Temperature management device

Abstract

To provide a temperature control device capable of more precisely controlling a temperature of a temperature control target.SOLUTION: A temperature control device 100 controls a temperature of a temperature control target E having a first control target EB and a second control target EH by causing fluid W to flow. The temperature control device 100 includes: a first pump 31 for transferring the fluid W with a first temperature warmed by the temperature control target E; a second pump 32 for transferring fluid W with a second temperature lower than the first temperature; a first flow passage 11 for guiding the fluid W with the first temperature transferred by the first pump 31 to the first control target EB; a second flow passage 12 in which the fluid W with the second temperature transferred by the second pump 32 flows; and a switching flow passage 13 that is connected to the first flow passage 11 and the second flow passage 12 and in which the temperature of the fluid W to be guided to the second control target EH is switched. In the switching flow passage 13, the fluid W with the first temperature or fluid W with a third temperature obtained by mixing the fluid W with the first temperature and the fluid W with the second temperature flows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies for managing the temperature of internal combustion engines and the like have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling control system including a radiator connected to the engine via a first circulation passage and dissipating heat from the coolant (coolant) flowing through the first circulation passage, and a heater core connected to the engine via a second circulation passage and dissipating heat from the coolant flowing through the second circulation passage. The first circulation passage includes an outlet passage connecting a coolant outlet provided in an upper part of the engine (cylinder head) to an inlet of the radiator, and an inlet passage connecting the outlet of the radiator to a coolant inlet in a lower part of the engine (cylinder block). The second circulation passage includes an outlet passage connecting a coolant outlet provided in the upper part of the engine (cylinder head) to an inlet of the heater core, and an inlet passage connecting the outlet of the heater core to an inlet passage of the first circulation passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-169237 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the engine is running, the cylinder head becomes hotter than the cylinder block. That is, the patterns of temperature change differ between the cylinder head and the cylinder block. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to manage the temperatures of the cylinder head and the cylinder block independently. However, in the cooling control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, only the first circulation passage is connected to the coolant inlet through which the coolant flows into the engine, and only the coolant circulating through the first circulation passage (coolant at one temperature) flows into the engine. In other words, the temperatures of the cylinder block and the cylinder head are managed only by the coolant flowing into the coolant inlet, and the temperatures of the cylinder head and the cylinder block cannot be managed independently. This leaves room for improvement in the temperature management of objects to be temperature-managed, such as engines.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device that can more precisely control the temperature of an object to be temperature controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A feature of the temperature management device according to the present invention is that it is a temperature management device that manages the temperature of a temperature management object having a first management object and a second management object by circulating a fluid, and includes a first pump that transports fluid at a first temperature that has been heated by the temperature management object, a second pump that transports fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature, a first flow path that guides the fluid at the first temperature transported by the first pump to the first management object, a second flow path through which the fluid at the second temperature transported by the second pump flows, and a switching flow path that is connected to the first flow path and the second flow path and switches the temperature of the fluid that is guided to the second management object, and in that the switching flow path flows a fluid at the first temperature or a fluid at a third temperature that is a mixture of the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature.

[0007] According to this configuration, a first flow path that guides a fluid at a first temperature to a first management object and a switching flow path that guides the fluid to a second management object are separately provided. This allows the temperatures of the first management object and the second management object to be managed independently. Furthermore, the switching flow path allows the fluid at the first temperature or the fluid at a third temperature, which is a mixture of the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature, to flow. In other words, the temperature of the fluid flowing through the switching flow path can also be switched. This allows for more precise temperature management of the temperature-managed object.

[0008] As another feature, the switching flow path may extend in a horizontal direction, and the second flow path may be connected to the switching flow path from a lower side in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0009] With this configuration, since the second flow path is connected to the switching flow path from below in the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, it is easy to control (suppress) the inflow of the fluid flowing through the second flow path into the switching flow path, which makes it easy to manage the temperature of the fluid guided to the second managed object via the switching flow path, and allows for more precise management of the temperature of the second managed object.

[0010] As another feature, the fuel cell device may further include a blocking mechanism capable of blocking the flow of the fluid at the second temperature into the first flow path.

[0011] According to this configuration, the blocking mechanism can block the fluid flowing through the second flow path from entering the first flow path, which makes it easier to manage the temperature of the fluid guided to the first managed object (maintaining the temperature of the fluid at a high temperature), and allows for more precise management of the temperature of the first managed object.

[0012] Another feature is that the first flow path is provided upstream of the connection portion with the switching flow path in the flow direction of the fluid, and has a contraction section in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is smaller than that on the upstream side, and the contraction section may constitute the blocking mechanism that can block the flow of the fluid of the second temperature into the first flow path by increasing the flow rate of the fluid of the first temperature flowing into the switching flow path.

[0013] According to this configuration, the contraction section is configured to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the switching flow path, and the increased flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second flow path prevents the fluid from flowing into the first flow path. As a result, a simple configuration such as forming a contraction section makes it easier to manage the temperature of the fluid guided to the first managed object, and allows for more precise management of the temperature of the first managed object.

[0014] As another feature, the first flow path may have an expansion section downstream of the contraction section and upstream of the switching flow path, in which the flow path cross-sectional area is larger than that of the contraction section, and the expansion section may be configured so that the fluid flowing into the switching flow path collides with a wall surface constituting the switching flow path and swirls.

[0015] According to this configuration, the expansion section is configured so that the fluid flowing into the switching flow path collides with the wall surface that constitutes the switching flow path and swirls, thereby allowing the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature to mix well and making the temperature distribution of the fluid flowing through the switching flow path uniform.

[0016] Another feature may be that the fluid supply system further includes a sensor that acquires the temperature of the fluid, and a lead flow path that guides the fluid to the sensor, wherein the lead flow path has a first lead flow path connected to the switching flow path, a second lead flow path connected to the second flow path, and a junction lead flow path where the first lead flow path and the second lead flow path merge and in which the sensor is located, and the length of the first lead flow path may be configured to be the same as the length of the second lead flow path.

