Thermal management system, switching valve, and method for controlling the thermal management system

Abstract

To prevent a failure caused by expansion of a heating medium even in the case that a reservoir is provided only in one circuit of two circuits connected in parallel with each other.SOLUTION: A thermal management circuit 100 comprises: a low-temperature circuit 130 including a reservoir tank 136 and a battery circuit 170 including no reservoir tank. A heat management system 1 includes an ECU configured to switch a plurality of modes related to a flow path of a heat medium in the heat management circuit 100 by controlling a five-way valve 180. The plurality of modes includes a first mode (first circuit mode) and a second mode (third circuit mode). The first mode is a mode in which the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in series. The second mode is a mode in which the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in parallel, and a part of the heat medium flowing through the battery circuit 170 flows to the low-temperature circuit 130 via the five-way valve 180.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal management system, a switching valve, and a method for controlling a thermal management system. [Background technology]

[0002] A thermal management system for an electric vehicle has been proposed. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0331554 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle thermal management system (200) that includes a vehicle heat pump system (202), a battery system refrigerant loop (204), a drivetrain refrigerant loop (206), and a refrigerant valve system (208) (see FIG. 2). The vehicle thermal management system has multiple modes (see paragraph

[0073] ). In a first mode, the battery system refrigerant loop and the drivetrain refrigerant loop are connected in parallel by the refrigerant valve system. In a second mode, the battery system refrigerant loop and the drivetrain refrigerant loop are connected in series by the refrigerant valve system. In a third mode, the battery system refrigerant loop and the drivetrain refrigerant loop are connected partially in parallel and partially in series by the refrigerant valve system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0331554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle thermal management system (200) disclosed in Patent Document 1, the drivetrain coolant loop (206) includes pumps (346, 347), a T-fitting (349), a power converter (304), an inverter (302), a radiator (236), and a reservoir (344). On the other hand, the battery system coolant loop (204) includes only pumps (338, 340), a battery system (106), a chiller (220), and the pump (340) (see paragraph

[0071] and FIG. 3). In other words, the battery system coolant loop (204) does not include a reservoir.

[0005] In such a circuit configuration, when the heat medium circulates through each of the two circuits connected in parallel (first heating mode in Patent Document 1), the expansion (pressure increase) of the heat medium due to temperature changes in the circuit without a reservoir (battery system refrigerant loop in Patent Document 1) may not be absorbed, resulting in an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the circuit. As a result, problems such as deterioration of the components of the circuit may occur.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the purposes of the present disclosure is to prevent problems caused by the expansion of the heat medium even when a reservoir is provided in only one of two circuits connected in parallel to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A thermal management system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a thermal management circuit through which a heat medium flows. The thermal management circuit has a first circuit including a reservoir and a second circuit not including a reservoir. The thermal management system further includes a switching valve including a plurality of ports, each connected to the first circuit or the second circuit, and a control device that controls the switching valve to switch between a plurality of modes related to the flow path of the heat medium in the thermal management circuit. The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series. The second mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium flowing through the second circuit flows to the first circuit via the switching valve.

[0008] In the second mode of the configuration (1) above, a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit circulates through the first circuit via the switching valve. This allows the reservoir provided in the first circuit to absorb the pressure increase of the heat medium in the second circuit. Therefore, even if only the first circuit of the first and second circuits has a reservoir, problems caused by the expansion of the heat medium can be prevented.

[0009] (2) The plurality of modes further includes a third mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel so that the heat medium circulating through the first circuit and the heat medium circulating through the second circuit do not mix.

[0010] In the third mode of the configuration (2) above, the heat medium flowing through the first circuit and the heat medium flowing through the second circuit do not mix, so the configuration (2) above allows the temperatures of the first circuit and the second circuit to be managed separately (completely independently).

[0011] (3) The plurality of ports is at least four ports, including two ports connected to the first circuit and two other ports connected to the second circuit.

[0012] According to the above configuration (3), by using a switching valve including at least four ports, it is possible to preferably prevent problems caused by the expansion of the heat medium.

[0013] (4) The thermal management system is installed in a vehicle including a drive unit and a battery. The first circuit is a circuit through which a heat medium flows to exchange heat with the drive unit. The second circuit is a circuit through which a heat medium flows to exchange heat with the battery.

[0014] According to the above configuration (4), a reservoir is provided only in the circuit that exchanges heat with the drive device, and even if the heat medium expands due to heat exchange with the battery, problems associated with the expansion of the heat medium can be prevented.

[0015] (5) The thermal management circuit further includes a third circuit that does not include a reservoir and through which the heat transfer medium flows so as to bypass the battery. The plurality of modes further includes a fourth mode. The fourth mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the third circuit are connected in series.

[0016] According to the above configuration (5), the heat medium bypasses the battery, i.e., the heat medium does not flow through the battery, and therefore the temperature of the first circuit can be adjusted without being affected by the temperature of the battery.

[0017] (6) A switching valve according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is connected to a thermal management circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit. The switching valve includes a case having a plurality of ports, each connected to the first circuit or the second circuit, and a valve body housed in the case and configured to control the flow of the heat medium. The valve body is provided with a communication portion that can switch between a plurality of patterns related to the manner in which the heat medium communicates between the plurality of ports. The plurality of patterns include a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is a pattern in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series. The second pattern is a pattern in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit flows to the first circuit via the switching valve.

[0018] According to the configuration (6) above, like the configuration (1) above, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the expansion of the heat medium.

[0019] (7) The plurality of ports is at least four ports, including two ports connected to the first circuit and two other ports connected to the second circuit.

[0020] According to the configuration (7) above, similarly to the configuration (3) above, by using a switching valve including at least four ports, it is possible to preferably prevent problems caused by the expansion of the heat medium.

[0021] (8) The case includes a first space to which at least three of the at least four ports are connected and a second space to which at least one of the at least four ports is connected. The first space and the second space are separated by a valve body. The first space is divided into a plurality of spaces by a plurality of partition walls. The communication portion includes a first communication portion that communicates two of the plurality of spaces and a second communication portion that communicates between the first space and the second space.

[0022] According to the above configuration (8), the first and second patterns can be suitably realized, as will be described in detail later.

[0023] (9) In a control method for a thermal management system according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the thermal management system includes a thermal management circuit and a switching valve. The thermal management circuit has a first circuit including a reservoir and a second circuit not including a reservoir. The switching valve includes a plurality of ports, each connected to the first circuit or the second circuit. The control method includes a step of switching between a plurality of modes related to a flow path of a heat medium in the thermal management circuit by controlling the switching valve. The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series. The second mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating in the second circuit circulates in the first circuit via the switching valve.

