Cooling Module

Abstract

This cooling module comprises a resin manifold composed of a plurality of housings that have joint portions joined to each other. The manifold includes a plurality of flow passageways that are formed across at least two of the plurality of housings. The joint surface of each of the joint portions of the two of the plurality of housings that are joined to each other is an end surface of a partition wall that partitions the interior of the housings into the plurality of flow passageways and a plurality of preliminary chambers. The partition wall rises from the bottom surface of each of the two housings.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling module. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with motors as a driving source (such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)) have become widespread. These automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles") are equipped with batteries to drive the motors. Electric vehicles have many devices that require cooling, such as the motor (including an internal combustion engine such as an engine), battery, air conditioner, and ECU, and these devices are cooled using a cooling circuit that circulates coolant. However, these devices may have different optimum operating temperatures. In such cases, it is necessary to configure independent cooling circuits for each coolant temperature in order to change the temperature of the circulating coolant for each device with a different operating temperature, which results in complex piping and circuit configuration for the cooling circuit.

[0003] To address these issues, for example, there is a technology described in Patent Document 1. The cooling module disclosed in Patent Document 1 (an integrated coolant bottle assembly in Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which components such as a pump, chiller, heater, filter, valve, and fan are attached to a reserve tank (reservoir in Patent Document 1), and flow paths between the components (integral channels in Patent Document 1) are formed integrally with the reserve tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-520261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the cooling module disclosed in Patent Document 1, the components are attached to a reserve tank, so they must be attached to fit the shape of the reserve tank, and the only space available for installation is on the surface of the reserve tank. Therefore, the installation space is determined by the capacity of the reserve tank. Installing a pump and valves in this limited installation space restricts the position and direction of the cooling water flow path, inlet ports, and outlet ports, potentially reducing the design freedom of the cooling circuit. This impacts the position and direction of the piping attached to the inlet and outlet ports, potentially leaving the piping routing complex.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a cooling module in which auxiliary equipment such as pumps and valves are attached and integrated, and the flow paths are organized to align the positions and orientations of the inlet and outlet ports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the cooling module according to the present invention comprises a resin manifold consisting of a plurality of housings having joints joined to each other, the manifold having a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of auxiliary chambers formed across at least two of the housings, and the joint surfaces of the joints of two of the housings that are joined together are end faces of partition walls that divide the interior of the housings into a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the auxiliary chambers, and the partition walls are erected from the bottom surfaces of each of the two housings.

[0008] According to this embodiment, the manifold has multiple flow paths formed across at least two housings, thereby reducing the number of pipes. Furthermore, because the manifold is configured by joining the joint surfaces of multiple housings, the shape of each housing can be simplified even if the flow path shape and flow path configuration within the manifold become complex by considering the position and direction of the ports to which the pipes are connected. This allows the pipes connected to the ports to be consolidated, avoiding redundant routing, thereby shortening and simplifying the length of the pipes connected to the ports. Furthermore, the joint surfaces are end faces of partition walls that partition the housing into multiple flow paths and multiple auxiliary chambers, and the partition walls extend upright from the bottom surfaces of each of the two housings. This allows for the provision of a cooling module in which the flow paths within the manifold are organized and the positions and orientations of the inlet and outlet ports are aligned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a cooling system having a cooling module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling module. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first housing as viewed from the joining surface side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower housing as viewed from the joining surface side. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a first mode of operation of the cooling system; [Figure 10] 4 is a diagram showing a second mode of operation of the cooling system. [Figure 11]10 is a diagram showing a third mode of operation of the cooling system. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a fourth mode of operation of the cooling system. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooling module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the manifold. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first water pump and the first rotary valve. [Figure 18] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a flow path near a first water pump and a first rotary valve. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooling module according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a cooling module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to only these embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0011] First Embodiment [Cooling system configuration] 1, a cooling system A including a cooling module 10 according to the first embodiment includes a first water pump 1A (an example of a second auxiliary device), a radiator 1B, an inverter / motor 1C, a DC-DC converter 1D, a charger 1E, a reserve tank 1F, a second water pump 2A (an example of a second auxiliary device), a heater core 2B, an electric heater 2D, a water-cooled condenser 2C, a third water pump 3A (an example of a second auxiliary device), a battery 3B, a chiller 3C, an electric heater 3D, a first rotary valve 4 (an example of a first auxiliary device), a second rotary valve 5 (an example of a first auxiliary device), and a plurality of flow paths for circulating coolant (an example of a fluid) through these components. Among these components, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, the third water pump 3A, the first rotary valve 4, and the second rotary valve 5 are attached to the cooling module 10. On the other hand, the radiator 1B, inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, charger 1E, reserve tank 1F, heater core 2B, electric heater 2D, water-cooled condenser 2C, battery 3B, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D are positioned away from the cooling module 10, and are configured so that cooling water circulates between them and the cooling module 10 via multiple flow paths.

[0012] The cooling system A is used in automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving source, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles"), and circulates cooling water to cool the inverter / motor 1C, battery 3B, etc.

[0013] Radiator 1B cools the high-temperature coolant. Inverter / motor 1C is a driving power source that operates using power supplied from battery 3B. DC-DC converter 1D and charger 1E charge battery 3B. Heater core 2B heats the air using high-temperature coolant to heat the interior of the vehicle. Electric heaters 2D and 3D heat the coolant when its temperature is low. Water-cooled condenser 2C and chiller 3C cool the coolant when its temperature is high. Battery 3B supplies power to inverter / motor 1C.

[0014] First water pump 1A pumps coolant to inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, and charger 1E. Second water pump 2A pumps coolant to heater core 2B, electric heater 2D, and water-cooled condenser 2C. Third water pump 3A pumps coolant to battery 3B, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D. First water pump 1A, second water pump 2A, and third water pump 3A pump coolant to control the flow of coolant circulating through multiple flow paths.

[0015] Hereinafter, a circulation path configured to return from radiator 1B through first water pump 1A, inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, charger 1E, and reserve tank 1F to radiator 1B will be referred to as first circulation path 1 (see FIG. 9), and a part of first circulation path 1 that is formed within cooling module 10 will be referred to as first circulation path 11. Similarly, a circulation path configured to return from heater core 2B through second water pump 2A, water-cooled condenser 2C, and electric heater 2D to heater core 2B will be referred to as second circulation path 2 (see FIG. 9), and a part of second circulation path 2 that is formed within cooling module 10 will be referred to as second circulation path 21. Similarly, a circulation path configured to return from battery 3B through third water pump 3A, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D to battery 3B will be referred to as third circulation path 3 (see FIG. 9), and a part of third circulation path 3 that is formed within cooling module 10 will be referred to as third circulation path 31. Furthermore, a communication flow path 51 (an example of a flow path) that connects the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, and the third flow path 31 is formed within the cooling module 10. The flow path configuration within the cooling module 10 will be described later.

