of the temperature control plate 22.

[0016] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a heat exchanger 24. As will be described in detail later, the heat exchanger 24 is configured to be able to accommodate a heat source body that does not require the power supply of the vehicle 1. The heat source body can be arbitrarily brought into the vehicle by the passenger of the vehicle 1 from outside the vehicle.

[0017] The heat source body is, for example, a container such as a plastic bottle in which a cold liquid or a warm liquid is contained. For example, a plastic bottle containing a cold liquid functions as a cold heat source. A plastic bottle containing a warm liquid functions as a warm heat source. The passenger can set a heat source body at an arbitrary temperature in the heat exchanger 24. Note that the heat source body is not limited to a plastic bottle, and may be, for example, an external heater that generates heat by an external power source. The external heater functions as a warm heat source. The heat exchanger 24 will be described in detail later.

[0018] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a first flow path 26. The first flow path 26 is formed by a pipe through which a first heat medium can flow. The outlet of the internal pipe in the temperature control plate 22 is connected to the first flow path 26 . The first flow path 26 extending from the temperature control plate 22 reaches the heat exchanger 24. The first flow path 26 guides the first heat medium sent out from the temperature control plate 22 to the heat exchanger 24.

[0019] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a second flow path 28. The second flow path 28 is formed by a pipe through which a first heat medium can flow. The second flow path 28 extends from the heat exchanger 24 and reaches the inlet of the internal pipe in the temperature control plate 22. The second flow path 28 guides the first heat medium sent out from the heat exchanger 24 to the temperature control plate 22.

[0020] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a reservoir tank 30 and a pump 32. The reservoir tank 30 is provided in the middle of the first flow path 26. The reservoir tank 30 functions as a buffer for temporarily storing the first heat medium. The pump 32 is provided in the middle of the second flow path 28. The pump 32 draws in the first heat medium from the heat exchanger 24 side and sends it out to the temperature control plate 22 side. When the pump 32 is driven, the first heat medium circulates in the order of the first flow path 26 , the heat exchanger 24 , the second flow path 28 , the temperature control plate 22 as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 1.

[0021] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a third flow path 34. The third flow path 34 branches off from the first flow path 26 and merges into the second flow path 28. The branch point where the third flow path 34 branches off from the first flow path 26 is located between the reservoir tank 30 and the heat exchanger 24 in the first flow path 26. The confluence point where the third flow path 34 merges into the second flow path 28 is located between the heat exchanger 24 and the pump 32 in the second flow path 28. The third flow path 34 is formed by a pipe through which a first heat medium can flow.

[0022] The battery temperature regulator 10 includes a radiator 36. The radiator 36 is provided in the middle of the third flow path 34. The radiator 36 exchanges heat between outside air and the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 34, and releases heat of the first heat medium to the outside of the vehicle.

[0023] The battery temperature regulator 10 includes a valve 38. The valve 38 is provided at a branching point where the third flow path 34 branches off from the first flow path 26. The valve 38 is, for example, a three-way valve. The valve 38 is capable of opening and closing the flow path on the heat exchanger 24 side of the first flow path 26 relative to the branching point, in conjunction with opening and closing the flow path on the third flow path 34 side of the branching point.

[0024] When the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is open and the third flow path 34 side of the valve 38 is closed, the first heat medium fed to the valve 38 from the temperature control plate 22 side is not fed to the third flow path 34 side, but is fed to the heat exchanger 24 side. When the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is closed and the third flow path 34 side of the valve 38 is open, the first heat medium fed to the valve 38 from the temperature control plate 22 side is not fed to the heat exchanger 24 side, but is fed to the third flow path 34 side.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve 38 can be opened on both the heat exchanger 24 side and the third flow path 34 side. When both the heat exchanger 24 side and the third flow path 34 side of the valve 38 are opened, the first heat medium fed from the temperature control plate 22 side to the valve 38 is sent to both the heat exchanger 24 side and the third flow path 34 side.

[0026] The valve 38 is not limited to a three-way valve provided at the branch point of the first flow path 26 and the third flow path 34. For example, a first valve may be provided in the first flow path closer to the heat exchanger 24 than the branch point, and a second valve separate from the first valve may be provided on the third flow path 34 side than the branch point.

[0027] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a first temperature sensor 40, a second temperature sensor 42, and a battery temperature sensor 44. The first temperature sensor 40 is provided between the branch point with the third flow path 34 and the reservoir tank 30 in the first flow path 26. The first temperature sensor 40 detects the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 26. The second temperature sensor 42 is provided between the confluence point with the third flow path 34 and the pump 32 in the second flow path 28. The second temperature sensor 42 detects the temperature of the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 28. The battery temperature sensor 44 detects the battery temperature.

[0028] Here, when the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is in the open state and the third flow path 34 side of the valve 38 is in the closed state, the first heat medium is fed into the heat exchanger 24. Therefore, in this state, the first temperature sensor 40 detects the temperature of the first heat medium fed into the heat exchanger 24. The second temperature sensor 42 detects the temperature of the first heat medium sent out from the heat exchanger 24.

[0029] Also, when the third flow path 34 side of the valve 38 is in the open state and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is in the closed state, the first heat medium is fed into the radiator 36. Therefore, in this state, the first temperature sensor 40 detects the temperature of the first heat medium fed into the radiator 36. The second temperature sensor 42 detects the temperature of the first heat medium sent out from the radiator 36.

