Thermal Management System

Abstract

To provide a thermal management system that can efficiently and inexpensively regulate a temperature of an object whose temperature is regulated, in regulating the object whose temperature is regulated by circulating a hating medium in the object, and can eliminate a problem caused by bias of the heating medium.SOLUTION: A thermal management system comprises: a temperature regulation circuit 42 having a third pump 23 for circulating a heating medium in a battery 2; a high-temperature heating medium circuit 44 in which the heating medium heated by a heating part 14 for heating the heating medium is circulated; a low-temperature heating medium circuit 43A in which the heating medium cooled by a cooling part 13 for cooling the heating medium is circulated; thermo-valves 31 and 30 that selectively introduce a heating medium flowing through the high-temperature heating medium circuit 44 and a heating medium flowing through the low-temperature heating medium circuit 43A into the heat-regulation circuit 42; and a storage part 26 that is provided on a pathway through which the heating medium is returned from the temperature-regulation circuit 42 to the high-temperature heating medium circuit 44 or the low-temperature heating medium circuit 43A, and that stores the heating medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management system that controls the temperature of a temperature-control target by circulating a heat medium through the target. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, batteries (cells), electric motors for driving, inverters, etc. (hereinafter referred to as temperature control targets) mounted on electric vehicles (electric cars, hybrid cars, etc.) generate heat. For this reason, thermal management systems have been developed that control temperature by circulating a heat medium among multiple temperature control targets, or by using a heat pump circuit (refrigerant circuit) for air conditioning the vehicle interior, heating and cooling a heat medium (water, etc.) with a refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant) that radiates heat in a radiator and a refrigerant that absorbs heat in a heat absorber, and circulating this heat medium among the temperature control targets through the heat medium circuit (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-80123 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-232730 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-138209 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configurations of Patent Documents 2 and 3, for example, a heat exchanger for the temperature control target needs to be provided in the heat pump circuit in addition to the heat exchangers for the heater core and cooler core for air conditioning. Therefore, it is conceivable to control the temperature by cooling and heating the heat medium flowing through the temperature control target using the heat medium circulated through the cooler core and the heat medium circulated through the heater core, but this has poor heat exchange efficiency and is not cost-effective.

[0005] Furthermore, it is possible to consider, for example, making the heat medium flowing through the heater core or cooler core also flow through the temperature control target, but the heat medium that flows to the temperature control target side does not necessarily return to the cooler core side or heater core side in the same amount that was introduced, resulting in an imbalance and an excess amount of one of the heat mediums, which could cause the reserve tank to become full.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and aims to provide a thermal management system that can inexpensively and efficiently control the temperature of a temperature-controlled object when circulating a heat medium around the object to control the temperature, and that can also solve problems associated with uneven distribution of the heat medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the thermal management system of the present invention is provided with a heat medium circuit that controls the temperature by circulating a heat medium through a temperature control target, and includes: a temperature control circuit having a circulation unit that circulates the heat medium through the temperature control target; a high-temperature heat medium circuit that is connected to the temperature control circuit and has a heating unit that heats the heat medium, and through which the heat medium heated by the heating unit is circulated; a low-temperature heat medium circuit that is connected to the temperature control circuit and has a cooling unit that cools the heat medium, and through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated; a temperature adjustment unit that selectively introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature control circuit; and a storage unit that is provided on a path that returns the heat medium from the temperature control circuit to the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit and stores the heat medium. The storage unit has a high-temperature storage chamber having a high-temperature outlet for returning the heat medium to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, and a low-temperature storage chamber having a low-temperature outlet for returning the heat medium to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and is equipped with a flow path switching unit that connects the high-temperature storage chamber of the storage unit to the temperature control circuit when the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit to the temperature control circuit. It is characterized by the fact that

[0008] Second Invention The thermal management system of The above invention The high-temperature side storage chamber and the low-temperature side storage chamber of the storage unit are separated by a heat insulating wall, and the upper portions of these chambers are connected to each other.

[0009] The third invention The thermal management system of the present invention is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature adjustment circuit when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined value.

[0010] The fourth invention The thermal management system of The above invention The temperature adjustment unit is characterized in that when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature adjustment circuit reaches or exceeds another predetermined value that is higher than the predetermined value, the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature adjustment circuit.

[0011] Fifth Invention The thermal management system of the present invention is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the temperature adjustment unit, or the temperature adjustment unit and the flow path switching unit, are flow path switching valves that have a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing therethrough and switch the flow path of the fluid.

[0012] The sixth invention The thermal management system of the present invention is characterized in that the temperature control target in each of the above inventions is a battery mounted on a vehicle, a driving motor of the vehicle, or an inverter that drives the motor.