[0017] This configuration allows the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the first lead channel to be equal to the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second lead channel. This allows the sensor located in the merging lead channel to obtain an average value of the temperature of the fluid flowing through the first lead channel and the temperature of the fluid flowing through the second lead channel. As a result, the temperatures of the fluid flowing through the first lead channel and the second lead channel can be obtained more accurately. This allows for more precise temperature management of the temperature of the object under temperature management.

[0018] As another feature, a first lead inlet, which is an inlet for fluid into the first lead flow path, and a second lead inlet, which is an inlet for fluid into the second lead flow path, may have a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than the upstream sides of the first lead inlet and the second lead inlet.

[0019] According to this configuration, the first and second lead inlets are configured to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., to increase the pressure loss of the fluid, so that the difference in pressure between the fluid flowing through the first lead flow path and the fluid flowing through the second lead flow path becomes negligibly small, and the flow rates of the first and second lead flow paths flowing into the merging lead flow path can be made equal.

[0020] As another feature, the combined lead channel may include a protrusion that protrudes toward the sensor disposed in the combined lead channel.

[0021] With this configuration, fluid that has not yet exchanged heat with the sensor (fresh fluid) is guided by the protrusion and comes into contact with the sensor. At the same time, fluid that has already exchanged heat with the sensor and been heated is pushed away from the sensor. This increases the amount of heat transfer between the sensor and the fluid. As a result, even if the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the merging lead channel is at the lower limit of the flow rate that the sensor can measure, the temperature of the fluid can be accurately measured.

[0022] As another feature, the lead flow path may be composed of a groove formed in a first wall that constitutes the first flow path, the second flow path, and the switching flow path, and a second wall that protrudes from the first wall, and a cover that covers the groove, and the sensor may be positioned between the groove and the cover.

[0023] According to this configuration, the lead flow path is composed of a groove formed in the wall and a cover that covers the groove, so the lead flow path and the sensor can be easily configured. In addition, since it is only necessary to place the sensor between the groove and the cover, assembly of the sensor can be facilitated.

[0024] As another feature, the device may further include a control unit that controls operation of the first pump and the second pump, and the control unit may control operation of the first pump and the second pump so that a position where an interface between the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature is formed is between the first lead inlet and the second lead inlet.

[0025] With this configuration, an interface between the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature is formed between the first lead inlet and the second lead inlet, so the temperature of the fluid can be obtained more accurately, and as a result, the temperature of the object to be temperature-controlled can be controlled more precisely. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a temperature control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature management unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature management unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a switching flow path and its vicinity according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a switching flow path and its vicinity according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of a switching channel and its vicinity according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lead channel according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a temperature sensor unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a junction lead channel and a temperature sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in the vicinity of a switching flow path according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a configuration in the vicinity of a switching flow path according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, a temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0028] [Temperature control device] First, an overview of the temperature management device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the temperature management device 100 is mounted on a vehicle V such as an automobile. The temperature management device 100 manages the temperature of an engine E (an example of a temperature management target) as an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle V.

[0029] In this embodiment, the temperature management device 100 operates in two operating modes. Specifically, the temperature management device 100 operates in a first mode in which it operates to raise the temperature (warm up) of the engine E, or in a second mode in which it operates to raise the temperature of the engine E to a target temperature. Hereinafter, the first mode will be referred to as the "warm-up mode," and the second mode will be referred to as the "temperature control mode."

[0030] The temperature management device 100 includes a temperature management unit 10 that manages the temperature of the engine E, and a control unit 20 that controls the operation of the temperature management unit 10.

[0031] [Temperature control department] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configuration of the temperature management unit 10. In detail, Fig. 2 shows the temperature management unit 10 in the warm-up mode, and Fig. 3 shows the temperature management unit 10 in the temperature adjustment mode.

[0032] 2 and 3, the temperature management unit 10 controls the temperature of the engine E by circulating coolant W (an example of a fluid). The coolant W is a cooling fluid such as long-life coolant (LLC).

[0033] The temperature management unit 10 has a fluid flow path 1 through which coolant W flows to manage the temperature of the engine E, a radiator 2 that cools (lowers the temperature of) the coolant W, a pump 3 that circulates the coolant W in the fluid flow path 1, and a temperature sensor 4 (an example of a sensor) that acquires (measures) the temperature of the coolant W. The radiator 2, pump 3, temperature sensor 4, and engine E are connected via the fluid flow path 1 through which the coolant W flows. Hereinafter, the downstream side of the flow direction of the coolant W flowing through the fluid flow path 1 will be simply referred to as the "downstream side," and the upstream side will be simply referred to as the "upstream side."

[0034] The engine E includes a cylinder block EB (an example of a first managed object) and a cylinder head EH (an example of a second managed object). The cylinder block EB is provided with a piston that generates power using thermal energy generated by the combustion of fuel. The cylinder head EH is provided with an intake port for intake and an exhaust port for exhaust. The cylinder head EH and the cylinder block EB form a combustion chamber. When the engine E is running, heat is generated by the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber. When the engine E is running, the cylinder head EH becomes hotter than the cylinder block EB.

[0035] The engine E is also provided with an engine inlet E1 through which the cooling water W flows from the fluid flow path 1 into the engine E, and an engine outlet E2 through which the cooling water W flows from the engine E to the fluid flow path 1. The engine inlet E1 includes a first engine inlet E11 connected to the cylinder block EB and a second engine inlet E12 connected to the cylinder head EH.