[0024] According to the method (9) above, similarly to the configuration (1) above, problems caused by the expansion of the heat transfer medium can be prevented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present disclosure, even if a reservoir is provided in only one of two circuits connected in parallel to each other, problems caused by expansion of the heat medium can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a five-way valve. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a valve body. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a first diagram for explaining how a heat medium circulates inside the five-way valve in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining how the heat transfer medium circulates inside the five-way valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a first communication pattern using a five-way valve. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a second communication pattern using a five-way valve. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a third communication pattern using a five-way valve. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a fourth communication pattern using a five-way valve. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first circuit mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second circuit mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third circuit mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the pressure distribution of the heat medium in the third circuit mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth circuit mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a second diagram for explaining how the heat medium circulates inside the five-way valve in the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the pressure distribution of the heat medium in the third circuit mode in the modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a heat management circuit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a first communication pattern by an eight-way valve. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a second communication pattern using an eight-way valve. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the third communication pattern using an eight-way valve. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a fourth communication pattern using an eight-way valve. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the fifth communication pattern using an eight-way valve. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a sixth communication pattern using an eight-way valve. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first circuit mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second circuit mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 32]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third circuit mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth circuit mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fifth circuit mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a sixth circuit mode in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In the drawings, the vertically upward direction is indicated by the z-axis. The vertically upward direction will be abbreviated as "up" and "vertically upward" will be abbreviated as "vertically upward."

[0028] The following description will be given taking as an example a configuration in which a thermal management system according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle equipped with a battery for driving, such as an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle). The vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). However, the use of the thermal management system according to the present disclosure is not limited to vehicles.

[0029] [Embodiment 1] <Overall structure> 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a thermal management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 1 includes a thermal management circuit 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 500, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 600.

[0030] A heat medium flows through the thermal management circuit 100. The thermal management circuit 100 includes, for example, a high-temperature circuit 110, a radiator 120, a low-temperature circuit 130, a condenser 140, a refrigeration cycle 150, a chiller 160, a battery circuit 170, and a five-way valve 180.

[0031] The high-temperature circuit 110 includes, for example, a water pump (W / P) 111, an electric heater 112, a three-way valve 113, a heater core 114, and a reservoir tank (R / T) 115. The radiator 120 is connected to (i.e., shared by) both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the low-temperature circuit 130. The radiator 120 includes a high-temperature (HT) radiator 121 and a low-temperature (LT) radiator 122 (see FIG. 2 for both). The low-temperature circuit 130 includes, for example, a water pump 131, a smart power unit (SPU) 132, a power control unit (PCU) 133, an oil cooler (O / C) 134, a step-up / step-down converter 135, and a reservoir tank 136. The condenser 140 is connected to both the high-temperature circuit 110 and the refrigeration cycle 150. The refrigeration cycle 150 includes, for example, a compressor 151, an expansion valve 152, an evaporator 153, an evaporative pressure regulator (EPR) 154, and an expansion valve 155. The chiller 160 is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 150 and a battery circuit 170. The battery circuit 170 includes, for example, a water pump 171, an electric heater 172, a battery 173, and a bypass path 174. The five-way valve 180 is connected to the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170. The configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0032] The ECU 500 controls the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, and an interface 504.

[0033] The processor 501 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The memory 502 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The storage 503 is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage 503 stores system programs including an operating system (OS) and control programs including computer-readable code required for control calculations. The processor 501 performs various processes by reading the system programs and control programs, expanding them into the memory 502, and executing them. The interface 504 controls communication between the ECU 500 and the components of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0034] The ECU 500 generates control commands based on sensor values ​​(e.g., temperatures at various locations) acquired from various sensors (not shown) included in the thermal management circuit 100, user operations accepted by the HMI 600, and the like, and outputs the generated control commands to the thermal management circuit 100. The ECU 500 corresponds to the "control device" according to the present disclosure. The ECU 500 may be divided into multiple ECUs for each function. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the ECU 500 includes one processor 501, the ECU 500 may include multiple processors. The same applies to the memory 502 and the storage 503.

[0035] In this specification, the term "processor" is not limited to a processor in the narrow sense that executes processing using a stored program, but may also include hardwired circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Therefore, the term "processor" can also be interpreted as a processing circuitry whose processing is predefined by computer-readable code and / or hardwired circuitry.

[0036] The HMI 600 is a display with a touch panel, an operation panel, a console, etc. The HMI 600 accepts user operations for controlling the thermal management system 1. The HMI 600 outputs a signal indicating the user operation to the ECU 500.

[0037] <Thermal management circuit configuration> 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 100 in Embodiment 1. The heat medium (usually hot water) circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 flows through one or both of a first path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, heater core 114, reservoir tank 115, and water pump 111, and a second path of the water pump 111, condenser 140, electric heater 112, three-way valve 113, high-temperature radiator 121, reservoir tank 115, and water pump 111.

[0038] The water pump 111 circulates the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 110 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The condenser 140 receives heat released from the heat medium circulating in the refrigeration cycle 150, thereby heating the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110. The electric heater 112 heats the heat medium in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The three-way valve 113 switches between a first path and a second path in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The heater core 114 heats the air blown into the vehicle cabin by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating in the high-temperature circuit 110 and the air (heating operation). The reservoir tank 115 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 110 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the high-temperature circuit 110 (the heat medium overflowing due to an increase in pressure). The high-temperature radiator 121 is located downstream of a grille shutter (not shown) and exchanges heat between the outside air of the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0039] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the low-temperature circuit 130 flows through the route of water pump 131 - SPU 132 - PCU 133 - oil cooler 134 - boost / buck converter 135 - five-way valve 180 - low-temperature radiator 122 - reservoir tank 136 - water pump 131.

[0040] Water pump 131 circulates the heat medium within low-temperature circuit 130 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. SPU 132 controls charging and discharging of battery 173 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. PCU 133 converts DC power supplied from battery 173 into AC power in accordance with a control command from ECU 500, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 134 circulates lubricating oil for the motor using an electric oil pump (EOP) (not shown). Oil cooler 134 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through low-temperature circuit 130 and the lubricating oil for the motor. Step-up / step-down converter 135 increases / decreases the voltage of battery 173 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through low-temperature circuit 130. Five-way valve 180 switches the paths of the heat medium in low-temperature circuit 130 and battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. The configuration of five-way valve 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. Low-temperature radiator 122 is disposed near high-temperature radiator 121 and exchanges heat with high-temperature radiator 121. Reservoir tank 136 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in low-temperature circuit 130 by storing a portion of the heat medium in low-temperature circuit 130.