[0016] [Configuration of cooling module] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, cooling module 10 includes first water pump 1A, second water pump 2A, third water pump 3A, first rotary valve 4, second rotary valve 5, and manifold 100 having flow paths for circulating cooling water through these components of cooling system A. Manifold 100 is formed by joining and integrating multiple housings, thereby forming multiple flow paths for circulating cooling water across at least two housings (in this embodiment, first housing 110 and second housing 120, which will be described later). As shown in FIG. 1, cooling module 10 does not have an internal reserve tank. The lack of a reserve tank in cooling module 10 allows for a compact configuration and increases the flexibility in the placement of cooling module 10.

[0017] The manifold 100 is formed by joining and integrating a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, both made of resin, using a method such as vibration welding. The manifold 100 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a joining surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is flat. In the following description, the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the joining surface 105 is defined as the X direction, the direction parallel to the lateral direction of the joining surface 105 is defined as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the joining surface 105 is defined as the Z direction. In other words, the joining surface 105 is parallel to the XY plane. Furthermore, within the X direction, the direction from the first water pump 1A toward the third water pump 3A is defined as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the X2 direction. Within the Y direction, the direction from the second outlet port 115 toward the first inlet port 111 is defined as the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Y2 direction (the second outlet port 115 and the first inlet port 111 will be described later). Within the Z direction, the direction from second housing 120 toward first housing 110 is defined as the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is the direction of gravity. That is, first housing 110 is disposed vertically above second housing 120.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first housing 110 is formed with a first inlet port 111, a second inlet port 112, a third inlet port 113, a first outlet port 114, a second outlet port 115, and a fifth outlet port 116 (an example of a flow path outlet). The second housing 120 is formed with a third outlet port 121, a fourth outlet port 122, and a sixth outlet port 123. The first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, the third inlet port 113, the first outlet port 114, the second outlet port 115, the third outlet port 121, the fourth outlet port 122, the fifth outlet port 116, and the sixth outlet port 123 are all cylindrical. The first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, and the third inlet port 113 are arranged side by side with their respective axes aligned along the Z direction and on the same plane, and each port has an opening facing the Z1 direction. The first outlet port 114 and the third outlet port 121 are arranged side by side with their respective axes aligned in the X direction and on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing the X2 direction. The second outlet port 115 and the fifth outlet port 116 are arranged side by side with their respective axes aligned in the Y direction and on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing the Y2 direction. The fourth outlet port 122 and the sixth outlet port 123 are also arranged side by side with their respective axes aligned in the Y direction and on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing the Y2 direction.

[0019] The first inlet port 111, the first outlet port 114, and the second outlet port 115 are included in the first circulation path 1, and all of them communicate with the first flow path 11. The second inlet port 112 and the fourth outlet port 122 are included in the second circulation path 2, and all of them communicate with the second flow path 21. The third inlet port 113, the fifth outlet port 116, and the sixth outlet port 123 are included in the third circulation path 3, and all of them communicate with the third flow path 31.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the manifold 100, the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are mounted between the first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, the third inlet port 113, the second outlet port 115, and the fifth outlet port 116 in the first housing 110 when the first housing 110 is viewed in the Z2 direction. In the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5, the first actuator 4B that rotates the first valve element 4A of the first rotary valve 4 and the second actuator 5B that rotates the second valve element 5A of the second rotary valve 5 are exposed at the top of the first housing 110. Both the first valve element 4A and the second valve element 5A are located within the second housing 120 (see FIG. 6 ). This allows the flow of cooling water circulating through multiple flow paths to be controlled by switching between the flow paths formed within the second housing 120. The first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are both solenoid valves whose flow paths are switched by an actuator, and the flow of cooling water circulating through multiple flow paths is controlled by rotating the first valve body 4A and the second valve body 5A around an axis along the Z direction to switch the flow paths. The first valve body 4A is a three-way valve, and the second valve body 5A is a four-way valve. Details will be described later.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the manifold 100, a first water pump 1A, a second water pump 2A, and a third water pump 3A are attached to the second housing 120 in this order along the X1 direction. The first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A are arranged such that their respective rotational axes are aligned along the Y direction. The second housing 120 is formed with a first downward sub-channel 11a (an example of a channel) that communicates with the first inlet port 111 and extends in the Z direction, a second downward sub-channel 21a (an example of a channel) that communicates with the second inlet port 112 and extends in the Z direction, and a third downward sub-channel 31a (an example of a channel) that communicates with the third inlet port 113 and extends in the Z direction. The first downward sub-channel 11a, the second downward sub-channel 21a, and the third downward sub-channel 31a are formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The first water pump 1A pumps coolant that flows in through the first downward sub-channel 11a from the first inlet port 111. The second water pump 2A pumps coolant that flows in through the second downward sub-channel 21a from the second inlet port 112. The third water pump 3A pumps coolant that flows in through the third downward sub-channel 31a from the third inlet port 113. The first downward sub-channel 11a is part of the first channel 11, the second downward sub-channel 21a is part of the second channel 21, and the third downward sub-channel 31a is part of the third channel 31.

[0022] 5, first water pump 1A, second water pump 2A, and third water pump 3A are attached to a mounting portion 125 formed at the end of second housing 120 in the Z2 direction (the lower end in the vertical direction). Mounting portion 125 is thicker than other portions of second housing 120. This ensures that even second housing 120 made of resin has the strength to mount and hold heavy first water pump 1A, second water pump 2A, and third water pump 3A.

[0023] Mounting portion 125 is formed with a first vortex chamber 1Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) in which cooling water flowing into first water pump 1A from first downward sub-passage 11a swirls after being discharged by the rotation of the impeller (not shown), a second vortex chamber 2Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) in which cooling water flowing into second water pump 2A from second downward sub-passage 21a swirls after being discharged by the rotation of the impeller, and a third vortex chamber 3Aa (an example of a vortex chamber) in which cooling water flowing into third water pump 3A from third downward sub-passage 31a swirls after being discharged by the rotation of the impeller. Because mounting portion 125 thus includes first vortex chamber 1Aa, second vortex chamber 2Aa, and third vortex chamber 3Aa, shrouds for restricting the inflow and outflow directions of cooling water are not required for first water pump 1A, second water pump 2A, and third water pump 3A, thereby enabling reductions in size, weight, and cost of cooling module 10.

[0024] As described above, in the cooling module 10, the manifold 100 has multiple flow paths formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, making it possible to reduce the number of pipes. Furthermore, because the manifold 100 is configured by joining the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, even if the flow path shape and flow path configuration within the manifold 100 become complex by considering the position and direction of the ports to which the pipes are connected, it is possible to simplify the shapes of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. This makes it possible to consolidate the pipes connected to the ports and avoid redundant routing, thereby shortening and simplifying the length of the pipes connected to the ports.

