Thermal management system

Abstract

To provide a thermal management system that can accurately regulate a temperature of a heater as well, in regulating an 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 first circulation pathway 42 having a third pump 23 for circulating a heating medium in a battery 2; a second circulation pathway 43 having a cooling part 13 for cooling the heating medium; a third circulation pathway 44 having a heating part 14 for heating the heating medium; a heat exchange part 63 that exchanges heat of the heating medium being circulated in the third circulation pathway 44 with heat of the battery 2; and a thermo-valve 30. The thermo-valve 30 controls exchange of heat between a heating medium flowing through the first circulation pathway 42 and a heating medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, in the heat exchange part 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat management system that circulates a heat medium to a temperature control target to control the temperature.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a battery (electric cell), a driving electric motor, an inverter, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a temperature control target) mounted on an electric vehicle (electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, etc.) generates heat. Therefore, there are systems that circulate a heat medium to a plurality of temperature control targets to control the temperature, or use a heat pump circuit (refrigerant circuit) for air conditioning the passenger compartment, and heat and cool a heat medium (such as water) with a refrigerant that radiates heat in a radiator and a refrigerant that absorbs heat in an absorber, and circulate this heat medium to the temperature control target through a heat medium circuit to control the temperature (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration of, for example, Patent Document 2, in addition to a heater core for air conditioning and a heat exchanger for a cooler core, it is necessary to provide a plurality of heat exchangers for temperature control targets in the heat pump circuit. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to flow only the heat medium circulated through the cooler core to a part of the temperature control target side to control the temperature, but warm-up cannot be performed when the temperature control target (such as a battery) is in a low temperature state, such as when starting operation under low outside air temperature conditions below freezing.

[0005] Furthermore, it is conceivable to install a heater in the path through which the heat transfer medium circulates to the temperature-controlled object, or to circulate the heat transfer medium intended for the heater core to the temperature-controlled object as well to warm it up. However, in the former case, the device becomes more complex and electronic control becomes necessary, leading to increased costs. In the latter case, the heat transfer medium that has conditioned the temperature-controlled object does not necessarily return to the cooler core side or the heater core side in the same amount that was introduced, resulting in an imbalance where the amount of heat transfer medium in one of the sides becomes excessive, causing the reserve tank to become full.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned conventional technical problems, and aims to provide a thermal management system that enables accurate temperature control, including warm-up, when circulating a heat transfer medium to a temperature-controlled object, and also eliminates problems associated with uneven distribution of the heat transfer medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, First invention The thermal management system includes a heat transfer medium circuit that circulates a heat transfer medium to a temperature-controlled object, comprising: a first circulation path having a circulation unit for circulating the heat transfer medium to the temperature-controlled object; a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path, through which the heat transfer medium circulates and which has a cooling unit for cooling the heat transfer medium; a third circulation path through which the heat transfer medium circulates and which has a heating unit for heating the heat transfer medium; and a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation path and the heat transfer medium circulating to the temperature-controlled object. A fourth circulation path is connected to the first circulation path and has a first heating heat exchange section, It is equipped with a temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the object to be controlled, The heat exchange section consists of a first heating heat exchange section and a second heating heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section. The temperature control unit controls the heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path in the heat exchange unit. In addition, if the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the heat transfer medium is transferred to the fourth circulation path. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] The second invention's thermal management system includes a thermal medium circuit that circulates a thermal medium to a temperature-controlled object to control its temperature, comprising: a first circulation path having a circulation unit for circulating the thermal medium to the temperature-controlled object; a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path, through which the thermal medium circulates and which has a cooling unit for cooling the thermal medium; a third circulation path through which the thermal medium circulates and which has a heating unit for heating the thermal medium; and a heat exchange unit for exchanging heat between the thermal medium circulating in the third circulation path and the thermal medium circulating to the temperature-controlled object. The device includes a temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, and the heat exchange unit consists of a first heating heat exchange unit provided in a first circulation path and a second heating heat exchange unit provided in a third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange unit, and the temperature control unit controls the heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path and the heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path in the heat exchange unit, and when the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, it flows the heat transfer medium to the second heating heat exchange unit.

[0009] Third InventionThe thermal management system is characterized by comprising another temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object in each of the above inventions, wherein this other temperature adjustment unit controls the inflow of the heat transfer medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path.

[0010] The fourth invention The thermal management system of the above invention is characterized in that, when the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes equal to or higher than another predetermined value which is higher than the predetermined value, the heat transfer medium flows from the second circulation path into the first circulation path.

[0011] The fifth invention The thermal management system is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the temperature control unit is a flow path switching valve having a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of said fluid.

[0012] The sixth invention The thermal management system of the above invention is characterized in that the temperature control unit has a structure that ensures at all times the minimum heating of the heat transfer medium circulated to the temperature-controlled object by the heat exchange unit.

[0013] The seventh invention The thermal management system is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the temperature control target is a battery mounted on a vehicle, a vehicle's traction motor, or an inverter that drives said motor.

[0014] The eighth invention The thermal management system is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the third circulation path has a heater core for circulating a heat transfer medium heated by the heating unit to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0015] The ninth invention The thermal management system is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the second circulation path has a cooler core for which a heat transfer medium cooled by the cooling unit is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0016] The 10th Invention The heat management system in each of the above inventions includes a heat pump circuit having a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a radiator that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a decompression unit that decompresses the refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the radiator, and an absorber that absorbs heat from the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression unit, and is characterized in that the radiator and the heating unit of the third circulation path are provided in a heat exchange relationship, and the absorber and the cooling unit of the second circulation path are provided in a heat exchange relationship.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, in a heat management system including a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium to the temperature control target for temperature control, a first circulation path having a circulation unit that circulates the heat medium to the temperature control target, a second circulation path connected to the first circulation path through which the heat medium circulates and having a cooling unit that cools the heat medium, a third circulation path through which the heat medium circulates and having a heating unit that heats the heat medium, a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the heat medium circulating in the third circulation path and the heat medium circulating in the temperature control target, and a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control target, the temperature adjustment unit controls the heat exchange between the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing in the third circulation path in the heat exchange unit. Therefore, when heating of the temperature control target is not required, the heat medium is circulated in the first circulation path, and when heating of the temperature control target is necessary, the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path in the heat exchange unit is heated by the heat medium flowing in the third circulation path, making it possible to heat the temperature control target.

[0018] [[ID=*12]]As a result, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the temperature control target can be rapidly increased, so that the temperature control target can be rapidly warmed up at the start of operation under low outside air temperature conditions. In particular, since the heat medium is not introduced from the third circulation path to the first circulation path, there is no bias of the heat medium between the third circulation path and the second circulation path.