[0041] The heat transfer medium (gas phase refrigerant or liquid phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 flows through one or both of a first path of the compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 152-evaporator 153-EPR 154-compressor 151 and a second path of the compressor 151-condenser 140-expansion valve 155-chiller 160-compressor 151.

[0042] The compressor 151 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150. The condenser 140 condenses the gas-phase refrigerant into a liquid-phase refrigerant by releasing heat from the gas-phase refrigerant, which has been compressed by the compressor 151 and has become high-temperature and high-pressure. The expansion valve 152 reduces the pressure of the liquid-phase refrigerant by expanding the high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant compressed by the condenser 140. The evaporator 153 cools air blown onto the evaporator 153 through heat exchange between the air and the liquid-phase refrigerant (cooling operation). The EPR 154 adjusts the pressure inside the evaporator 153 to a substantially constant level by controlling the flow rate of the heat medium flowing in from the evaporator 153. Similar to the expansion valve 152, the expansion valve 155 reduces the pressure of the liquid-phase refrigerant by expanding the high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant compressed by the condenser 140. The chiller 160 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170. More specifically, the liquid-phase refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 155 evaporates in the chiller 160, thereby removing heat from the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170. As a result, the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170 is cooled.

[0043] The heat transfer medium (coolant) circulating through the battery circuit 170 flows through one or both of a first path from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the electric heater 172, the battery 173, and the water pump 171, and a second path from the water pump 171 to the chiller 160, the five-way valve 180, the bypass path 174, and the water pump 171.

[0044] The water pump 171 circulates the heat medium within the battery circuit 170 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The chiller 160 cools the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170 by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through the refrigeration cycle 150 and the heat medium circulating through the battery circuit 170. The electric heater 172 heats the heat medium in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The battery 173 supplies electric power for driving to a motor built into the transaxle. The battery 173 can be heated using the electric heater 172 or cooled using the chiller 160. The bypass path 174 is provided so that the heat medium bypasses the electric heater 172 and the battery 173. When the heat medium flows through the bypass path 174, a change in the temperature of the heat medium due to heat absorption / dissipation between the heat medium and the battery 173 can be suppressed.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the low-temperature circuit 130 corresponds to the "first circuit" according to the present disclosure. The battery circuit 170 corresponds to the "second circuit" according to the present disclosure. The bypass path 174 corresponds to the "third circuit" according to the present disclosure.

[0046] <Five-way valve> 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the five-way valve 180. The five-way valve 180 includes a case body 91. The case body 91 has a hollow columnar shape (cylindrical shape) extending vertically, and houses a valve element 92 (see FIG. 4). The case body 91 is provided with five ports P1 to P5.

[0047] Port P1 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from chiller 160. Port P2 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward electric heater 172 and battery 173 (battery 173 is shown representatively) of battery circuit 170. Port P3 is an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from SPU 132, PCU 133, oil cooler 134, and step-up / step-down converter 135 (PCU 133 is shown representatively) of low-temperature circuit 130. Port P4 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward bypass path 174 of battery circuit 170. Port P5 is an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out toward low-temperature radiator 122.

[0048] The ports P1, P2, P4, and P5 are arranged in the upper part of the case body 91. On the other hand, the port P3 is arranged in the lower part of the case body 91.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the valve element 92. The valve element 92 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and is configured to rotate around the central axis of the cylinder. This central axis is referred to as the rotation axis AX. The valve element 92 includes a disk-shaped fixed portion 93 and a cylindrical driving portion 94. While the driving portion 94 is driven to rotate around the rotation axis AX, the fixed portion 93 is always fixed while ensuring slidability between it and the driving portion 94.

[0050] The fixed part 93 is provided with four fan-shaped holes 931, 932, 934, and 935. The four holes 931, 932, 934, and 935 respectively correspond to four ports P1, P2, P4, and P5 arranged in the upper part of the case main body 91. The drive part 94 is provided with a circumferential groove 941 extending in the circumferential direction of the cylinder, and a vertical through-hole 942 extending in the height direction of the cylinder.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a first diagram for explaining how the heat medium circulates inside the five-way valve 180 in the first embodiment. Fig. 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the case body 91 and the valve element 92 cut along a plane including the rotation axis AX. Fig. 6 is a second diagram for explaining how the heat medium circulates inside the five-way valve 180. Fig. 6 schematically shows the positional relationship between the space above the valve element 92, the valve element 92, and the space below the valve element 92 within the internal space of the case body 91.

[0052] 4 to 6, the space above the valve body 92 is divided into four spaces by four partition walls 95. These spaces are referred to as upper spaces U1, U2, U4, and U5. The upper space U1 is the space above the hole 931 provided in the fixed portion 93 and communicates with port P1. The upper space U2 is the space above the hole 932 in the fixed portion 93 and communicates with port P2. The upper space U4 is the space above the hole 934 in the fixed portion 93 and communicates with port P4. The upper space U5 is the space above the hole 935 in the fixed portion 93 and communicates with port P5. In contrast, no partition walls are provided in the space below the valve body 92 within the internal space of the case main body 91. This space is referred to as a lower space L. The lower space L communicates with port P3.

[0053] As the valve body 92 is rotationally driven, the positions of the circumferential groove 941 and the vertical through-hole 942 provided in the drive portion 94 change. As a result, two (or three) of the upper spaces U1, U2, U4, and U5 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, or one (or two) of the upper spaces U1, U2, U4, and U5 communicate with the lower space L via the vertical through-hole 942. This switches the connections of the ports P1 to P5.

[0054] For example, when the upper space U1 and the upper space U2 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, the heat medium can flow from port P1 to port P2. When the upper space U1 and the upper space U4 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, the heat medium can flow from port P1 to port P4. When the upper space U1 and the upper space U5 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, the heat medium can flow from port P1 to port P5.

[0055] On the other hand, when the lower space L and the upper space U2 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, the heat medium can flow from port P3 to port P2. When the lower space L and the upper space U4 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, the heat medium can flow from port P3 to port P4. When the lower space L and the upper space U5 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, the heat medium can flow from port P3 to port P5.

[0056] The upper spaces U1, U2, U4, and U5 correspond to the "first space" according to the present disclosure. The lower space L corresponds to the "second space" according to the present disclosure. The circumferential groove 941 corresponds to the "first communication portion" according to the present disclosure. The vertical through-hole 942 corresponds to the "second communication portion" according to the present disclosure.

[0057] In this embodiment, four "communication patterns" are realized using the five-way valve 180 configured as described above. These will be referred to as a first communication pattern to a fourth communication pattern.

