Thermal management system and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To provide a thermal management system capable of inhibiting mixing of air into a pump.SOLUTION: A thermal management system 1 includes: a thermal management circuit 100 through which a thermal medium flows; and an electronic control unit 500 (a control device). A water pump 171 (a first pump) is provided upstream of a water pump 131 (a second pump) in a direction of flow of the thermal medium with a reservoir tank 175 set as a start point when the thermal management circuit 100 is in a series connection state in which the reservoir tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series with each other. The electronic control unit 500 drives the water pump 171 earlier than the water pump 131 on a condition that the thermal management circuit 100 is in the series connection state when the thermal medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system and a method for controlling the thermal management system.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0331554 discloses a configuration in which a reservoir and a plurality of pumps are provided on a cooling circuit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional cooling circuit as described in Patent Document 1 above, a plurality of pumps may be driven simultaneously. For this reason, depending on the flow state of the heat medium, a pump in a state where the heat medium has not yet reached may be driven. In this case, it is conceivable that air enters the pump. For this reason, the discharge output of the pump may decrease or the pump may malfunction.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thermal management system and a method for controlling the thermal management system capable of suppressing air from entering the pump.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heat management system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a first pump, a second pump, a heat management circuit through which the heat medium flows, and a control device that controls the driving of each of the first pump and the second pump. The first pump is provided upstream of the second pump in the flow direction of the heat medium starting from the reservoir in a series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the reservoir, the first pump, and the second pump are connected in series with each other. The control device drives the first pump before the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir.

[0007] In the heat management system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the first pump is driven before the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state. As a result, the heat medium can be sent to the second pump side by driving the first pump before the second pump is driven, compared with the case where the first pump and the second pump are driven simultaneously. As a result, it is possible to suppress the second pump from being driven in a state where the heat medium has not reached the second pump. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air from being mixed into the second pump.

[0008] The heat management system according to the first aspect preferably further includes a switching unit that switches between a non-series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the first pump and the second pump are not connected in series with each other and the series connection state and is controlled by the control device. The control device drives each of the first pump and the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is switched from the non-series connection state to the series connection state by controlling the switching unit. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent each of the first pump and the second pump from being driven in a state where the first pump and the second pump are not connected in series. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the second pump from being driven in a state where the heat medium has not reached the second pump.

[0009] In the heat management system according to the first aspect, preferably, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the second pump when the heat medium flowing through the first pump also flows through the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second pump from being driven when the heat medium has not reached the second pump. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the air from entering the second pump.

[0010] The heat management system according to the first aspect preferably further includes a first timer that measures the time since the first pump was driven. The control device acquires information regarding a first predetermined time based on the time required for the heat medium to flow from the first pump to the second pump, and drives the second pump when the time measured by the first timer exceeds the first predetermined time under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir. With this configuration, the timing of driving the second pump can be easily controlled based on the measurement time of the first timer. The first predetermined time may be determined by using a learned model generated by a machine learning technique such as deep learning.

[0011] The heat management system according to the first aspect preferably further includes a detection unit that detects that the heat medium has reached the second pump. The control device drives the second pump when the detection unit detects that the heat medium has reached the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir. With this configuration, the timing of driving the second pump can be easily controlled based on the detection result of the detection unit. In addition, since the second pump can be driven relatively quickly after the heat medium reaches the second pump, the time for distributing the heat medium throughout the heat management circuit can be shortened.

[0012] The heat management system according to the first aspect preferably has the control device drive the first pump when the heat medium is flowing through the first pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the first pump from being driven when the heat medium has not reached the first pump.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the heat management circuit further includes a second timer that measures the time since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir. The control device acquires information regarding a second predetermined time based on the time required for the heat medium to flow from the reservoir to the first pump, and drives the first pump when the time measured by the second timer exceeds the second predetermined time under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir. With such a configuration, the timing for driving the first pump can be easily controlled based on the measurement time of the second timer. Note that the second predetermined time may be determined by using a learned model generated by a machine learning technique such as deep learning.

[0014] The heat management system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a plurality of pumps, a heat management circuit through which the heat medium flows, and a control device that controls the driving of each of the plurality of pumps. The plurality of pumps includes the most upstream pump on the most upstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium starting from the reservoir in a series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the reservoir and the plurality of pumps are connected in series to each other. The control device drives the most upstream pump among the plurality of pumps first under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir.

[0015] In the heat management system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the most upstream pump among the plurality of pumps is driven under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state. As a result, compared with the case where the plurality of pumps are driven simultaneously, the heat medium can be sent to the downstream pump side by driving the most upstream pump before the downstream pump is driven. As a result, it is possible to suppress air from entering the downstream pump.