[0036] The cooling water W that flows into the cylinder block EB through the first engine inlet E11 flows from the cylinder block EB to the cylinder head EH through an internal engine flow path EL formed inside the engine E. The cooling water W that flows into the cylinder head EH flows out into the fluid flow path 1 through the engine outlet E2. In addition, the cooling water W that flows into the cylinder head EH through the second engine inlet E12 flows out into the fluid flow path 1 through the engine outlet E2.

[0037] The radiator 2 is a heat exchanger, and cools the coolant W by exchanging heat between the coolant W and air or the like.

[0038] The pump 3 circulates the cooling water W in the fluid flow path 1 by transporting the cooling water W. In this embodiment, the pump 3 is an electric water pump that includes an electric motor (not shown) and an impeller (not shown) driven by power from the electric motor. The pressure (discharge rate) of the pump 3 is changed by the control unit 20 described with reference to FIG. 1 controlling the operation of the electric motor (the rotational speed of the impeller).

[0039] The pump 3 includes a first pump 31 that transfers the coolant W at a first temperature that has been heated by the engine E, and a second pump 32 that transfers the coolant W at a second temperature that has been cooled by the radiator 2. The first temperature is, for example, 90 to 95 degrees, and the second temperature is, for example, 0 to 40 degrees (same as the outside air temperature). Because the second temperature is lower than the first temperature, hereinafter the first temperature may be referred to as a "high temperature" and the second temperature may be referred to as a "low temperature."

[0040] The temperature sensor 4 measures the temperature of the coolant W and outputs information indicating the measured temperature. The control unit 20 controls the operation (pressure) of the pump 3 based on the information indicating the temperature of the coolant W output from the temperature sensor 4 and information indicating the amount of heat generated by the engine E. The control unit 20 acquires the amount of heat generated by the engine E based on information indicating the rotation speed of the engine E, the load factor of the engine E, etc.

[0041] The fluid flow path 1 includes a high-temperature flow path 11 (an example of a first flow path) through which coolant W at a first temperature (high temperature) flows, a low-temperature flow path 12 (an example of a second flow path) through which coolant W at a second temperature (low temperature) cooled by a radiator 2 flows, a switching flow path 13 through which the temperature of the flowing coolant W is switched, and a lead flow path 14 through which the coolant W is led to a temperature sensor 4. In FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to distinguish the temperatures of the coolant W, the coolant W at the first temperature is indicated by a dashed line and the coolant W at the second temperature is indicated by a one-dot chain line. Furthermore, the coolant W at a third temperature (mixed temperature) obtained by mixing the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature is indicated by a two-dot chain line (see FIG. 3).

[0042] A first pump 31 is connected to the high-temperature flow path 11. The high-temperature flow path 11 guides the coolant W at a first temperature transferred by the first pump 31 to the cylinder block EB. The high-temperature flow path 11 includes a first high-temperature flow path 111 connected to the engine E (engine outlet E2) on the upstream side and to the first pump 31 on the downstream side, a second high-temperature flow path 112 connected to the first pump 31 on the upstream side and to the switching flow path 13 on the downstream side, a third high-temperature flow path 113 connected to the switching flow path 13 on the upstream side and to the cylinder block EB of the engine E (first engine inlet E11) on the downstream side, and a fourth high-temperature flow path 114 connected to the first high-temperature flow path 111 on the upstream side and to the radiator 2 on the downstream side.

[0043] That is, the first high-temperature flow path 111 guides the cooling water W from the engine E to the first pump 31, and the second high-temperature flow path 112 guides the cooling water W from the first pump 31 to the switching flow path 13. The third high-temperature flow path 113 guides the cooling water W from the switching flow path 13 to the cylinder block EB, and the fourth high-temperature flow path 114 guides the cooling water W branched off from the first high-temperature flow path 111 to the radiator 2.

[0044] A second pump 32 is connected to the low-temperature flow path 12. Coolant W at a second temperature transferred by the second pump 32 flows through the low-temperature flow path 12. The low-temperature flow path 12 includes a first low-temperature flow path 121 connected to the radiator 2 on its upstream side and to the second pump 32 on its downstream side, and a second low-temperature flow path 122 connected to the second pump 32 on its upstream side and to the switching flow path 13 on its downstream side. In other words, the first low-temperature flow path 121 guides the coolant W from the radiator 2 to the second pump 32, and the second low-temperature flow path 122 guides the coolant W from the second pump 32 to the switching flow path 13.

[0045] The switching flow path 13 is connected to the second high-temperature flow path 112, the third high-temperature flow path 113, the low-temperature flow path 12 (second low-temperature flow path 122), and the cylinder head EH (second engine inlet E12). The switching flow path 13 switches the temperature of the coolant W guided to the cylinder head EH depending on the operation mode of the temperature management device 100.

[0046] 2, the cooling water W at a first temperature flows through the switching flow path 13, and in the temperature adjustment mode shown in Fig. 3, the cooling water W at a third temperature, which is a mixture of the cooling water W at the first temperature and the cooling water W at the second temperature, flows through the switching flow path 13. That is, the cooling water W at the first temperature or the cooling water W at the third temperature flows through the switching flow path 13.

[0047] [Configuration near the switching flow path] Next, the configuration of the switching flow path 13 and its vicinity will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams showing the configuration of the switching flow path 13 and its vicinity. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of the switching flow path 13 and its vicinity taken along the horizontal direction. The direction from top to bottom in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0048] 4 and 5, the switching flow path 13 extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The third high-temperature flow path 113 connected to the switching flow path 13 extends obliquely upward with the switching flow path 13 as its base end (see also FIG. 5).