[0019] In this case, In the first inventionA fourth circulation path is provided which is connected to the first circulation path and has a first heat exchange section for heating. The heat exchange section is composed of a first heat exchange section for heating and a second heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchange section for heating. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the temperature adjustment section causes the heat medium to flow into the fourth circulation path Therefore , the heat medium flowing through the fourth circulation path in the heat exchange section is not excessively heated, and excessive heating of the temperature control target can also be prevented.

[0020] In particular, First invention in this case, the temperature of the temperature control target is adjusted based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path, so that more accurate temperature control is possible. Also, for example, when the battery of an electric vehicle is the temperature control target, the battery is usually provided at a position separated from the heat pump circuit, First invention in this case, there is no need to extend the third circulation path to the battery, and the merit in the layout of the equipment in the electric vehicle is also increased.

[0021] Also, In the second invention... the heat exchange section is composed of a first heat exchange section for heating provided in the first circulation path and a second heat exchange section provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchange section for heating. When the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the temperature adjustment section causes the heat medium to flow into the second heat exchange section for heating Therefore , excessive heating of the temperature control target can be prevented.

[0022] Also, Third Invention Another temperature adjustment section for adjusting the temperature of the temperature control target is provided as described above. If this other temperature adjustment section controls the inflow of the heat medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path, when cooling of the temperature control target is not necessary, the temperature adjustment section circulates the heat medium in the first circulation path, and when cooling of the temperature control target is necessary, the heat medium is allowed to flow in from the second circulation path, so that the temperature control target can be cooled.

[0023] This ensures that the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation path is maintained at the target temperature, enabling precise temperature control of the controlled substance. In particular, the amount of heat transfer medium that flows into the first circulation path is returned to the second circulation path, but no heat transfer medium is introduced from the third circulation path, thus preventing the aforementioned imbalance in the heat transfer medium. Furthermore, since only the necessary amount of heat transfer medium is introduced from the second circulation path to the first circulation path, heat loss is also reduced.

[0024] in this case, The fourth invention As described above, when the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes higher than another predetermined value, the other temperature control unit allows heat transfer medium to flow from the second circulation path into the first circulation path, thereby reliably preventing overheating of the temperature-controlled object.

[0025] Also, The fifth invention By configuring the temperature control unit as a flow path switching valve that has a temperature-sensing element 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.

[0026] in this case, The sixth invention As described above, the temperature control unit, through the heat exchange unit, is structured to constantly ensure minimal heating of the heat transfer medium circulating to the temperature-controlled object, thereby enabling the temperature-controlled object to be reliably controlled above the lower limit of the optimal temperature.

[0027] Here, the target of temperature control is The seventh invention Examples include batteries mounted on electric vehicles, electric motors for driving electric vehicles, and inverters that drive said electric motors.

[0028] Furthermore, the third circulation route is: The eighth invention The vehicle has a heater core in which a heat transfer medium heated by a heating element is circulated to heat the interior of the vehicle, and the second circulation path is as follows: The ninth invention One possible design is one in which a cooler core is used to cool the vehicle's interior by circulating a heat transfer medium cooled by a cooling unit, but in that case, The 10th Invention A heat pump circuit is provided, which includes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a radiator for releasing heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reducing unit for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant released by the radiator, and a heat absorber for releasing heat from the refrigerant reduced by the pressure reducing unit. The radiator and the heating unit of the third circulation path are in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber and the cooling unit of the second circulation path are also in a heat exchange relationship.

[0029] This allows the temperature of the controlled object to be controlled using the heat pump circuit, third circulation path, and second circulation path used for air conditioning the interior of electric vehicles. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the controlled object, the heat transfer fluid flowing through the third circulation path and the heat transfer fluid flowing through the first circulation path will no longer exchange heat, so a higher temperature heat transfer fluid will circulate to the heater core, allowing the interior to be heated without any problems. In addition, when there is no need to cool the controlled object, the heat transfer fluid flowing through the second circulation path will no longer flow to the first circulation path, so a lower temperature heat transfer fluid will circulate to the cooler core, allowing the interior to be cooled without any problems.

[0030] In particular, according to the configuration of the present invention, as described above, only the necessary amount of heat transfer medium is introduced from the second circulation path to the first circulation path, so the amount of heat transfer medium flowing in and out between the first and second circulation paths is relatively small. Here, as described above, when the battery of an electric vehicle is the target of temperature control, the battery is usually located at a distance from the heat pump circuit, but because the amount of heat transfer medium flowing between the first and second circulation paths is small, the diameter of the piping connecting them can also be small, which greatly improves the layout advantages of each component in the electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of one embodiment of the thermal management system of the present invention (Embodiment 1. First path state in heating mode). [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermovalve as an example of a temperature control section of a thermal management system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the thermal management system in heating mode, specifically the second path state. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the thermal management system in cooling mode. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the configuration of the first circulation path in another embodiment of the thermal management system of the present invention (Embodiment 2. First path state in heating mode). [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second path state of the thermal management system. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of the configuration of the first circulation path in another embodiment of the thermal management system of the present invention (Embodiment 3. First path state in heating mode). [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the second path state of the thermal management system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0033] (1) Configuration of Thermal Management System 1 Figure 1 shows the configuration of a thermal management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The thermal management system 1 of this embodiment is a vehicle air conditioning system that air-conditions the interior of an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and also controls the temperature of temperature-controlled objects such as the battery 2 discussed in this embodiment, as well as the traction motor and inverter. It is configured to include a heat pump circuit 3, a heat transfer medium circuit 4, and a control device 6. In this application, the concept of battery includes fuel cells.

[0034] The heat pump circuit 3 of the embodiment includes a compressor 7 that compresses a refrigerant (fluorocarbon refrigerant), a heat sink 8 that dissipates heat from the refrigerant (high-temperature refrigerant) discharged from the compressor 7, an expansion valve 9 that acts as a pressure reducing unit to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant that has been heated by the heat sink 8, a heat absorber 11 that absorbs heat as the refrigerant reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 9 evaporates, and an accumulator 12, all of which are sequentially connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping. This circuit is usually installed in the so-called engine compartment under the hood of an electric vehicle.