[0030] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a fourth flow path 50, a compressor 52, and a condenser 54. The fourth flow path 50 is formed by a pipe through which a second heat medium different from the first heat medium can flow. The second heat medium is, for example, cooling water, but may be any heat medium.

[0031] The fourth flow path 50 extends from the heat exchanger 24, passes through the compressor 52 and the condenser 54, and returns to the heat exchanger 24. As shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 1, in the fourth flow path 50, the second heat medium can circulate through the heat exchanger 24, the compressor 52, and the condenser 54.

[0032] The compressor 52 compresses the gaseous second heat medium fed from the heat exchanger 24 side and sends it to the condenser 54. The condenser 54 exchanges heat between the outside air and the second heat medium compressed by the compressor 52, and releases the heat of the second heat medium to the outside of the vehicle. Since the second heat medium is cooled in the condenser 54 under a high pressure state, it undergoes a phase transition from the gaseous phase to the liquid phase.

[0033] The battery temperature control device 10 includes a receiver 56 and an expansion valve 58. The receiver 56 is provided between the outlet side of the condenser 54 and the heat exchanger 24 in the fourth flow path 50. The receiver 56 temporarily stores the liquid-phase second heat medium. The expansion valve 58 is provided between the receiver 56 and the heat exchanger 24 in the fourth flow path 50. The expansion valve 58 sprays the liquid-phase second heat medium fed from the receiver 56 side to the heat exchanger 24 side. The second heat medium expands by spraying, so that the pressure rapidly decreases and it undergoes a phase transition to the gaseous phase. The temperature of the second heat medium decreases due to such vaporization. As will be described in detail later, in the heat exchanger 24, heat exchange is possible between the second heat medium whose temperature has been decreased by the expansion valve 58 and the first heat medium flowing through the first flow path 26.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the heat exchanger 24 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2.

[0035] The heat exchanger 24 has a main body 60, a housing member 62, and a cover 64. The main body 60 is a block body with a cylindrical depression formed therein. The depression in the main body 60 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the main body 60. The housing member 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower end of the housing member 62 is closed, and the upper end of the housing member 62 is open. The housing member 62 is housed in the depression of the main body 60. The housing member 62 is made of a heat conductive material with a relatively high heat conductivity. The housing member 62 is made of, for example, silicon or the like, but may be made of any heat conductive material. The housing member 62 has an internal space capable of housing a heat source body that does not require the power supply of the vehicle 1. The cover 64 is connected to the upper surface of the main body 60 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the opening of the housing member 62. The cover 64 is made of, for example, a heat insulating material.

[0036] The heat exchanger 24 is disposed in the vehicle interior. For example, the heat exchanger 24 is disposed in a drink holder or a console box or the like. Note that the heat exchanger 24 is not limited to a drink holder or the like, and may be disposed at any position in the vehicle interior. Since the heat exchanger 24 is disposed in the vehicle interior, the passenger can easily set the heat source body in the housing member 62.

[0037] The heat exchanger 24 has a first internal flow path 66. The first internal flow path 66 is formed in the main body 60 around the housing member 62. For example, the first internal flow path 66 is formed in a cylindrical shape that spreads to the outer periphery of the side surface of the housing member 62 and the lower side of the lower end portion of the housing member 62.

[0038] The inlet 66a of the first internal flow path 66 is located at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 60 and is connected to the first flow path 26. The outlet 66b of the first internal flow path 66 is located at the lower part of the side surface of the main body 60 and is connected to the second flow path 28. That is, the first internal flow path 66 communicates the first flow path 26 and the second flow path 28. The first heat medium is fed into the first internal flow path 66 of the heat exchanger 24 from the first flow path 26 through the inlet 66a of the first internal flow path 66. The first heat medium flows through the first internal flow path 66 and is sent out from the heat exchanger 24 to the second flow path 28 through the outlet 66b of the first internal flow path 66.

[0039] The heat exchanger 24 enables heat exchange between the heat source body when the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodation member 62 and the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66.

[0040] The heat exchanger 24 has a second internal flow path 68. The second internal flow path 68 is formed in the main body 60 around the first internal flow path 66. The second internal flow path 68 is formed, for example, in a coil shape wound around the outer periphery of the first internal flow path 66. The piping forming the second internal flow path 68 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first internal flow path 66.

[0041] The inlet 68a of the second internal flow path 68 is located at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 60 and is connected to the expansion valve 58 side of the 4 flow path 50 The outlet 68b of the second internal flow path 68 is located at the lower part of the side surface of the main body 60 and is connected to the compressor 52 side of the 4 flow path 50 That is, the second internal flow path 68 communicates the expansion valve 58 side of the fourth flow path 50 and the compressor 52 side of the fourth flow path 50. The second heat medium is fed into the second internal flow path 68 of the heat exchanger 24 from the expansion valve 58 side of the fourth flow path 50 through the inlet 68a of the second internal flow path 68. The second heat medium flows through the second internal flow path 68 and is sent out from the heat exchanger 24 to the compressor 52 side of the fourth flow path 50 through the outlet 68b of the second internal flow path 68.

[0042] The heat exchanger 24 enables heat exchange between the second heat medium flowing through the second internal flow path 68 and the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66.