[0058] <Connection pattern> 7 to 10 are conceptual diagrams respectively outlining the first to fourth communication patterns by the five-way valve 180. As shown in Fig. 7, in the first communication pattern, the five-way valve 180 forms a path that communicates between port P1 and port P5, and a path that communicates between port P3 and port P2. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in series.

[0059] In the second communication pattern (see FIG. 8), a path that communicates between port P1 and port P5 and a path that communicates between port P3 and port P4 are formed by the five-way valve 180. In this case as well, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in series.

[0060] In the third communication pattern (see FIG. 9), the five-way valve 180 forms a path that communicates between port P1 and port P2, and a path that communicates between port P3 and port P5. In addition to these two paths, a narrow path is formed that connects the two paths. As a result, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected generally in parallel, while the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are partially in communication with each other.

[0061] In the fourth communication pattern (see FIG. 10), the five-way valve 180 forms a path that connects the ports P1 and P2, and a path that connects the ports P3 and P5. These two paths are independent of each other, and no other path is formed connecting the two paths. In this case, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in parallel completely independently.

[0062] <Circuit mode> In each of the first to fourth communication patterns by the five-way valve 180, various "circuit modes" are realized depending on how components other than the five-way valve 180 operate (such as turning the water pump on / off).

[0063] Representative circuit modes for each of the first to fourth communication patterns will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. The lower parts of Figures 11 to 14 show how the heat transfer medium flows through the entire heat management circuit 100. However, to avoid cluttering the drawings, only the main components of the heat management circuit 100 shown in Figure 2 are shown. Meanwhile, the upper parts of Figures 11 to 14 show how the heat transfer medium flows inside the five-way valve 180. These are simplified, overlapping views of the three diagrams showing the upper space, valve body, and lower space shown in Figure 6.

[0064] The first circuit mode corresponds to the "first mode" according to the present disclosure. The third circuit mode corresponds to the "second mode" according to the present disclosure. The fourth circuit mode corresponds to the "third mode" according to the present disclosure. The second circuit mode corresponds to the "fourth mode" according to the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the first circuit mode in the first embodiment. In the first circuit mode, the five-way valve 180 is set to the first communication pattern (see FIG. 7). As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 11, the upper space U1 of the five-way valve 180 communicates with the upper space U5 via a circumferential groove 941 (see dashed line), thereby communicating the port P1 with the port P5. Furthermore, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 communicates with the upper space U2 via a vertical through-hole 942 (see dashed line), thereby communicating the port P3 with the port P2. As a result, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in series, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 11. More specifically, a single path is formed through which the heat medium flows in the following order: water pump 131-PCU 133-port P3-port P2-battery 173-water pump 171-chiller 160-port P1-port P5-low-temperature radiator 122-reservoir tank 136-water pump 131.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the second circuit mode in the first embodiment. In the second circuit mode, the five-way valve 180 is set to the second communication pattern (see FIG. 8). The upper space U1 of the five-way valve 180 communicates with the upper space U5 via the circumferential groove 941, thereby communicating the port P1 with the port P5. Furthermore, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 communicates with the upper space U4 via the vertical through-hole 942, thereby communicating the port P3 with the port P4. This connects the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in series. More specifically, a single path is formed through which the heat medium flows in the following order: water pump 131, PCU 133, port P3, port P4, bypass path 174, water pump 171, chiller 160, port P1, port P5, low-temperature radiator 122, reservoir tank 136, and water pump 131.

[0067] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the third circuit mode in the first embodiment. In the third circuit mode, the five-way valve 180 is set to the third communication pattern (see FIG. 9). The upper space U1 and the upper space U2 of the five-way valve 180 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, thereby communicating the port P1 with the port P2. Furthermore, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 and the upper space U5 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, thereby communicating the port P3 with the port P5. This connects the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 in parallel. More specifically, a first path (low-temperature circuit 130) is formed in which the heat medium flows in the order of water pump 131, PCU 133, port P3, port P5, low-temperature radiator 122, and reservoir tank 136, and a second path (battery circuit 170) is formed in which the heat medium flows in the order of water pump 171, chiller 160, port P1, port P2, battery 173, and water pump 171. In addition, in the third circuit mode, the lower space L of five-way valve 180 and the upper space U5 communicate with each other via vertical through-hole 942, thereby partially communicating port P3 with port P4.

[0068] Which two ports are partially connected (where the partial connection position is set) affects the pressure distribution of the heat medium in the thermal management circuit 100 (particularly the battery circuit 170). An inappropriate partial connection position may adversely affect the normal operation of the battery circuit 170. More specifically, each component of the battery circuit 170 has a maximum pressure that can be applied (pressure resistance), and excessive pressure may be applied to one of the components. Furthermore, if the pressure at any point in the battery circuit 170 (particularly the pressure at the inlet of the water pump 171) becomes negative, bubbles (cavitation) may occur in the heat medium. Therefore, it is desirable to set the partial connection position in the battery circuit 170 so that the pressure applied to each component does not exceed the pressure resistance and so that cavitation does not occur.

[0069] 14 is a diagram illustrating the pressure distribution of the heat medium in the fourth circuit mode in the first embodiment. The horizontal axis represents the arrangement of components of the thermal management circuit 100 along the path through which the heat medium flows. The vertical axis represents the pressure of the heat medium in each component.

[0070] In the present embodiment, partial communication between port P3 and port P4 allows the pressure of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 to be released to the low-temperature circuit 130. Since the low-temperature circuit 130 is provided with a reservoir tank 136, a rise in the pressure of the heat medium that circulates through the battery circuit 170 due to a change in temperature of the heat medium can be absorbed by the reservoir tank 136 of the low-temperature circuit 130. Therefore, the pressure applied to each component of the battery circuit 170 can be suppressed to less than the withstand pressure.

[0071] Furthermore, by partially communicating port P3 and port P4, the pressure of the heat medium becomes equal between the five-way valve 180 (port P3) of the low-temperature circuit 130 and the inlet of the water pump 171 of the battery circuit 170. Since the pressure of the five-way valve 180 of the low-temperature circuit 130 is always positive, the pressure at the inlet of the water pump 171 also becomes positive. Therefore, the occurrence of cavitation in the battery circuit 170 can be suppressed.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the fourth circuit mode in the first embodiment. In the fourth circuit mode, the five-way valve 180 is set to the fourth communication pattern (see FIG. 10). The upper space U1 and the upper space U2 of the five-way valve 180 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, thereby communicating the port P1 with the port P2. Furthermore, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 and the upper space U5 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, thereby communicating the port P3 with the port P5. As a result, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in parallel and completely independently. More specifically, a first path (low-temperature circuit 130) is formed in which the heat medium flows in the order of water pump 131-PCU 133-port P3-port P5-low-temperature radiator 122-reservoir tank 136-water pump 131, and a second path (battery circuit 170) is formed in which the heat medium flows in the order of water pump 171-chiller 160-port P1-port P2-battery 173-water pump 171.