[0013] The seventh invention The thermal management system of the present invention is characterized in that in each of the above inventions, the high-temperature heat medium circuit has a heater core for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating unit to heat the interior of the vehicle, and the low-temperature heat medium circuit has a cooler core for circulating the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0014] The eighth invention The thermal management system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a heat pump circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a radiator that radiates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reduction section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator, and a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been depressurized in the pressure reduction section, and the radiator and a heating section of the high-temperature heat medium circuit are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and a cooling section of the low-temperature heat medium circuit are arranged in a heat exchange relationship. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, a thermal management system having a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium through a temperature control target to control its temperature includes a temperature control circuit having a circulation unit that circulates the heat medium through the temperature control target, a high-temperature heat medium circuit connected to the temperature control circuit and having a heating unit that heats the heat medium, through which the heat medium heated by the heating unit is circulated, a low-temperature heat medium circuit connected to the temperature control circuit and having a cooling unit that cools the heat medium, through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated, and a temperature adjustment unit that selectively introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature control circuit.Therefore, by flowing the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit through the temperature control target of the temperature control circuit to warm up the temperature control target, or by flowing the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit to cool the temperature control target, it is possible to achieve efficient temperature control of the temperature control target with little heat exchange loss.

[0016] In this case, in the present invention, a storage section for storing the heat medium is provided on the path that returns the heat medium from the temperature control circuit to the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit, so that the imbalance of the heat medium between the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the low-temperature heat medium circuit can be prevented. Furthermore, the structure that provides a storage section can also minimize increases in costs.

[0017] Also, In the storage section The system is configured with a high-temperature storage chamber having a high-temperature outlet for returning the heat medium to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, and a low-temperature storage chamber having a low-temperature outlet for returning the heat medium to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and a flow path switching unit is provided that connects the high-temperature storage chamber of the storage unit to the temperature control circuit when the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit to the temperature control circuit, so that the heat medium introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit can be returned from the high-temperature storage chamber of the storage unit to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, and the heat medium introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit can be returned from the low-temperature storage chamber of the storage unit to the low-temperature heat medium circuit.

[0018] in this case, Second InventionBy separating the high-temperature side storage chamber and the low-temperature side storage chamber of the storage unit with a heat insulating wall as described above, it is possible to suppress heat exchange between the heat medium returning to the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the heat medium returning to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, and it is also possible to suppress heat loss in each circuit. Furthermore, by mutually communicating the upper parts of the high-temperature side storage chamber and the low-temperature side storage chamber, for example, even if the heat medium introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit flows into the low-temperature side storage chamber via the temperature control circuit, the amount of heat medium can be adjusted between the two chambers, and it is possible to prevent the low-temperature side storage chamber from becoming full.

[0019] Also, The third invention If the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature adjustment circuit when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined value, it becomes possible to prevent excessive heating of the object to be temperature-adjusted.

[0020] Furthermore, The fourth invention As described above, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature control circuit reaches or exceeds another predetermined value higher than the predetermined value, the temperature control unit introduces the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature control circuit, thereby making it possible to reliably prevent overheating of the object to be temperature controlled.

[0021] In this case, the temperature adjustment unit and the flow path switching unit are Fifth Invention If the valve is configured as a flow path switching valve having a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid, electronic control becomes unnecessary, and the cost of the system can be reduced.

[0022] Here, the temperature control target is The sixth invention For example, a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, an electric motor for driving the electric vehicle, and an inverter for driving the electric motor for driving the electric motor are conceivable.

[0023] The high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit is as follows: The seventh inventionAs shown in the figure, the low-temperature heat medium circuit may have a heater core for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating unit to heat the interior of the vehicle, and the low-temperature heat medium circuit may have a cooler core for circulating the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit to cool the interior of the vehicle. In such cases, The eighth invention A heat pump circuit is provided which has a compressor that compresses a refrigerant as shown above, a radiator that radiates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator, and a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been decompressed in the pressure reducing section, and the radiator and the heating section of the high-temperature heat medium circuit are in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and the cooling section of the low-temperature heat medium circuit are in a heat exchange relationship.

[0024] This makes it possible to control the temperature of a temperature control target using a heat pump circuit, a high-temperature heat medium circuit, and a low-temperature heat medium circuit for air-conditioning the passenger compartment of an electric vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the temperature control target, the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit does not flow into the temperature control circuit, as described above, so that a higher-temperature heat medium circulates through the heater core, allowing for uninterrupted heating of the passenger compartment. Furthermore, when there is no need to cool the temperature control target, the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit does not flow into the temperature control circuit, as described above, so that a lower-temperature heat medium circulates through the cooler core, allowing for uninterrupted cooling of the passenger compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a heat management system of the present invention (Embodiment 1: first path state in heating mode). [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a thermovalve as an embodiment of a temperature adjusting section and a flow path switching section of the thermal management system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram in which a temperature control circuit and a storage unit of the thermal management system of FIG. 1 are extracted. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram in which the temperature control circuit and the storage unit in the case of FIG. 1 are extracted. [Figure 5]1. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a second path state in a heating mode of the thermal management system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram in which the temperature control circuit and the storage unit in the case of FIG. 5 are extracted. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the thermal management system of FIG. 1 in cooling mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (1) Configuration of Thermal Management System 1 1 shows the configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The thermal management system 1 according to the embodiment is a vehicle air conditioning system that conditions the interior of an electric vehicle such as an electric car or a hybrid car, and also controls the temperature of temperature-control targets such as a battery 2 described in the embodiment, as well as a traction electric motor and an inverter, and is configured to include a heat pump circuit 3, a heat medium circuit 4, and a control device 6. In this application, the concept of a battery also includes a fuel cell.