[0016] In the heat management system according to the second aspect, preferably, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the plurality of pumps in order from the pump on the upstream side in the flow direction under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state. With this configuration, the pumps can be driven in order from the pump that has received the heat medium.

[0017] A control method for a heat management system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a heat management system including a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a first pump, and a second pump, and a heat management circuit through which the heat medium flows. The first pump is provided upstream of the second pump with respect to the reservoir in the direction in which the heat medium flows in a series connection state of a heat management circuit in which the reservoir, the first pump, and the second pump are connected in series with each other. The control method includes an injection step of injecting the heat medium into the reservoir under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state, and a driving step of driving the first pump before the second pump when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir in the injection step.

[0018] In the control method for a heat management system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the first pump is driven before the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in a series connection state. As a result, it is possible to provide a control method for a heat management system that can suppress air from entering the second pump.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of air into the pump.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0022] Hereinafter, a configuration in which the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle will be described as an example. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a driving battery, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). However, the application of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0023] [First Embodiment] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and a human machine interface (HMI) 600. Note that the ECU 500 is an example of the "control device" of the present disclosure.

[0024] The thermal management circuit 100 is configured such that a heat medium circulates. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a capacitor 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a five-way valve 180. Note that the five-way valve 180 is an example of the "switching unit" of the present disclosure.

[0025] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. The radiator 120 is connected (i.e., shared) to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. The radiator 120 includes a high-temperature (HT: High Temperature) radiator 121 and a low-temperature (LT: Low Temperature) radiator 122 (both refer to FIG. 2). The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU: Smart Power Unit) 132, a power control unit (PCU: Power Control Unit) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, and a buck-boost converter 135. The capacitor 140 is connected to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150. The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR: Evaporative Pressure Regulator) 154, and an expansion valve 155. The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and the battery circuit 170. The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, a bypass path 174, and a reservoir tank 175. The five-way valve 180 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0026] Note that the reservoir tank 175 is an example of the "reservoir" in the present disclosure. Also, the water pump 171 and the water pump 131 are examples of the "first pump" and the "second pump" in the present disclosure, respectively. Further, each of the water pump 171 and the water pump 131 is an example of the "pump" in the present disclosure. Also, the water pump 171 is an example of the "uppermost pump" in the present disclosure.

[0027] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, an interface 504, and a timer 505. Note that the timer 505 may be provided separately from the ECU 500. Also, the timer 505 is an example of the "first timer" and the "second timer" of the present disclosure.

[0028] The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The memory 502 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage 503 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The storage 503 stores a system program including an OS (Operating System) and a control program including computer-readable code necessary for control operations. The processor 501 reads out the system program and the control program, expands them in the memory 502, and executes them to realize various processes. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100. The timer 505 measures the elapsed time since a predetermined process was executed. Details of the function of the timer 505 will be described later.

[0029] The ECU 500 generates a control command based on sensor values (for example, temperatures at various locations) acquired from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations received by the HMI 600, etc., and outputs the generated control command to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 may be divided into a plurality of ECUs for each function. Also, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include a plurality of processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503.

[0030] As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing in a stored-program manner, and may include hardwired circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be read as a processing circuitry whose processing is defined in advance by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuits.

[0031] The HMI 600 is a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 receives user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500.

[0032] <Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in the first embodiment. The heat medium (usually warm water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of the first path: water pump 111 - capacitor 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - heater core 114 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111, and the second path: water pump 111 - capacitor 140 - electric heater 112 - three-way valve 113 - high-temperature radiator 121 - reservoir tank 115 - water pump 111.

[0033] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through the path: water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - buck-boost converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - water pump 131.

[0034] The water pump 131 circulates the heat medium within the low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with the control command from the ECU 500. The SPU 132 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 173 in accordance with the control command from the ECU 500. The PCU 133 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 173 into AC power in accordance with the control command from the ECU 500, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 134 circulates the lubricating oil of the motor using an electric oil pump (EOP: Electrical Oil Pump) (not shown). The SPU 132, the PCU 133, the oil cooler 134, and the buck-boost converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130. The five-way valve 180 switches the path of the heat medium in the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in accordance with the control command from the ECU 500. The low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed in the vicinity of the high-temperature radiator 121 and exchanges heat with the high-temperature radiator 121.

[0035] The heat medium (vapor-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of the first path of the compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 152 - evaporator 153 - EPR 154 - compressor 151 and the second path of the compressor 151 - condenser 140 - expansion valve 155 - chiller 160 - compressor 151.