[0043] The heat exchanger 24 includes a built-in heater 70. The built-in heater 70 is, for example, a film heater formed in a film shape. The film heater is formed, for example, by Perform planarly arranging heating wires. Note that the built-in heater 70 is not limited to a film heater and may be any heater.

[0044] The built-in heater 70 is disposed around the first internal flow path 66. Specifically, the built-in heater 70 is disposed between the first internal flow path 66 and the housing member 62. The built-in heater 70 is in contact with the inner surface of the first internal flow path 66 and also in contact with the outer surface of the housing member 62.

[0045] The built-in heater 70 is electrically connected to the in-vehicle battery 20. The built-in heater 70 consumes the power of the in-vehicle battery 20 to generate heat. The built-in heater 70 can heat the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66.

[0046] Note that the built-in heater 70 may be disposed outside the first internal flow path 66, and the second internal flow path 68 may be formed inside the first internal flow path 66.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example in which a heat source body is housed in the housing member 62. The heat source body in FIG. 4 is a PET bottle 72 containing cold liquid or warm liquid. Hereinafter, the PET bottle 72 containing cold liquid may be referred to as a cold PET bottle, and the PET bottle 72 containing warm liquid may be referred to as a warm PET bottle.

[0048] A passenger can set a cold PET bottle in the housing member 62. When the cold PET bottle is set, the cold heat of the cold PET bottle is transmitted to the housing member 62. The cold heat transmitted to the housing member 62 is transmitted to the first internal flow path 66 via the built-in heater 70. The first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66 is cooled by the cold heat of the cold PET bottle. The cooled first heat medium is fed into the temperature control plate 22 through the second flow path 28. The temperature control plate 22 lowers the battery temperature by the cold heat of the first heat medium. Therefore, when the battery temperature is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range, setting a cold PET bottle in the housing member 62 can lower the battery temperature and keep it within the appropriate temperature range.

[0049] In addition, the passenger can set a warm PET bottle in the accommodating member 62. When the warm PET bottle is set, the heat of the warm PET bottle is transmitted to the accommodating member 62. The heat transmitted to the accommodating member 62 is transmitted to the first internal flow path 66 via the built-in heater 70. The first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66 is heated by the heat of the warm PET bottle. The heated first heat medium is fed into the temperature control plate 22 through the second flow path 28. The temperature control plate 22 raises the battery temperature by the heat of the first heat medium. Therefore, when the battery temperature is lower than the lower limit of the appropriate temperature range Threshold value, if the warm PET bottle is set in the accommodating member 62, the battery temperature can be raised and kept within the appropriate temperature range.

[0050] In addition, the second heat medium cooled by the spraying of the expansion valve 58 is fed into the second internal flow path 68. The second heat medium in the second internal flow path 68 cools the first heat medium in the first internal flow path 66. The cooled first heat medium is fed into the temperature control plate 22 through the second flow path 28. Therefore, the battery temperature can also be lowered by the cold heat of the second heat medium.

[0051] In addition, the built-in heater 70 heats the first heat medium in the first internal flow path 66. The heated first heat medium is fed into the temperature control plate 22 through the second flow path 28. Therefore, the battery temperature can also be raised by the built-in heater 70.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example in which a heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member 62. The heat source body in FIG. 5 is an external heater 74 that generates heat by an external power source. The external heater 74 has a heater main body 74a, a cable 74b, and a plug 74c. The heater main body 74a is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be accommodated in the accommodating member 62. The cable 74b extends from the upper end portion of the heater main body 74a. The plug 74c is provided at the tip of the cable 74b. The plug 74c is connected to, for example, an outlet outside the vehicle. When the plug 74c is connected to the outlet, the heater main body 74a generates heat.

[0053] The passenger can set the heater body 74a of the external heater 74 in the housing member 62 and cause the heater body 74a to generate heat. Then, the heater body 74a heats the first heat medium in the first internal flow path 66 via the housing member 62 and the built-in heater 70. The heated first heat medium is fed into the temperature control plate 22 through the second flow path 28. Therefore, the external heater 74 can also increase the battery temperature.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified example of the heat exchanger 24. In the heat exchanger 24 of FIG. 6, a second internal flow path 68 is formed in the first internal flow path 66. Also in this modified example, the second heat medium in the second internal flow path 68 can exchange heat with the first heat medium in the first internal flow path 66 and cool the first heat medium. Further, in the heat exchanger 24 of FIG. 6, the built-in heater 70 is formed in the first internal flow path 66. In this modified example Is , the built-in heater 70 can directly heat the first heat medium in the first internal flow path 66.

[0055] Note that the second internal flow path 68 may be formed in the first internal flow path 66 and the built-in heater 70 may be disposed around the first internal flow path 66. Also, the second internal flow path 68 may be disposed around the first internal flow path 66 and the built-in heater 70 may be disposed in the first internal flow path 66.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time transition of the temperature when the battery temperature is decreased. The solid line A10 in FIG. 7 indicates the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 44. The dotted line A12 in FIG. 7 indicates the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range of the battery temperature. The one-dot chain line A14 in FIG. 7 indicates the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40. The two-dot chain line A16 in FIG. 7 indicates the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42.