[0049] The second low-temperature flow path 122 is connected to a portion of the switching flow path 13 that is downstream of the connection portion P1 with the second high-temperature flow path 112. The second low-temperature flow path 122 extends vertically and is connected to the switching flow path 13 so as to be perpendicular to the extension direction of the switching flow path 13. As a result, the cooling water W (cooling water W with a relatively low dynamic pressure among the high-temperature cooling water W flowing into the switching flow path 13) other than the mainstream of the cooling water W with the first temperature flowing from the second high-temperature flow path 112 into the switching flow path 13 (cooling water W with a relatively high dynamic pressure among the high-temperature cooling water W flowing into the switching flow path 13) faces the cooling water W with the second temperature flowing through the second low-temperature flow path 122, and the cooling water W with the first temperature is prevented from flowing into the second low-temperature flow path 122.

[0050] 4, the second low-temperature flow path 122 is connected to the switching flow path 13 from below in the vertical direction. In other words, the temperature management device 100 is disposed (vertically disposed) on the vehicle V so that the second high-temperature flow path 112 is connected to the switching flow path 13 from below in the vertical direction. As a result, gravity acts on the coolant W of the second temperature flowing through the second low-temperature flow path 122, and the coolant W of the second temperature is prevented from flowing into the switching flow path 13, the second high-temperature flow path 112, and the third high-temperature flow path 113, which are located above the second low-temperature flow path 122. In addition, the difference in specific gravity between the coolant W of the first temperature and the coolant W of the second temperature also prevents the coolant W of the first temperature from flowing into the second low-temperature flow path 122.

[0051] The second high-temperature flow path 112 has a flow rate adjusting section 112a on the upstream side of the connection part P1. The flow rate adjusting section 112a is inclined so that the flow rate adjusting section 112a approaches the switching flow path 13 as it moves upward.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the flow rate adjusting section 112a includes a first wall surface H1 located on the side where the third high-temperature flow path 113 extends when viewed along the vertical direction, and a second wall surface H2 facing the first wall surface H1.

[0053] When viewed vertically, the first wall surface H1 extends parallel to the direction in which the switching flow path 13 extends, i.e., the flow direction of the cooling water W. When viewed vertically, the second wall surface H2 is configured so that its upstream side (the side farther from the connection portion P1) is close to the first wall surface H1 and its downstream side (the side closer to the connection portion P1) is separated from the first wall surface H1. Hereinafter, the portion where the second wall surface H2 is configured to be close to the first wall surface H1 (the portion including the first wall surface H1 and the second wall surface H2) will be referred to as the "contracting portion 112b," and the portion where the second wall surface H2 is configured to be separated from the first wall surface H1 (the portion including the first wall surface H1 and the second wall surface H2) will be referred to as the "expanding portion 112c."

[0054] The contraction section 112b is provided upstream of the connection portion P1 (expansion section 112c). The contraction section 112b is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the cooling water W flows (hereinafter referred to as the "flow path cross-sectional area") is smaller than the upstream side of the contraction section 112b of the second high-temperature flow path 112 (immediately upstream of the contraction section 112b), and so that the flow rate of a portion of the cooling water W flowing into the switching flow path 13 is increased. More specifically, the contraction section 112b is configured so that the flow rate of the cooling water W that flows on the first wall surface H1 (third high-temperature flow path 113) side of the cooling water W that flows through the second high-temperature flow path 112 is increased. By increasing the flow rate of the cooling water W, the cooling water W at the second temperature is pushed out to the side opposite the third high-temperature flow path 113 in the switching flow path 13, and so that the cooling water W at the second temperature is prevented from flowing into the third high-temperature flow path 113. In other words, the contracting portion 112b constitutes a blocking mechanism that can block the inflow of the cooling water W at the second temperature into the high-temperature flow path 11.

[0055] The expansion section 112c is provided downstream of the contraction section 112b and upstream of the connection portion P1. The expansion section 112c is configured so that the flow path cross-sectional area through which the cooling water W flows is larger than that of the contraction section 112b. The expansion section 112c is configured so that the cooling water W that has passed through the expansion section 112c expands radially when it flows into the switching flow path 13 and swirls upon impact with a third wall surface H3 that constitutes the switching flow path 13. More specifically, the expansion section 112c is configured so that at least a portion of the cooling water W that flows into the switching flow path 13, other than the cooling water W whose flow velocity increases, that flows on the second wall surface H2 (the side opposite to the third high-temperature flow path 113), swirls upon impact with the third wall surface H3 that constitutes the switching flow path 13. In other words, the expansion section 112c and the third wall surface H3 that constitutes the switching flow path 13 constitute a swirl generating section that swirls the cooling water W. The cooling water W swirls around the direction in which the switching flow path 13 extends.

[0056] [Lead channel] Next, the configuration of the lead flow path 14 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 and Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lead flow path 14. More specifically, it is a diagram showing the switching flow path 13 and its vicinity shown in Figure 4 as seen from the opposite side in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the switching flow path 13 extends. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a temperature sensor unit U in which the lead flow path 14 and the temperature sensor 4 are integrated.

[0057] 2 and 3, the lead flow path 14 is provided downstream of the second pump 32. The lead flow path 14 includes a first lead flow path 141 connected to the switching flow path 13, a second lead flow path 142 connected to the second low-temperature flow path 122, a junction lead flow path 143 where the first lead flow path 141 and the second lead flow path 142 join, and a return lead flow path 144 connected between the second pump 32 and the radiator 2 (first low-temperature flow path 121). Note that in order to avoid complicating the drawings, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the first lead flow path 141 as being connected to the switching flow path 13 at position Q1 upstream of the portion of the switching flow path 13 where it connects to the second high-temperature flow path 112. However, in reality, as shown in FIG. 7, the first lead flow path 141 is connected to the switching flow path 13 at position Q2 downstream of the portion of the switching flow path 13 where it connects to the second high-temperature flow path 112.

[0058] A temperature sensor 4 is disposed in the junction lead channel 143. The temperature sensor 4 acquires the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the junction lead channel 143, and outputs information indicating the temperature.