[0073] As described above, the thermal management system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a five-way valve 180 configured to realize the third communication pattern (see FIG. 9). In the third circuit mode (see FIG. 13) in which the third communication pattern is applied, a narrow path (a partial communication path between ports P3 and P4) is formed between the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170, which are connected in parallel. The pressure of the heat medium flowing through the battery circuit 170 is released to the low-temperature circuit 130 via this narrow path, and the pressure increase in the battery circuit 170 can be absorbed by the reservoir tank 136 provided in the low-temperature circuit 130. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, problems associated with the expansion of the heat medium can be prevented even if the battery circuit 170 does not have a reservoir tank.

[0074] [Modification of the first embodiment] In this modification of embodiment 1, an example will be described in which the five-way valve has a different configuration from valve element 92 (see FIG. 6) in embodiment 1. However, since the basic structure of the five-way valve in this modification is the same as the structure described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, description thereof will not be repeated.

[0075] Fig. 16 is a second diagram for explaining how the heat medium circulates inside five-way valve 180 in a modification of embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is to be contrasted with Fig. 6. It can be seen that five-way valve 180A in a modification of embodiment 1 has upper spaces U1, U2, U4, and U5 that are different in circumferential size, shape, or arrangement compared to five-way valve 180 in embodiment 1.

[0076] In this example, the structure of the valve body 92 is the same. However, the structure of the valve body (more specifically, the arrangement of the circumferential groove 941 and the vertical through-hole 942, etc.) may be different. Even if the upper space is the same, if the structure of the valve body is different, the way in which the heat transfer medium flows may be different. Therefore, it is sufficient that at least one of the structure of the upper space and the structure of the valve body is different.

[0077] Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining a first circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining a second circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 17 is compared with Fig. 11, and Fig. 18 is compared with Fig. 12. The first circuit mode and the second circuit mode are similar between the first embodiment and its modification.

[0078] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the third circuit mode in a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is to be contrasted with FIG. 13. In this modified example, the five-way valve 180 in the third circuit mode is also set to the third communication pattern (see FIG. 9). The upper space U1 and the upper space U2 of the five-way valve 180 communicate with each other via the circumferential groove 941, thereby communicating the port P1 with the port P2. Furthermore, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 and the upper space U5 of the five-way valve 180 communicate with each other via the vertical through-hole 942, thereby communicating the port P3 with the port P5. As a result, the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170 are connected in parallel. This parallel connection is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the lower space L of the five-way valve 180 communicates with the upper space U5 via the vertical through-hole 942, thereby partially communicating the port P3 with the port P4 (see FIG. 13). In contrast, this modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the upper space U1 of the five-way valve 180A communicates with the upper space U5 via a circumferential groove 941, thereby partially communicating the port P1 with the port P5.

[0080] 20 is a diagram illustrating the pressure distribution of the heat medium in the third circuit mode in a modification of the first embodiment. By communicating as shown in FIG. 19, the pressure at port P5 of the five-way valve 180A in the low-temperature circuit 130 becomes equal to the pressure at port P1 of the five-way valve 180A in the battery circuit 170. This makes it possible to release the pressure of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 to the low-temperature circuit 130. Since the low-temperature circuit 130 is provided with the reservoir tank 136, the reservoir tank 136 can absorb the increase in pressure of the heat medium that circulates through the battery circuit 170 due to a change in temperature of the heat medium. Therefore, the pressure applied to each component of the battery circuit 170 can be kept below the withstand pressure.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the occurrence of cavitation in battery circuit 170 can be suppressed (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, in this modification, depending on the relationship between the amount of pressure increase due to water pump 171 and the amount of pressure decrease in battery 173, the pressure between battery 173 and water pump 171 may become negative as shown in FIG. 20. In other words, the possibility of cavitation occurring between battery 173 and water pump 171 cannot be denied in principle. However, if the amount of pressure increase due to water pump 171 is sufficiently large or the amount of pressure decrease in battery 173 is sufficiently small, and the occurrence of negative pressure can be suppressed under normal usage conditions, the third circuit mode as in this modification can also be adopted.

[0082] Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the fourth circuit mode in the modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is to be contrasted with Fig. 15. The fourth circuit mode is the same between the first embodiment and the modification.

[0083] As described above, in the modification of the first embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the five-way valve 180A is configured to be able to form the third communication pattern (see FIG. 9). In the third communication pattern, a narrow path is formed between the low-temperature circuit 130 and the battery circuit 170, which are connected in parallel to each other, connecting these two circuits. Via this narrow path, the pressure of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 is released to the low-temperature circuit 130, and the increase in pressure of the heat medium in the battery circuit 170 can be absorbed by the reservoir tank 136 provided in the low-temperature circuit 130 (see FIG. 19). Therefore, even with the modification of the first embodiment, problems associated with the expansion of the heat medium can be prevented even if the battery circuit 170 is not provided with a reservoir tank.

[0084] In the modification of the first embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the low-temperature circuit 130 corresponds to the "first circuit" according to the present disclosure. The battery circuit 170 corresponds to the "second circuit" according to the present disclosure. The bypass path 174 corresponds to the "third circuit" according to the present disclosure. The first circuit mode corresponds to the "first mode" according to the present disclosure. The third circuit mode corresponds to the "second mode" according to the present disclosure. The fourth circuit mode corresponds to the "third mode" according to the present disclosure. The second circuit mode corresponds to the "fourth mode" according to the present disclosure.

[0085] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment and the modified example, a configuration in which the five-way valve 180, 180A is employed has been described. However, the configuration of the multi-way valve according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the multi-way valve according to the present disclosure is an eight-way valve will be described.

[0086] <Overall structure> 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a thermal management system according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The thermal management system 2 differs from the thermal management system 1 according to embodiment 1 (see FIG. 1) in that it includes a thermal management circuit 200 instead of the thermal management circuit 100.

[0087] The thermal management circuit 200 includes, for example, a chiller circuit 210, a chiller 220, a radiator circuit 230, a refrigeration cycle 240, a condenser 250, a drive unit circuit 260, a battery circuit 270, and an eight-way valve 280.