[0025] [Flow of cooling water in the cooling module] Next, the flow of coolant in cooling module 10 will be described using Figures 3 and 6 to 8. First, the flow of coolant in first circulation path 1 (see Figure 9) will be described. As shown in Figure 3, coolant cooled by radiator 1B enters second housing 120 of cooling module 10 through first inlet port 111, flows through downward first sub-channel 11a in the Z2 direction, and flows into first water pump 1A. Coolant pumped by first water pump 1A flows in the Z1 direction through upward first sub-channel 11b (an example of a channel) formed along the Z direction, and a lateral first sub-channel 11c (an example of a channel) branches off from upward first sub-channel 11b at joint surface 105 between first housing 110 and second housing 120. As described above, since the first outlet port 114 is formed in the first housing 110, the coolant that flows in the Z1 direction through the upward first sub-flow path 11b from the second housing 120 to the first housing 110 then changes its flow direction to the X2 direction and flows out from the first outlet port 114. The coolant that flows out of the cooling module 10 from the first outlet port 114 cools the DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E, and returns to the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see FIG. 1).

[0026] The first lateral sub-channel 11c is formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, extending in the Y direction. That is, the first lateral sub-channel 11c is formed along the joining surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, with the upper half of the first lateral sub-channel 11c being formed in the first housing 110 and the lower half being formed in the second housing 120. The first lateral sub-channel 11c is formed by joining the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The cooling water flows through the first lateral sub-channel 11c in the Y2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 from a second outlet port 115 provided at the downstream end of the first lateral sub-channel 11c. The cooling water flowing out from the second outlet port 115 cools the inverter / motor 1C and returns to the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see FIG. 1). The first upward sub-channel 11b and the first horizontal sub-channel 11c constitute a part of the first channel 11.

[0027] Next, the flow of coolant in the second circulation passage 2 (see FIG. 9 ) will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 , the coolant cooled by the heater core 2B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 through the second inlet port 112, flows through the downward second sub-passage 21a in the Z2 direction, and then flows into the second water pump 2A. The coolant pumped by the second water pump 2A flows through the upward second sub-passage 21b formed along the Z direction in the Z1 direction. A first auxiliary chamber 4D (an example of an auxiliary chamber) is formed at the downstream end of the upward second sub-passage 21b, and is a space that communicates with the upward second sub-passage 21b. The first auxiliary chamber 4D is positioned adjacent to the first valve chamber 4C (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment housing) of the first rotary valve 4 in the Y1 direction. The first auxiliary chamber 4D communicates with the first valve chamber 4C via a first communication hole 131 that opens along the Y direction. By providing the first auxiliary chamber 4D, the flow direction of the coolant flowing in the Z1 direction through the upward second sub-channel 21b can be changed to the Y2 direction, and the coolant can flow into the first valve chamber 4C from the first communication hole 131. The first valve chamber 4C and the first auxiliary chamber 4D are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first valve chamber 4C accommodates the first valve element 4A so that it can rotate about an axis extending along the Z direction. The cooling water flowing through the upward second sub-channel 21b flows entirely into the first valve chamber 4C via the first auxiliary chamber 4D and the first communication hole 131. The first valve chamber 4C communicates with the lateral second sub-channel 21c via the second communication hole 132, which opens along the Y direction, and with the fourth channel 41 via the third communication hole 133, which opens along the X direction. By rotating the first valve element 4A to switch the channel, the cooling water that flows into the first valve chamber 4C flows through either the lateral second sub-channel 21c or the fourth channel 41. In the state shown in FIG. 6 , the cooling water flows through the fourth channel 41. The lateral second sub-channel 21c extends along the Y direction, and the fourth channel 41 extends along the X direction. Both channels are formed within the second housing 120 (see FIG. 3 ). The downward second sub-channel 21a, the upward second sub-channel 21b, the lateral second sub-channel 21c, the first valve chamber 4C, and the first auxiliary chamber 4D constitute part of the second channel 21, but the fourth channel 41 is not part of the second channel 21 and does not constitute the second circulation channel 2.

[0029] The cooling water that flows from the first valve chamber 4C into the second lateral sub-channel 21c via the second communication hole 132 flows in the Y2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 from the fourth outlet port 122. The cooling water that flows out of the fourth outlet port 122 flows through the water-cooled condenser 2C and the electric heater 2D and returns to the heater core 2B (see FIG. 1). The cooling water that flows from the first valve chamber 4C into the fourth channel 41 via the third communication hole 133 flows in the X2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 from the third outlet port 121. The cooling water that flows out of the second outlet port 115 flows into the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see FIG. 1). The first rotary valve 4 switches the cooling water that has flowed through the upward second sub-channel 21b and into the first valve chamber 4C to flow through the horizontal second sub-channel 21c and the fourth channel 41 by rotating the first valve body 4A around an axis along the Z direction using the first actuator 4B.

[0030] Next, the flow of coolant in the third circulation passage 3 (see FIG. 9 ) will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 , the coolant that has cooled the battery 3B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 through the third inlet port 113, flows through the downward third sub-passage 31a in the Z2 direction, and then flows into the third water pump 3A. The coolant pumped by the third water pump 3A flows through the upward third sub-passage 31b, which is formed along the Z direction, in the Z1 direction. A second auxiliary chamber 5D (an example of an auxiliary chamber) is formed at the downstream end of the upward third sub-passage 31b, and is a space that communicates with the upward third sub-passage 31b. The second auxiliary chamber 5D is positioned adjacent to the second valve chamber 5C (an example of a valve chamber and a first auxiliary equipment housing) of the second rotary valve 5 in the Y1 direction. The second auxiliary chamber 5D communicates with the second valve chamber 5C via a fourth communication hole 134 that opens along the Y direction. By providing the second auxiliary chamber 5D, the flow direction of the coolant flowing in the Z1 direction through the upward third sub-channel 31b can be changed to the Y2 direction, and the coolant can flow into the second valve chamber 5C through the fourth communication hole 134. The second valve chamber 5C and the second auxiliary chamber 5D are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , the second valve chamber 5C accommodates the second valve element 5A so as to be rotatable about an axis extending along the Z direction. The cooling water flowing through the upward third sub-channel 31b flows entirely into the second valve chamber 5C via the second auxiliary chamber 5D and the fourth communication hole 134. The second valve chamber 5C is connected to the lateral third sub-channel 31d via a sixth communication hole 136 that opens along the Y direction. The second valve chamber 5C is also connected to a third auxiliary chamber 5E (an example of an auxiliary chamber) and a fourth auxiliary chamber 5F (an example of an auxiliary chamber) via a fifth communication hole 135 (an example of a flow path inlet) and a seventh communication hole 137 that open adjacently on both circumferential sides of the sixth communication hole 136, respectively. The third auxiliary chamber 5E and the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F are formed across the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. By rotating the second valve body 5A to switch the flow path, the cooling water that has flowed into the second valve chamber 5C flows to any one of the third lateral sub-flow path 31d, the third auxiliary chamber 5E, and the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F. In the state shown in Fig. 6, the cooling water flows to the third auxiliary chamber 5E.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 8, the third auxiliary chamber 5E is connected to the fifth outlet port 116 via an L-shaped third sub-channel 31c extending along the Z direction. By providing the third auxiliary chamber 5E, the flow direction of the cooling water that flows into the third auxiliary chamber 5E from the second valve chamber 5C via the fifth communication hole 135 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction can be changed to the Z1 direction, and the cooling water can flow through the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c and flow out of the cooling module 10 from the fifth outlet port 116. In other words, the fifth communication hole 135 into which the cooling water flows and the fifth outlet port 116 from which the cooling water flows are at different vertical heights. The cooling water that flows out from the fifth outlet port 116 flows back to the battery 3B via the electric heater 3D (see FIG. 1). The cooling water that flows from the second valve chest 5C into the lateral third sub-channel 31d through the sixth communication hole 136 flows in the Y2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 from the sixth outlet port 123. The cooling water that flows out from the sixth outlet port 123 returns to the battery 3B via the chiller 3C (see FIG. 1). The downward third sub-channel 31a, the upward third sub-channel 31b, the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c, the lateral third sub-channel 31d, the second valve chest 5C, the second auxiliary chamber 5D, and the third auxiliary chamber 5E constitute a part of the third channel 31.

