Cooling module

Abstract

This cooling module is provided with: a plurality of pumps for pumping a fluid; one or a plurality of control valves that are arranged in a planar direction with respect to the pumps and that control, by rotation, switching of a circuit through which the fluid passes; and a case to which the pumps and the control valves are attached. The plurality of pumps include a first pump and a second pump that are arranged side by side in the width direction of the case. The first pump comprises a first body portion, and a first attachment piece that protrudes from the first body portion toward the second pump and is fastened to the case. The second pump comprises a second body portion, and a second attachment piece that protrudes from the second body part toward the first body part and is fastened to the case.

Description

Cooling Module

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-045731, filed on March 21, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with a cooling system that cools a heat-generating part (e.g., an engine, a motor, etc.) by a coolant that circulates between the heat-generating part and a heat-dissipating part (e.g., a radiator, a heater, etc.). In this type of cooling system, a cooling module is provided in a flow path connecting the heat-generating part and the heat-dissipating part, thereby controlling the flow of the coolant.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which components (such as a pump and a valve) are attached to a reservoir tank.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6914972

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, each component needs to be mounted to fit the shape of the reservoir tank, which is likely to result in limited mounting space. When mounting a pump, valves, etc. in a limited space, the size of the mounting piece for fastening the pump, etc. may increase depending on the arrangement of the mounting piece.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a cooling module that contributes to miniaturization.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure employs the following aspects: (1) A cooling module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pumps that pump a fluid, one or more control valves that are aligned in a planar direction relative to the pumps and that rotate to control switching of circuits through which the fluid passes, and a case to which the pumps and the control valves are attached, the plurality of pumps including a first pump and a second pump that are aligned in a width direction of the case, the first pump including a first main body portion and a first attachment piece that protrudes from the first main body portion toward the second pump and is fastened to the case, and the second pump including a second main body portion and a second attachment piece that protrudes from the second main body portion toward the first body portion and is fastened to the case.

[0008] According to this aspect, the attachment pieces protruding from the main body of each of the first and second pumps can be arranged facing each other, which reduces the width of the case compared to when one attachment piece protrudes in the opposite direction from the other main body, thereby contributing to a more compact cooling module.

[0009] (2) In the cooling module according to the aspect (1), the first and second mounting pieces may be aligned in a height direction (e.g., on a YZ plane and an XZ plane in the embodiment) that is perpendicular to the depth direction and the width direction of the case. According to this aspect, the mounting pieces protruding from each main body are staggered in the height direction. This contributes to further miniaturization of the cooling module.

[0010] (3) In the cooling module according to aspect (2), the control valve may include a valve body and a valve mounting piece that protrudes from the valve body toward the pump and is connected to the case. According to this aspect, the valve mounting piece that protrudes from the valve body can be positioned facing the pump. This contributes to further miniaturization of the cooling module compared to when the valve mounting piece protrudes from the valve body on the side opposite the pump.

[0011] (4) In the cooling module according to the above aspect (3), at least two of the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece, and the valve mounting piece may be arranged on a line along the height direction. According to this aspect, the distance between the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece, and the valve mounting piece is shortened, thereby contributing to further miniaturization of the cooling module.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooling module that contributes to miniaturization can be provided.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cooling system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction; FIG. 3 is a front view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction; FIG. 5 is a rear view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction; FIG. 6 is a side view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the width direction; FIG. 7 is a side view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the width direction; FIG. 8 is a view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the height direction; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cooling module according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction, with a first pump and a control valve removed; FIG. 10 is a front view of a case according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction; FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a case according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction, with a lid removed from the case according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a rear view of a case according to an embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction, with a lid removed from the case according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a control valve according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction, with an exploded view; FIG. 14 is a plan view of a part of a distribution member according to an embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only mean such arrangements or states in a strict sense, but also include arrangements or states in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component may be appropriately changed to show each component in a recognizable size.

[0015] <Cooling System> Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a cooling system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the cooling system 1 includes a cooling module 2, a battery circuit 3, a drive system circuit 4, and a radiator circuit 5. The cooling system 1 is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle (an example of a vehicle). Electric vehicles include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and other vehicles equipped with a motor as a drive source.

[0016] The cooling module 2 comprises a plurality of pumps 10, 20 for pumping the coolant, a control valve 30 for controlling the switching of the circuit through which the coolant passes by rotation, a case 100 to which the pumps 10, 20 and the control valve 30 are attached, and a plurality of ports 71 to 76 connected to each of the pumps 10, 20, the control valve 30 and the case 100 for flowing in and / or out of the coolant.