[0035] The heat transfer medium circuit 4 is a circuit through which a heat transfer medium such as water flows. In this embodiment, it comprises 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 a circulation section, first and second reserve tanks 26 and 27, a radiator 29, a thermovalve 30 and thermovalve 31 (another thermovalve) as an embodiment of a temperature control section, eight three-way valves 32 to 39, a check valve 41, and a heat exchange section 63 (heat exchanger) consisting of a first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61. These are connected by heat transfer medium piping as described later. Furthermore, the three-way valves 32-39 in the embodiment are equipped with three connection ports and are valve devices that can switch between a state in which all connection ports are connected and a state in which only two of those connection ports are connected (a total of four states).

[0036] In this case, the outlet of the cooling unit 13 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 32 by heat transfer piping C1, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 32 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 33 by heat transfer piping C2. The first connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the inlet of the cooler core 16 by heat transfer piping C4, and the outlet of the cooler core 16 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 34 by heat transfer piping C5. The second connection port of the three-way valve 34 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 35 by heat transfer piping C6, and the second connection port of the three-way valve 35 is connected to the inlet of the first pump 21 by heat transfer piping C7. The outlet of the first pump 21 is connected to the inlet of the first reserve tank 26 by heat transfer piping C8, and the outlet of the first reserve tank 26 is connected to the inlet of the cooling unit 13 by heat transfer piping C9.

[0037] The second connection port of the three-way valve 33 is connected to the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 31 (described later) by the heat transfer piping C10, and the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 (described later) is connected to the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 30 (described later) by the heat transfer piping C38 and C11.

[0038] The mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 31, described later, is connected to the inlet of the third pump 23 by heat transfer piping C14, and the outlet of the third pump 23 is connected to the inlet of the battery 2 (temperature controlled device) by heat transfer piping C15. A jacket structure is formed around the battery 2, with an inlet and an outlet through which the heat transfer medium flows, and the battery 2 is configured to exchange heat with the heat transfer medium through 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 by heat transfer piping C16 and heat transfer piping C12. The outlet of the check valve 41 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 34 by heat transfer piping C13, and the direction of the three-way valve 34 is the forward direction for the check valve 41.

[0039] The mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 30, described later, is connected to the connection point of heat transfer pipes C16 and C12 by heat transfer pipe C39. The bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 30, described later, is connected to the inlet of the first heating heat exchange section 61 by heat transfer pipe C40, and the outlet of this first heating heat exchange section 61 is connected to the connection point of heat transfer pipes C11 and C38 by heat transfer pipe C41.

[0040] The closed loop consisting of the third pump 23, heat transfer piping C15, the jacket structure of the battery 2, heat transfer piping C16, heat transfer piping C39, thermovalve 30, heat transfer piping C11, heat transfer piping C38, thermovalve 31, and heat transfer piping C14, along with heat transfer piping C10, heat transfer piping C12, check valve 41, and heat transfer piping C13, constitutes the first circulation path 42 in the present invention.

[0041] Furthermore, the thermovalve 30, heat transfer piping C40, first heating heat exchange section 61, and heat transfer piping C41 constitute the fourth circulation path 45 in the present invention. That is, the fourth circulation path 45 is connected to the first circulation path 42, and the thermovalve 30 is connected to the connection between the fourth circulation path 45 and the first circulation path 42, thereby controlling the inflow of the heat transfer medium from the first circulation path 42 to the fourth circulation path 45.

[0042] Furthermore, the cooling unit 13, heat transfer piping C1, three-way valve 32, heat transfer piping C2, three-way valve 33, heat transfer piping C4, cooler core 16, heat transfer piping C5, three-way valve 34, heat transfer piping C6, three-way valve 35, heat transfer piping C7, first pump 21, heat transfer piping C8, first reserve tank 26, and heat transfer piping C9 constitute the second circulation path 43 in the present invention in the cooling mode described later. Heat transfer piping C10 constitutes the connection between the second circulation path 43 and the first circulation path 42 in this case. The thermovalve 31 is connected to this heat transfer piping C10 (connection) and controls the inflow of heat transfer fluid from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42.

[0043] Furthermore, the outlet of the heating unit 14 is connected to the third connection port of the three-way valve 36 by heat transfer piping C17. The first connection port of the three-way valve 36 is connected to the inlet of the second heating heat exchange unit 62 by heat transfer piping C19, and the outlet of the second heating heat exchange unit 62 is connected to the inlet of the heater core 17 by heat transfer piping C42. The outlet of the heater core 17 is connected to the first connection port of the three-way valve 38 by heat transfer piping C20. The second connection port of the three-way valve 38 is connected to the inlet of the second pump 22 by heat transfer piping C21, and the outlet of the second pump 22 is connected to the inlet of the second reserve tank 27 by heat transfer piping C22. The outlet of the second reserve tank 27 is connected to the inlet of the heating unit 14 by heat transfer piping C23.

[0044] The heating unit 14, heat transfer piping C17, three-way valve 36, heat transfer piping C19, second heating heat exchange unit 62, heat transfer piping C42, heater core 17, heat transfer piping C20, three-way valve 38, heat transfer piping C21, second pump 22, heat transfer piping C22, second reserve tank 27, and heat transfer piping C23 constitute the third circulation path 44 in the present invention.

[0045] 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 transfer piping C24, and the third connection port of the three-way valve 37 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 29 by heat transfer piping C25. The outlet of the radiator 29 is connected to the second connection port of the three-way valve 39 by heat transfer 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 transfer piping C27.

[0046] 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 the heat transfer medium pipe 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 the heat transfer medium pipe C29. The cooling unit 13, heat transfer medium pipe C1, three-way valve 32, heat transfer medium pipe C28, three-way valve 37, heat transfer medium pipe C25, radiator 29, heat transfer medium pipe C26, three-way valve 39, heat transfer medium pipe C29, three-way valve 35, heat transfer medium pipe C7, first pump 21, heat transfer medium pipe C8, first reserve tank 26, and heat transfer medium pipe C9 constitute the second circulation path 43A in the present invention in the heating mode described later. In this case, the heat transfer medium pipes C2 and C10 constitute the connection between the second circulation path 43A and the first circulation path 42.

[0047] In Figure 1, 46 is an HVAC unit that supplies air for air conditioning into the passenger compartment of an electric vehicle. It is equipped with an intake switching damper 48 that switches between supplying internal and external air to the internal air passage 47, and an interior fan 49. The aforementioned cooler core 16 and heater core 17 are sequentially arranged within the air passage 47 downstream of the interior fan 49.