[0033] 3 and 7 , the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F is in communication with a communication flow path 51 that extends from the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F in the Z direction and then bends and extends in the X direction. A first portion 51a of the communication flow path 51 that extends in the Z direction is formed in the second housing 120, and a second portion 51b that extends in the X direction is formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In other words, the second portion 51b of the communication flow path 51 is formed along the joint surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and the upper half of the second portion 51b is formed in the first housing 110 and the lower half is formed in the second housing 120. The communication flow path 51 is not part of the third flow path 31 and does not constitute the third circulation path 3.

[0034] As described above, the communication flow path 51 connects the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, and the third flow path 31 within the cooling module 10. By providing the communication flow path 51 in this way, it is possible to aggregate the three circulation paths through which the cooling water circulates, thereby reducing the number of pipes connected to the ports and shortening and simplifying the pipe lengths.

[0035] The second portion 51b of the communication channel 51 is connected to the first lateral sub-channel 11c at an end opposite to the fourth preliminary chamber 5F. When viewed along the Z direction, the second portion 51b intersects with the second lateral sub-channel 21c. The second portion 51b is recessed in the Z2 direction, thereby connecting to the second lateral sub-channel 21c at the intersection.

[0036] The second rotary valve 5 rotates the second valve body 5A about an axis along the Z direction using the second actuator 5B, and thereby the cooling water that has flowed into the second valve chamber 5C from the upward third sub-channel 31b can be switched to one of three flow paths: (1) through the fifth communication hole 135, the third auxiliary chamber 5E, and the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c, and then out through the fifth outlet port 116; (2) through the seventh communication hole 137, the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F, and the communicating channel 51, and then out through the second outlet port 115; or (3) through the seventh communication hole 137, the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F, the communicating channel 51, and the lateral second sub-channel 21c, and then out through the second outlet port 115 and the fourth outlet port 122, and also through the sixth communication hole 136, the lateral third sub-channel 31d, and then out through the sixth outlet port 123.

[0037] 3 and 4, the first housing 110 is formed with a first partition wall 117 (an example of a partition wall) that separates adjacent two of the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, the third flow path 31, the communication flow path 51, the first valve chamber 4C, the second valve chamber 5C, the first auxiliary chamber 4D, the second auxiliary chamber 5D, and the third auxiliary chamber 5E. The first partition wall 117 stands upright from a first bottom surface 118 (an example of a bottom surface) of the first housing 110. A first outer peripheral wall 119 (an example of an outer peripheral wall) that defines the outer periphery of the first housing 110 stands upright from the first bottom surface 118.

[0038] 3, 5, 7, and 8, second housing 120 is formed with second partition walls 124 (an example of a partition wall) that separate adjacent two of first flow path 11, second flow path 21, third flow path 31, communication flow path 51, first valve chamber 4C, second valve chamber 5C, first auxiliary chamber 4D, second auxiliary chamber 5D, third auxiliary chamber 5E, fourth auxiliary chamber 5F, first vortex chamber 1Aa, second vortex chamber 2Aa, and third vortex chamber 3Aa. By joining first joint surface 117a (an example of a joint surface) (see FIG. 4) of first partition wall 117 of first housing 110 and second joint surface 124a (an example of a joint surface) of second partition wall 124 of second housing 120, the joint portion becomes joint portion 128 (see FIG. 2), and manifold 100 is formed. That is, the joint portion 128 includes the first joint surface 117a of the first partition wall 117 and the second joint surface 124a of the second partition wall 124 (see FIG. 8).

[0039] The second partition wall 124 stands upright from a second bottom surface 126 (an example of a bottom surface) of the second housing 120. A second outer peripheral wall 127 (an example of an outer peripheral wall) that defines the outer periphery of the second housing 120 also stands upright from the second bottom surface 126. A second joint surface 127a (an example of a joint surface) that is an end surface of the second outer peripheral wall 127 is joined to a first joint surface 119a (an example of a joint surface) that is an end surface of the first outer peripheral wall 119, thereby joining the second outer peripheral wall 127 and the first outer peripheral wall 119. The joining location at this time is also a joint portion 128.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the first partition wall 117 is connected to at least one of the first outer peripheral wall 119 of the first housing 110, the first valve chamber 4C, and the second valve chamber 5C. As shown in Fig. 3, the second partition wall 124 is connected to at least one of the second outer peripheral wall 127 of the second housing 120, the first valve chamber 4C, and the second valve chamber 5C.

[0041] [Usage of the cooling system] Next, a usage mode of the cooling system A while the electric vehicle is running will be described. First, a usage mode (hereinafter referred to as the first mode) of the cooling system A when the temperature of the cooling system A is extremely low (for example, below 0°C) and the electric vehicle is running will be described using FIG. 9. This corresponds to, for example, a state immediately after the electric vehicle is started running at an extremely low ambient temperature without warming up. At this time, the inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, and charger 1E require the supply of cooled coolant, while the heater core 2B and battery 3B require the supply of heated coolant. Therefore, in the first mode, the first circulation path 1, the second circulation path 2, and the third circulation path 3 operate independently. Below, in FIGS. 9 to 12, the first circulation path 1, the second circulation path 2, and the third circulation path 3 are each indicated by thick solid lines.

[0042] In first circulation path 1, first water pump 1A is operating, and the coolant that has flowed from radiator 1B into first inlet port 111 is pressure-fed by first water pump 1A, circulates through first flow path 11, flows out from first outlet port 114 and second outlet port 115, and returns to radiator 1B via reserve tank 1F. The coolant is cooled by radiator 1B, and therefore inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, and charger 1E are cooled.

[0043] In the second circulation path 2, the second water pump 2A is operated and the first rotary valve 4 is switched to connect the first valve chamber 4C and the second lateral sub-path 21c (see FIG. 6). The coolant that flows from the heater core 2B to the second inlet port 112 is pumped by the second water pump 2A, flows through the second path 21, and flows out from the fourth outlet port 122. The coolant that flows out of the cooling module 10 is heated by the electric heater 2D and returns to the heater core 2B. At this time, the water-cooled condenser 2C is not operating.

[0044] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is operated and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the third auxiliary chamber 5E (see FIG. 6 ). The coolant that flows from the battery 3B into the third inlet port 113 is pumped by the third water pump 3A, flows through the third flow path 31, and flows out from the fifth outlet port 116. The coolant that flows out of the cooling module 10 is heated by the electric heater 3D and returns to the battery 3B. This warms the battery 3B with the coolant.