[0017] In this embodiment, the cooling module 2 includes two pumps 10, 20 (a first pump 10 and a second pump 20) and one control valve 30. Each of the first pump 10 and the second pump 20 includes, for example, a water pump.

[0018] The battery circuit 3 is a circuit to which devices (non-driving devices) are connected that are used not only when the vehicle is powered on but also when the vehicle is powered off (READY OFF). Devices with a relatively low operating temperature range are connected to the battery circuit 3. The battery circuit 3 is configured to include, for example, a cooling device 3A, a heating device 3B, and a battery 3C. The first pump 10, the cooling device 3A, the heating device 3B, and the battery 3C are connected in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the coolant flow.

[0019] The first pump 10 pumps the coolant downstream in the battery circuit 3. The cooling device 3A includes, for example, a chiller, etc. The heating device 3B includes, for example, a capacitor and a heater, etc.

[0020] The drive system circuit 4 is a circuit to which devices (drive devices) that drive the vehicle are connected, at least when the vehicle is powered on (READY ON). Devices that tend to have relatively high operating temperatures are connected to the drive system circuit 4. The drive system circuit 4 includes, for example, a drive module 4A, a control device 4B, and a converter 4C. The second pump 20, the converter 4C, the control device 4B, and the drive module 4A are connected in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the coolant flow.

[0021] The second pump 20 pumps the coolant toward the downstream side of the drive circuit 4. The drive module 4A includes, for example, a motor serving as a drive source, an inverter, and a reducer. The control device 4B includes, for example, a power control unit (PCU) and the like.

[0022] A radiator 5A is provided in the radiator circuit 5. The radiator 5A exchanges heat between the coolant flowing inside the radiator 5A and the outside air.

[0023] The control valve 30 is connected to the downstream end of the battery circuit 3, the downstream end of the drive system circuit 4, and the downstream end of the radiator circuit 5. The control valve 30 functions as a three-way valve. The control valve 30 switches the flow of coolant in the cooling system 1 among the cooling module 2, the battery circuit 3, the drive system circuit 4, and the radiator circuit 5.

[0024] The control valve 30 may operate the battery circuit 3, drive system circuit 4, and radiator circuit 5 as separate closed circuits (independent mode) during normal vehicle operation and / or when the vehicle is stopped. Normal vehicle operation refers to a state in which the vehicle is running under low load, with the drive module 4A and battery 3C operating within their respective optimum temperature ranges. When the vehicle is stopped, this includes when the power is off or when charging (normal charging, rapid charging), etc.

[0025] In the dual independent mode, the first pump 10 may be operated in the battery circuit 3 to circulate the coolant between the battery circuits 3 via the control valve 30. This allows the battery 3C to be maintained in an optimal temperature range by heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the battery circuit 3. Even in the dual independent mode, the coolant can be cooled by heat exchange with the cooling device 3A and heated by heat exchange with the heating device 3B. Therefore, the battery 3C is maintained in an optimal temperature range.

[0026] On the other hand, in the dual independent mode, the second pump 20 may be operated in the drive circuit 4 to circulate the coolant between the control valve 30 and the drive circuit 4. This allows the drive module 4A to be maintained in an optimum temperature range by heat exchange with the coolant circulating through the drive circuit 4.

[0027] The control valve 30 may close the drive circuit 4 and the radiator circuit 5 together (drive source priority cooling mode) when the vehicle is under high load, for example. High load on the vehicle refers to a state in which the drive module 4A may reach a temperature outside the optimum range due to sudden acceleration or deceleration.

[0028] In the drive-source-priority cooling mode, in the battery circuit 3, the first pump 10 may be operated to circulate coolant between the control valve 30 and the battery circuit 3, as in the dual independent mode. On the other hand, in the drive-source-priority cooling mode, in the drive system circuit 4, the second pump 20 may be operated to circulate coolant between the drive system circuit 4 and the radiator circuit 5 via the control valve 30. This allows the coolant, at a relatively low temperature, that has been heat exchanged (cooled) in the radiator 5A to pass through the drive module 4A, thereby effectively cooling the drive module 4A.