[0036] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of the first path of the water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - electric heater 172 - battery 173 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171 and the second path of the water pump 171 - chiller 160 - five-way valve 180 - bypass path 174 - reservoir tank 175 - water pump 171. Note that the reservoir tank 175 is provided at the portion where the first path and the bypass path 174 merge.

[0037] The water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within the battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170 through heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies driving power to the motor built into the transaxle. The battery 173 can be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. The bypass path 174 is provided so that the heat medium bypasses the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174, the temperature change of the heat medium associated with heat absorption / release between the heat medium and the battery 173 can be suppressed. The reservoir tank 175 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 by storing a part of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170.

[0038] The five-way valve 180 is provided with five ports P1 to P5. The port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the chiller 160. The port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the electric heater 172 and the battery 173 (representatively shown as the battery 173) of the battery circuit 170. The port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and boost converter 135 (representatively shown as the PCU 133) of the low-temperature circuit 130. The port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the bypass path 174 of the battery circuit 170. The port P5 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward the low-temperature radiator 122.

[0039] <Communication pattern> FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are conceptual diagrams showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern by the five-way valve 180, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, in the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 forms a path that connects port P1 and port P5, and a path that connects port P3 and port P2. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in series. As a result, the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state in which the reservoir tank 175, the water pump 171, and the water pump 131 are connected in series. In this case, the water pump 171 is provided upstream of the water pump 131 starting from the reservoir tank 175 in the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0040] In the second communication pattern (see FIG. 4), the five-way valve 180 forms a path that connects port P1 and port P2, and a path that connects port P3 and port P5. These two paths are independent of each other, and no other path connecting the two paths is formed. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in parallel completely independently. As a result, the heat management circuit 100 is in a non-series connection state in which the water pump 171 and the water pump 131 are not connected in series (are arranged in parallel).

[0041] The injection of the heat medium into the heat management circuit 100 is performed under the condition that the heat management circuit 100 is switched to the series connection state (see FIG. 3). First, the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175. The heat medium injected into the reservoir tank 175 flows in the order of the water pump 171 - the chiller 160 - the five-way valve 180 - the LT radiator 122 - the water pump 131 - the PCU 133 - the five-way valve 180 - the battery 173 - the reservoir tank 175. At this time, the five-way valve 180 may be controlled so that the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174. That is, the heat medium from port P3 may flow through port P4 in addition to (or instead of) port P2.

[0042] Here, in a conventional heat management circuit, when a heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank, multiple pumps in series may be driven simultaneously. For this reason, depending on the flow state of the heat medium, a pump in a state where the heat medium has not yet reached may be driven. In this case, it is conceivable that air will enter the pump. Therefore, the discharge power of the pump may decrease or the pump may malfunction. Accordingly, it is desired to suppress the driving of a pump in a state where the heat medium has not reached.

[0043] Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 500 drives the upstream water pump 171 before the downstream water pump 131 under the condition that the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state. In this example, the ECU 500 drives the downstream water pump 131 after a predetermined time of driving the upstream water pump 171.

[0044] Specifically, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 171 when the heat medium is flowing through the water pump 171 under the condition that the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state. That is, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 171 after the heat medium injected into the reservoir tank 175 reaches the water pump 171. After a predetermined time, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 131 when the heat medium that has flowed through the water pump 171 is flowing through the water pump 131. That is, the ECU 500 drives the water pump 131 after the heat medium that has flowed through the water pump 171 reaches the water pump 131.

[0045] This control can be realized as follows. When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, a predetermined operation is performed on the HMI 600 by the operator. The timer 505 measures the time elapsed since the above predetermined operation was performed in response to the performance of the above predetermined operation. Thereby, the time elapsed since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir tank 175 is measured by the timer 505. Note that the time measurement by the timer 505 may be started in response to a signal from a sensor that detects that the heat medium has been injected into the reservoir tank 175.

[0046] And when the elapsed time since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir tank 175 exceeds a predetermined value A1 (for example, 1 minute), the ECU 500 (processor 501) drives the water pump 171. Here, the predetermined value A1 is a value equal to or greater than the time required for the heat medium to reach the water pump 171 after being injected into the reservoir tank 175. The predetermined value A1 may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the heat management system 1. Thereby, the water pump 171 is driven after the heat medium reaches the water pump 171. Note that the processor 501 acquires the information on the predetermined value A1 stored in the memory 502 of the ECU 500 and performs the above control. Note that the predetermined value A1 is an example of the "second predetermined time" in the present disclosure.