[0045] Next, a usage mode (hereinafter referred to as the second mode) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at a low temperature (e.g., 0 to 10 degrees Celsius) but higher than cryogenic temperatures will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . This corresponds to, for example, a state in which the ambient temperature is cryogenic and the electric vehicle is running to warm up slightly. Even in this case, cooled coolant must be supplied to the inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, and charger 1E, while heated coolant must be supplied to the heater core 2B and battery 3B. In the second mode, the first circulation path 1 and the second circulation path 2 circulate coolant in the same manner as in the first mode, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is activated and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F (the second valve body 5A is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 6 ). The coolant that flows into the third inlet port 113 from the battery 3B is pumped by the third water pump 3A and flows into the second valve chamber 5C. Then, the coolant flows from the fourth auxiliary chamber 5F through the communication passage 51 and flows out through the second outlet port 115. At this time, the coolant flowing through the communication passage 51 does not flow into the second lateral sub-passage 21c. The coolant that flows out of the cooling module 10 flows through the inverter / motor 1C, reserve tank 1F, and radiator 1B and returns to the battery 3B through the chiller 3C. However, the chiller 3C is not activated, and the coolant is not cooled by the chiller 3C. In the second embodiment, the first circulation path 1 and the third circulation path 3 are integrated to circulate the coolant, and the coolant heated by the inverter / motor 1C, the DC-DC converter 1D, and the charger 1E is used to warm the battery 3B. Note that the flow path connecting the radiator 1B and the chiller 3C branches midway, and a portion of the coolant flows into the first inlet port 111. This forms the first circulation path 1 of the first embodiment.

[0047] Next, a usage mode (hereinafter referred to as the third mode) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at a normal temperature (for example, 10 to 30 degrees Celsius) that is higher than a low temperature will be described with reference to FIG. 11. This corresponds to, for example, a state in which the electric vehicle is running and has completed warming up (normal running state). In the third mode, the first circulation path 1 circulates the coolant in the same manner as in the first mode, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Meanwhile, the second water pump 2A and the third water pump 3A are stopped, and therefore the coolant does not flow (recirculate) through the second circulation path 2 and the third circulation path 3.

[0048] Next, a usage mode (hereinafter referred to as the fourth mode) of the cooling system A when the electric vehicle is running at a higher temperature (e.g., 30°C or higher) than normal will be described with reference to FIG. 12. This corresponds to, for example, a state in which the electric vehicle is run for a long time in an environment in which the inverter / motor 1C requires high torque. In this case, the inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, charger 1E, and battery 3B are in a high temperature state, and therefore need to be cooled by supplying cooling water. In the fourth mode, the first circulation path 1 circulates cooling water in the same manner as in the first mode, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In the second circulation path 2, the second water pump 2A is operated and the first rotary valve 4 is switched to connect the first valve chamber 4C and the fourth flow path 41 (the first valve body 4A is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 6 ). The coolant that flows from the heater core 2B into the second inlet port 112 is pumped by the second water pump 2A, flows through the second upward sub-flow path 21b, the first valve chamber 4C, and the fourth flow path 41, and flows out from the third outlet port 121. As described above, the coolant that flows out of the cooling module 10 from the third outlet port 121 flows into the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F. The coolant that flows into the radiator 1B and is cooled flows into the first inlet port 111 that constitutes the first circulation path 1. After being pumped by the first water pump 1A, the coolant flows through the first upward sub-channel 11b, the first lateral sub-channel 11c, the connecting channel 51, and the second lateral sub-channel 21c, and is discharged from the cooling module 10 through the fourth outlet port 122. The coolant is then cooled by the water-cooled condenser 2C and returned to the heater core 2B. At this time, the electric heater 2D is not operating. In the fourth mode, the second circulation channel 2 circulates and cools the coolant together with the first circulation channel 1. At this time, a portion of the coolant flowing out of the radiator 1B flows into the chiller 3C.

[0050] In the third circulation path 3, the third water pump 3A is operated and the second rotary valve 5 is switched to connect the second valve chamber 5C and the third lateral sub-path 31d (the second valve body 5A is rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the state shown in Figure 6), and the coolant that flows from the battery 3B into the third inlet port 113 is pressurized by the third water pump 3A and flows into the second valve chamber 5C, and then flows into the third lateral sub-path 31d.

[0051] The cooling water that flows into the third lateral sub-channel 31d flows out from the sixth outlet port 123. The cooling water that flows out of the cooling module 10 flows back to the battery 3B through the chiller 3C. At this time, the cooling water is cooled by the chiller 3C.

[0052] As described above, in the cooling module 10, all of the inlet ports are formed along the Z direction, and all of the outlet ports are formed along the X direction or the Y direction. In particular, the first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, and the third inlet port 113 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the Z direction and on the same plane. The first outlet port 114 and the third outlet port 121 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the X direction and on the same plane. Furthermore, the second outlet port 115 and the fifth outlet port 116 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the Y direction and on the same plane. The fourth outlet port 122 and the sixth outlet port 123 are also arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the Y direction and on the same plane. By aligning the orientations and arrangements of the multiple inlet ports and outlet ports in this way, the piping connected to the inlet ports and outlet ports can be consolidated, avoiding redundant routing, thereby shortening and simplifying the piping length of the circuit in the cooling system A.

[0053] Second Embodiment Next, a cooling module 300 using a first rotary valve 340 (an example of a first auxiliary device) and a second rotary valve 350 (an example of a first auxiliary device) according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 18. The cooling module 300 of this embodiment has a different flow path configuration from the cooling module 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] 13, cooling module 300 according to this embodiment includes a first rotary valve 340, a second rotary valve 350, a first water pump 360 (an example of a second auxiliary device), a second water pump 370 (an example of a second auxiliary device), and a manifold 302 having a plurality of flow paths 312 (see FIG. 15) for circulating cooling water through these components. Manifold 302 is formed by joining and integrating a plurality of housings, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, is formed by joining a first housing 310 and a second housing 330.

[0055] 15 conceptually includes both inflow paths that allow cooling water to flow into the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350, and outflow paths that allow cooling water to flow out from the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350. Furthermore, the multiple flow paths 312 conceptually include all flow paths through which cooling water circulates inside the manifold 302, such as flow paths formed only in the first housing 310, flow paths formed only in the second housing 330, and flow paths formed spanning from the first housing 310 to the second housing 330.

[0056] 13 to 15, in the manifold 302 of this embodiment, the first rotary valve 340, the second rotary valve 350, the first water pump 360, and the second water pump 370 are all attached to a first housing 310. The rotational axis AX of the first rotary valve 340 and the rotational axis AX of the second rotary valve 350 are parallel to each other, and the rotational axis AX of the first water pump 360 and the rotational axis BX of the second water pump 370 are parallel to each other. The rotational axes AX of the first rotary valve 340 and the second rotary valve 350 and the rotational axes BX of the first water pump 360 and the second water pump 370 are perpendicular to each other. Only some of the multiple flow paths 312 are formed in the second housing 330 (see FIG. 16).