[0029] The control valve 30 may close the battery circuit 3 and the radiator circuit 5 together (battery-priority cooling mode) in a state where the battery 3C may reach a temperature outside the optimum range, such as when the vehicle is running normally or stopped, or when the outside air temperature is high. In the battery-priority cooling mode, the first pump 10 in the battery circuit 3 may be operated to circulate coolant between the battery circuit 3 and the radiator circuit 5 via the control valve 30. This allows relatively low-temperature coolant that has been heat-exchanged (cooled) in the radiator 5A to pass through the battery 3C, thereby effectively cooling the battery 3C.

[0030] The control valve 30 may close the battery circuit 3 and the drive system circuit 4 as a single circuit (combined mode), for example, when the vehicle is running normally or stopped, or when the outside air temperature is low. In the combined mode, the first pump 10 and the second pump 20 may be operated to circulate the coolant between the battery circuit 3 and the drive system circuit 4 via the control valve 30. This allows the coolant, heated by heat exchange with the heating device 3B and the drive module, to be supplied to the battery 3C, thereby effectively heating the battery 3C.

[0031] In the cooling system 1 of this embodiment, the flow of coolant between each circuit 3, 4, 5 is switched by the control valve 30 depending on the state of the vehicle, making it easy to maintain the various devices connected to each circuit 3, 4, 5 at optimal temperatures.

[0032] <Cooling Module> Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction. Fig. 3 is a front view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from the other side in the depth direction. Fig. 6 is a side view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from one side in the width direction. Fig. 7 is a side view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from the other side in the width direction. Fig. 8 is a view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, as seen from the other side in the height direction. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the cooling module 2 according to the embodiment, from which the first pump 10 and the control valve 30 have been removed, as seen from one side in the depth direction.

[0033] 2 to 9, the cooling module 2 includes a first pump 10, a second pump 20, a control valve 30, a case 100, and a plurality of ports 71 to 76.

[0034] In the following explanation, an X, Y, Z Cartesian coordinate system will be used as necessary. The X direction corresponds to the depth direction of the case 100. The Y direction corresponds to the width direction of the case 100. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction, which is perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) and width direction (Y direction) of the case 100. In the following explanation, of the X, Y, and Z directions, the arrow side in the figure will be referred to as the plus (+) side, and the side opposite the arrow will be referred to as the minus (-) side. The +X side corresponds to one side in the depth direction, and the -X side corresponds to the other side in the depth direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first pump 10 and the second pump 20 are aligned with each other in the width direction of the case 100. The single control valve 30 is aligned with the two pumps 10, 20 in the height direction, which is perpendicular to both the depth direction and the width direction. The control valve 30 is aligned with the pumps 10, 20 in the planar direction (YZ plane direction).

[0036] The first pump 10 includes a first drive unit 11, a first main body 12, and a plurality of mounting pieces 13A to 13C. The first drive unit 11 includes an actuator (not shown) that operates the first pump 10. The first drive unit 11 is attached to a portion of the first main body 12 on the +X side.

[0037] The first main body 12 and the multiple mounting pieces 13A to 13C may be integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The first main body 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends along the depth direction. The outer shape of the first main body 12 is smaller than the outer shape of the first drive device 11 when viewed from the depth direction.

[0038] A plurality of mounting pieces 13A to 13C (three in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of first main body portion 12. The plurality of mounting pieces 13A to 13C include first mounting piece 13A protruding from first main body portion 12 toward second pump 20 (-Y side), +Z side mounting piece 13B protruding from first main body portion 12 toward the +Z side, and -Z side mounting piece 13C protruding from first main body portion 12 toward the -Z side.

[0039] Each of the multiple mounting pieces 13A to 13C is fastened to the case 100 with a fastening member such as a bolt. The head of the bolt fastened to each of the multiple mounting pieces 13A to 13C is exposed from the first drive unit 11 when viewed from the +X direction. The portion of each of the multiple mounting pieces 13A to 13C to which the bolt is fastened protrudes outward beyond the outer shape of the first drive unit 11 when viewed from the +X direction. Note that the configuration of the mounting pieces 13A to 13C of the first pump 10 (such as the number of mounting pieces, installation locations, and protruding direction) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0040] The second pump 20 includes a second driving device 21, a second main body 22, and a plurality of mounting pieces 23A to 23C. The second driving device 21 includes an actuator (not shown) that operates the second pump 20. The second driving device 21 is attached to a portion of the second main body 22 on the +X side.

[0041] The second main body 22 and the multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C may be integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The second main body 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends along the depth direction. The outer shape of the second main body 22 is smaller than the outer shape of the second drive device 21 when viewed from the depth direction.