[0048] (2) Configuration of thermovalve (temperature control section) 30, 31 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thermovalves (temperature control units) 30 and 31 mentioned above. Thermovalves 30 and 31 have basically the same structure, but they are used in different ways. Specifically, thermovalve 30 is connected to the heat transfer fluid piping C39 (the connection point between the first circulation path 42 and the fourth circulation path 45), and thermovalve 31 is connected to the heat transfer fluid piping C10 (the connection point between the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation paths 43 and 43A).

[0049] Each unit comprises a housing 51, a main valve 52, a bypass valve 53, a temperature sensing element 54, and springs 56 and 57. The housing 51 has the aforementioned main valve port MV, bypass valve port BV, and mixed water port XV formed therein, and the inside of the housing 51 is also a mixing chamber 58.

[0050] The main valve port MV is connected to the mixing chamber 58 via an opening 59, and the bypass valve port BV is connected to the mixing chamber 58. The main valve 52 opens and closes the opening 59 through the action of a temperature-sensing element 54 and springs 56 and 57, while the bypass valve 53 opens and closes the bypass valve port BV. The mixed water port XV is connected to the mixing chamber 58.

[0051] The temperature-sensing element 54 is connected to the main valve 52 and the bypass valve 53, and has a structure that allows it to expand and contract by incorporating wax (for example, paraffin wax) inside. The temperature-sensing element 54 expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the heat transfer 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.

[0052] Furthermore, the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 30 is the temperature of the heat transfer medium that flows in from the mixing water port XV, as will be described later. Also, the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 31 is the temperature of the heat transfer medium that flows in from the bypass valve port BV, as will be described later, or the temperature of the heat transfer medium that is mixed with the heat transfer medium that flows in from the main valve port MV through the opening 59. In either case, the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 is the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42.

[0053] As mentioned above, the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 30 is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C11 of the first circulation path 42, the bypass valve port BV is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C40 of the fourth circulation path 45, and the mixed water port XV is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C39 of the first circulation path 42. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than a predetermined value T1 (for example, +30°C), the main valve 52 closes its opening 59, and the bypass valve 53 begins to open its bypass valve port BV, introducing the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixing water port XV, and allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the bypass bypass port BV into the fourth circulation path 45 (heat transfer medium piping C40). When the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 reaches or exceeds the predetermined value T1, the main valve 52 opens its opening 59, the bypass valve 53 closes its bypass valve port BV, and allows the heat transfer medium that has flowed into the mixing chamber 58 from the first circulation path 43 to flow from the main valve port MV into the heat transfer medium piping C11.

[0054] In particular, in the case of the thermovalve 30, a small hole indicated by BH in Figure 2 is formed. Due to this small hole BH, even when the bypass valve 53 is closing the bypass valve port BV, a small amount of heat transfer fluid flows from the bypass valve port BV into the fourth circulation path 45 (heat transfer fluid piping C40).

[0055] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 31 is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C10 which is connected to the second circulation path 43, the bypass valve port BV is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C38, and the mixing water port XV is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C14. When the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the mixing chamber 58 is lower than another predetermined value T2 (for example, +40°C) which is higher than the predetermined value T1 mentioned above, the main valve 52 closes its opening 59 and the bypass valve 53 opens its bypass valve port BV. When the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the mixing chamber 58 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T2, the main valve 52 begins to open its opening 59, and the heat transfer fluid (low-temperature heat transfer fluid, described later) is introduced into the mixing chamber 58 from the second circulation path 43. In addition, the main valve 52 of the thermovalves 30 and 31 is also structured so that a small amount of heat transfer fluid flows into the mixing chamber 58 from the main valve port MV when the opening 59 is closed.

[0056] The operation of the thermal management system 1 of this embodiment will be explained based on the above configuration. (3) Heating mode First, the heating mode controlled by the control device 6 will be explained. Each arrow in Figure 1 indicates the flow of the heat transfer medium in heating mode. In heating mode, the control device 6 is configured such that the three-way valve 32 connects heat transfer medium pipes C1, C28, and C2, and the three-way valve 33 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C2 and C10. Furthermore, the three-way valve 34 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C6 and C13, and the three-way valve 35 connects heat transfer medium pipes C6, C7, and C29. Additionally, the three-way valve 36 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C17 and C19, and the three-way valve 37 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C25 and C28. Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is set to connect only heat transfer pipes C26 and C29, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to connect only heat transfer pipes C20 and C21.

[0057] Then, the compressor 7, pumps 21, 22, and 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat transfer medium discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated in the second circulation path 43A by passing through the first reserve tank 26, the cooling unit 13, and the radiator 29 in sequence and being drawn back into the first pump 21. Similarly, the heat transfer medium discharged from the second pump 22 is circulated in the third circulation path 44 by passing through the second reserve tank 27, the heating unit 14, the second heating heat exchange unit 62 of the heat exchange unit 63, and the heater core 17 in sequence and being drawn back into the second pump 22.

[0058] When the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant releases heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, so the heat transfer medium flowing through the heating section 14 in the radiator 8 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant. This heated high-temperature heat transfer medium is then circulated to the second heating heat exchange section 62, which in turn heats the first heating heat exchange section 61. The high-temperature heat transfer medium is then circulated to the heater core 17, so the air supplied into the vehicle interior from the interior fan 49 is heated by the heater core 17, thereby heating the vehicle interior.

[0059] On the other hand, in the heat absorber 11, the heat transfer medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by the refrigerant. This cooled low-temperature heat transfer medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and warmed by the outside air. In other words, it draws heat from the outside air. This drawn-up heat is transported to the radiator 8 by the heat pump circuit 3 and used to heat the first heating heat exchange section 61 and to heat the interior of the vehicle.

[0060] (4) Temperature control of battery (temperature controlled) 2 in heating mode Furthermore, the heat transfer medium discharged from the third pump 23 flows through the battery (temperature controlled) 2 and into the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 30 via the mixing water port XV. Here, under sub-zero ambient temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixing water port XV is also extremely low (lower than the predetermined value T1), so the temperature sensing unit 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 transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58. Similarly, the thermovalve 31 also closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 and opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53, so the heat transfer medium that has passed through the battery 2 flows through the heat transfer medium piping C39 and the thermovalve 30 into the heat transfer medium piping C40 (fourth circulation path 45), flows into the first heating heat exchange section 61 of the heat exchange section 63, and is heated by the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing in the second heating heat exchange section 62.

[0061] The heated heat transfer medium exits the first heating heat exchanger 61 into the heat transfer medium piping C41, proceeds through the heat transfer medium piping C38 to the thermovalve 31, flows out from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 through the mixing chamber 58 to the mixed water port XV and into the heat transfer medium piping C14, and is drawn into the third pump 23. Then, it is circulated again from the heat transfer medium piping C15 to the battery 2, which is heated. The arrow in Figure 1 indicates this state, and this is referred to as the first path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4.