[0047] Also, the timer 505 measures the time elapsed since the water pump 171 was driven. And when the elapsed time since the water pump 171 was driven exceeds a predetermined value B1 (for example, 3 minutes), the ECU 500 drives the water pump 131. Here, the predetermined value B1 is a value sufficiently larger than the time required for the heat medium to reach the water pump 131 after being discharged by the water pump 171. The predetermined value B1 may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the heat management system 1. Thereby, the water pump 131 is driven after the heat medium reaches the water pump 131. Note that the processor 501 acquires the information on the predetermined value B1 stored in the memory 502 of the ECU 500 and performs the above control. Note that the predetermined value B1 is an example of the "first predetermined time" in the present disclosure.

[0048] Instead of driving the water pump 131 based on the elapsed time since the water pump 171 was driven, the water pump 131 may be driven based on the elapsed time since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir tank 175. Also, a timer for measuring the elapsed time since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir tank 175 and a timer for measuring the time since the water pump 171 was driven may be provided separately.

[0049] <Control Method of Heat Management Circuit> With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, a control method of the heat management system 1 (a driving method of the water pump 131 and the water pump 171) will be described.

[0050] In step S1, the ECU 500 (processor 501) detects that the heat medium has been injected into the reservoir tank 175, for example, in response to a predetermined operation of the operator being received at the HMI 600.

[0051] In step S2, the ECU 500 determines whether the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state. For example, the ECU 500 determines whether the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state based on the state of the five-way valve 180. If the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state (Yes in S2), the process proceeds to step S4. If the heat management circuit 100 is in a non-series connection state (No in S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0052] In step S3, the ECU 500 controls the five-way valve 180 so that the heat management circuit 100 is in a series connection state.

[0053] In step S4, the ECU 500 controls the timer 505 to start measuring the time since the injection of the heat medium into the reservoir tank 175 was detected in step S1.

[0054] In step S5, the ECU 500 determines whether the elapsed time since the injection of the heat medium into the reservoir tank 175, which was started to be measured by the timer 505 in step S4, is greater than a predetermined value A1. If the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined value A1 (Yes in S5), the process proceeds to step S6. If the elapsed time is less than or equal to the predetermined value A1 (No in S5), the process of step S5 is repeated.

[0055] In step S6, the ECU 500 drives the upstream water pump 171 (battery W / P).

[0056] In step S7, the ECU 500 controls the timer 505 in response to the process of step S6 to start measuring the time since the water pump 171 was driven. Specifically, the ECU 500 starts the time measurement by the timer 505 at the timing when it receives (acquires) a signal indicating that the water pump 171 is being driven from the thermal management circuit 100.

[0057] In step S8, the ECU 500 determines whether the elapsed time since the water pump 171 was driven, which was started to be measured by the timer 505 in step S7, is greater than a predetermined value B1. If the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined value B1 (Yes in S8), the process proceeds to step S9. If the elapsed time is less than or equal to the predetermined value B1 (No in S8), the process of step S8 is repeated.

[0058] In step S9, the ECU 500 drives the downstream water pump 131 (unit W / P).

[0059] As described above, in the first embodiment, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the processor 501 drives the water pump 171 before the water pump 131 in the series connection state of the heat management circuit 100. That is, the pumps 131 and 171 are driven in order from the pump on the upstream side starting from the reservoir tank 175. Thereby, the pumps can be driven in the order in which the heat medium arrives quickly. Then, since the pump 131 is driven after the heat medium reaches the pump 131, the entry of air into the pump 131 can be suppressed. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent a decrease in the discharge power of the pump 131 and a failure of the pump 131.

[0060] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the five-way valve 180 is adopted has been described. However, the configuration of the switching unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the switching unit according to the present disclosure is an eight-way valve will be described.

[0061] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the heat management system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat management system 2 is different from the heat management system 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment in that it includes a heat management circuit 200 instead of the heat management circuit 100 and an ECU 510 instead of the ECU 500. Note that the ECU 510 is an example of the "control device" of the present disclosure.

[0062] The heat management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a capacitor 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280. Note that the eight-way valve 280 is an example of the "switching unit" of the present disclosure.

[0063] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected (shared) to both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240. The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242 (see FIG. 7), an expansion valve 243, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, 246 (see FIG. 7), an evaporator 247, an orifice (expansion valve) 248, and an accumulator 249. The capacitor 250 includes a water-cooled capacitor 251 and an air-cooled capacitor 252 (see FIG. 7), and is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the drive unit circuit 260. The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, and a reservoir tank 265. The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 271 and a battery 272. The eight-way valve 280 includes ports P1 to P8 (see FIG. 7) and is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0064] Note that the reservoir tank 265 is an example of the "reservoir" of the present disclosure. Also, the water pump 211 and the water pump 261 are examples of the "first pump" and the "second pump" of the present disclosure, respectively. Also, each of the water pump 211 and the water pump 261 is an example of the "pump" of the present disclosure. Also, the water pump 211 is an example of the "uppermost pump" of the present disclosure.