[0059] 7 and 8, the lead channel 14 is composed of a groove S formed in the first wall G1 and the second wall G2, and a cover C (see FIG. 8) that covers the groove S. The cover C covers the groove S, thereby forming a first lead channel 141, a second lead channel 142, a junction lead channel 143, and a return lead channel 144. The first wall G1 is a wall that constitutes the high-temperature channel 11, the low-temperature channel 12, and the switching channel 13, and the second wall G2 is a wall that protrudes from the first wall G1. Specifically, the second wall G2 includes a first extension portion G3 that extends along the extension direction of the switching channel 13, and a second extension portion G4 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first extension portion G3.

[0060] 7 and 8, the temperature sensor 4 has a temperature sensing portion 41 that is disposed (inserted into) the groove S that constitutes the junction lead flow path 143 (the groove S formed in the first extension portion G3 of the second wall G2) and the cover C. The temperature sensing portion 41 is a portion of the temperature sensor 4 that measures the temperature of the cooling water W.

[0061] 7, the length of first lead flow path 141 is configured to be the same as the length of second lead flow path 142. The length of first lead flow path 141 is the length between first lead inlet 14H1, which is an inlet for cooling water W of first lead flow path 141, and connection position P2. The length of second lead flow path 142 is the length between second lead inlet 14H2, which is an inlet for cooling water W of second lead flow path 142, and connection position P2. Connection position P2 indicates the position where first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are connected to confluence lead flow path 143, i.e., the position where first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are confluent.

[0062] Furthermore, first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 have a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than the upstream side of first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 (immediately upstream of first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2). In other words, first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are configured to increase the pressure loss of coolant W. First lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are sized so that the difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is negligible. More specifically, first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are sized sufficiently small so that the difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference is negligible (their flow path cross-sectional areas are shaped (orifice-shaped) to be narrower than the immediately upstream side). The first pressure difference is the difference in pressure of the cooling water W between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the lead outlet 14H3, and the second pressure difference is the difference in pressure of the cooling water W between the second lead inlet 14H2 and the lead outlet 14H3. The lead outlet 14H3 is an outlet for the cooling water W from the lead channel 14. In this embodiment, the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the junction lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 have constant and equal cross-sectional areas. The first lead channel 141 has the same cross-sectional area as the first lead inlet 14H1, the second lead channel 142 has the same cross-sectional area as the second lead inlet 14H2, and the return lead channel 144 has the same cross-sectional area as the lead outlet 14H3.

[0063] The first lead inlet 14H1 is also sized to prevent the amount of cooling water W at the first temperature being supplied to the engine E from decreasing due to the flow of cooling water W at the first temperature into the lead flow path 14, thereby preventing a decrease in the warm-up (temperature rise) performance of the engine E.

[0064] Furthermore, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are ensured to have a size large enough to prevent clogging even if the cooling water W contains foreign matter.

[0065] Furthermore, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are set to a size that can ensure a flow rate that is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the flow rate of the cooling water W that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 (a flow rate that depends on the performance of the temperature sensor 4, and is the minimum flow rate of the cooling water W at which the temperature of the cooling water W can be measured). The lower limit of the flow rate of the cooling water W that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 is, for example, 0.2 L / min.

[0066] 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the junction lead channel 143 and the temperature sensor 4. More specifically, the diagram shows a cross section of the junction lead channel 143 cut along the flow direction of the coolant W. As shown in FIG. 9, the temperature sensing portion 41 of the temperature sensor 4 includes a rectangular temperature sensing surface 41S that senses the temperature of the coolant W. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing surface 41S is arranged to extend along the flow direction of the coolant W.

[0067] The junction lead flow path 143 includes a protrusion 143t that protrudes toward the temperature sensor 4. The protrusion 143t is provided on an inner wall 143s that surrounds the temperature sensor 4, among the inner walls 143s that constitute the junction lead flow path 143. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the temperature-sensing surface 41S, the upstream side of the protrusion 143t has an arc-shaped fan shape (a fan shape with a central angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees).

[0068] The protrusion 143t causes the cooling water W flowing along the inner wall 143s that constitutes the junction lead flow path 143 to collide with, or come into contact with, the temperature sensor 4.

[0069] In this embodiment, 32 protrusions 143t are provided, and eight of the 32 protrusions 143t are provided along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 143s that constitutes the junction lead channel 143. The protrusions 143t are arranged in four rows along the flow direction of the cooling water W, with the protrusions 143t arranged alternately as viewed from the flow direction. The eight protrusions 143t (first row) located on the most upstream side are arranged so that their downstream ends coincide with the upstream ends of the temperature sensors 4 (temperature sensing units 41). The remaining three rows of protrusions 143t on the downstream side are arranged at predetermined intervals. More specifically, the fourth row of protrusions 143t (the eight most downstream) is arranged so that their downstream ends coincide with the downstream ends of the temperature sensing units 41 in the flow direction, and the remaining two rows are arranged so that they are equally spaced from the first and fourth rows.

[0070] [Control Unit] 1 is an Engine Control Unit (ECU) that includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage area such as a semiconductor memory. The processor executes a control program stored in the storage area, causing the control unit 20 to control the operation of each part (pump 3) of the temperature management device 100. The control unit 20 switches control of the pump 3 between a warm-up mode and a temperature adjustment mode, which have been described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0071] Specifically, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the pressure (discharge rate) of the first pump 31 and the pressure (discharge rate) of the second pump 32 so that the position where the interface F between the coolant W at the first temperature (the coolant W flowing through the switching flow path 13) and the coolant W at the second temperature (the coolant W flowing through the second low-temperature flow path 122) is formed is located between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 (midpoint) (see FIG. 7). Hereinafter, the target position where the interface F is formed (in this embodiment, the midpoint between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2) will be referred to as the "target position."

[0072] The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature indicated by the information output from the temperature sensor 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "acquired temperature") is higher than the average temperature, which is the average value of the first temperature and the second temperature, and controls the pressure of the pump 3 according to the determination result.