[0062] Due to the heating of the heat transfer medium and the self-heating of the battery 2, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 subsequently rises. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 30 rises to the predetermined value T1 (+30°C) or higher, the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, closing the bypass valve port BV and opening the opening 59.

[0063] As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing in from the mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 30 passes through the mixing chamber 58 and the opening 59, flows out from the main valve port MV into the heat transfer medium piping C11, and is drawn into the third pump 23 via the thermovalve 31 and the heat transfer medium piping C14. Thus, the heat transfer medium is circulated within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 by the third pump 23. The solid arrow in Figure 3 indicates this state, and this is designated as the second path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 (the heat transfer medium circulated to the battery 2) does not flow into the fourth circulation path 45 and is not heated by the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, thus preventing excessive heating of the battery 2.

[0064] Furthermore, as mentioned above, a small hole BH is formed in the bypass valve 53 of the thermovalve 30, so a small amount of heat transfer fluid will flow into the fourth circulation path 45. As a result, even in the second path state, a minimum amount of heating of the heat transfer fluid circulated to the battery 2 is always ensured.

[0065] Subsequently, due to the self-heating of battery 2, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 rises. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 exceeds the predetermined value T2 (+40°C) mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 32, passes through the heat transfer medium piping C2, the three-way valve 33, and the heat transfer 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 Figure 3).

[0066] The heat transfer fluid flowing in through opening 59 is mixed with the heat transfer fluid flowing in through bypass valve port BV in mixing chamber 58, and then flows out through mixing water port XV into heat transfer fluid piping C14. It is then drawn into the third pump 23 and discharged toward battery 2. As a result, the battery 2 is cooled as the cooled heat transfer fluid is circulated through it.

[0067] From the heat transfer fluid that flows out of battery 2 into heat transfer fluid piping C16, the portion of heat transfer fluid that was originally circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into heat transfer fluid piping C39, and the portion of heat transfer fluid introduced from the second circulation path 43 via heat transfer fluid piping C10 is diverted to heat transfer fluid piping C12, and returned to the second circulation path 43 via check valve 41 and heat transfer fluid piping C13 (also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 3). This is the third path state of the heat transfer fluid circuit 4.

[0068] As described above, the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat transfer medium introduced from the second circulation path 43. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium (mixed heat transfer medium) in the mixing chamber 58 falls below the predetermined value T2 mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the second circulation path state, and the heat transfer medium returns to circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. As a result, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimal temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0069] (5) Cooling mode Next, the cooling mode controlled by the control device 6 will be explained. Each arrow in Figure 4 indicates the flow of the heat transfer medium in the cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the control device 6 is configured such that the three-way valve 32 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C1 and C2, and the three-way valve 33 connects heat transfer medium pipes C2, C4, and C10. In addition, the three-way valve 34 connects heat transfer medium pipes C5, C6, and C13, and the three-way valve 35 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C6 and C7. Furthermore, the three-way valve 36 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C17 and C24, and the three-way valve 37 connects only heat transfer medium pipes C24 and C25. Furthermore, the three-way valve 39 is set to connect only heat transfer pipes C26 and C27, and the three-way valve 38 is switched to connect only heat transfer pipes C27 and C21.

[0070] Then, the compressor 7, pumps 21, 22, and 23, and the indoor fan 49 are operated. As a result, the heat transfer fluid discharged from the first pump 21 is circulated in the second circulation path 43 by passing through the first reserve tank 26, the cooling unit 13, and the cooler core 16 in sequence before being drawn back into the first pump 21. Similarly, the heat transfer fluid discharged from the second pump 22 is circulated by passing through the second reserve tank 27, the heating unit 14, and the radiator 29 in sequence before being drawn back into the second pump 22.

[0071] On the other hand, when the compressor 7 is operated, the refrigerant dissipates heat in the radiator 8 and absorbs heat in the heat absorber 11, as described above. In the heat absorber 11, the heat transfer medium flowing through the cooling section 13 is cooled by the refrigerant. This cooled low-temperature heat transfer medium is circulated to the cooler core 16, so the air supplied to the passenger compartment from the interior fan 49 is cooled by the cooler core 16, thereby providing air conditioning to the passenger compartment. On the other hand, in the radiator 8, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heating section 14 is heated by the high-temperature refrigerant. This heated high-temperature heat transfer medium is circulated to the radiator 29 and dissipates into the outside air.

[0072] (6) Temperature control of battery (temperature control target) 2 in cooling mode At the start of operation, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 is lower than the predetermined value T2 mentioned above. If it is above the predetermined value T1, the heat transfer medium discharged from the third pump 23 will pass through the battery (temperature controlled object) 2 to the thermovalve 30 and thermovalve 31, and will be drawn back into the third pump 23, thus circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. Specifically, the thermovalve 30 closes the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 and opens the opening 59 with the main valve 52, based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixing water port XV. Similarly, the thermovalve 31 opens the bypass valve port BV with the bypass valve 53 and closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52, so the heat transfer medium is circulated within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 by the third pump 23. The solid arrow in Figure 4 indicates this state, and this is designated as the fourth path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4.

[0073] Subsequently, due to the self-heating of battery 2, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 rises. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 exceeds the predetermined value T2 (+40°C) mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 33, enters the thermovalve 31 from the main valve port MV via the heat transfer medium piping C10, and begins to flow into the mixing chamber 58 from the opening 59 (indicated by a dashed arrow in Figure 4).

[0074] The heat transfer fluid that flows in through the opening 59 is mixed with the heat transfer fluid that flows in through the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 in the mixing chamber 58, and then flows out into the heat transfer fluid piping C14 through the mixing water port XV. It is then drawn into the third pump 23 and discharged toward the battery 2. As a result, the battery 2 is cooled as the cooled heat transfer fluid is circulated to it.

[0075] From the heat transfer fluid that flows out of battery 2 into heat transfer fluid piping C16, the portion of heat transfer fluid that was originally circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into heat transfer fluid piping C39, and the portion of heat transfer fluid introduced from the second circulation path 43 via heat transfer fluid piping C10 is diverted to heat transfer fluid piping C12, and returned to the second circulation path 43 via check valve 41 and heat transfer fluid piping C13 (also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 4). This is the fifth path state of the heat transfer fluid circuit 4.