[0027] The heat pump circuit 3 of the embodiment includes a compressor 7 that compresses a refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant), a radiator 8 that radiates heat from the refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) discharged from the compressor 7, an expansion valve 9 as a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the radiator 8, a heat absorber 11 in which the refrigerant that has been decompressed in the expansion valve 9 evaporates and absorbs heat, and an accumulator 12, all of which are connected in a circular pattern by refrigerant piping, and the heat pump circuit 3 is normally disposed in the so-called engine compartment under the hood of an electric vehicle.

[0028] The heat medium circuit 4 is a circuit through which a heat medium such as water circulates, and in this embodiment, is provided with a cooling section 13 (heat exchanger), a heating section 14 (heat exchanger), a cooler core 16, a heater core 17, first to third pumps 21 to 23 as circulation sections, a radiator 29, thermovalves 30 and 31 which constitute the temperature adjustment section of the present invention, a thermovalve 45 which constitutes the flow path switching section of the present invention, eight three-way valves 32 to 39, a check valve 41, and a storage section 26 of the present invention which is composed of a reserve tank of a predetermined capacity, and these are connected by heat medium piping as described below.

[0029] In addition, the three-way valves 32 to 39 in the embodiment are valve devices that have three connection ports and can be switched between a state in which all connection ports are connected and a state in which only two of the connection ports are connected (four states in total).

[0030] In this case, the outlet of the cooling unit 13 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 32 by a heat medium pipe C1, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 32 is connected to a third connection port of the three-way valve 33 by a heat medium pipe C2. The first connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to an inlet of the cooler core 16 by a heat medium pipe C4, and the outlet of the cooler core 16 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 34 by a heat medium pipe C5. The second connection port of the three-way valve 34 is connected to a first connection port of the three-way valve 35 by a heat medium pipe C6, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 35 is connected to an inlet of the first pump 21 by a heat medium pipe C7. The outlet of the first pump 21 is connected to an inlet of the cooling unit 13 by a heat medium pipe C8.

[0031] A second connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to a main valve port MV (described later) of the thermovalve 30 (which constitutes the temperature adjustment unit) via a heat medium pipe C10, and a bypass valve port BV (described later) of the thermovalve 30 is connected to a connection point between the heat medium pipe C42 and the heat medium pipe C43 via a heat medium pipe C11.

[0032] A mixed water port XV (described later) of the thermostatic valve 30 is connected to the inlet of the third pump 23 via heat medium piping C14 and heat medium piping C41, and the outlet of the third pump 23 is connected to the inlet of the battery 2 (temperature control target) via heat medium piping C15. A jacket structure having an inlet and an outlet through which the heat medium flows is configured around the battery 2, and the battery 2 exchanges heat with the heat medium via this jacket structure. The inlet of the battery 2 is the inlet of this jacket structure, and the outlet of the battery 2, i.e., the outlet of the jacket structure, is connected to the inlet of the check valve 41 via heat medium piping C16 and heat medium piping C12. The outlet of the check valve 41 is connected to the upper part of a low-temperature side storage chamber 61 (described later) of the storage unit 26 via heat medium piping C13. The forward direction of the check valve 41 is the direction of the storage unit 26.

[0033] 3, the inside of the storage section 26 is divided into the above-mentioned low-temperature side storage chamber 61 and high-temperature side storage chamber 63 by a heat insulating wall 62. The heat insulating wall 62 stands upright from the bottom wall of the storage section 26 but does not reach the top wall, so that the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 and the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 communicate with each other at their upper parts (FIG. 3).

[0034] The heat medium pipe C42 is connected to the connection point of the heat medium pipe C16 and the heat medium pipe C12, and the heat medium pipe C43 is connected to a bypass valve port BV (described later) of the thermo valve 45 (flow path switching unit). A mixed water port XV (described later) of the thermo valve 45 is connected to the upper part of the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26 by the heat medium pipe C44.

[0035] One end of a heat medium pipe C46 is connected to a low-temperature side outlet 61A formed at the bottom of the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage unit 26, and the other end of this heat medium pipe C46 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 34. In addition, one end of a heat medium pipe C45 is connected to a high-temperature side outlet 63A formed at the bottom of the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26, and the other end of this heat medium pipe C45 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 17.

[0036] A main valve port MV (to be described later) of the thermo valve 45 is connected to a main valve port MV (to be described later) of the thermo valve 31 (temperature adjustment unit) by a heat medium pipe C47. A bypass valve port BV (to be described later) of the thermo valve 31 is connected to a connection point between the heat medium pipe C14 and the heat medium pipe C41 by a heat medium pipe C40, and a mixed water port XV (to be described later) of the thermo valve 31 is connected to a heat medium pipe C19.

[0037] The closed loop formed by the third pump 23, the heat medium pipe C15, the jacket structure of the battery 2, the heat medium pipe C16, the heat medium pipe C42, the heat medium pipe C11, the thermovalve 30, the heat medium pipe C14, and the heat medium pipe C41, as well as the heat medium pipe C10, the heat medium pipe C12, the check valve 41, and the heat medium pipe C13 constitute the temperature control circuit 42 of the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the cooling unit 13, the heat medium pipe C1, the three-way valve 32, the heat medium pipe C2, the three-way valve 33, the heat medium pipe C4, the cooler core 16, the heat medium pipe C5, the three-way valve 34, the heat medium pipe C6, the three-way valve 35, the heat medium pipe C7, the first pump 21, and the heat medium pipe C8 constitute a low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 in the present invention in a cooling mode, which will be described later. The heat medium pipe C10 constitutes a connection between the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 and the temperature adjustment circuit 42 in this case. The thermo valve 30 is connected to this heat medium pipe C10 (connection) and controls the flow of the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 to the temperature adjustment circuit 42.