[0065] The ECU 510 controls the thermal management circuit 200. The ECU 510 includes a processor 511, a memory 512, a storage 513, an interface 514, and a timer 515. Note that the timer 515 may be provided separately from the ECU 510. Also, the timer 515 is an example of the "first timer" and the "second timer" of the present disclosure.

[0066] <Configuration of Thermal Management Circuit> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the heat management circuit 200 in the second embodiment. The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P3) - water pump 211 - chiller 220 - eight-way valve 280 (port P5).

[0067] The water pump 211 circulates the heat medium in the chiller circuit 210 according to a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240. The eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which the chiller circuit 210 is connected according to a control command from the ECU 500. The switching of the path by the eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0068] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows between the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280 (ports P6, P7). The radiator 231 is disposed downstream of a grill shutter (not shown) and exchanges heat between the outside air of the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0069] The heat medium (vapor-phase refrigerant or liquid-phase refrigerant) circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through any one of the first path of the compressor 241 - expansion valve 243 - solenoid valve 244 (244A, 244B) - air-cooled condenser 252 - solenoid valve 245 - evaporator 247 - orifice 248 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241, the second path of the compressor 241 - air-cooled condenser 252 - solenoid valve 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241, and the third path of the compressor 241 - expansion valve 243 - solenoid valve 244 (244A, 244B) - air-cooled condenser 252 - solenoid valve 246 - chiller 220 - accumulator 249 - compressor 241.

[0070] Compressor 241 compresses the vapor-phase refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 240 according to the control command from ECU 500. The solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel with the compressor 241 and adjusts the inflow rate of the vapor-phase refrigerant to the compressor 241 according to the control command from ECU 500. The expansion valve 243 decompresses the liquid-phase refrigerant by expanding the high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant compressed by the condenser 241. The solenoid valve 244 (244A, 244B) switches the on / off of the flow of the liquid-phase refrigerant between the expansion valve 243 and the air-cooled condenser 252 according to the control command from ECU 500. The air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with the water-cooled condenser 251 of the drive unit circuit 260. The solenoid valve 245 restricts the inflow of the liquid-phase refrigerant to the evaporator 247 according to the control command from ECU 500. The solenoid valve 246 restricts the inflow of the liquid-phase refrigerant to the chiller 220 according to the control command from ECU 500. The orifice 248 decompresses the refrigerant from the evaporator 247. The accumulator 249 prevents the liquid-phase refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor 241 when the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by the evaporator 247.

[0071] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P8) - water pump 261 - SPU 262 - PCU 263 - oil cooler 264 - water-cooled condenser 251 - reservoir tank 265 - eight-way valve 280 (port P2).

[0072] The water pump 261 circulates the heat medium within the drive unit circuit 260 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The SPU 262 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 272 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The PCU 263 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 272 into AC power in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. The oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260 and the lubricating oil of the motor. The SPU 262, the PCU 263, and the oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating in the drive unit circuit 260. The water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat with the air-cooled condenser 252 of the refrigeration cycle 250. The reservoir tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a part of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (the heat medium that has overflowed due to the pressure increase).

[0073] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P1) - ADAS 271 - battery 272 - eight-way valve 280 (port P4).

[0074] ADAS 271 includes, for example, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Auto Speed Limiter (ASL), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Pre-Crash Safety (PCS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The battery circuit 270 may include an Autonomous Driving System (ADS) in addition to ADAS 271. The battery 272 supplies driving power to the motor built into the transaxle.

[0075] <Communication pattern> FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are conceptual diagrams showing an overview of a first communication pattern and a second communication pattern by the octagonal valve 280, respectively. In the first communication pattern (see FIG. 8), the octagonal valve 280 forms a path connecting port P5 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P8, a path connecting port P2 and port P6, and a path connecting port P7 and port P3. In this case, the battery circuit 270, the drive unit circuit 260, the radiator circuit 230, and the chiller circuit 210 are all connected in series. As a result, the heat management circuit 200 is in a series connection state in which the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 211, and the water pump 261 are connected in series. In this case, the water pump 211 is provided upstream of the water pump 261 starting from the reservoir tank 265 in the flow direction of the heat medium.

[0076] In the second communication pattern (see FIG. 9), the octagonal valve 280 forms a path connecting port P5 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P3, a path connecting port P7 and port P8, and a path connecting port P2 and port P6. Thereby, the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210 are connected in series, and the drive unit circuit 260 and the radiator circuit 230 are connected in series. The series connection circuit of the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210 and the series connection circuit of the drive unit circuit 260 and the radiator circuit 230 are provided in parallel with each other.