[0076] As described above, the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat transfer medium introduced from the second circulation path 43. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium (mixed heat transfer medium) in the mixing chamber 58 of the thermovalve 31 falls below the predetermined value T2 mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the fourth path state, and the heat transfer medium returns to circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 (Figure 4). As a result, even in cooling mode, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimal temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower).

[0077] As described above, according to the present invention, the thermovalve 30 (temperature control unit) controls the heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 and the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 in the heat exchange unit 63. Therefore, when heating of the battery 2 (temperature control target) is not required, the heat transfer medium is circulated within the first circulation path 42. When heating of the battery 2 is required, the heat exchange unit 63 heats the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 with the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, thereby enabling the heating of the battery 2.

[0078] This allows the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing to the battery 2 to rise rapidly, enabling the battery 2 to warm up quickly, such as when starting operation from low ambient temperature conditions. In particular, since the heat transfer medium is not introduced from the third circulation path 44 to the first circulation path 42, there is no imbalance in the heat transfer medium between the third circulation path 44 and the second circulation path 43, which would cause the reserve tanks 26 and 27 to overflow.

[0079] In this embodiment, a fourth circulation path 45 is provided, connected to the first circulation path 42 and having a first heating heat exchange section 61. The heat exchange section 63 is composed of the first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 provided in the third circulation path 44 and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61. The thermovalve 30 is configured to allow the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 to flow to the fourth circulation path 45 when the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 is lower than a predetermined value T1. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing through the fourth circulation path 45 is not excessively heated in the heat exchange section 63, and excessive heating of the battery 2 is also prevented.

[0080] In particular, in this embodiment, the battery 2 is temperature-controlled based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42, enabling more precise temperature control. Furthermore, when the battery 2 of an electric vehicle is the target of temperature control, as in the embodiment, the battery 2 is normally located under the vehicle floor or elsewhere, at a distance from the heat pump circuit 3. However, in this embodiment, it becomes unnecessary to extend the third circulation path 44 to the battery 2, resulting in significant advantages in terms of equipment layout in the electric vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, another thermovalve 31 is provided to adjust the temperature of the battery 2. This thermovalve 31 controls the inflow of the heat transfer medium from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path 42. Therefore, when cooling of the battery 2 is not required, the thermovalve 31 circulates the heat transfer medium in the first circulation path 42, and when cooling of the battery 2 is required, the heat transfer medium is introduced from the second circulation path 43, thereby enabling the battery 2 to be cooled.

[0082] As a result, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 is maintained at the target temperature, enabling precise temperature control of the battery 2. In particular, the amount of heat transfer medium that flows into the first circulation path 42 is returned to the second circulation path 43, but no heat transfer medium is introduced from the third circulation path 44, so the aforementioned imbalance in the heat transfer medium does not occur. Also, since only the necessary amount of heat transfer medium is introduced from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42, heat loss is reduced.

[0083] In this embodiment, the thermovalve 31 is configured to allow heat transfer fluid to flow from the second circulation path 43 into the first circulation path 42 when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid flowing through the first circulation path 42 becomes equal to or greater than another predetermined value T2 which is higher than a predetermined value T1, thereby reliably preventing overheating of the battery 2.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the temperature control unit is configured using thermovalves 30 and 31, which are flow path switching valves that have a temperature sensing element 54 that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switch the flow path of the fluid. As a result, electronic control is not required, and the cost of the system can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thermovalve 30 has a small hole BH formed in the bypass valve 53 so that the heat exchange section 63 constantly ensures minimal heating of the heat transfer medium circulating to the battery 2, making it possible to reliably control the temperature of the battery 2 above the lower limit of the optimal temperature.

[0086] In this context, in addition to the battery 2 in the embodiment, other possible targets for temperature control include the electric motor used for driving the electric vehicle and the inverter that drives the electric motor.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third circulation path 44 has a heater core 17 through which the heat transfer medium heated by the heating unit 14 is circulated to heat the interior of the vehicle, and the second circulation path 43 has a cooler core 16 through which the heat transfer medium cooled by the cooling unit 13 is circulated to cool the interior of the vehicle. The heat exchanger 8 of the heat pump circuit 3 and the heating unit 14 of the third circulation path 44 are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, and the heat absorber 11 of the heat pump circuit 3 and the cooling unit 13 of the second circulation path 43 are also arranged in a heat exchange relationship.

[0088] This allows the temperature of the battery 2 to be controlled using the heat pump circuit 3, the third circulation path 44, and the second circulation path 43 for air conditioning the interior of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, when there is no need to heat the battery 2, the heat transfer fluid flowing through the third circulation path 44 and the heat transfer fluid flowing through the first circulation path 42 will no longer exchange heat, so a higher temperature heat transfer fluid will circulate to the heater core 17, allowing the interior of the vehicle to be heated without any problems. In addition, when there is no need to cool the battery 2, the heat transfer fluid flowing through the second circulation path 43 will no longer flow to the first circulation path 42, so a lower temperature heat transfer fluid will circulate to the cooler core 16, allowing the interior of the vehicle to be cooled without any problems.

[0089] In particular, according to the configuration of the embodiment, as described above, only the necessary amount of heat transfer medium is introduced from the second circulation path 43 to the first circulation path 42, so the amount of heat transfer medium flowing in and out between the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation path 43 is relatively small. Here, when the battery 2 of the electric vehicle is to be temperature controlled as in the embodiment, the battery 2 is usually located under the floor or elsewhere, spaced apart from the heat pump circuit 3. However, because the amount of heat transfer medium flowing between the first circulation path 42 and the second circulation path 43 is small, the diameter of the heat transfer medium pipes C10 and C13 connecting them can be small, which also greatly improves the layout advantages of each piece of equipment in the electric vehicle. [Examples]

[0090] Next, Figures 5 and 6 show the configuration of the first circulation path 42 portion of another embodiment of the thermal management system 1 of the present invention. In Figures 5 and 6, components indicated by the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 4 are considered to have the same or similar functions. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium pipe C39 is connected to the inlet of the first heating heat exchange section 61, and the outlet of the first heating heat exchange section 61 is connected to the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 by the heat transfer medium pipe C38.

[0091] As a result, a closed loop consisting of the third pump 23, heat transfer piping C15, the jacket structure of the battery 2, heat transfer piping C16, heat transfer piping C39, the first heating heat exchange unit 61, heat transfer piping C38, thermovalve 31, and heat transfer piping C14, and the first circulation path 42 in this embodiment consisting of heat transfer piping C10, heat transfer piping C12, check valve 41, and heat transfer piping C13. That is, the first heating heat exchange unit 61 is provided in the first circulation path 42.