[0073] For example, when the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is higher than the average temperature, i.e., that the position where the interface F will be formed is upstream of the target position (closer to the low-temperature flow path 12 (second low-temperature flow path 122)), the control unit 20 increases the pressure of the second pump 32. On the other hand, when the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is lower than the average temperature, i.e., that the position where the interface F will be formed is downstream of the target position (closer to the switching flow path 13), the control unit 20 decreases the pressure of the second pump 32. Note that when the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is equal to the average temperature, i.e., that the position where the interface F will be formed is the target position, the control unit 20 does not change the pressure of the second pump 32. Note that even when the vehicle V (see FIG. 1) is tilted forward, backward, left, or right, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the pump 3 so that the interface F will not be formed inside the second high-temperature flow path 112 and the third high-temperature flow path 113, and the second lead inlet 14H2 is provided below the position where the interface F will be formed (see FIG. 7).

[0074] The interface F is formed between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, thereby preventing the cooling water W at the second temperature from flowing into the second high-temperature flow path 112 and the third high-temperature flow path 113. In other words, the control unit 20, the first pump 31, and the second pump 32 constitute a blocking mechanism that can block the flow of the cooling water W at the second temperature into the high-temperature flow path 11.

[0075] Furthermore, since the interface F is formed between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, only the coolant W at the first temperature flows into the engine E through the first engine inlet E11 and the second engine inlet E12. As a result, the engine E can be warmed up efficiently.

[0076] On the other hand, in the temperature adjustment mode, the control unit 20 controls the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 so that the cooling water W at the first temperature and the cooling water W at the second temperature are mixed in the switching flow path 13. That is, the control unit 20 controls the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 so that the cooling water W at the third temperature, which is a mixture of the cooling water W at the first temperature and the cooling water W at the second temperature, flows through the switching flow path 13. By the control unit 20 controlling the pressure of the pumps 31 as described above, the cooling water W at the third temperature flows into the first lead flow path 141, and the cooling water W at the second temperature flows into the second lead flow path 142.

[0077] The control unit 20 controls the operation of the pump 3, for example, by referring to pump control information (pump map) that indicates information related to control of the pump 3. The pump control information is created in advance by a designer of the temperature management device 100 or the like and is stored in advance in a storage area of ​​the control unit 20. The pump control information is, for example, information that indicates a correlation between the heat generation amount of the engine E, a first target temperature of the coolant W that is caused to flow into the cylinder head EH, and a target temperature of the coolant W that flows out from the engine outlet E2 of the engine E (hereinafter referred to as the "second target temperature"). The second target temperature is, for example, 95 degrees. The control unit 20 refers to the pump control information and acquires the first target temperature based on the second target temperature and the heat generation amount of the engine E.

[0078] The control unit 20 may determine whether the third temperature is higher than a first target temperature, which is a target temperature of the coolant W to be caused to flow into the cylinder head EH, and control the pressure (driving force) of the pump 3 according to the determination result. The third temperature is acquired based on information indicating the temperature output from the temperature sensor 4 and information indicating the second temperature (the temperature of the coolant W flowing out from the radiator 2).

[0079] If the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is higher than the first target temperature, it increases the pressure of the second pump 32. On the other hand, if the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is lower than the first target temperature, it decreases the pressure of the second pump 32. As a result, the coolant W whose temperature has been adjusted to the first target temperature flows into the cylinder head EH from the second engine inlet E12 via the switching flow path 13. Note that if the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is equal to the first target temperature, it does not change the pressure of the second pump 32.

[0080] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the high-temperature flow path 11 (third high-temperature flow path 113) that guides high-temperature (first-temperature) coolant W to the cylinder block EB and the switching flow path 13 that guides it to the cylinder head EH are separately provided, so that the temperatures of the cylinder block EB and the cylinder head EH can be managed independently. Furthermore, in the warm-up mode and the temperature control mode, the switching flow path 13 allows the coolant W of the first temperature or the coolant W of the third temperature, which is a mixture of the coolant W of the first temperature and the coolant W of the second temperature, to flow. In other words, the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the switching flow path 13 can be switched. Therefore, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the low-temperature flow path 12 (second low-temperature flow path 122) is connected to the switching flow path 13 from below in the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, it is easy to control (suppress) the inflow of the cooling water W flowing through the low-temperature flow path 12 into the switching flow path 13. This makes it easy to manage the temperature of the cooling water W introduced to the cylinder head EH via the switching flow path 13 (maintaining the temperature of the cooling water W at the first temperature) in the warm-up mode (see FIG. 2), and it is possible to more precisely manage the temperature of the cylinder head EH. Furthermore, in the warm-up mode, it is possible to suppress the cooling water W at the first temperature flowing into the cylinder head EH from flowing into the low-temperature flow path 12 (second low-temperature flow path 122), which also suppresses a decrease in warm-up performance.

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reduction section 112b, the control section 20, the first pump 31, and the second pump 32 serving as a blocking mechanism can block the coolant W flowing through the low-temperature flow path 12 from flowing into the high-temperature flow path 11. This facilitates temperature management of the coolant W introduced into the cylinder block EB (maintaining the temperature of the coolant W at the first temperature), and allows for more precise management of the temperature of the cylinder block EB.