[0088] The chiller circuit 210 includes a water pump (W / P) 211. The chiller 220 is connected to (shared with) both the chiller circuit 210 and the refrigeration cycle 240. The radiator circuit 230 includes a radiator 231. The refrigeration cycle 240 includes, for example, a compressor 241, a solenoid valve 242 (see FIG. 23), an expansion valve 243, solenoid valves 244A, 244B, 245, and 246 (see FIG. 23), an evaporator 247, an orifice (expansion valve) 248, and an accumulator 249. The condenser 250 includes a water-cooled condenser 251 and an air-cooled condenser 252 (see FIG. 23), and is connected to both the refrigeration cycle 240 and the drive unit circuit 260. The drive unit circuit 260 includes, for example, a water pump 261, an SPU 262, a PCU 263, an oil cooler 264, and a reservoir tank 265. The battery circuit 270 includes, for example, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) 271 and a battery 272. The eight-way valve 280 includes ports P1 to P8 (see FIG. 23 ) and is connected to the chiller circuit 210, the radiator circuit 230, the drive unit circuit 260, and the battery circuit 270.

[0089] <Thermal management circuit configuration> 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermal management circuit 200 in Embodiment 2. The heat medium circulating in the chiller circuit 210 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P3)-water pump 211-chiller 220-eight-way valve 280 (port P5).

[0090] Water pump 211 circulates the heat medium in chiller circuit 210 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. Chiller 220 exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in chiller circuit 210 and the heat medium circulating in refrigeration cycle 220. Eight-way valve 280 switches the path to which chiller circuit 210 is connected in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. The path switching by eight-way valve 280 will be described in detail later.

[0091] The heat medium circulating in the radiator circuit 230 flows between the radiator 231 and the eight-way valve 280 (ports P6, P7). The radiator 231 is disposed downstream of a grille shutter (not shown) and exchanges heat between the outside air of the vehicle and the heat medium.

[0092] The heat transfer medium (gas phase refrigerant or liquid phase refrigerant) circulating through the refrigeration cycle 240 flows through one of the following paths: a first path of the compressor 241-expansion valve 243-solenoid valve 244 (244A, 244B)-air-cooled condenser 252-solenoid valve 245-evaporator 247-orifice 248-accumulator 249-compressor 241; a second path of the compressor 241-air-cooled condenser 252-solenoid valve 246-chiller 220-accumulator 249-compressor 241; or a third path of the compressor 241-expansion valve 243-solenoid valve 244 (244A, 244B)-air-cooled condenser 252-solenoid valve 246-chiller 220-accumulator 249-compressor 241.

[0093] The compressor 241 compresses the gas-phase refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle 240 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The solenoid valve 242 is connected in parallel to the compressor 241 and adjusts the amount of gas-phase refrigerant that flows into the compressor 241 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The expansion valve 243 reduces the pressure of the liquid-phase refrigerant by expanding the high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant compressed by the condenser 241. The solenoid valves 244 (244A, 244B) switch on / off the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant between the expansion valve 243 and the air-cooled condenser 252 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The air-cooled condenser 252 exchanges heat with the water-cooled condenser 251 of the drive unit circuit 260. The solenoid valve 245 limits the flow of liquid-phase refrigerant into the evaporator 247 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The solenoid valve 246 limits the inflow of liquid-phase refrigerant into the chiller 220 in accordance with a control command from the ECU 500. The orifice 248 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant from the evaporator 247. The accumulator 249 prevents the liquid-phase refrigerant from being drawn into the compressor 241 if the refrigerant is not completely vaporized by the evaporator 247.

[0094] The heat medium (coolant) circulating through the drive unit circuit 260 flows through the route of the eight-way valve 280 (port P8), the water pump 261, the SPU 262, the PCU 263, the oil cooler 264, the water-cooled condenser 251, the reservoir tank 265, and the eight-way valve 280 (port P2).

[0095] Water pump 261 circulates a heat medium within drive unit circuit 260 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. SPU 262 controls charging and discharging of battery 272 in accordance with a control command from ECU 500. PCU 263 converts DC power supplied from battery 272 into AC power in accordance with a control command from ECU 500, and supplies the AC power to a motor (not shown) built into the transaxle. Oil cooler 264 cools the transaxle by heat exchange between the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260 and lubricating oil for the motor. SPU 262, PCU 263, and oil cooler 264 are cooled by the heat medium circulating through drive unit circuit 260. Water-cooled condenser 251 exchanges heat with air-cooled condenser 252 of refrigeration cycle 250. The reservoir tank 265 maintains the pressure and amount of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 by storing a portion of the heat medium in the drive unit circuit 260 (the heat medium that overflows as the pressure increases).

[0096] The heat medium (coolant) circulating in the battery circuit 270 flows through the path of the eight-way valve 280 (port P1)-ADAS 271-battery 272-eight-way valve 280 (port P4).

[0097] The ADAS 271 includes, for example, an adaptive cruise control (ACC), an auto speed limiter (ASL), a lane keeping assist (LKA), a pre-crash safety (PCS), and a lane departure alert (LDA). The battery circuit 270 may include an autonomous driving system (ADS) in addition to the ADAS 271. The battery 272 supplies power for driving to a motor built into the transaxle.

[0098] <Connection pattern> 24 to 29 are conceptual diagrams respectively outlining the first to sixth communication patterns using the eight-way valve 280. In the first communication pattern (see FIG. 24), the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P5 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P8, a path connecting port P2 and port P3, and a path connecting port P7 and port P6. This connects the battery circuit 270, drive unit circuit 260, and chiller circuit 210 in series. In addition, a radiator circuit 230 is formed independently of the three series-connected circuits.

[0099] In the second communication pattern (see FIG. 25), eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P2 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P8, a path connecting port P5 and port P6, and a path connecting port P7 and port P3. This connects battery circuit 270 and drive unit circuit 260 in series, and also connects chiller circuit 210 and radiator circuit 230 in series.

[0100] In the third communication pattern (see FIG. 26), similarly to the second communication pattern, the eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P2 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P8, a path connecting port P5 and port P6, and a path connecting port P7 and port P3. This connects the battery circuit 270 and drive unit circuit 260 in series, and also connects the chiller circuit 210 and radiator circuit 230 in series.

[0101] In addition, in the third communication pattern, a path that communicates between port P2 and port P3 is formed. This allows partial communication between the drive unit circuit 260 and the chiller circuit 210. This allows partial communication between the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210. This is because the drive unit circuit 260 and the battery circuit 270 are connected in series.