[0077] <Control Method of Heat Management Circuit> Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, a control method of the heat management circuit 200 (a driving method of the water pump 211 and the water pump 261) will be described.

[0078] In step S11, the ECU 510 (processor 511) detects that the heat medium has been injected into the reservoir tank 265, for example, in response to a predetermined operation of the operator being received at the HMI 600.

[0079] In step S12, the ECU 510 determines whether the heat management circuit 200 is in a series connection state (see FIG. 8). For example, the ECU 510 determines whether the heat management circuit 200 is in a series connection state based on the state of the eight-way valve 280. If the heat management circuit 200 is in a series connection state (Yes in S12), the process proceeds to step S14. If the heat management circuit 200 is in a non-series connection state (for example, see FIG. 9) (No in S12), the process proceeds to step S13. Note that if the reservoir tank 265, the water pump 211, and the water pump 261 are connected in series, heat medium injection may be performed in a circuit configuration other than that shown in FIG. 8.

[0080] In step S13, the ECU 510 controls the eight-way valve 280 so that the heat management circuit 200 is in a series connection state.

[0081] In step S14, the ECU 510 controls the timer 515 to start measuring the time since the injection of the heat medium into the reservoir tank 265 was detected in step S11.

[0082] In step S15, the ECU 510 determines whether the elapsed time since the injection of the heat medium into the reservoir tank 265, which was started to be measured by the timer 515 in step S14, is greater than a predetermined value A2. If the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined value A2 (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to step S16. If the elapsed time is less than or equal to the predetermined value A2 (No in S15), the process of step S15 is repeated. The predetermined value A2 is a value equal to or greater than the time required for the heat medium to reach the water pump 211 after being injected into the reservoir tank 265. The predetermined value A2 may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the heat management system 2. The processor 511 acquires the information on the predetermined value A2 stored in the memory 512 of the ECU 510 and performs the above control. The predetermined value A2 is an example of the "second predetermined time" in the present disclosure.

[0083] In step S16, the ECU 510 drives the upstream water pump 211 (chiller W / P).

[0084] In step S17, the ECU 510 controls the timer 515 in response to the process of step S16 to start measuring the time since the water pump 211 was driven. Specifically, the ECU 510 starts the time measurement by the timer 515 at the timing when it receives (acquires) a signal indicating that the water pump 211 is being driven from the thermal management circuit 200.

[0085] In step S18, the ECU 510 determines whether the elapsed time since the water pump 211 was driven, which was started to be measured by the timer 515 in step S17, is greater than a predetermined value B2. If the elapsed time is greater than the predetermined value B2 (Yes in S18), the process proceeds to step S19. If the elapsed time is less than or equal to the predetermined value B2 (No in S18), the process of step S18 is repeated. The predetermined value B2 is a value that is sufficiently larger than the time required for the heat medium to reach the water pump 261 after being discharged by the water pump 211. The predetermined value B2 may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the thermal management system 2. Note that the processor 511 acquires the information of the predetermined value B2 stored in the memory 512 of the ECU 510 and performs the above control. The predetermined value B2 is an example of the "first predetermined time" of the present disclosure.

[0086] In step S19, the ECU 510 drives the downstream water pump 261 (unit W / P).

[0087] Regarding other configurations and effects in the second embodiment, since they are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, repeated description will not be given.

[0088] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the thermal management circuit 300 in the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which each of the water pumps 131 and 171 is driven based on the measurement time by the timer 505, the pumps are driven based on the detection result by the pressure sensor. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and repeated descriptions thereof will not be given.

[0089] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the thermal management system 3 according to the third embodiment. The thermal management system 3 includes a thermal management circuit 300 instead of the thermal management circuit 100 in the thermal management system 1 of the first embodiment. Further, the thermal management system 3 includes an ECU 520 instead of the ECU 500 of the first embodiment. Note that the ECU 520 is an example of the "control device" according to the present disclosure.

[0090] The thermal management circuit 300 includes a low-temperature circuit 330 instead of the low-temperature circuit 130 of the thermal management circuit 300 in the first embodiment. Further, the thermal management circuit 300 includes a battery circuit 370 instead of the battery circuit 170 of the thermal management circuit 300 in the first embodiment.

[0091] The low-temperature circuit 330 includes a pressure sensor 331 in addition to the configuration of the low-temperature circuit 130 in the first embodiment. The pressure sensor 331 is provided, for example, at an inlet (not shown) of the heat medium in the water pump 131. Therefore, the detected value of the pressure sensor 331 changes in response to the arrival of the heat medium at the water pump 131. That is, the pressure sensor 331 can detect the arrival of the heat medium at the water pump 131. Note that the pressure sensor 331 is an example of the "detection unit" of the present disclosure.