[0039] Furthermore, the outlet of the heating unit 14 is connected by a heat medium pipe C17 to a third connection port of the three-way valve 36. As described above, the first connection port of the three-way valve 36 is connected by a heat medium pipe C19 to the mixed water port XV of the thermovalve 31, and the main valve port MV (described later) of the thermovalve 31 is connected by a heat medium pipe C47 to the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 45.

[0040] As described above, the heat medium pipe C45 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 17, and the outlet of the heater core 17 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 38 by the heat medium pipe C20. The second connection port of the three-way valve 38 is connected to the inlet of the second pump 22 by the heat medium pipe C21, and the outlet of the second pump 22 is connected to the inlet of the heating unit 14 by the heat medium pipe C22.

[0041] The heating section 14, the heat medium pipe C17, the three-way valve 36, the heat medium pipe C19, the thermovalve 31, the heat medium pipe C47, the thermovalve 45, the heat medium pipe C44, the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage section 26, the heat medium pipe C45, the heater core 17, the heat medium pipe C20, the three-way valve 38, the heat medium pipe C21, the second pump 22, and the heat medium pipe C22 constitute the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 of the present invention.

[0042] The reservoir 26 is located in a path that returns the heat medium from the temperature adjustment circuit 42 to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 or the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43. That is, for the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44, this return path includes the thermostatic valve 31, the heat medium pipe C47, the thermostatic valve 45, the heat medium pipe C43, the heat medium pipe C44, and the heat medium pipe C45, and for the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43, the heat medium pipe C12, the check valve 41, the heat medium pipe C13, and the heat medium pipe C46. The thermostatic valve 31 controls the inflow of the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 to the temperature adjustment circuit 42. The thermostatic valve 45 controls whether the heat medium from the heat medium pipe C42 flows to the heat medium pipe C44 or whether the heat medium from the heat medium pipe C47 flows to the heat medium pipe C44.

[0043] Furthermore, the second connection port of the three-way valve 36 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 37 by heat medium piping C24, and the third connection port of the three-way valve 37 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 29 by heat medium piping C25. The outlet of the radiator 29 is connected to the second connection port of the three-way valve 39 by heat medium piping C26, and the first connection port of the three-way valve 39 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 38 by heat medium piping C27.

[0044] Furthermore, the second connection port of the three-way valve 37 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 32 by heat medium piping C28, and the third connection port of the three-way valve 35 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 39 by heat medium piping C29. The cooling unit 13, heat medium piping C1, three-way valve 32, heat medium piping C28, three-way valve 37, heat medium piping C25, radiator 29, heat medium piping C26, three-way valve 39, heat medium piping C29, three-way valve 35, heat medium piping C7, first pump 21, and heat medium piping C8 constitute a low-temperature heat medium circuit 43A of the present invention in the heating mode, which will be described later. In this case, the heat medium piping C2 and the heat medium piping C10 constitute a connection portion between the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43A and the temperature control circuit 42.

[0045] 1, reference numeral 46 denotes an HVAC unit that supplies air for air conditioning to the interior of the electric vehicle, and is provided with an intake switching damper 48 that switches between inside air and outside air to be supplied to an internal air flow passage 47, and an interior fan 49. The cooler core 16 and heater core 17 described above are sequentially arranged in the air flow passage 47 downstream of the interior fan 49.

[0046] (2) Configuration of thermovalves (temperature control units) 30, 31 and thermovalve 45 (flow path switching unit) 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thermovalves (temperature adjustment units) 30 and 31 and the thermovalve 45 (flow path switching unit) described above. The thermovalves 30, 31, and 45 basically have the same structure, but are used in different ways. That is, the thermovalve 30 is connected to the heat medium pipe C10 (the connection between the temperature adjustment circuit 42 and the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43 and 43A), and the thermovalve 31 is connected to the heat medium pipe C19 (the connection between the temperature adjustment circuit 42 and the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44). The thermovalve 45 is connected to the heat medium pipe C43 (the connection between the temperature adjustment circuit 42 and the storage unit 26).

[0047] Each of these valves includes a housing 51, a main valve 52, a bypass valve 53, a temperature sensor 54, and springs 56 and 57. The housing 51 is formed with the main valve port MV, bypass valve port BV, and mixed water port XV described above, and further includes a mixing chamber 58 inside the housing 51.

[0048] The main valve port MV communicates with a mixing chamber 58 via an opening 59, and the bypass valve port BV communicates with the mixing chamber 58. The main valve 52 opens and closes the opening 59 by the action of a temperature-sensing part 54 and springs 56 and 57, and the bypass valve 53 opens and closes the bypass valve port BV. The mixed water port XV communicates with the mixing chamber 58.

[0049] The temperature-sensing part 54 is connected to the main valve 52 and the bypass valve 53, and has an expandable structure with wax (e.g., paraffin wax) built in. The temperature-sensing part 54 expands and contracts depending on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, moving the main valve 52 and the bypass valve 53 and adjusting the opening of the opening 59 and the bypass valve port BV.