[0102] Although not shown here, in the third communication pattern, instead of the path connecting port P2 and port P3, a path connecting port P7 and port P8 may be formed (see FIG. 32). In this case, drive unit circuit 260 and radiator circuit 230 are partially connected to each other, and as a result, battery circuit 270 and radiator circuit 230 can be partially connected to each other. In this way, as long as there is partial communication between the two series-connected circuits (between the direct-connected circuit between battery circuit 270 and drive unit circuit 260 and the series-connected circuit between chiller circuit 210 and radiator circuit 230), there are no particular limitations on the location of the communication.

[0103] In the fourth communication pattern (see FIG. 27), eight-way valve 280 forms a path connecting port P5 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P3, a path connecting port P7 and port P8, and a path connecting port P2 and port P6. This connects battery circuit 270 and chiller circuit 210 in series, and also connects drive unit circuit 260 and radiator circuit 230 in series.

[0104] In the fifth communication pattern (see FIG. 28), similarly to the fourth communication pattern, the eight-way valve 280 forms a path that communicates between port P5 and port P1, a path that communicates between port P4 and port P3, a path that communicates between port P7 and port P8, and a path that communicates between port P2 and port P6. As a result, the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210 are connected in series, and the drive unit circuit 260 and the radiator circuit 230 are connected in series. In addition, in the fifth communication pattern, a path that communicates between port P4 and port P8 is formed. As a result, the battery circuit 270 and the drive unit circuit 260 are partially connected to each other.

[0105] In the sixth communication pattern (see FIG. 29), a path connecting port P5 and port P1, a path connecting port P4 and port P8, a path connecting port P2 and port P6, and a path connecting port P7 and port P3 are formed by eight-way valve 280. In this case, the battery circuit 270, drive unit circuit 260, radiator circuit 230, and chiller circuit 210 are all connected in series.

[0106] <Circuit mode> In the following circuit modes, to avoid complexity, only the main components of the thermal management circuit 200 shown in FIG. 23 are described and illustrated.

[0107] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the first circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the first circuit mode, the eight-way valve 280 is set to the first communication pattern (see FIG. 24). This connects the battery circuit 270, the drive unit circuit 260, and the chiller circuit 210 in series. More specifically, a first path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P8, water pump 261, PCU 263, water-cooled condenser 251, reservoir tank 265, port P2, port P3, water pump 211, chiller 220, port P5, port P1, battery 272, port P4, and port P8. Separately, a second path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P6, radiator 231, port P7, and port P6.

[0108] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the second circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the second circuit mode, the eight-way valve 280 is set to the second communication pattern (see FIG. 25). This connects the battery circuit 270 and the drive unit circuit 260 in series. More specifically, a first path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P1, battery 272, port P4, port P8, water pump 261, PCU 263, water-cooled condenser 251, reservoir tank 265, port P2, and port P1. The chiller circuit 210 and the radiator circuit 230 are connected in series. More specifically, a second path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P3, water pump 211, chiller 220, port P5, port P6, radiator 231, port P7, and port P3.

[0109] Figure 32 is a diagram for explaining the third circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the third circuit mode, the eight-way valve 280 is set to the third communication pattern (see Figure 26). This connects the battery circuit 270 and the drive unit circuit 260 in series. Also, the chiller circuit 210 and the radiator circuit 230 in series. The specific connection method of these series-connected circuits is the same as that described for the second circuit pattern.

[0110] Additionally, in the third circuit mode, port P2 and port P3 of eight-way valve 280 are partially connected to each other. As described above, port P7 and port P8 may be partially connected to each other instead. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 32 shows a configuration in which port P7 and port P8 are partially connected to each other. This allows the pressure of the heat medium in battery circuit 270 to be released to the series-connected circuit of chiller circuit 210 and radiator circuit 230. Furthermore, in a configuration in which port P7 and port P8 are partially connected to each other, the inlets of the water pumps are connected to each other, so the inlet pressure of water pump 261 and the inlet pressure of water pump 211 become equal. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of bubbles (cavitation) due to negative pressure at the inlet of the water pump.

[0111] FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the fourth circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the fourth circuit mode, the eight-way valve 280 is set to the fourth communication pattern (see FIG. 27). This connects the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210 in series. More specifically, a first path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P1, battery 272, port P4, port P3, water pump 211, chiller 220, port P5, and port P1. Furthermore, the drive unit circuit 260 and the radiator circuit 230 are connected in series. More specifically, a second path is formed in which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P8, water pump 261, PCU 263, water-cooled condenser 251, reservoir tank 265, port P2, port P6, radiator 231, port P7, and port P8.

[0112] Figure 34 is a diagram for explaining the fifth circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the fifth circuit mode, the eight-way valve 280 is set to the fifth communication pattern (see Figure 28). As a result, the battery circuit 270 and the chiller circuit 210 are connected in series, and the drive unit circuit 260 and the radiator circuit 230 are connected in series. The specific connection method of these series-connected circuits is the same as that described for the third circuit pattern.

[0113] Additionally, in the fifth circuit mode, the port P4 and the port P8 of the eight-way valve 280 are partially connected to each other. This allows the pressure of the heat medium in the battery circuit 270 to be released to the drive unit circuit 260. Since the drive unit circuit 260 is provided with the reservoir tank 265, the increase in pressure of the heat medium caused by a change in temperature of the heat medium circulating in the battery circuit 270 can be absorbed by the reservoir tank 265 of the drive unit circuit 260. This allows the pressure applied to each component of the battery circuit 270 to be kept below the withstand pressure.

[0114] 35 is a diagram illustrating the sixth circuit mode in the second embodiment. In the sixth circuit mode, eight-way valve 280 is set to the sixth communication pattern (see FIG. 29). As a result, battery circuit 270, drive unit circuit 260, radiator circuit 230, and chiller circuit 210 are all connected in series. More specifically, a path is formed through which the heat medium flows in the following order: port P1, battery 272, port P4, port P8, water pump 261, PCU 263, water-cooled condenser 251, reservoir tank 265, port P2, port P6, radiator 231, port P7, port P3, water pump 211, chiller 220, port P5, and port P1.

[0115] As described above, the thermal management system 2 according to the second embodiment includes the eight-way valve 280 configured to realize the fifth communication pattern (see FIG. 28). In the fifth circuit mode (see FIG. 34) in which the fifth communication pattern is applied, a narrow path (a partial communication path between port P4 and port P8) is formed between the battery circuit 270 and the drive unit circuit 260, connecting these two circuits. The pressure of the heat medium flowing through the battery circuit 270 is released to the drive unit circuit 260 via this narrow path, and the pressure increase in the battery circuit 270 can be absorbed by the reservoir tank 265 provided in the drive unit circuit 260. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, problems associated with the expansion of the heat medium can be prevented even if the battery circuit 270 does not have a reservoir tank.