[0057] The first rotary valve 340 has a first actuator 341, a first valve body 342 (an example of a valve body), a first valve chamber 316 (an example of a valve chamber and a first accessory housing section), and a spare chamber 314 formed around the first valve chamber 316. The second rotary valve 350 has a second actuator 351, a second valve body 352 (an example of a valve body), a second valve chamber 318 (an example of a valve chamber and a first accessory housing section), and a spare chamber 314 formed around the second valve chamber 318. Of these, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, and the spare chamber 314 are formed in the first housing 310. The first valve chamber 316 and the second valve chamber 318 accommodate the entire first valve body 342 and the entire second valve body 352, respectively. The first actuator 341 and the second actuator 351 are exposed on the surface of the first housing 310.

[0058] The auxiliary chambers 314 are formed between the flow paths 312 and the first valve chamber 316, and between the flow paths 312 and the second valve chamber 318, and the flow paths 312 and the first valve chamber 316 and the flow paths 312 and the second valve chamber 318 communicate with each other via the auxiliary chambers 314. The auxiliary chambers 314 are a concept that includes both an inflow auxiliary chamber connected to an inflow path and an outflow auxiliary chamber connected to an outflow path. In this embodiment, the auxiliary chambers 314 are arranged in all of the flow paths 312 that communicate with the first valve chamber 316 and all of the flow paths 312 that communicate with the second valve chamber 318.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 16 , the first housing 310 is formed with a first partition wall 324 (an example of a partition wall) that partitions adjacent two of the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the auxiliary chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, and the second vortex chamber 322. The first housing 310 is composed only of the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the auxiliary chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, the second vortex chamber 322, and the first partition wall 324. The first partition wall 324 stands upright from a first bottom surface 311 (an example of a bottom surface) of the first housing 310 (see FIGS. 16 and 17 ). In addition, a first outer peripheral wall 313 (an example of an outer peripheral wall) that defines the outer periphery of the first housing 310 stands upright from the first bottom surface 311. The first partition wall 324 is connected to at least one of the first outer peripheral wall 313 of the first housing 310, the first valve chamber 316, and the second valve chamber 318.

[0060] The second housing 330 is formed with second partition walls 332 (an example of a partition wall) that partition two adjacent ones of the spare chambers 314 and some of the multiple flow paths 312 formed in the second housing 330. By joining a first joint surface 324a (an example of a joint surface) of the first partition wall 324 of the first housing 310 and a second joint surface 332a (an example of a joint surface) of the second partition wall 332 of the second housing 330, the joint portion becomes a joint portion 335, and the manifold 302 is formed. In other words, the joint portion 335 includes the first joint surface 324a of the first partition wall 324 and the second joint surface 332a of the second partition wall 332.

[0061] The second partition wall 332 stands upright from a second bottom surface 331 (an example of a bottom surface) of the second housing 330 (see FIGS. 16 and 17 ). A second outer peripheral wall 333 (an example of an outer peripheral wall) that defines the outer periphery of the second housing 330 stands upright from the second bottom surface 331. A second joint surface 333a (an example of a joint surface) that is an end surface of the second outer peripheral wall 333 is joined to a first joint surface 313a (an example of a joint surface) that is an end surface of the first outer peripheral wall 313, whereby the second outer peripheral wall 333 and the first outer peripheral wall 313 are joined together. The joining location at this time is also a joint portion 335.

[0062] In this embodiment, first rotary valve 340 and first water pump 360 are disposed adjacent to each other, and second rotary valve 350 and second water pump 370 are disposed adjacent to each other. Among these, a first inlet 325 (an example of an inlet) through which cooling water flows into first water pump 360, a first vortex chamber 320 (an example of a vortex chamber) through which the cooling water flowing in from first inlet 325 swirls and is pressurized by the rotation of first impeller 362, and a first discharge port 327 (an example of a discharge port) from which the pressurized cooling water is discharged are formed near where first water pump 360 is attached in first housing 310, as shown in Fig. 17 . A first communication hole 343 (an example of an outlet) formed in a wall surface constituting first valve chamber 316 of first rotary valve 340 and first inlet 325 of first water pump 360 are disposed opposite each other with flow path 312 interposed therebetween.

[0063] 15, a second inlet 326 (an example of an inlet) through which cooling water flows into second water pump 370, a second vortex chamber 322 (an example of a vortex chamber) in which the cooling water flowing in from second inlet 326 swirls and is pressurized by the rotation of second impeller 372, and a second discharge port (not shown) from which the pressurized cooling water is discharged are also formed in the vicinity of where second water pump 370 is attached in first housing 310. A second communication hole 353 (an example of an outlet) formed in a wall surface constituting second valve chamber 318 of second rotary valve 350 and second inlet 326 of second water pump 370 are arranged opposite to each other with pre-chamber 314 interposed therebetween.

[0064] 18, in at least one of the plurality of flow paths 312 in the manifold 302 of this embodiment, a flow path inlet 328 through which the cooling water flows in and a flow path outlet 329 through which the cooling water flows out are at different heights in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the first housing 310 and the second housing 330). Specifically, the cooling water that flows into the flow path inlet 328 formed in the first housing 310 flows through the flow path 312 along the arrow, passes through the preliminary chamber 314, and flows into the first rotary valve 340 from the flow path outlet 329 that is positioned vertically above the flow path inlet 328.

[0065] Third Embodiment Next, a cooling module 400 using a first rotary valve 440 (an example of a first auxiliary device) and a second rotary valve 450 (an example of a first auxiliary device) according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. The cooling module 400 of this embodiment has a different flow path configuration from the cooling modules 10 and 300 according to the above embodiments.

[0066] The cooling module 400 according to this embodiment includes a first rotary valve 440, a second rotary valve 450, a first water pump 460 (an example of a second auxiliary device), a second water pump 470 (an example of a second auxiliary device), and a manifold 402 having a plurality of flow paths 412 formed therein for circulating cooling water therethrough. The manifold 402 is formed by joining a plurality of housings together, and in this embodiment, is formed by joining a first housing 410 and a second housing 430 together. The plurality of flow paths 412 conceptually include both inflow paths for introducing cooling water into the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450 and outflow paths for discharging cooling water from the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450. Furthermore, the multiple flow paths 412 are a concept that includes all flow paths through which cooling water flows inside the manifold 402, such as flow paths formed only in the first housing 410, flow paths formed only in the second housing 430, and flow paths formed spanning from the first housing 410 to the second housing 430.

[0067] In the manifold 402 of this embodiment, the first rotary valve 440 and the second rotary valve 450 are attached to the first housing 410, and the first water pump 460 and the second water pump 470 are attached to the second housing 430. The rotational axis AX of the first rotary valve 440, the rotational axis AX of the second rotary valve 450, the rotational axis BX of the first water pump 360, and the rotational axis BX of the second water pump 370 are all parallel to each other.