[0057] When the temperature of the battery drops, the first heat medium cooled by the heat exchanger 24 or the radiator 36 is fed into the temperature control plate 22. Therefore, the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42 drops early as shown by the two-dot chain line A16. In the temperature control plate 22, heat exchange occurs between the heat of the in-vehicle battery 20 and the first heat medium. Therefore, the temperature of the first heat medium sent out from the temperature control plate 22 becomes higher than the temperature of the first heat medium fed into the temperature control plate 22. For this reason, the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40 drops later than the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42 as shown by the one-dot chain line A14. When the first heat medium cooled by the heat exchanger 24 or the radiator 36 continues to be fed into the temperature control plate 22, the battery temperature gradually drops later than the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40 as shown by the solid line A10. In this way, the battery temperature can be reduced to be equal to or lower than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range.

[0058] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the time change of the temperature when the battery temperature is increased. The solid line A20 in Figure 8 indicates the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 44. The dotted line A22 in Figure 8 indicates the lower threshold value of the appropriate temperature range of the battery temperature. The one-dot chain line A24 in Figure 8 indicates the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40. The two-dot chain line A26 in Figure 8 indicates the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42.

[0059] When the temperature of the battery rises, the first heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 24 is fed into the temperature control plate 22. Therefore, the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42 rises early as shown by the two-dot chain line A26. In the temperature control plate 22, since heat exchange occurs between the heat of the in-vehicle battery 20 and the first heat medium, the temperature of the first heat medium sent out from the temperature control plate 22 becomes lower than the temperature of the first heat medium fed into the temperature control plate 22. For this reason, the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40 rises later than the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the second temperature sensor 42 as shown by the one-dot chain line A24. When the first heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 24 continues to be fed into the temperature control plate 22, the battery temperature gradually rises later than the temperature of the first heat medium detected by the first temperature sensor 40 as shown by the solid line A20. In this way, the battery temperature can be raised above the lower threshold value of the appropriate temperature range.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery temperature control device 10 includes a control device 80. The control device 80 includes one or more processors 82 and one or more memories 84 connected to the processor 82. The memory 84 includes a ROM in which programs and the like are stored and a RAM as a work area. The processor 82 of the control device 80 cooperates with the programs included in the memory 84 to control the entire battery temperature control device 10.

[0061] For example, the control device 80 determines whether the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range. The control device 80 determines whether a heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member 62 based on at least the first temperature sensor 40. When the control device 80 determines that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is higher than the upper threshold value and a heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member 62, the control device 80 controls the valve 38 so that the first heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 24.

[0062] Also, the control device 80 determines that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is higher than the upper threshold value and the accommodating member 62Assume that it is determined that the heat source is accommodated therein. In this case, if the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the battery temperature, the control device 80 shuts off the supply of the first heat medium to the radiator 36, and First controls the valve 38 so that the heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 24.

[0063] Further, if the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature, the control device 80 determines whether the temperature drop by the radiator 36 alone is sufficient. When the control device 80 determines that the temperature drop by the radiator 36 alone is not sufficient, the control device 80 controls the valve 38 so that the first heat medium flows through both the radiator 36 and the heat exchanger 24. Hereinafter, the processing of the control device 80 will be described in detail.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the control device 80. When it reaches a predetermined interrupt timing that visits at a predetermined control cycle, the control device 80 executes a series of processing shown in FIG. 9.

[0065] First, the control device 80 acquires the battery temperature from the battery temperature sensor 44 (S10). Next, the control device 80 determines whether the battery temperature is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range (S11). The upper threshold value is set to, for example, 30°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0066] When the battery temperature is higher than the upper threshold value (YES in S11), the control device 80 executes a temperature drop control process (S12) and ends the series of processes. The temperature drop control process is a temperature control process for lowering the battery temperature. The flow of the temperature drop control process will be described in detail later.

[0067] When the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the upper threshold value (NO in S11), the control device 80 determines whether the battery temperature is lower than the lower threshold value of the appropriate temperature range (S13). The lower threshold value is set to, for example, 0°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0068] When the battery temperature is lower than the lower threshold value (YES in S13), the control device 80 executes a temperature increase control process (S14) and ends a series of processes. The temperature increase control process is a temperature control process for increasing the battery temperature. The flow of the temperature increase control process will be described in detail later.

[0069] When the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the lower threshold value (NO in S13), the control device 80 turns off the pump 32 (S15) and ends a series of processes.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the temperature decrease control process (S12). During the temperature decrease control process, a heat source body that functions as a heat and cold source may be set in the heat exchanger 24. Note that, during the temperature decrease control process, a caution may be given to prevent a heat source body that functions as a heat source from being set in the heat exchanger 24.

[0071] When the temperature decrease control process is started, the control device 80 opens the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S20) and closes the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 (S21). Thereby, the supply of the first heat medium to the radiator 36 is blocked, and the first heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 24. Next, the control device 80 turns on the pump 32 at low speed (S22). Thereby, the first heat medium circulates. Next, the control device 80 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the first temperature sensor 40, and acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the second temperature sensor 42 (S23).

[0072] Next, the control device 80 acquires at least from the first temperature sensor 40 From acquires DoBased on the temperature, it is determined whether a heat source body is accommodated in the accommodation member 62 of the heat exchanger 24 (S24). Specifically, the control device 80 subtracts the temperature on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40 from the temperature on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the second temperature sensor 42 to derive the temperature difference of the first heat medium in the heat exchanger 24. If the absolute value of the derived temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control device 80 determines that the heat source body is accommodated. Note that the control device 80 may derive the amount of change over time of the temperature on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40, and if the amount of change over time of the temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, determine that the heat source body is accommodated.