[0050] The temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 31 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the mixed water port XV (the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44), as will be described later. The temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 30 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, as will be described later, or the temperature of the heat medium mixed with the heat medium flowing in from the main valve port MV via an opening 59, and both temperatures of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 are the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the temperature control circuit 42. The temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 45 is the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, as will be described later, or the temperature of the heat medium flowing in from the main valve port MV.

[0051] As described above, the heat medium pipe C40 is connected to the main valve port MV of the thermo valve 31, the heat medium pipe C47 is connected to the bypass valve port BV, and the mixed water port XV is connected to the heat medium pipe C19. Also, as described above, the heat medium pipe C47 is connected to the main valve port MV of the thermo valve 45, the heat medium pipe C43 is connected to the bypass valve port BV, and the mixed water port XV is connected to the heat medium pipe C44.

[0052] When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than a predetermined value T1 (for example, +30°C), the main valve 52 closes the opening 59 and the bypass valve 53 opens the bypass valve port BV. As a result, the thermovalve 31 introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 from the mixed water port XV into the mixing chamber 58, and then flows it from the bypass valve port BV to the heat medium piping C40, thereby introducing the high-temperature heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 into the temperature adjustment circuit 42. The thermovalve 45 also introduces the heat medium that has flowed from the temperature adjustment circuit 42 to the heat medium piping C43 from the bypass valve port BV into the mixing chamber 58, and then flows it from the mixed water port XV through the heat medium piping C44 to the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26.

[0053] On the other hand, when the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value T1, the main valve 52 opens the opening 59 and the bypass valve 53 closes the bypass valve port BV of the thermostatic valve 31 and the thermostatic valve 45. As a result, the thermostatic valve 31 causes the heat medium that has flowed in from the mixed water port XV to flow from the opening 59 to the main valve port MV and out to the heat medium piping C47, and the thermostatic valve 45 causes the heat medium that has flowed into the mixing chamber 58 from the main valve port MV through the opening 59 to flow from the mixed water port XV through the heat medium piping C44 to the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26. That is, in this state, the heat medium in the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 is not introduced into the temperature control circuit 42.

[0054] On the other hand, the main valve port MV of the thermo valve 30 is connected to the heat medium pipe C10 connected to the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 as described above, the bypass valve port BV is connected to the heat medium pipe C11, and the mixed water port XV is connected to the heat medium pipe C14. When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than another predetermined value T2 (e.g., +40°C) that is higher than the above-mentioned predetermined value T1, the main valve 52 closes the opening 59 and the bypass valve 53 opens the bypass valve port BV. When the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds the predetermined value T2, the main valve 52 begins to open the opening 59, and the heat medium (low-temperature heat medium described below) is introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 into the mixing chamber 58. Note that the main valves 52 of the thermo valves 30, 31, and 45 are configured so that a small amount of heat medium flows into the mixing chamber 58 from the main valve port MV when the opening 59 is closed.

[0055] The operation of the heat management system 1 of the embodiment configured as above will now be described. (3) Heating mode and temperature control of battery 2 (temperature control target) First, the heating mode controlled by the control device 6 will be described. The arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of heat medium in the heating mode. In the heating mode, the control device 6 sets the three-way valve 32 to communicate with the heat medium pipes C1, C28, and C2, and the three-way valve 33 to communicate only between the heat medium pipe C2 and the heat medium pipe C10. The three-way valve 34 sets the heat medium pipe C6 to communicate with the heat medium pipe C46, ​​and the three-way valve 35 to communicate with the heat medium pipes C6, C7, and C29. The three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipe C17 to communicate with the heat medium pipe C19, and the three-way valve 37 to communicate only between the heat medium pipe C25 and the heat medium pipe C28. Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C26 and the heat medium pipe C29 communicate with each other, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C20 and the heat medium pipe C21 communicate with each other.

[0056] Then, the compressor 7, the pumps 21, 22, 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat medium discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43A by passing through the cooling unit 13 and the radiator 29 in that order and then being sucked into the first pump 21. Furthermore, under low outside air temperature conditions below freezing, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 30 is low (lower than the predetermined value T2), so the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 using the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV using the bypass valve 53 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. As a result, the heat medium is circulated through the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 ).

[0057] The heat medium discharged from the second pump 22 passes through the heating unit 14 and reaches the thermo valve 31. Here, under low outside air temperature conditions below freezing, the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 31 into the mixing chamber 58 is also low (lower than the predetermined value T1), so the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. The thermo valve 45 also closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53, so that the heat medium that has reached the thermo valve 31 is introduced into the temperature control circuit 42 through the heat medium piping C40. That is, when the thermo valve 31 introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 into the temperature control circuit 42, the thermo valve 45 communicates between the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26 and the temperature control circuit 42.

[0058] The heat medium that has passed through the heat medium pipe C40 is sucked into the third pump 23 in the heat medium pipe C41 together with the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42. The heat medium is then circulated to the battery 2 from the heat medium pipe C15 to heat the battery 2, thereby warming up the battery 2. The heat medium introduced into the temperature control circuit 42 flows from the heat medium pipe C42 to the heat medium pipe C43, passes through the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 45 and the mixing chamber 58, flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C44, and flows into the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage section 26.