[0042] The multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C (three in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second main body portion 22. The multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C include a second mounting piece 23A that protrudes from the second main body portion 22 toward the first main body portion 12 (+Y side), a +Z side mounting piece 23B that protrudes from the second main body portion 22 toward the +Z side, and a -Z side mounting piece 23C that protrudes from the second main body portion 22 toward the -Z side.

[0043] Each of the multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C is fastened to the case 100 with a fastening member such as a bolt. The head of the bolt fastened to each of the multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C is exposed from the second drive unit 21 when viewed from the +X direction. The portion of each of the multiple mounting pieces 23A to 23C to which the bolt is fastened protrudes outward beyond the outer shape of the second drive unit 21 when viewed from the +X direction. Note that the configuration of the mounting pieces 23A to 23C of the second pump 20 (such as the number of mounting pieces, installation locations, and protruding direction) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0044] The control valve 30 includes a drive unit 31, a valve body 32, and a plurality of mounting pieces 33A to 33H. The drive unit 31 includes an actuator (not shown) that operates the control valve 30. The drive unit 31 is attached to the +X side portion of the valve body 32.

[0045] The valve body 32 and the multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33H may be integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The valve body 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends along the depth direction. A portion of the outer shape of the valve body 32 is larger than the outer shape of the drive unit 31 when viewed from the depth direction. A portion of the valve body 32 does not overlap with the drive unit 31 when viewed from the depth direction.

[0046] The multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33H (eight in this embodiment) are provided at intervals around the circumferential direction of the valve body 32. The multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33H include multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33D (four in this embodiment) that are connected to the case 100, and multiple mounting pieces 33E to 33H (four pairs, each pair facing each other in the depth direction) that connect the components of the valve body 32. The multiple mounting pieces 33E to 33H include a valve mounting piece 33E that protrudes from the valve body 32 toward the pump (+Z side), a -Z-side mounting piece 33G that protrudes from the valve body 32 toward the -Z side, a +Y-side mounting piece 33F that protrudes from the valve body 32 toward the +Y side, and a -Y-side mounting piece 33H that protrudes from the valve body 32 toward the -Y side.

[0047] Each of the multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33D is fastened to the case 100 with a fastening member such as a bolt. The head of the bolt fastened to each of the multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33D is exposed from the drive unit 31 when viewed from the +X direction. The portion of each of the multiple mounting pieces 33A to 33H to which the bolt is fastened protrudes outward beyond the outer shape of the drive unit 31 when viewed from the +X direction. Note that the configuration of the mounting pieces 33A to 33H of the control valve 30 (such as the number of mounting pieces, installation locations, and protruding direction) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0048] The first mounting piece 13A, the second mounting piece 23A, and the valve mounting piece 33E are disposed on the +X side of the case 100. The first mounting piece 13A and the second mounting piece 23A are aligned with each other in the height direction of the case 100. The first mounting piece 13A, the second mounting piece 23A, and the valve mounting piece 33E are each disposed on a line ZL along the height direction.

[0049] 1 to 9, the multiple ports 71 to 76 are arranged in the Y direction for each device, and the inflow / outflow passages are separated in the Z direction. The multiple ports 71 to 76 include multiple (two in this embodiment) bypass ports 73, 76 connected to the radiator 5A. The multiple bypass ports 73, 76 each extend in the same direction.

[0050] The multiple bypass ports 73 , 76 include a bypass inlet port 73 that allows the coolant to flow into the cooling module 2 , and a bypass outlet port 76 that allows the coolant to flow out of the cooling module 2 .

[0051] The bypass inlet port 73 connects the downstream end of the radiator circuit 5 to the control valve 30. The bypass inlet port 73 extends from the +X side and +Z side portion of the valve body 32 toward the −Y side.

[0052] The bypass outlet port 76 connects the upstream end of the radiator circuit 5 and a portion of the case 100 that corresponds to the second pump 20. The bypass outlet port 76 extends from a portion of the case 100 that is on the −X side and −Z side of the portion that corresponds to the second pump 20 toward the −Y side.