[0073] When it is determined that the heat source body is not accommodated (NO in S24), the control device 80 opens the radiator 36 side in the valve 38 (S25) and closes the heat exchanger 24 side in the valve 38 (S26). Thereby, the supply of the first heat medium to the heat exchanger 24 is blocked, and the first heat medium is supplied to the radiator 36. Next, the control device 80 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the radiator 36 from the first temperature sensor 40, and acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the radiator 36 from the second temperature sensor 42 (S27). Next, the control device 80 estimates the outside air temperature based on the acquired temperatures (S28). For example, the control device 80 refers to a predetermined table in which the temperature on the outlet side of the radiator 36 and the outside air temperature are associated, and converts the temperature on the outlet side of the radiator 36 by the second temperature sensor 42 into the outside air temperature.

[0074] Next, the control device 80 determines whether the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature (S29). This corresponds to determining whether it is possible to lower the battery temperature by the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the outside air in the radiator 36.

[0075] When the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature (YES in S29), the control device 80 maintains the current state of the valve 38 (S30) and ends the temperature reduction control process. In this case, the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 is maintained in the open state, and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is maintained in the closed state. That is, the control device 80 reduces the battery temperature by the first heat medium heat-exchanged in the radiator 36.

[0076] When the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the battery temperature (NO in S29), the control device 80 executes the compressor control process (S31) and ends the temperature reduction control process. The compressor control process is a temperature control process that reduces the battery temperature by the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the second heat medium passing through the compressor 52. The compressor control process will be described in detail later.

[0077] If it is determined in step S24 that the heat source body is accommodated (YES in S24), the control device 80 executes the accommodation time control process (S32) and ends the temperature reduction control process. The accommodation time control process is a temperature control process executed when the heat source body is accommodated. The accommodation time control process will be described in detail later.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the compressor control process (S31). When the compressor control process is started, the control device 80 opens the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S40) and closes the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 (S41). As a result, the supply of the first heat medium to the radiator 36 is blocked, and the first heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 24. Next, the control device 80 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the first temperature sensor 40, and acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the second temperature sensor 42 (S42).

[0079] Next, the control device 80 determines whether the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value (S43). The predetermined first threshold value is set within the appropriate temperature range of the battery temperature. The predetermined first threshold value is, for example, 25°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0080] When the temperature on the inlet side is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (YES in S43), since it corresponds to the fact that the battery temperature has not been sufficiently cooled down, the control device 80 turns on the compressor 52 at high (S44) and ends the compressor control process.

[0081] When the temperature on the inlet side is less than the first threshold value (NO in S43), the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference of the first heat medium in the heat exchanger 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined second threshold value (S45). The temperature difference is derived by subtracting the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40 from the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the second temperature sensor 42. The predetermined second threshold value is, for example, 10°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0082] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (YES in S45), since it corresponds to the fact that the battery temperature has not been sufficiently cooled down, the control device 80 turns on the compressor 52 at high (S44) and ends the compressor control process.

[0083] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the second threshold value (NO in S45), the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference is equal to or higher than a predetermined third threshold value (S46). The predetermined third threshold value is set to be less than the second threshold value. The predetermined third threshold value is, for example, 7°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0084] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the third threshold (YES in S46), the control device 80 turns on the compressor 52 at low speed (S47) and ends the compressor control process. When the compressor 52 is set to low speed, the heat exchange between the second heat medium and the first heat medium can be suppressed more than when the compressor 52 is at high speed.

[0085] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the third threshold (NO in S46), the control device 80 turns off the compressor 52 (S48). Next, the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined fourth threshold (S49). The predetermined fourth threshold is set to be less than the third threshold. The predetermined fourth threshold is, for example, 5°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0086] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold (YES in S49), the control device 80 turns on the pump 32 at high speed (S50) and ends the compressor control process. When the compressor 52 is off and the pump 32 is at high speed, the heat exchange between the second heat medium and the first heat medium can be suppressed more than when the compressor 52 is at low speed.

[0087] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the fourth threshold (NO in S49), the control device 80 ends the compressor control process. In this case, the pump 32 is on at low speed. When the compressor 52 is off and the pump 32 is at low speed, the heat exchange between the second heat medium and the first heat medium can be suppressed more than when the compressor 52 is off and the pump 32 is at high speed.

[0088] In this way, in the compressor control process, by switching the combination of the state of the compressor 52 and the state of the pump 32, the level of heat exchange between the second heat medium and the first heat medium can be changed step by step. Thereby, the temperature reduction of the battery by the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the second heat medium can be efficiently performed.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the accommodation control process (S32). In the accommodation control process, the control device 80 basically controls to prioritize the temperature reduction by the radiator 36 over the temperature reduction by the heat source body even when the heat source body is accommodated. Then, if the radiator 36 alone cannot sufficiently reduce the temperature, the control device 80 controls to perform the temperature reduction by the heat source body in addition to the temperature reduction by the radiator 36.

[0090] When the accommodation control process is started, the control device 80 opens the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 (S60) and closes the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S61). Thereby, the supply of the first heat medium to the heat exchanger 24 side is blocked, and the first heat medium is supplied to the radiator 36. Next, the control device 80 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the radiator 36 from the first temperature sensor 40 and acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the radiator 36 from the second temperature sensor 42 (S62). Next, the control device 80 estimates the outside air temperature based on the acquired temperature (S63).