[0068] Other Embodiments (1) In the first embodiment, the manifold 100, the first lateral sub-channel 11c, and the communicating channel 51 are formed by joining two members, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, but this is not limited to this. At least one of the manifold 100, the first lateral sub-channel 11c, and the communicating channel 51 may be formed by joining three or more members.

[0069] (2) In the first embodiment, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, the third water pump 3A, the first rotary valve 4, and the second rotary valve 5 are used as the accessories attached to the cooling module 10. However, the present invention is not limited to these and other accessories may be attached to the cooling module 10. Other examples of accessories include pumps such as a battery pump and a power train pump, a chiller 3C, electric heaters 2D and 3D, filters, aerators, valves, connectors, fans, and a radiator 1B.

[0070] (3) In the first embodiment, the manifold 100 is provided with flow paths such as the first flow path 11, the second flow path 21, the third flow path 31, the fourth flow path 41, and the communication flow path 51, but this is not limited to this. The number and arrangement of the flow paths including the communication paths in the manifold 100, as well as the positions, opening directions, and number of the inlet and outlet ports, can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and number of accessories and the configuration of the cooling circuit.

[0071] The following configurations are conceivable from the above-described embodiment.

[0072] (1) One embodiment of the cooling module includes a resin manifold consisting of a plurality of housings having joints joined to each other, the manifold having a plurality of flow paths formed across at least two of the housings, and the joint surfaces of the joints of two of the housings that are joined together are end faces of partition walls that divide the interior of the housing into a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the auxiliary chambers, and the partition walls are erected from the bottom surfaces of each of the two housings.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the manifold has multiple flow paths formed across at least two housings, thereby reducing the number of pipes. Furthermore, because the manifold is configured by joining the joint surfaces of multiple housings, the shape of each housing can be simplified even if the flow path shape and flow path configuration within the manifold become complex by considering the position and direction of the ports to which the pipes are connected. This allows the pipes connected to the ports to be consolidated, avoiding redundant routing, thereby shortening and simplifying the length of the pipes connected to the ports. Furthermore, the joint surfaces are end faces of partition walls that partition the housing into multiple flow paths and multiple auxiliary chambers, and the partition walls extend upright from the bottom surfaces of each of the two housings. This allows for the provision of a cooling module in which the flow paths within the manifold are organized and the positions and orientations of the inlet and outlet ports are aligned.

[0074] (2) In another embodiment of the cooling module, each of the multiple housings has an outer peripheral wall erected from the bottom surface, the outer peripheral walls of the multiple housings having the joint portion are joined to form the joint portion, and the end face of the outer peripheral wall of each of the housings is the joint surface.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the joint is formed by joining the outer peripheral walls together, so that the manifold can be made smaller.

[0076] (3) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the manifold has a first accessory accommodating section that accommodates a first accessory that controls the flow of fluid circulating through the flow path, and the partition wall is connected to the outer wall of the housing or the first accessory accommodating section.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the strength of the manifold can be increased.

[0078] (4) Another embodiment of the cooling module further includes a first accessory and a second accessory that control the flow of fluid through the flow path, and the multiple housings include a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing, with the first accessory attached to the first housing and the second accessory attached to the second housing.

[0079] According to this embodiment, by attaching the first accessory and the second accessory to different housings, the strength of the housing required to hold the accessory can be optimized depending on the type of accessory.

[0080] (5) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first housing is joined vertically above the second housing, and the first housing has a plurality of inlet ports that respectively communicate with a plurality of the flow paths, and the plurality of inlet ports are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned vertically and on the same plane.

[0081] According to this embodiment, by arranging the inlet ports side by side so that their respective axes are aligned vertically and on the same plane, the piping connected to the inlet ports can be consolidated and redundant routing can be avoided, thereby shortening and simplifying the length of the piping connected to the inlet ports.

[0082] (6) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first accessory is a rotary valve, the second housing has a valve chamber that accommodates a valve element that constitutes the rotary valve, and the valve element of the rotary valve is accommodated in the valve chamber.

[0083] According to this embodiment, by accommodating the valve element of the rotary valve within the valve chamber, the flow of fluid passing through multiple flow paths can be controlled by switching between the flow paths formed within the housing.

[0084] (7) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second housing has a mounting portion to which the second accessory is attached, and the mounting portion is thicker than other portions.

[0085] According to this embodiment, even if the manifold is made of resin, it is possible to ensure the strength to mount and hold heavy accessories.

[0086] (8) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second accessory is a water pump that pressurizes the fluid, and the water pump and the second housing form a vortex chamber through which the pressurized fluid flows.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the water pump does not require a shroud that regulates the inflow and outflow directions of fluid, making it possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the cooling module.

[0088] (9) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the multiple flow paths include a first flow path that constitutes a part of a first circulation path that circulates through a radiator, a second flow path that constitutes a part of a second circulation path that circulates through a heater core, a third flow path that constitutes a part of a third circulation path that circulates through a battery, and a communication flow path that connects the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

[0089] According to this embodiment, by providing a first flow path that forms part of the first circulation path, a second flow path that forms part of the second circulation path, a third flow path that forms part of the third circulation path, and a communicating flow path that connects the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path within the cooling module, it is possible to aggregate the circulation paths through which the fluid circulates, thereby reducing the number of pipes connected to the port and shortening and simplifying the piping length.

[0090] (10) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the communication flow path is formed along the joint surfaces of the plurality of housings.

[0091] According to this embodiment, by forming a communicating flow path on the joining surface, the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path can be made to communicate with each other even if they are separated into the first housing and the second housing.

[0092] (11) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first accessory is a rotary valve, the second accessory is a water pump that pressurizes the fluid, and the rotational axis of the rotary valve and the rotational axis of the water pump are parallel to each other.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the flow paths can be easily formed on the same plane, and the projected area of ​​the cooling module when viewed in the direction along the rotation axis can be reduced.

[0094] (12) Another embodiment of the cooling module further includes a first accessory and a second accessory that control the flow of fluid through the flow path, and the multiple housings include a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing, and both the first accessory and the second accessory are attached to the first housing.

[0095] According to this embodiment, the first and second accessories are attached to the first housing, so the cooling module can be made smaller.

[0096] (13) In another embodiment of the cooling module, only the flow path is formed in the second housing.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the wasted space in the second housing can be eliminated, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the cooling module.

[0098] (14) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the second accessory is a water pump that pumps the fluid, and the first housing of the water pump has an inlet through which the fluid flows, a vortex chamber that pumps the inflowing liquid, and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged.

[0099] According to this embodiment, there is no need to use dedicated parts required for forming the inlet, vortex chamber, and outlet, so a small-sized, low-cost cooling module can be constructed.

[0100] (15) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the first accessory is a rotary valve, and the first housing has a valve chamber that accommodates a valve element that constitutes the rotary valve.

[0101] According to this embodiment, a valve chamber is formed in the first housing to accommodate the valve element of the rotary valve, so there is no need to use a dedicated part for the valve chamber, and the cooling module can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0102] (16) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the valve chamber is formed by a partition wall standing upright on the bottom surface of the first housing.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the valve element of the rotary valve is accommodated inside the first housing and does not protrude to the outside, so that dead space can be reduced.