[0092] In addition to the configuration of the battery circuit 170 in the first embodiment, the battery circuit 370 includes a pressure sensor 371. The pressure sensor 371 is provided, for example, at an inlet (not shown) of the heat medium in the water pump 171. Therefore, the detected value of the pressure sensor 371 changes in response to the heat medium reaching the water pump 171. That is, the pressure sensor 371 can detect that the heat medium has reached the water pump 171.

[0093] The ECU 520 includes a processor 521 instead of the processor 501 in the ECU 500 of the first embodiment. Also, the ECU 520 includes a memory 522 instead of the memory 502 in the ECU 500 of the first embodiment. Note that the timer 505 in the first embodiment is not provided in the ECU 520.

[0094] When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 520 (processor 521) drives the water pump 171 in response to the pressure sensor 371 detecting that the heat medium has reached the water pump 171 under the condition that the heat management circuit 300 is in a series connection state.

[0095] Specifically, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 520 drives the water pump 171 when the detected value of the pressure sensor 371 exceeds a predetermined value C under the condition that the heat management circuit 300 is in a series connection state. Here, the predetermined value C is a value between the pressure applied to the inlet of the water pump 171 when the heat medium has not reached the water pump 171 and the pressure applied to the inlet of the water pump 171 when the heat medium has reached the water pump 171 (for example, the average value of the above two values). The predetermined value C may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the heat management system 2. Thereby, the water pump 171 is driven at the timing when the heat medium reaches the water pump 171. Note that the processor 521 acquires the information of the predetermined value C stored in the memory 522 of the ECU 520 and performs the above control. Also, the predetermined value C may be determined by using a learned model generated by a machine learning technique such as deep learning.

[0096] Also, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 520 (processor 521) drives the water pump 131 in response to the pressure sensor 331 detecting that the heat medium has reached the water pump 131 under the condition that the heat management circuit 300 is in a series connection state.

[0097] Specifically, when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank 175, the ECU 520 drives the water pump 131 when the detected value of the pressure sensor 331 exceeds a predetermined value D under the condition that the heat management circuit 300 is in a series connection state. Here, the predetermined value D is a value between the pressure applied to the inlet of the water pump 131 when the heat medium has not reached the water pump 131 and the pressure applied to the inlet of the water pump 131 when the heat medium has reached the water pump 131 (for example, the average value of the above two values). The predetermined value D may be a value preset based on the experimental results during the manufacture of the heat management system 2. Thereby, the water pump 131 is driven at the timing when the heat medium reaches the water pump 131. The processor 521 acquires the information of the predetermined value D stored in the memory 522 of the ECU 520 and performs the above control. Further, the predetermined value D may be determined by using a learned model generated by a machine learning technique such as deep learning.

[0098] <Control method of heat management circuit> Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, a control method of the heat management circuit 300 (a driving method of the water pump 131 and the water pump 171) will be described. For the steps of the same processing as in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be given and repeated description will not be made.

[0099] After step S3, the process of step S21 is performed. In step S21, the ECU 520 (processor 521) determines whether the detected value of the pressure sensor 371 provided at the inlet of the water pump 171 (battery W / P) is greater than a predetermined value C. If the detected value of the pressure sensor 371 is greater than the predetermined value C (Yes in S21), the process proceeds to step S6. If the detected value of the pressure sensor 371 is less than or equal to the predetermined value C (No in S21), the process of step S21 is repeated.

[0100] After step S6, the process of step S22 is performed. In step S22, the ECU 520 determines whether the detected value of the pressure sensor 331 provided at the inlet of the water pump 131 (unit W / P) is greater than a predetermined value D. If the detected value of the pressure sensor 331 is greater than the predetermined value D (Yes in S22), the process proceeds to step S9. If the detected value of the pressure sensor 331 is less than or equal to the predetermined value D (No in S22), the process of step S22 is repeated.

[0101] Regarding other configurations and effects in the third embodiment, since they are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, repetitive description will not be given.

[0102] In the above first to third embodiments, an example in which the heat medium is injected into the reservoir tank with two pumps connected in series is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The heat medium may be injected into the reservoir tank with three or more pumps connected in series. In this case, the pumps are driven in order from the pump on the upstream side starting from the reservoir tank. Also, a plurality of reservoir tanks may be provided in the above series connection circuit.

[0103] In the above first to third embodiments, an example in which two pumps are driven under the condition that the two pumps are switched to the series connection state is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the two pumps may be switched to the series connection state after the pump on the upstream side is driven (preferably immediately afterwards).