[0091] Next, the control device 80 determines whether the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature (S64). This corresponds to determining whether it is possible to reduce the battery temperature by the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the outside air in the radiator 36.

[0092] If the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature (YES in S64), since it is possible to reduce the battery temperature with the radiator 36, the control device 80 determines whether the temperature reduction by the radiator 36 alone is sufficient (S65). Specifically, the control device 80 determines that the temperature reduction by the radiator 36 alone is sufficient if the temperature of the inlet side of the radiator 36 by the second temperature sensor 42 becomes lower than a predetermined value within a predetermined time. Note that the specific determination method in step S65 is not limited to this example, and for example, any method such as determining based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side and the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side in the radiator 36 can be applied. Enter It is possible to apply any method, such as determining based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side and the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side in the radiator 36.

[0093] When it is determined that the temperature drop by the radiator 36 is sufficient (YES in S65), the control device 80 maintains the current state of the valve 38 (S66) and ends the control process during storage. In this case, the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 is maintained in the open state, and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 is maintained in the closed state. That is, the control device 80 reduces the battery temperature by the first heat medium heat-exchanged by the radiator 36.

[0094] When it is determined that the temperature drop by the radiator 36 alone is not sufficient (NO in S65), the control device 80 opens both the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S67) and ends the control process during storage. That is, the control device 80 reduces the battery temperature by both the first heat medium heat-exchanged by the radiator 36 and the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the heat source body set in the heat exchanger 24.

[0095] The mode of reducing the temperature by both the radiator 36 and the heat source body can efficiently reduce the battery temperature while suppressing the power consumption of the compressor 52 compared to the mode of reducing the temperature by both the radiator 36 and the second heat medium. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the SOC (State Of Charge) of the in-vehicle battery 20.

[0096] Note that the control device 80 may determine whether the temperature drop by both the radiator 36 and the heat source body is sufficient after opening both the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38. And when the control device 80 determines that the temperature drop by both the radiator 36 and the heat source body is not sufficient, the compressor 52 may be driven to reduce the battery temperature by the three of the radiator 36, the heat source body, and the second heat medium.

[0097] In step S64, when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the battery temperature (NO in S64), it is difficult to lower the battery temperature with the radiator 36. In this case, the control device 80 opens the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S68), closes the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 (S69), and ends the storage control process. That is, the control device 80 lowers the battery temperature with the first heat medium heat-exchanged with the heat source body set in the heat exchanger 24.

[0098] The mode of lowering the temperature by the heat source body can efficiently lower the battery temperature while suppressing the power consumption of the compressor 52 compared to the mode of lowering the temperature by the second heat medium. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the SOC of the in-vehicle battery 20.

[0099] Note that when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the battery temperature (NO in S64), the control device 80 may determine whether it is sufficient to lower the temperature only by the heat source body accommodated in the accommodation member 62 of the heat exchanger 24. And when the control device 80 determines that it is not sufficient to lower the temperature only by the heat source body, the compressor 52 may be driven to lower the battery temperature by both the heat source body and the second heat medium.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the temperature increase control process (S14). During the temperature increase control process, a heat source body that functions as a heat source may be set in the heat exchanger 24. Note that during the temperature increase control process, a warning may be given to prevent a heat source body that functions as a cold source from being set in the heat exchanger 24.

[0101] When the temperature increase control process is started, the control device 80 opens the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 (S70), closes the radiator 36 side of the valve 38 (S71). As a result, the supply of the first heat medium to the radiator 36 side is blocked, and the first heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger 24 side. Next, the control device 80 turns on the pump 32 at low speed (S72). Thereby, the first heat medium circulates. Next, the control device 80 acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the first temperature sensor 40, and acquires the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 from the second temperature sensor 42 (S73).

[0102] Next, the control device 80 determines whether the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40 is equal to or lower than a predetermined fifth threshold value (S74). The predetermined fifth threshold value is set within the appropriate temperature range of the battery temperature. The predetermined fifth threshold value is, for example, 15°C, etc., but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0103] When the temperature on the inlet side is equal to or lower than the fifth threshold value (YES in S74), since it corresponds to the fact that the battery temperature has not been sufficiently increased, the control device 80 turns on the built-in heater 70 at high speed (S75), and ends the temperature increase control process.

[0104] When the temperature on the inlet side is higher than the fifth threshold value (NO in S74), the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference of the first heat medium in the heat exchanger 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined sixth threshold value (S76). The temperature difference is derived by subtracting the temperature of the first heat medium on the inlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the first temperature sensor 40 from the temperature of the first heat medium on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 24 by the second temperature sensor 42. The predetermined sixth threshold value is, for example, 10°C, etc., but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0105] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the sixth threshold value (YES in S76), since it corresponds to the fact that the battery temperature has not been sufficiently increased, the control device 80 turns on the built-in heater 70 at high speed (S75), and ends the temperature increase control process.

[0106] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the sixth threshold value (NO in S76), the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined seventh threshold value (S77). The predetermined seventh threshold value is set to be less than the sixth threshold value. The predetermined seventh threshold value is, for example, 7°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0107] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the seventh threshold value (YES in S77), the control device 80 turns on the built-in heater 70 at low level (S78) and ends the temperature increase control process. When the built-in heater 70 is set to low level, heat exchange in the heat exchanger 24 can be suppressed more than when the built-in heater 70 is at high level.