[0059] The heat medium that has flowed into this high-temperature side reservoir chamber 63 is temporarily stored therein, and then flows out from the heat medium pipe C45 and into the heater core 17. The heat medium that has flowed out from the heater core 17 is then sucked into the second pump 22 and circulated within the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44. The solid arrows in FIG. 4 indicate this state, which is defined as the first path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0060] When the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant radiates heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, so that the heat medium flowing through the heating unit 14 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant in the radiator 8. As described above, this heated heat medium is introduced into the temperature control circuit 42, thereby heating the battery 2. Furthermore, the heat medium that has passed through the storage unit 26 is then circulated to the heater core 17, so that the air sent from the interior fan 49 into the vehicle compartment is heated by the heater core 17, thereby heating the vehicle compartment.

[0061] On the other hand, in the heat absorber 11, the heat medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by absorbing heat from the refrigerant. This cooled low-temperature heat medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and warmed by the outside air. In other words, it pumps up heat from the outside air. This pumped-up heat is transported to the radiator 8 by the heat pump circuit 3 and is used to heat the battery 2 and the interior of the vehicle.

[0062] After operation starts, the temperature of the heat medium circulating through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 increases. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 31 increases to or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T1 (+30°C), the temperature sensor 54 moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, closes the bypass valve port BV, and opens the opening 59. In this state, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 45 also increases to or exceeds the predetermined value T1, so the temperature sensor 54 of the thermo valve 45 also moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58, closes the bypass valve port BV, and opens the opening 59.

[0063] As a result, the heat medium flowing in from the mixed water port XV of the thermo valve 31 passes through the mixing chamber 58, passes through the opening 59, flows out from the main valve port MV to the heat medium pipe C47, passes through the thermo valve 45 and the heat medium pipe C44, and flows into the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage section 26. The heat medium then flows through the heat medium pipe C45 to the heater core 17. The solid arrows in Figures 5 and 6 indicate this state, which is called the second path state of the heat medium circuit 4. In other words, the heat medium is no longer introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 to the temperature control circuit 42, preventing excessive heating of the battery 2.

[0064] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 increases due to self-heating of the battery 2. Then, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 30 reaches or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T2 (+40°C), the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 32, passes through the heat medium pipe C2, the three-way valve 33, and the heat medium pipe C10, enters the thermovalve 30 from the main valve port MV, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6 ).

[0065] The heat medium flowing in from the opening 59 is mixed in the mixing chamber 58 with the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14. It is then sucked into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the heat medium with a lowered temperature is circulated through the battery 2, and the battery 2 is cooled.

[0066] From the heat medium that has flowed out into the heat medium pipe C16 via the battery 2, the heat medium that was originally circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 flows into the heat medium pipe C42, and the heat medium that has been introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 via the heat medium pipe C10 is diverted to the heat medium pipe C12, passes through the check valve 41 and the heat medium pipe C13, and flows into the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage section 26.

[0067] The heat medium that has flowed into this low-temperature side storage chamber 61 is temporarily stored there, then flows out from the heat medium pipe C46, ​​reaches the three-way valve 34, and is returned to the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 (indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6). This is called the third path state of the heat medium circuit 4. At this time, the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 is stored in the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage part 26, but because the two chambers 61, 63 are separated by the insulating wall 62, heat exchange between the heat medium in the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 and the heat medium in the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 is prevented or kept to a minimum.

[0068] As described above, when the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 and the temperature of the heat medium (mixed heat medium) in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermo valve 30 falls below the predetermined value T2, the temperature sensor 54 closes the opening 59 by the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the second path state, and the heat medium returns to circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42. As described above, the thermo valve 31 and the thermo valve 30 selectively introduce the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 and the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43A into the temperature control circuit 42, and the battery 2 is maintained in an optimum temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0069] Furthermore, in the state where the heat medium is introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 to the temperature control circuit 42 as described above (first path state), when a portion of the heat medium that has passed through the battery 2 flows into the heat medium pipe C12 as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 4, the heat medium flows into the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage unit 26. However, since the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 and the upper part of the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 in the storage unit 26 are connected as described above, the heat medium that has exceeded the insulating wall 62 flows into the high-temperature side storage chamber 63. This adjusts the amount of heat medium in both chambers 61, 63.

[0070] (4) Cooling mode and temperature control of battery (temperature control target) 2 Next, the cooling mode controlled by the control device 6 will be described. The arrows in Figure 7 indicate the flow of the heat medium in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the control device 6 sets the three-way valve 32 to a state where only the heat medium pipes C1 and C2 are connected, and the three-way valve 33 to a state where the heat medium pipes C2, C4, and C10 are connected. The three-way valve 34 sets the heat medium pipes C5, C6, and C46 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C6 and C7 to connect. The three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 35 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 to connect, and the three-way valve 36 sets the heat medium pipes C17 and C24 to connect, and the three-way valve 37 sets the heat medium pipes C24 and C25 ...5 Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C26 and the heat medium pipe C27 communicate with each other, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to a state in which only the heat medium pipe C27 and the heat medium pipe C21 communicate with each other.