[0092] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the thermovalve 30 is provided on the third circulation path 44 side. In this case, the heat transfer piping C19 of the third circulation path 44 is connected to the mixed water port XV of the thermovalve 30, and the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 30 is connected to the inlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 by the heat transfer piping C40. The outlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 is connected to the heat transfer piping C42 by the heat transfer piping C41, and the main valve port MV of the thermovalve 30 is connected to the connection point of the heat transfer piping C41 and the heat transfer piping C42 by the heat transfer piping C11. The other configurations are the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0093] (7) Temperature control of battery (temperature control target) 2 in heating mode in this embodiment In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium discharged from the third pump 23 enters the first heating heat exchange unit 61 via the battery (temperature controlled unit) 2 and reaches the thermovalve 31. When operation is started under low ambient temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31 is extremely low (lower than the predetermined value T2). Therefore, the temperature sensing unit 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, and maintains the state in which the bypass valve port BV is open with the bypass valve 53. As a result, the heat transfer medium repeatedly circulates from the mixing water pump XV through the heat transfer medium piping C14 to the third pump 23.

[0094] On the other hand, when operation is started under low ambient temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44, which flows from the mixing water pump XV of the thermovalve 30 into the mixing chamber 58 via the heat transfer medium piping C19, is still low (lower than the predetermined value T1). Therefore, the temperature sensing unit 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 transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58 (the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44). As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 flows out from the bypass valve port BV into the heat transfer medium piping C40, passes through the second heating heat exchange unit 62, and then flows into the heater core 17 via the heat transfer medium piping C41 and C42.

[0095] At this time, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 flows through the first heating heat exchange section 61, and exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44 flowing through the second heating heat exchange section 62. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 is heated by the heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path 44.

[0096] The heated heat transfer medium exits the first heating heat exchange unit 61 into the heat transfer medium piping C38 and reaches the thermovalve 31. From the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31, it flows through the mixing chamber 58 and the mixed water port XV into the heat transfer medium piping C14, where it is drawn into the third pump 23. It is then circulated again from the heat transfer medium piping C15 to the battery 2, which is then heated. The arrow in Figure 5 indicates this state, and this is considered the first path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0097] Subsequently, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 increases. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 30 rises to the predetermined value T1 (+30°C) or higher, the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the bypass valve 53 and the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, closing the bypass valve port BV and opening the opening 59.

[0098] As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing in from the mixing water port XV of the thermovalve 30 passes through the mixing chamber 58 and the opening 59, flows out from the main valve port MV into the heat transfer medium piping C11, and then flows through the heat transfer medium piping C42 to the heater core 17. In other words, the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44 does not flow into the second heating heat exchange section 62. The solid arrow in Figure 6 indicates this state, and this is defined as the second path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4 in this embodiment. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 (the heat transfer medium circulated to the battery 2) is not heated by the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path 44, thus preventing excessive heating of the battery 2.

[0099] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this case as well, a small hole BH is formed in the bypass valve 53 of the thermovalve 30, so a small amount of heat transfer fluid flows to the second heating heat exchange section 62. As a result, even in this second path state, a minimum amount of heating of the heat transfer fluid circulated to the battery 2 is always ensured.

[0100] Subsequently, due to the self-heating of battery 2, the temperature of the heat transfer medium circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 rises. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the mixing chamber 58 from the bypass valve port BV of thermovalve 31 exceeds the predetermined value T2 (+40°C) mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 moves the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58, and begins to open the opening 59. As a result, a portion of the low-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation path 43 is diverted by the three-way valve 32, passes through the heat transfer medium piping C2, the three-way valve 33, and the heat transfer 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 Figure 6).

[0101] The heat transfer fluid flowing in through opening 59 is mixed with the heat transfer fluid flowing in through bypass valve port BV in mixing chamber 58, and then flows out through mixing water port XV into heat transfer fluid piping C14. It is then drawn into the third pump 23 and discharged toward battery 2. As a result, the battery 2 is cooled as the cooled heat transfer fluid is circulated through it.

[0102] From the heat transfer fluid that flows out into the heat transfer fluid piping C16 via battery 2, the portion of the heat transfer fluid that was originally circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42 flows into the heat transfer fluid piping C39, and the portion of the heat transfer fluid introduced from the second circulation path 43 via the heat transfer fluid piping C10 is diverted to the heat transfer fluid piping C12, and returned to the second circulation path 43 via the check valve 41 and the heat transfer fluid piping C13 (this is also shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6). This is the third path state of the heat transfer fluid circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0103] As described above, the battery 2 is cooled by the low-temperature heat transfer medium introduced from the second circulation path 43, and when the temperature of the heat transfer medium (mixed heat transfer medium) in the mixing chamber 58 falls below the predetermined value T2 mentioned above, the temperature sensing unit 54 closes the opening 59 with the main valve 52 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the mixing chamber 58. This returns the system to the second circulation path state, and the heat transfer medium returns to circulating within the closed loop of the first circulation path 42. Thus, in this embodiment as well, the battery 2 is maintained within the optimal temperature range (for example, a target temperature of +10°C or higher and +40°C or lower). [Examples]

[0104] Next, Figures 7 and 8 show the configuration of the first circulation path 42 portion of the thermal management system 1 in another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a 2-way valve 66 is used as the temperature control unit instead of the thermovalve 30 in Figures 5 and 6 described above. The other configurations are the same as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0105] This 2-way valve 66 also has a temperature-sensing element similar to the one described above that senses the temperature of the heat transfer medium, and is a flow path switching valve that switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium. That is, the 2-way valve 66 has one inlet 67 and a first outlet 68 and a second outlet 69, and adjusts the opening degree of the first outlet 68 and the second outlet 69 based on the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet 67 (the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path 44). In this embodiment, when the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet 67 is lower than the predetermined value T1 described above, the opening degree of the first outlet 68 is increased and the opening degree of the second outlet 69 is decreased, and when it becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value T1, the opening degree of the first outlet 68 is decreased and the opening degree of the second outlet 69 is increased.

[0106] In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid pipe C19 of the third circulation path 44 is connected to the inlet 67 of the 2WAY valve 66, and the first outlet 68 of the 2WAY valve 66 is connected to the inlet of the second heating heat exchange section 62 by the heat transfer fluid pipe C40. The second outlet 69 of the 2WAY valve 66 is connected to the heat transfer fluid pipe C11.