[0083] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contraction section 112b is configured so as to increase the flow rate of the cooling water W that flows on the first wall surface H1 (third high-temperature flow path 113) side, which is a portion of the cooling water W that flows through the second high-temperature flow path 112 and that flows into the switching flow path 13, and the cooling water W with an increased flow rate prevents the cooling water W at the second temperature in the switching flow path 13 from flowing into the third high-temperature flow path 113. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the cooling water W that is guided to the cylinder block EB (maintaining the temperature of the cooling water W at the first temperature), and the temperature of the cylinder block EB can be managed more precisely.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the expansion section 112c is configured so that the cooling water W flowing into the switching flow path 13 collides with the third wall surface H3 that constitutes the switching flow path 13 and swirls, thereby allowing the cooling water W at the first temperature and the cooling water W at the second temperature to be mixed well, thereby making the temperature distribution of the cooling water W flowing through the switching flow path 13 uniform. As a result, in the temperature adjustment mode, the temperature of the cooling water W at the third temperature that flows from the switching flow path 13 to the junction lead flow path 143 via the first lead flow path 141 becomes constant. As a result, the temperature of the cooling water W (third temperature) acquired by the temperature sensor 4 becomes more accurate.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the length of the first lead flow path 141 is configured to be the same as the length of the second lead flow path 142, so the flow rate of the cooling water W flowing through the first lead flow path 141 and the flow rate of the cooling water W flowing through the second lead flow path 142 can be made equal. This allows the temperature sensor 4 disposed in the junction lead flow path 143 to obtain an average value of the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the first lead flow path 141 and the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the second lead flow path 142. As a result, the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the first lead flow path 141 and the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the second lead flow path 142 can be obtained more accurately. This allows the temperature of the engine E to be managed more precisely.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 have reduced flow path cross-sectional areas, i.e., first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 are configured to increase the pressure loss of cooling water W. This makes it possible to equalize the flow rate of cooling water W in first lead flow path 141 that flows into junction lead flow path 143 and the flow rate of cooling water W in second lead flow path 142. In particular, by setting the sizes of first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 to a size (small) that makes the difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference negligible, it is possible to equalize the flow rate of cooling water W flowing through first lead flow path 141 and the flow rate of cooling water W flowing through second lead flow path 142.

[0087] When the coolant W comes into contact with the temperature sensor 4, it exchanges heat with the temperature sensor 4 and its temperature increases. Therefore, if the confluence lead flow path 143 does not have the protrusion 143t, the coolant W, after having exchanged heat with the temperature sensor 4 and increased in temperature, flows along the temperature sensor 4 (temperature-sensing portion 41), which may result in an inaccurate temperature measurement of the coolant W. However, according to this embodiment, the coolant W (fresh coolant W) that has not undergone heat exchange with the temperature sensor 4 is guided by the protrusion 143t and contacts the temperature sensor 4. At the same time, the coolant W that has been heated through heat exchange with the temperature sensor 4 is pushed away from the temperature sensor 4 (temperature-sensing portion 41). This increases the amount of heat transfer between the temperature sensor 4 and the coolant W. As a result, the temperature of the coolant W can be accurately measured even if the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the confluence lead flow path 143 is at the lower limit of the flow rate that the temperature sensor 4 can measure (the measurable flow rate depends on the performance of the temperature sensor 4).

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lead flow path 14 is configured by the groove S and the cover C that covers the groove S, so the lead flow path 14 and the temperature sensor 4 can be configured simply. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to place the temperature sensor 4 between the groove S and the cover C, the assembly of the temperature sensor 4 can be facilitated.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the operations of the first pump 31 and the second pump 32 so that the position where the interface F between the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature is formed is between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2. This makes it possible to obtain the temperature of the coolant W more accurately. As a result, it is possible to manage the temperature of the engine E more precisely.

[0090] [Another embodiment] The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the above-described embodiment (common numbers and symbols as in the embodiment are used to designate components having the same functions as in the embodiment).

[0091] (1) For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the second high-temperature flow path 112 may include a branch portion 112B, which may be connected to the switching flow path 13. The branch portion 112B is inclined upward as it approaches the switching flow path 13. This prevents the coolant W at the first temperature from flowing into the second low-temperature flow path 122, thereby preventing a decrease in the warm-up performance of the engine E. The direction from top to bottom in Fig. 10 corresponds to the vertical direction.

[0092] 11, a baffle plate 112J, a stirring unit 112K such as a stirring tank 112T, etc. that improves the stirring performance of the cooling water W may be provided inside the second high-temperature flow path 112 (branching portion 112B) so as to more efficiently stir the cooling water W flowing into the switching flow path 13. The stirring unit 112K may be provided in the flow rate adjusting unit 112a described with reference to FIG.

[0093] (2) In this embodiment, the cooling water W that has passed through the temperature sensor 4 is described as being returned between the radiator 2 and the second pump 32, but the cooling water W that has passed through the temperature sensor 4 may also be returned to a position in the first high-temperature flow path 111 that is upstream of the first pump 31 and downstream of the branch point with the fourth high-temperature flow path 114.

[0094] (3) In the present embodiment, the engine E has been described as an example of a temperature management target, but the temperature management target is not limited to the engine E. The temperature management target may also be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, or a fuel cell that generates electricity through a chemical reaction.

[0095] (4) In this embodiment, cooling water W is used as an example of a fluid. However, the fluid may be a fluid other than cooling water W, such as a paraffin-based insulating oil, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), or other refrigerant.

[0096] (5) In the present embodiment, the switching flow path 13 extends horizontally, but the switching flow path 13 does not have to extend horizontally and may, for example, be inclined with respect to the horizontal. Furthermore, the second low-temperature flow path 122 is not limited to being connected to the switching flow path 13 from below in the vertical direction and may, for example, be connected to the switching flow path 13 from obliquely below.

[0097] (6) The second high-temperature flow path 112 may omit the contracting section 112b, and the cutoff mechanism may be configured solely by controlling the pump 3. Also, the second high-temperature flow path 112 may omit the expanding section 112c.

[0098] (7) First lead flow path 141 and second lead flow path 142 need not be configured to have the same length as long as they are configured to equalize the flow rates of cooling water W flowing in. Furthermore, the sizes of first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2 need not be configured to equalize the flow rates of cooling water W flowing in first lead flow path 141 and second lead flow path 142 as well, and the flow path cross-sectional area does not need to be smaller than the upstream areas of first lead inlet 14H1 and second lead inlet 14H2.