[0071] Then, the compressor 7, the pumps 21, 22, 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat medium discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated within the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 by passing through the cooling unit 13 and the cooler core 47 in that order and then being sucked into the first pump 21. In addition, the heat medium discharged from the second pump 22 is circulated by passing through the heating unit 14 and the radiator 29 in that order and then being sucked into the second pump 22.

[0072] Meanwhile, as described above, when the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant radiates heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, and therefore the heat medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by the refrigerant in the heat absorber 11. This cooled low-temperature heat medium is circulated to the cooler core 16, and the air sent from the interior fan 49 into the vehicle cabin is cooled by the cooler core 16, thereby cooling the vehicle cabin. On the other hand, in the radiator 8, the heat medium flowing through the heating section 14 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant. This heated high-temperature heat medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and radiates heat into the outside air.

[0073] At the start of operation, the temperature of the heat medium circulating within the temperature control circuit 42 is also lower than the aforementioned predetermined value T2, so the heat medium discharged from the third pump 23 passes through the battery (temperature control target) 2, reaches the thermostatic valve 30, and is again sucked into the third pump 23, circulating within the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42. That is, based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixed water port XV, the thermostatic valve 30 opens the bypass valve port BV via the bypass valve 53 and closes the opening 59 via the main valve 52, so that the heat medium is circulated within the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 by the third pump 23. The solid arrows in Figure 7 indicate this state, which is referred to as the fourth path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0074] Thereafter, the temperature of the heat medium circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 increases due to self-heating of the battery 2. Then, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 30 reaches or exceeds the aforementioned predetermined value T2 (+40°C), the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58 and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, part of the low-temperature heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 33, passes through the heat medium piping C10, enters the thermovalve 31 from the main valve port MV, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7 ).

[0075] The heat medium flowing in from the opening 59 is mixed in the mixing chamber 58 with the heat medium flowing in from the bypass valve port BV of the thermo valve 30, and flows out from the mixed water port XV to the heat medium pipe C14. It is then sucked into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the heat medium with a lowered temperature is circulated through the battery 2, and the battery 2 is cooled.

[0076] From the heat medium that has flowed into the heat medium pipe C16 via the battery 2, the heat medium originally circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42 flows into the heat medium pipe C42, and the heat medium that has been introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 via the heat medium pipe C10 is diverted to the heat medium pipe C12, passes through the check valve 41 and the heat medium pipe C13, and flows into the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage section 26. The heat medium that has flowed into this low-temperature side storage chamber 61 is temporarily stored, flows out of the heat medium pipe C46, ​​reaches the three-way valve 34, and is returned to the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 (indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7). This is called the fifth path state of the heat medium circuit 4.

[0077] As described above, when the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 and the temperature of the heat medium (mixed heat medium) in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 30 falls below the predetermined value T2, the temperature-sensing part 54 of the thermovalve 30 closes the opening 59 by the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the fourth path state, and the heat medium returns to circulating in the closed loop of the temperature control circuit 42. As a result, even in the cooling mode, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimum temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0078] As described above, according to the present invention, the thermovalves 31, 30 (temperature adjustment units) are provided which selectively introduce the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 and the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A into the temperature adjustment circuit 42. Therefore, by flowing the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 or the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A into the battery 2 in the temperature adjustment circuit 42, it is possible to achieve efficient temperature adjustment of the battery 2 with little heat exchange loss.

[0079] In this case, the storage section 26 for storing the heat medium is provided on the path for returning the heat medium from the temperature adjustment circuit 42 to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 or the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43, 43A, which prevents imbalance of the heat medium between the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 and the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43. Furthermore, the structure in which the storage section 26 (reserve tank) is provided also minimizes increases in costs.

[0080] In addition, in the embodiment, the storage unit 26 is configured with a high-temperature side storage chamber 63 having a high-temperature side outlet 63A for returning the heat medium to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44, and a low-temperature side storage chamber 61 having a low-temperature side outlet 61A for returning the heat medium to the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A. When the thermovalve 31 introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 to the temperature control circuit 42, a thermovalve 45 (flow path switching unit) is provided to connect the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26 to the temperature control circuit 42. Therefore, the heat medium introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 can be returned from the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 of the storage unit 26 to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44, and the heat medium introduced from the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 can be returned from the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage unit 26 to the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A.

[0081] In this embodiment, the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 and the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 of the storage unit 26 are separated by the insulating wall 62, which suppresses heat exchange between the heat medium returning to the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 and the heat medium returning to the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A, and also suppresses heat loss in each circuit 44, 43 (43A). In addition, since the high-temperature side storage chamber 63 and the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 are connected to each other at their upper parts, even if the heat medium introduced from the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 flows into the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 via the temperature control circuit 42, the amount of heat medium is adjusted between both chambers 61, 63, which prevents problems such as the low-temperature side storage chamber 61 becoming full and the heat medium flowing back into the temperature control circuit 42.

[0082] In addition, in the embodiment, the thermo valve 31 (temperature adjustment unit) is configured to introduce the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 into the temperature adjustment circuit 42 when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined value T1, thereby making it possible to prevent excessive heating of the battery 2.

[0083] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature control circuit 42 reaches or exceeds another predetermined value T2 higher than the predetermined value T1, the thermovalve 30 (temperature adjustment unit) introduces the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A into the temperature control circuit 42, thereby making it possible to reliably prevent the battery 2 from overheating.