[0108] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the seventh threshold value (NO in S77), the control device 80 turns off the built-in heater 70 (S79). Next, the control device 80 determines whether the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined eighth threshold value (S80). The predetermined eighth threshold value is set to be less than the seventh threshold value. The predetermined eighth threshold value is, for example, 5°C, but is not limited to this example and can be set to any value.

[0109] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the eighth threshold value (YES in S80), the control device 80 turns on the pump 32 at high level (S81) and ends the temperature increase control process. When the built-in heater 70 is off and the pump 32 is at high level, heat exchange in the heat exchanger 24 can be suppressed more than when the built-in heater 70 is at low level.

[0110] When the absolute value of the temperature difference is less than the eighth threshold value (NO in S80), the control device 80 ends the temperature increase control process. In this case, the pump 32 is on at low level. When the built-in heater 70 is off and the pump 32 is at low level, heat exchange in the heat exchanger 24 can be suppressed more than when the built-in heater 70 is off and the pump 32 is at high level.

[0111] In this way, in the temperature increase control process, by switching the combination of the state of the built-in heater 70 and the state of the pump 32, the heat exchange level in the heat exchanger 24 is changed step by step. Thereby, the temperature reduction of the battery temperature by the first heat medium can be efficiently performed.

[0112] Further, in the temperature increase control process, when a heat source body functioning as a heat source is set in the heat exchanger 24, the first heat medium in the heat exchanger 24 is heated by both the built-in heater 70 and the heat source body. In this case, compared with the case where the heat source body is not set, it is possible to cool the battery temperature to within the appropriate temperature range at an earlier stage. As a result, the power consumption of the built-in heater 70 and the pump 32 can be suppressed, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the SOC of the in-vehicle battery 20.

[0113] As described above, the battery temperature control device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a housing member 62 that can accommodate a heat source body that does not require the power supply of the vehicle 1, and a first internal flow path 66 that is formed around the housing member 62 so as to be heat-exchangeable. The heat exchanger 24 is provided with a heat exchanger 24. Thereby, the heat exchanger 24 can exchange heat between the heat source body when the heat source body is accommodated in the housing member 62 and the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66. The first heat medium sent out from the heat exchanger 24 exchanges heat with the heat of the in-vehicle battery 20 on the temperature control plate 22. Thereby, the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 can be adjusted by the heat source body accommodated in the housing member 62.

[0114] Further, in the battery temperature control device 10 according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is higher than the upper limit threshold value and the heat source body is accommodated in the housing member 62, the valve 38 is controlled so that the first heat medium flows through the heat exchanger 24. Thereby, the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 can be adjusted by the heat source body accommodated in the housing member 62.

[0115] Therefore, according to the battery temperature control device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 while suppressing the power consumption of the in-vehicle battery 20.

[0116] Also, in the battery temperature control device 10 of the first embodiment, the heat source body can be set in the housing member 62 according to the intention of the occupant. Therefore, in the battery temperature control device 10 of the first embodiment, the temperature control of the in-vehicle battery 20 can be performed as intended by the occupant.

[0117] Further, when the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is adjusted to fall within the appropriate temperature range, the temperature of the first heat medium is maintained at a predetermined temperature according to the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20. At this time, when the PET bottle 72 is accommodated in the housing member 62, the heat exchanger 24 can also keep the temperature of the accommodated PET bottle 72 by the first heat medium.

[0118] In step S30 of FIG. 10, when the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature, the state of the valve 38 is maintained and the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 is adjusted only by the radiator 36. However, when the outside air temperature is lower than the battery temperature, the control device 80 may determine whether it is sufficient to only lower the temperature by the radiator 36. And when the control device 80 determines that it is not sufficient to only lower the temperature by the radiator 36, both the radiator 36 side and the heat exchanger 24 side of the valve 38 may be opened, and the temperature reduction by the radiator 36 and the compressor control process may be performed in parallel.

[0119] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 1 to which a battery temperature control device 110 according to the second embodiment is applied. The battery temperature control device 110 of the second embodiment has a heat exchanger 124 instead of the heat exchanger 24, and the connection mode of the heat exchanger 124 is different from that of the battery temperature control device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0120] The first flow path 26 of the battery temperature control device 110 extends from the outlet of the internal piping of the temperature control plate 22 and reaches the inlet of the heat exchanger 124. The second flow path 28 of the battery temperature control device 110 extends from the outlet of the heat exchanger 124 and reaches the inlet of the internal piping of the temperature control plate 22.

[0121] The third flow path 34 of the battery temperature control device 110 branches off from the first flow path 26 and merges into the second flow path 28. The radiator 36 is provided in the middle of the third flow path 34. The reservoir tank 30 is provided between the radiator 36 and the branch point in the third flow path 34.

[0122] The battery temperature control device 110 includes a chamber 190 and a chiller 192. The chamber 190 is provided between the heat exchanger 124 and the confluence point in the second flow path 28. The chamber 190 temporarily stores the first heat medium flowing through the second flow path 28. The chiller 192 is provided between the radiator 36 and the confluence point in the third flow path 34. The fourth flow path 50 of the battery temperature control device 110 extends from the chiller 192 and returns to the chiller 192 via the compressor 52 and the condenser 54. The chiller 192 cools the first heat medium flowing through the third flow path 34 by the second heat medium flowing through the fourth flow path 50.