[0107] In this embodiment as well, when operation is started under low ambient temperature conditions, the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44, which flows into the inlet of the 2WAY valve 66 via the heat transfer medium piping C19, is still low (lower than the predetermined value T1), so the opening degree of the first outlet 68 is large. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 flows out from the first outlet 68 into the heat transfer medium piping C40, passes through the second heating heat exchange section 62, and then flows into the heater core 17 via the heat transfer medium piping C41 and C42.

[0108] At this time, the heat transfer medium circulating in the first circulation path 42 flows through the first heating heat exchange section 61, and exchanges heat with the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44 flowing through the second heating heat exchange section 62. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing in the first circulation path 42 is heated by the heat transfer medium flowing in the third circulation path 44.

[0109] The heated heat transfer medium exits the first heating heat exchange unit 61 into the heat transfer medium piping C38 and reaches the thermovalve 31. From the bypass valve port BV of the thermovalve 31, it flows through the mixing chamber 58 and the mixed water port XV into the heat transfer medium piping C14, where it is drawn into the third pump 23. It is then circulated again from the heat transfer medium piping C15 to the battery 2, which is then heated. The arrow in Figure 7 indicates this state, and this is considered the first path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0110] Subsequently, the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44 increases. When the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing into the inlet 67 of the 2WAY valve 66 rises to the predetermined value T1 (+30°C) or higher, the 2WAY valve 66 opens the second outlet 69 to a large degree. As a result, the heat transfer medium that flowed into the inlet 67 of the 2WAY valve 66 flows out from the second outlet 69 into the heat transfer medium piping C11, and then flows through the heat transfer medium piping C42 to the heater core 17. In other words, the heat transfer medium in the third circulation path 44 no longer flows into the second heating heat exchange section 62. The solid arrow in Figure 8 indicates this state, and this is referred to as the second path state of the heat transfer medium circuit 4 in this embodiment.

[0111] As a result, in this embodiment as well, the heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation path 42 (the heat transfer medium circulated to the battery 2) is not heated by the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the third circulation path 44, thus preventing excessive heating of the battery 2. The operation of the thermovalve 31 and other related functions are the same as in the cases of Figures 5 and 6 described above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0112] In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 63 is shown as a heat exchanger consisting of a first heating heat exchange section 61 and a second heating heat exchange section 62 arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange section 61. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and the heat exchange section 63 may be constructed as a double-walled pipe, for example, with the inner flow path serving as the first heating heat exchange section 61 and the outer flow path as the second heating heat exchange section 62.

[0113] Furthermore, the numerical values ​​and configurations shown in each embodiment are not limited to those shown, and it goes without saying that they can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In particular, in the embodiments, a thermovalve or a 2-way valve is used to switch the flow path of the heat transfer medium, but in this application, the concept includes cases where a small amount flows in both directions without complete switching. Also, although the embodiments were explained using an air conditioning system for electric vehicles as an example, 7th~10th The present invention is not limited to the above, and can be applied to various thermal management systems that circulate a heat transfer medium to control the temperature of an object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Thermal Management System 2. Battery (temperature controlled) 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 Cooler Core 17 Heater core 21 Pump No. 1 22 Pump No. 2 23. Third pump (circulation section) 30, 31 Thermovalve (temperature control unit) 32-39 Three-way valve 42 First Circulation Path 43, 43A Second circulation route 44 Third Circulation Pathway 45. Fourth Circulation Pathway 61 1st heating heat exchange section 62 2nd heating heat exchange section 63 Heat exchange section 66 2-Way Valve (Temperature Control Unit) BH small hole

Claims

1. A thermal management system equipped with a heat transfer medium circuit that circulates a heat transfer medium around a temperature-controlled object, A first circulation path having a circulation section for circulating the heat transfer medium to the temperature-controlled object, A second circulation path is connected to the first circulation path and has a cooling section for circulating the heat transfer medium and for cooling the heat transfer medium, A third circulation path has a heating section that heats the heat transfer medium, and the heat transfer medium is circulated through this path. A heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation path and the heat transfer medium circulating to the temperature-controlled object, A fourth circulation path connected to the first circulation path and having a first heating heat exchange section, The system includes a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, The heat exchange unit comprises the first heating heat exchange unit and the second heating heat exchange unit provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange unit. The thermal management system is characterized in that the temperature control unit controls the heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path in the heat exchange unit, and when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the heat medium flows through the fourth circulation path.

2. A thermal management system comprising a heat transfer medium circuit that circulates a heat transfer medium to a temperature-controlled object, A first circulation path having a circulation section for circulating the heat transfer medium to the temperature-controlled object, A second circulation path is connected to the first circulation path and has a cooling section for circulating the heat transfer medium and for cooling the heat transfer medium, A third circulation path has a heating section that heats the heat transfer medium, and the heat transfer medium is circulated through this path. A heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the heat transfer medium circulating in the third circulation path and the heat transfer medium circulating to the temperature-controlled object, The system includes a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, The heat exchange unit comprises a first heating heat exchange unit provided in the first circulation path and a second heating heat exchange unit provided in the third circulation path and arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the first heating heat exchange unit. The thermal management system is characterized in that the temperature control unit controls the heat exchange between the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path and the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path in the heat exchange unit, and when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the third circulation path is lower than a predetermined value, the heat medium is flowed to the second heating heat exchange unit.

3. The unit further comprises another temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled object, The thermal management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the other temperature control unit controls the inflow of the heat medium from the second circulation path to the first circulation path based on the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the first circulation path.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that the other temperature adjustment unit causes the heat medium to flow from the second circulation path into the first circulation path when the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first circulation path becomes equal to or greater than another predetermined value that is higher than the predetermined value.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature control unit is a flow path switching valve having a temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the fluid flowing inside and switches the flow path of the fluid.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, characterized in that the temperature control unit is structured to constantly ensure minimal heating of the heat transfer medium circulated to the temperature control target by the heat exchange unit.

7. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the temperature control target is a battery mounted on a vehicle, a driving motor of the vehicle, or an inverter that drives the motor.

8. The heat management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the third circulation path has a heater core for circulating the heat transfer medium heated by the heating unit to heat the interior of the vehicle.

9. The thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second circulation path has a cooler core for circulating the heat transfer medium cooled by the cooling unit to cool the interior of the vehicle.

10. A heat pump circuit comprising a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a heat sink for dissipating heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reducing unit for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant that has been reduced in the heat sink, and a heat absorber for absorbing heat from the refrigerant that has been reduced in the pressure reducing unit, The heat exchanger and the heating section of the third circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship, A thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the heat absorber and the cooling section of the second circulation path are arranged in a heat exchange relationship.

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