[0084] In this case, in the embodiment, the temperature adjustment unit and the flow path switching unit are configured as a thermovalve, which is a flow path switching valve that has a temperature sensing unit 54 that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid, so electronic control is not required and it is possible to reduce the cost of the system.

[0085] The temperature control targets may include the battery 2 mounted on the electric vehicle, the electric motor for driving the electric vehicle, and the inverter for driving the electric motor for driving the electric motor.

[0086] In the embodiment, the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 has a heater core 17 for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating unit 14 to heat the interior of the vehicle. The low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 has a cooler core 16 for circulating the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit 13 to cool the interior of the vehicle. A heat pump circuit 3 having a compressor 7, a radiator 8, an expansion valve 9, and a heat absorber 11 is provided, and the radiator 8 and the heating unit 14 of the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 are provided in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber 11 and the cooling unit 13 of the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43, 43A are provided in a heat exchange relationship.

[0087] As a result, it becomes possible to control the temperature of the battery 2 by using the heat pump circuit 3, the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44, and the low-temperature heat medium circuits 43 and 43A for air-conditioning the interior of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the battery 2, the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit 44 does not flow into the temperature control circuit 42, so a higher temperature heat medium circulates through the heater core 17, and heating of the interior of the vehicle can be performed without hindrance. Furthermore, when there is no need to cool the battery 2, the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit 43 does not flow into the battery 42, so a lower temperature heat medium circulates through the cooler core 16, and cooling of the interior of the vehicle can be performed without hindrance.

[0088] It goes without saying that the numerical values ​​and configurations shown in the embodiments are not limited to those and can be changed within the scope of the present invention. In particular, in the embodiments, the thermo valve switches the flow path of the heat medium, but the concept in this application also includes a case where the flow path is not completely switched and a small amount flows in both directions. Also, in the embodiments, an air conditioning device for an electric vehicle is taken as an example, but Other than the 6th to 8th inventions However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various types of heat management systems that circulate a heat medium to control the temperature of a temperature control target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Thermal Management System 2 Battery (temperature control target) 3 Heat pump circuit 4 Heat medium circuit 7 Compressor 8 Heat sink 9 Expansion valve (pressure reducing section) 11 Heat sink 13 Cooling section 14 Heating section 16 Coolaca 17 Heater core 21 First Pump 22 Second Pump 23 Third pump (circulation section) 26 Storage section 30, 31 Thermo valve (temperature control part) 32~39 Three-way valve 42 Temperature control circuit 43, 43A low temperature heat transfer circuit 44 High temperature heat carrier circuit 45 Thermo valve (flow path switching part) 61 Low temperature storage chamber 61A Low temperature side outlet 62 Insulated Wall 63 High temperature storage chamber 63A High temperature side outlet

Claims

1. A thermal management system including a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium through a temperature control target to control the temperature, a temperature control circuit having a circulation unit that circulates the heat medium to the temperature control target; a high-temperature heat medium circuit connected to the temperature control circuit and having a heating unit that heats the heat medium, in which the heat medium heated by the heating unit is circulated; a low-temperature heat medium circuit connected to the temperature control circuit, the low-temperature heat medium circuit having a cooling unit that cools the heat medium, and through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated; a temperature adjusting unit that selectively introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit and the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature adjustment circuit; a storage unit that is provided on a path that returns the heat medium from the temperature adjustment circuit to the high-temperature heat medium circuit or the low-temperature heat medium circuit and that stores the heat medium; The storage unit has a high-temperature side storage chamber having a high-temperature side outlet for returning the heat medium to the high-temperature heat medium circuit, and a low-temperature side storage chamber having a low-temperature side outlet for returning the heat medium to the low-temperature heat medium circuit, A thermal management system characterized by comprising a flow path switching unit that connects the high-temperature side storage chamber of the storage unit to the temperature control circuit when the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium from the high-temperature heat medium circuit to the temperature control circuit.

2. A thermal management system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the high-temperature side storage chamber and the low-temperature side storage chamber of the storage section are separated by an insulated wall, and their upper parts are connected to each other.

3. A thermal management system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium flowing through the high-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature control circuit when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined value.

4. The thermal management system described in Claim 3, characterized in that the temperature adjustment unit introduces the heat medium from the low-temperature heat medium circuit into the temperature control circuit when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature control circuit becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value higher than the predetermined value.

5. A thermal management system described in any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature adjustment unit, or the temperature adjustment unit and the flow path switching unit, are flow path switching valves having a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing therethrough and that switch the flow path of the fluid.

6. A thermal management system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the temperature control target is a battery installed in a vehicle, a driving motor of the vehicle, or an inverter that drives the motor.

7. The high-temperature heat medium circuit has a heater core for circulating the heat medium heated by the heating unit to heat the interior of the vehicle, 7. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the low-temperature heat medium circuit has a cooler core through which the heat medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

8. A heat pump circuit comprising: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a radiator that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the radiator; and a heat absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant that has been decompressed in the pressure reducing section; the radiator and the heating section of the high-temperature heat medium circuit are provided in a heat exchange relationship, 8. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein the heat absorber and the cooling section of the low-temperature heat medium circuit are provided in a heat exchange relationship.

Images