[0116] In the first embodiment, a configuration employing a five-way valve 180 has been described, and in the second embodiment, a configuration employing an eight-way valve 280 has been described. As such, it is desirable for the multi-way valve according to the present disclosure to include at least four ports.

[0117] In the second embodiment, the drive unit circuit 260 corresponds to the "first circuit" according to the present disclosure. The battery circuit 270 corresponds to the "second circuit" according to the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the "third circuit" (bypass path) according to the present disclosure is not provided. The first circuit mode, the second circuit mode, and the sixth circuit mode correspond to the "first mode" according to the present disclosure. The fifth circuit mode corresponds to the "second mode" according to the present disclosure. The fourth circuit mode corresponds to the "third mode" according to the present disclosure.

[0118] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1,2 Thermal management system, 100,200 Thermal management circuit, 10 High temperature circuit, 111 Water pump, 112 Electric heater, 113 Three-way valve, 114 Heater core, 115 Reservoir tank, 120 Radiator, 121 High temperature radiator, 122 Low temperature radiator, 130 Low temperature circuit, 131 Water pump, 132 SPU, 133 PCU, 134 Oil cooler, 135 Step-up / step-down converter, 136 Reservoir tank, 140 Condenser, 150 Refrigeration cycle, 151 Compressor, 152 Expansion valve, 153 Evaporator, 154 EPR, 155 Expansion valve, 160 Chiller, 170 Battery circuit, 171 Water pump, 172 Electric heater, 173 Battery, 174 Bypass path, 180, 180A Five-way valve, 210 Chiller circuit, 220 Chiller, 230 Radiator circuit, 231 Radiator, 240 Refrigeration cycle, 241 Compressor, 242, 244, 244A, 244B, 245, 246 Solenoid valve, 248 Orifice, 249 Accumulator, 250 Condenser, 251 Water-cooled condenser, 252 Air-cooled condenser, 260 Drive unit circuit, 261 Water pump, 262 SPU, 263 PCU, 264 Oil cooler, 265 Reservoir tank, 270 Battery circuit, 271 ADAS, 272 Battery, 280 Eight-way valve, 91 Case body, 92 Valve body, 93 Fixing part, 931, 932, 934, 935 Hole, 94 Drive part, 941 Circumferential groove, 942 Vertical through hole, 95 bulkhead, 500 ECU, 501 processor, 502 memory, 503 storage, 504 interface, 600 HMI, P1~P8 ports.

Claims

1. a thermal management circuit having a first circuit including a reservoir and a second circuit not including the reservoir, through which a heat transfer medium circulates; a selector valve including a plurality of ports each connected to the first circuit or the second circuit; a control device that controls the switching valve to switch between a plurality of modes related to the circulation path of the heat medium in the heat management circuit, the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode; the first mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series, The second mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit flows into the first circuit via the switching valve.

2. the plurality of modes further includes a third mode; 2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the third mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel so that the heat medium circulating through the first circuit and the heat medium circulating through the second circuit do not mix.

3. the plurality of ports is at least four ports; The thermal management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least four ports include two ports connected to the first circuit and two other ports connected to the second circuit.

4. The thermal management system is installed in a vehicle including a drive unit and a battery; the first circuit is a circuit through which the heat medium circulates so as to exchange heat with the drive device, The thermal management system according to claim 3 , wherein the second circuit is a circuit through which the heat medium circulates so as to exchange heat with the battery.

5. the thermal management circuit further includes a third circuit that does not include the reservoir and through which the heat medium circulates so as to bypass the battery; the plurality of modes further includes a fourth mode; The thermal management system of claim 4 , wherein the fourth mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the third circuit are connected in series.

6. A switching valve connected to a thermal management circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit, a case provided with a plurality of ports, each of which is connected to the first circuit or the second circuit; a valve body that is housed in the case and configured to control the flow of the heat medium, the valve body is provided with a communication portion that can switch between a plurality of patterns related to a manner in which the heat medium communicates between the plurality of ports, the plurality of patterns includes a first pattern and a second pattern; the first pattern is a pattern in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series, The second pattern is a pattern in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit flows into the first circuit via the switching valve.

7. the plurality of ports is at least four ports; The switching valve according to claim 6 , wherein the at least four ports include two ports connected to the first circuit and two other ports connected to the second circuit.

8. The case is a first space to which at least three of the at least four ports are connected; a second space to which at least one port of the at least four ports is connected; the first space and the second space are separated by the valve body, the first space is divided into a plurality of spaces by a plurality of partition walls, The communication portion is a first communication portion that communicates two spaces among the plurality of spaces; The switching valve according to claim 7 , further comprising a second communication portion that communicates the first space with the second space.

9. A switching valve according to claim 6, a thermal management circuit having the first circuit and the second circuit and through which the heat medium circulates; the first circuit includes a reservoir; the second circuit does not include the reservoir; the thermal management circuit has a plurality of modes related to a circulation path of the heat medium, the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode; the first mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series by switching the switching valve to the first pattern, The second mode is a thermal management system in which the switching valve is switched to the second pattern, thereby connecting the first circuit and the second circuit in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit circulates through the first circuit via the switching valve.

10. The plurality of modes further includes a third mode, 10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, wherein the third mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel so that the heat medium circulating through the first circuit and the heat medium circulating through the second circuit do not mix.

11. The plurality of ports is at least four ports, 11. The thermal management system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least four ports include two ports connected to the first circuit and two other ports connected to the second circuit.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal management system is installed in a vehicle including a drive unit and a battery; the first circuit is a circuit through which the heat medium circulates so as to exchange heat with the drive device, The thermal management system according to claim 11 , wherein the second circuit is a circuit through which the heat medium circulates so as to exchange heat with the battery.

13. The thermal management circuit further includes a third circuit that does not include the reservoir and through which the heat transfer medium circulates so as to bypass the battery; the plurality of modes further includes a fourth mode; The thermal management system of claim 12 , wherein the fourth mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the third circuit are connected in series.

14. 1. A method for controlling a thermal management system including a thermal management circuit and a switching valve, comprising: the thermal management circuit includes a first circuit including a reservoir and a second circuit not including the reservoir; the switching valve includes a plurality of ports each connected to the first circuit or the second circuit; the control method includes a step of switching between a plurality of modes related to a circulation path of a heat medium in the thermal management circuit by controlling the switching valve; the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode; the first mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in series, a control method for a thermal management system, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected in parallel, and a portion of the heat medium circulating through the second circuit flows into the first circuit via the switching valve.

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