[0053] The bypass inlet port 73 and the bypass outlet port 76 extend parallel to each other. The bypass inlet port 73 and the bypass outlet port 76 each extend toward the −Y side. The bypass outlet port 76 extends further toward the −Y side than the bypass inlet port 73. Note that the manner in which the bypass inlet port 73 and / or the bypass outlet port 76 extend (extending position, length, etc.) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0054] The control valve 30 is attached via a packing A60 to one side in the depth direction of the case 100. The bypass outlet port 76 is connected to the other side in the depth direction of the case 100. The bypass outlet port 76 is connected to the −X side of the packing A60 in the depth direction of the case 100.

[0055] The multiple ports 71 to 76 include multiple (four in this embodiment) first ports 72, 73, 75, 76 arranged on one side (-Y side) of the width of the case 100, and multiple (two in this embodiment) second ports 71, 74 arranged on the other side (+Y side) of the width.

[0056] The multiple first ports 72, 73, 75, and 76 extend parallel to one another. The multiple first ports 72, 73, 75, and 76 each extend toward the −Y side. The multiple first ports 72, 73, 75, and 76 include a bypass inlet port 73 and a bypass outlet port 76. Note that the manner in which the multiple first ports 72, 73, 75, and 76 extend (extending positions, lengths, etc.) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0057] The second ports 71, 74 extend parallel to each other. Each of the second ports 71, 74 extends toward the +Y side. The second ports 71, 74 extend in the opposite direction to the first ports 72, 73, 75, 76 in the width direction (Y direction) of the case 100. Note that the extension of the second ports 71, 74 (extending positions, lengths, etc.) is not limited to the above and can be changed depending on specifications.

[0058] The multiple ports 71 to 76 include multiple (three in this embodiment) inlet ports 71 to 73 that allow coolant to flow into the cooling module 2, and multiple (three in this embodiment) outlet ports 74 to 76 that allow coolant to flow out of the cooling module 2.

[0059] Each of the multiple inflow ports 71 to 73 is arranged on one side (-Z side) in the height direction of the cooling module 2. The multiple inflow ports 71 to 73 include a battery inflow port 71, a drive inflow port 72, and a bypass inflow port 73.

[0060] The battery inlet port 71 connects the downstream end of the battery circuit 3 and the control valve 30. The battery inlet port 71 extends from the +X side and +Z side of the valve body 32 toward the +Y side. The battery inlet port 71 extends in the opposite direction to the bypass inlet port 73 in the width direction (Y direction) of the case 100.

[0061] The drive inflow port 72 connects the downstream end of the drive system circuit 4 and the control valve 30. The drive inflow port 72 extends from the +X side and -Z side portion of the valve main body 32 toward the -Y side. The drive inflow port 72 and the bypass inflow port 73 extend parallel to each other. The drive inflow port 72 and the bypass inflow port 73 each extend toward the -Y side. Note that the manner in which the multiple inflow ports 71 to 73 extend (extending positions, lengths, etc.) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0062] Each of the multiple outflow ports 74 to 76 is arranged on the other side (+Z side) in the height direction of the cooling module 2. The multiple outflow ports 74 to 76 include a battery outflow port 74, a drive outflow port 75, and a bypass outflow port 76.

[0063] The battery outflow port 74 connects the upstream end of the battery circuit 3 to a portion of the case 100 that corresponds to the first pump 10. The battery outflow port 74 extends from a portion of the case 100 that is on the +X side and the -Z side of the portion that corresponds to the first pump 10 toward the +Y side. The battery outflow port 74 extends in the opposite direction to the bypass outflow port 76 in the width direction (Y direction) of the case 100.

[0064] The drive outflow port 75 connects the upstream end of the drive system circuit 4 and a portion of the case 100 corresponding to the second pump 20. The drive outflow port 75 extends from a portion of the case 100 on the +X side and +Z side of the portion corresponding to the second pump 20 toward the -Y side. The drive outflow port 75 and the bypass outflow port 76 extend parallel to each other. The drive outflow port 75 and the bypass outflow port 76 each extend toward the -Y side. The drive outflow port 75 and the bypass outflow port 76 each extend the same length to the -Y side.

[0065] The bypass outflow port 76 is disposed on the other side in the depth direction of the case 100 relative to the other outflow ports 74 to 76. The bypass outflow port 76 is disposed on the −X side of the ports 71 to 76. Note that the manner in which the outflow ports 74 to 76 extend (extending positions, lengths, etc.) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to specifications.