[0099] (8) In the present embodiment, the case where 32 protrusions 143t are provided has been described. However, the number of protrusions 143t can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, the number of protrusions 143t provided along the circumferential direction is not limited to eight and may be four, six, or the like. The number of protrusions 143t provided along the flow direction is not limited to four rows and may be six, eight, or the like. Furthermore, the downstream ends of the eight most upstream protrusions 143t do not have to coincide with the upstream end of the temperature sensor 4 (temperature sensing unit 41). Furthermore, the downstream end of the most downstream protrusion 143t (fourth row) does not have to coincide with the downstream end of the temperature sensing unit 41. Furthermore, the eight protrusions 143t do not have to be equally spaced along the flow direction. Alternatively, the confluence lead flow path 143 may omit the protrusions 143t. Furthermore, the shape of the temperature sensing surface 41S is not limited to a rectangular shape. The shape of the temperature sensing surface 41S may be, for example, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, a sector shape, or the like.

[0100] (9) In this embodiment, the lead flow path 14 is composed of a groove S and a cover C, but the lead flow path 14 may also be composed of a cylindrical tube or the like, and the temperature sensor 4 may be placed (inserted) inside the tube.

[0101] (10) In the present embodiment, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the position where the interface F is formed to be the target position by adjusting the pressure of the second pump 32. However, the control unit 20 may control the position where the interface F is formed to be the target position by changing the pressure of the first pump 31. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may control the position where the interface F is formed to be the target position by changing both the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32. Similarly, in the temperature adjustment mode, the control unit 20 may change only the pressure of the first pump 31 or change both the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 so that the cooling water W at the first temperature and the cooling water W at the second temperature are mixed in the switching flow path 13.

[0102] (11) In the present embodiment, the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the confluence lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 have constant and equal cross-sectional areas. However, the cross-sectional areas of the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the confluence lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 do not have to be constant or equal to each other. However, it is desirable that the cross-sectional areas of the first lead channel 141 and the second lead channel 142 are constant and equal to each other. Furthermore, the first lead channel 141 may have a different cross-sectional area from the first lead inlet 14H1, the second lead channel 142 may have a different cross-sectional area from the second lead inlet 14H2, and the return lead channel 144 may have a different cross-sectional area from the lead outlet 14H3. [Industrial Applicability]

[0103] The present invention can be used in a temperature control device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 3: Pump 4: Temperature sensor (sensor) 11: High temperature flow path (first flow path) 12: Low temperature flow path (second flow path) 13: Switching channel 14: Lead channel 14H1: First lead inlet 14H2: Second lead inlet 20: Control section 31: First pump 32: Second pump 100: Temperature control device 112b:Reduced part 112c: Enlarged section 141: First lead channel 142: Second lead channel 143: Joint lead channel 143t: Protrusion C: Cover E: Engine (temperature control target) EB: Cylinder block (first management target) EH: Cylinder head (secondary management target) F: Interface H3: Third wall (wall) P1: Connection part S: Groove W: Cooling water (fluid)

Claims

1. A temperature management device that manages the temperature of a temperature management target having a first management target and a second management target by circulating a fluid, a first pump that transfers a fluid at a first temperature that has been heated by the temperature management target; a second pump for transporting a fluid at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; a first flow path that guides the fluid at the first temperature transferred by the first pump to the first managed object; a second flow path through which the fluid at the second temperature transported by the second pump flows; a switching flow path connected to the first flow path and the second flow path, and switching the temperature of the fluid to be guided to the second management target; A temperature control device in which a fluid at the first temperature or a fluid at a third temperature obtained by mixing a fluid at the first temperature and a fluid at the second temperature flows through the switching flow path.

2. The switching flow path extends horizontally, The temperature control device according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow path is connected to the switching flow path from a lower side in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

3. The temperature management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a blocking mechanism capable of blocking the flow of the fluid at the second temperature into the first flow path.

4. the first flow path has a narrowed portion provided upstream of a connection portion with the switching flow path in a flow direction of the fluid, the narrowed portion having a flow path cross-sectional area narrower than that of the upstream side, The temperature management device according to claim 3, wherein the contraction section constitutes the blocking mechanism capable of blocking the flow of the fluid of the second temperature into the first flow path by increasing the flow rate of the fluid of the first temperature flowing into the switching flow path.

5. the first flow path has an expansion portion downstream of the contraction portion and upstream of the switching flow path, the expansion portion having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than that of the contraction portion, The temperature control device according to claim 4 , wherein the expansion section is configured so that the fluid flowing into the switching flow path collides with a wall surface that constitutes the switching flow path and swirls.

6. a sensor for acquiring the temperature of the fluid; a lead channel for guiding the fluid to the sensor; The lead flow path includes a first lead flow path connected to the switching flow path; a second lead flow path connected to the second flow path; a joining lead channel where the first lead channel and the second lead channel join together and in which the sensor is disposed, 3. The temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first lead channel is the same as the length of the second lead channel.

7. 7. The temperature control device according to claim 6, wherein a first lead inlet, which is an inlet for fluid of the first lead flow path, and a second lead inlet, which is an inlet for fluid of the second lead flow path, have a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than the upstream sides of the first lead inlet and the second lead inlet.

8. The temperature control device according to claim 6 , wherein the joining lead channel includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the sensor disposed in the joining lead channel.

9. the lead flow path is composed of a groove formed in a first wall constituting the first flow path, the second flow path, and the switching flow path and a second wall protruding from the first wall, and a cover covering the groove, The temperature management device of claim 6 , wherein the sensor is disposed between the groove and the cover.

10. a control unit that controls operations of the first pump and the second pump; The temperature management device described in claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first pump and the second pump so that the position where an interface between the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature is formed is between the first lead inlet and the second lead inlet.

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