[0123] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the heat exchanger 124 of the second embodiment. The heat exchanger 124 of the second embodiment is different from the heat exchanger 24 of the first embodiment in that the second internal flow path 68 is not provided, and other configurations are common to the heat exchanger 24 of the first embodiment. That is, in the heat exchanger 124, when the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member 62, heat exchange occurs between the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66 and the heat source body. Further, the built-in heater 70 of the heat exchanger 124 can heat the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66.

[0124] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified example of the heat exchanger 124 of the second embodiment. The heat exchanger 124 in FIG. 16 is configured as a drink holder, for example. The accommodating member 62 of the heat exchanger 124 in FIG. 16 has a plurality of internal spaces capable of accommodating the heat source body. In FIG. 16, a plastic bottle 72 is accommodated in each of the two internal spaces of the accommodating member 62. Further, the cover 64 of the heat exchanger 124 may be omitted.

[0125] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another modification of the heat exchanger 124 of the second embodiment. The heat exchanger 124 of FIG. 17 is configured as, for example, a console box. The housing member 62 of the heat exchanger 124 of FIG. 17 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape. The internal space of the housing member 62 has a size capable of accommodating a plurality of heat sources. In FIG. 17, two PET bottles 72 are accommodated in one internal space of the housing member 62.

[0126] Battery temperature control device of the second embodiment 110 Similar to the first embodiment, the battery temperature control device of the second embodiment includes a heat exchanger 124 having a housing member 62 capable of accommodating a heat source that does not require the power supply of the vehicle 1, and a first internal flow path 66. The heat exchanger 124 enables heat exchange between the heat source when the heat source is accommodated in the housing member 62 and the first heat medium flowing through the first internal flow path 66. The first heat medium sent out from the heat exchanger 124 exchanges heat with the heat of the in-vehicle battery 20 on the temperature control plate 22.

[0127] Therefore, also in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the in-vehicle battery 20 while suppressing the power consumption of the in-vehicle battery 20.

[0128] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or corrections within the scope described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0129] For example, the built-in heater 70 may be omitted in the heat exchangers 24 and 124. In this case, the housing member 62 is brought into contact with the first internal flow path 66. Also, the features of each embodiment and modification may be appropriately combined.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0130] 10, 110 Battery temperature control device 20 In-vehicle battery 22 Temperature control plate 24, 124 Heat Exchanger 26 First Flow Path 28 Second Flow Path 34 Third Flow Path 36 Radiator 38 Valve 40 First Temperature Sensor 42 Second Temperature Sensor 50 Fourth Flow Path 52 Compressor 54 Condenser 62 Housing Member 66 First Internal Flow Path 68 Second Internal Flow Path 70 Built-in Heater 80 Control Device 82 Processor 84 Memory

Claims

1. An in-vehicle battery, a temperature control plate capable of exchanging heat between the heat of the in-vehicle battery and the first heat medium fed in, a heat exchanger, a first flow path that guides the first heat medium sent out from the temperature control plate to the heat exchanger, a second flow path that guides the first heat medium sent out from the heat exchanger to the temperature control plate, a third flow path that branches off from the first flow path and joins the second flow path, a radiator provided in the middle of the third flow path, a valve capable of opening and closing the flow path on the heat exchanger side of the first flow path and the flow path on the radiator side of the third flow path, which are closer to the heat exchanger side of the flow path in the first flow path than the branch point where the third flow path branches off from the first flow path, a first temperature sensor provided between the branch point in the first flow path and the temperature control plate, a control device, and comprising, The heat exchanger includes, a housing member capable of housing a heat source body that does not require the power supply of the vehicle, a first internal flow path formed around the housing member so as to be capable of heat exchange and communicating the first flow path and the second flow path, The control device includes, one or more processors, one or more memories connected to the processor, The processor cooperates with the program included in the memory to, determine whether the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper threshold value of the appropriate temperature range, with the heat exchanger side of the valve in an open state and the radiator side of the valve in a closed state, determine whether the heat source body is housed in the housing member based at least on the first temperature sensor, when it is determined that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper threshold value and the heat source body is housed in the housing member, control the opening and closing of the heat exchanger side of the valve and the opening and closing of the radiator side of the valve according to the comparison result between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the in-vehicle battery, A battery temperature control device that executes a process including the above.

2. Further comprising a second temperature sensor provided between the confluence point where the third flow path in the second flow path joins the second flow path and the temperature control plate, The processor, When determining whether the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member, with the side of the heat exchanger of the valve in an open state and the side of the radiator of the valve in a closed state, if the absolute value of the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor from the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member, and the battery temperature control device according to claim 1 executes a process including this.

3. The processor When it is determined that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper limit threshold value and the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member, if the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature of the in-vehicle battery, the valve is controlled to block the supply of the first heat medium to the radiator and to circulate the first heat medium through the heat exchanger. The battery temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2 executes a process including this.

4. The processor When it is determined that the temperature of the in-vehicle battery is higher than the upper limit threshold value and the heat source body is accommodated in the accommodating member, it is determined whether the temperature drop by the radiator alone is sufficient, and when it is determined that the temperature drop by the radiator alone is not sufficient, the valve is controlled to circulate the first heat medium through both the radiator and the heat exchanger. The battery temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 executes a process including this.

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