[0104] In the above first to third embodiments, an example in which the pump on the downstream side is driven after the heat medium reaches the pump on the downstream side is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the driving of the pump on the downstream side may be started immediately before the heat medium reaches the pump on the downstream side. Also, the driving of the pump on the upstream side may be started immediately before the heat medium reaches the pump on the upstream side.

[0105] In the above-described third embodiment, an example in which the driving of the pump is controlled based on the detected value of the pressure sensor has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a temperature (liquid temperature) sensor may be used instead of the pressure sensor.

[0106] Further, one of the upstream pump and the downstream pump may be driven based on the measurement time of the timer, and the other of the upstream pump and the downstream pump may be driven based on the detected value of the sensor (pressure sensor or liquid temperature sensor).

[0107] In the above-described first to third embodiments, an example in which the upstream pump is controlled to be driven in a state where the heat medium is flowing through the upstream pump has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The control of the driving timing of the upstream pump may not be performed.

[0108] Note that the configurations (processes) of the above-described embodiments and the above-described respective modification examples may be combined with each other.

[0109] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1, 2, 3 Thermal management system, 100, 200, 300 Thermal management circuit, 171, 211 Water pump (first pump) (pump) (uppermost upstream pump), 131, 261 Water pump (second pump) (pump), 175, 265 Reservoir tank (reservoir), 180 Five-way valve (switching unit), 280 Eight-way valve (switching unit), 331 Pressure sensor (detection unit), 500, 510, 520 ECU (control device), 505, 515 Timer (first timer) (second timer), B1, B2 Predetermined value (first predetermined time), A1, A2 Predetermined value (second predetermined time).

Claims

1. A heat management circuit having a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a first pump, and a second pump, and through which the heat medium flows, A control device that controls the driving of each of the first pump and the second pump, The first pump is provided upstream of the second pump in the flow direction of the heat medium starting from the reservoir in a series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the reservoir, the first pump, and the second pump are connected in series with each other, The control device drives the first pump before the heat medium reaches the second pump and before the second pump when, under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, A heat management system.

2. A switching unit that switches between a non-series connection state and a series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the first pump and the second pump are not connected in series with each other, and is controlled by the control device is further provided, The control device drives each of the first pump and the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is switched from the non-series connection state to the series connection state by controlling the switching unit. The heat management system according to claim 1.

3. The control device drives the second pump when the heat medium flowing through the first pump is flowing through the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state when the heat medium is injected into the reservoir. The heat management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first timer for measuring the time elapsed since the first pump was driven is further provided, The control device, Obtains information regarding a first predetermined time based on the time required for the heat medium to flow from the first pump to the second pump, When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the second pump is driven in response to the time measured by the first timer exceeding the first predetermined time under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. The heat management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A detection unit for detecting that the heat medium has reached the second pump is further provided, When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the second pump in response to the detection unit detecting that the heat medium has reached the second pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. The heat management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the first pump when the heat medium is flowing through the first pump under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. The heat management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The heat management system further includes a second timer that measures the time elapsed since the heat medium was injected into the reservoir. The control device acquires information regarding a second predetermined time based on the time required for the heat medium to flow from the reservoir to the first pump. When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the first pump in response to the time measured by the second timer exceeding the second predetermined time under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. The heat management system according to claim 6.

8. A heat management system having a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a plurality of pumps, and a heat management circuit through which the heat medium flows. The heat management system includes a control device that controls the driving of each of the plurality of pumps. In the series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the reservoir and the plurality of pumps are connected in series with each other, the plurality of pumps include an uppermost upstream pump on the most upstream side in the flow direction of the heat medium starting from the reservoir and a downstream pump on the downstream side of the uppermost upstream pump. When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the uppermost upstream pump before the heat medium reaches the downstream pump and before the downstream pump, under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. A heat management system.

9. When the heat medium is injected into the reservoir, the control device drives the plurality of pumps in order from the pump on the upstream side in the flow direction under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state. The heat management system according to claim 8.

10. A control method for a heat management system including a reservoir into which a heat medium is injected, a first pump, and a second pump, and including a heat management circuit through which the heat medium flows. The first pump is provided on the upstream side of the second pump with respect to the reservoir in the direction in which the heat medium flows in the series connection state of the heat management circuit in which the reservoir, the first pump, and the second pump are connected in series with each other. An injection step of injecting the heat medium into the reservoir under the condition that the heat management circuit is in the series connection state; A driving step of driving the first pump before the heat medium reaches the second pump and before the heat medium is injected into the reservoir in the injection step. A control method for a heat management system comprising:

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