[0104] (17) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the inlet of the water pump and the outlet of the rotary valve are disposed opposite each other.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the water pump and the rotary valve are disposed close to each other, which allows the cooling module to be made compact.

[0106] (18) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the flow path inlet and the flow path outlet of at least one of the plurality of flow paths are at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the flow paths can be increased. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present disclosure can be used in a cooling module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1: First circulation path, 1A: First water pump (second auxiliary device), 1Aa: First vortex chamber, 1B: Radiator, 2: Second circulation path, 2A: Second water pump (second auxiliary device), 2Aa: Second vortex chamber, 2B: Heater core, 3: Third circulation path, 3A: Third water pump (second auxiliary device), 3Aa: Third vortex chamber, 3B: Battery, 4: First rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 4C: First valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary device housing), 4D: First spare chamber (spare chamber), 5: Second rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 5C: Second valve chamber (valve chamber, first auxiliary device housing), 5D: Second spare chamber (spare chamber), 5E: Third spare chamber ( spare chamber), 5F: fourth spare chamber (spare chamber), 10: cooling module, 11: first flow path, 21: second flow path, 31: third flow path, 11a: downward first sub-flow path (flow path), 11b: upward first sub-flow path (flow path), 11c: first sub-flow path (flow path), 21a: downward second sub-flow path (flow path), 31a: downward third sub-flow path (flow path), 51: communication flow path (flow path), 100: manifold, 105: joint surface, 110: first housing (housing), 111: first inlet port, 112: second inlet port, 113: third inlet port, 116: fifth outlet port (flow path outlet), 1 17: first partition wall (partition wall), 117a: first joint surface (joining surface), 118: first bottom surface (bottom surface), 119: first outer peripheral wall (outer peripheral surface), 119a: first joint surface (joining surface), 120: second housing (housing), 124: second partition wall (partition wall), 124a: second joint surface (joining surface), 125: mounting portion, 126: second bottom surface (bottom surface), 127: second outer peripheral wall (outer peripheral wall), 127a: second joint surface (joining surface), 135: fifth communication hole (flow path inlet), 300: cooling module, 302: manifold, 310: first housing (resin housing), 311: first bottom surface (bottom surface), 312: flow path (inflow path, outflow path), 313: first outer peripheral wall (outer peripheral wall), 316: first valve chamber (valve chamber, first accessory housing section), 318: second valve chamber (valve chamber, first accessory housing section), 320: first vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 322: second vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 324: first partition wall (partition wall), 324a: first joint surface (joint surface), 325: first inlet (inlet), 326: second inlet (inlet), 327: first discharge port (discharge port), 328: flow path inlet, 329: flow path outlet, 330: second housing (resin housing), 331: second bottom surface (bottom surface), 332: second partition wall (partition wall),333: second outer peripheral wall (outer peripheral wall), 332a: second joint surface (joint surface), 335: joint portion, 340: first rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 343: first communication hole (outlet), 350: second rotary valve (first auxiliary device), 353: second communication hole (outlet), 360: first water pump 460 (second auxiliary device), 370: second water pump 470 (second auxiliary device), 400: cooling module, 402: manifold, 410: First housing (plastic housing), 412: flow path (inflow path, outflow path), 416: first valve chamber (valve chamber), 418: second valve chamber (valve chamber), 430: second housing (plastic housing), 440: first rotary valve (first auxiliary), 450: second rotary valve (first auxiliary), 460: first water pump 460 (second auxiliary), 470: second water pump 470 (second auxiliary), AX: rotational shaft center, BX: rotational shaft center,

Claims

1. a resin manifold including a plurality of housings having joints joined to each other; the manifold has a plurality of flow paths and a plurality of spare chambers formed across at least two of the plurality of housings, a joint surface of each of the joint portions of two of the housings that are joined together is an end surface of a partition wall that divides the interior of the housing into a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the auxiliary chambers, The partition walls stand upright from the bottom surfaces of the two housings.

2. Each of the plurality of housings has an outer peripheral wall extending from the bottom surface, the outer peripheral walls of the plurality of housings having the joint portions are joined together to form the joint portions, The cooling module according to claim 1 , wherein the end surface of the outer peripheral wall of each of the housings is the joining surface.

3. the manifold has a first accessory housing portion that houses a first accessory that controls the flow of fluid passing through the flow path, The cooling module according to claim 2 , wherein the partition wall is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the housing or the first accessory housing portion.

4. Further, a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device are provided to control the flow of fluid through the flow path, the plurality of housings include a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing; The cooling module of claim 1 , wherein the first accessory is mounted to the first housing and the second accessory is mounted to the second housing.

5. the first housing is joined to the upper side of the second housing in the vertical direction, the first housing has a plurality of inlet ports respectively communicating with the plurality of flow paths; 5. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of inlet ports are arranged side by side with their respective axes aligned vertically and on the same plane.

6. the first accessory is a rotary valve; 6. The cooling module according to claim 5, wherein the second housing has a valve chamber that houses a valve element that constitutes the rotary valve, and the valve element of the rotary valve is located within the valve chamber.

7. the second housing has a mounting portion to which the second accessory is attached, The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein the mounting portion is thicker than other portions.

8. the second accessory is a water pump that pumps the fluid, 5. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein the water pump and the second housing form a vortex chamber through which the pressurized fluid flows.

9. 4. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow paths include a first flow path that constitutes part of a first circulation path that circulates through a radiator, a second flow path that constitutes part of a second circulation path that circulates through a heater core, a third flow path that constitutes part of a third circulation path that circulates through a battery, and a communicating flow path that connects the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

10. The cooling module according to claim 9 , wherein the communication passage is formed along the joint surfaces of the plurality of housings.

11. the first accessory is a rotary valve; the second accessory is a water pump that pumps the fluid, 5. The cooling module according to claim 4, wherein the rotary valve and the water pump have a rotational axis that is parallel to each other.

12. Further, a first auxiliary device and a second auxiliary device are provided to control the flow of fluid through the flow path, the plurality of housings include a first housing and a second housing joined to the first housing; The cooling module according to claim 1 , wherein the first accessory and the second accessory are both attached to the first housing.

13. The cooling module according to claim 12 , wherein only the flow passage is formed in the second housing.

14. the second accessory is a water pump that pumps the fluid, The cooling module according to claim 12, wherein the first housing includes an inlet through which the fluid flows, a vortex chamber that pumps the inflowing fluid, and a discharge port through which the fluid is discharged.

15. the first accessory is a rotary valve; The cooling module according to claim 14 , wherein the first housing has a valve chamber that accommodates a valve element that constitutes the rotary valve.

16. 7. The cooling module according to claim 6, wherein the valve chamber is formed by a partition wall extending from the bottom surface of the first housing.

17. The cooling module according to claim 15, wherein the inlet of the water pump and the outlet of the rotary valve are disposed opposite each other.

18. The cooling module according to claim 1 , wherein a flow inlet and a flow outlet of at least one of the plurality of flow channels are at different heights in the vertical direction.

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