[0066] <Case> Fig. 10 is a front view of the case 100 according to the embodiment, as seen from one side in the depth direction. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the case 100 according to the embodiment, with the lid 120 removed, as seen from the other side in the depth direction. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the case 100 according to the embodiment, with the lid 120 removed, as seen from the other side in the depth direction. Referring to Figs. 1 to 12 together, the case 100 has a flow path formed therein through which the coolant flows from the control valve 30. A plurality of first openings 101, 102, 103A to 103E through which the coolant passes are formed on one side in the depth direction of the case 100. On the other side in the depth direction of the case 100, a plurality of second openings 105A to 105C are formed in a number different from the number of first openings 101, 102, 103A to 103E so as to communicate with any of the first openings 101, 102, 103A to 103E.

[0067] The case 100 may be integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material, etc. In this embodiment, the case 100 is made up of a main body 110 and a lid 120. The lid 120 closes the plurality of second openings 105A to 105C.

[0068] The lid portion 120 may be joined to the main body portion 110 by, for example, welding. In this case, for example, the tip surfaces (welding surfaces) of the walls of the main body portion 110 that form the second openings 105A-105C may be formed as inclined surfaces whose wall height decreases from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. As a result, when the main body portion 110 and the lid portion 120 are welded, the tip surfaces of the walls are welded in order from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. Therefore, during welding, powder burrs generated by friction between the lid portion 120 and the walls can be prevented from scattering toward the inner periphery of the walls. As a result, powder burrs can be prevented from remaining inside the second openings 105A-105C.

[0069] The control valve 30 is attached to the side of the case 100 opposite to the side where the lid 120 is provided in the depth direction. The two pumps 10, 20 and the one control valve 30 are each attached to the side of the case 100 opposite to the side where the lid 120 is provided in the depth direction.

[0070] The multiple first openings 101, 102, 103A to 103E include pump communication ports 101, 102 that communicate with the multiple pumps 10, 20, and valve communication ports 103A to 103E that communicate with the control valve 30. A plurality of pump communication ports 101, 102 (two in this embodiment) are formed. The multiple pump communication ports 101, 102 include a first pump communication port 101 that communicates with the first pump 10, and a second pump communication port 102 that communicates with the second pump 20. A plurality of valve communication ports 103A to 103E (five in this embodiment) are formed.

[0071] The case 100 is composed of a first peripheral wall 111, a second peripheral wall 112, a third peripheral wall 113, a battery outlet port 74, a drive outlet port 75, a bypass outlet port 76, mounting seats 114A to 114J, and base pieces 115A to 115D.

[0072] The first peripheral wall 111 stands upright on the +X side from a portion on the +Y side and the +Z side of the main body 110 of the case 100. When viewed from the +X side, the first peripheral wall 111 is formed in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the first main body 12. When viewed from the +X side, the first peripheral wall 111 is formed to surround the periphery of the first pump communication port 101.

[0073] The second peripheral wall 112 stands upright on the +X side of the main body 110 of the case 100 from a portion on the -Y side and +Z side toward the +X side. When viewed from the +X side, the second peripheral wall 112 is formed in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the second main body 22. When viewed from the +X side, the second peripheral wall 112 is formed to surround the periphery of the second pump communication port 102. The first peripheral wall 111 and the second peripheral wall 112 are arranged at an interval from each other in the Y direction. When viewed from the +X side, the first peripheral wall 111 and the second peripheral wall 112 are formed to be the same size.

[0074] The third peripheral wall 113 rises from a portion on the +X side of the main body 110 of the case 100 that is central in the Y direction and on the -Z side toward the +X side. When viewed from the +X side, the third peripheral wall 113 is formed in an annular shape that follows the outer periphery of the valve main body 32. The third peripheral wall 113 is disposed at a distance from each of the first peripheral wall 111 and the second peripheral wall 112 in the Z direction. When viewed from the +X side, the third peripheral wall 113 is formed to surround the peripheries of the multiple valve communication ports 103A to 103E. When viewed from the +X side, the outer shape of the third peripheral wall 113 is larger than the outer shapes of each of the first peripheral wall 111 and the second peripheral wall 112.

[0075] The multiple (three in this embodiment) second openings 105A to 105C include, among the multiple first openings 101, 102, 103A to 103E, second opening 105A that communicates with the first pump communication port 101 and one valve communication port 103B, second opening 105B that communicates with the second pump communication port 102 and two valve communication ports 103A and 103C, and second opening 105C that communicates with the inside of the bypass outflow port 76 and two valve communication ports 103D and 103E.

[0076] The multiple second openings 105A to 105C are formed in the -X side portion of the main body 110 of the case 100. Each of the multiple second openings 105A to 105C extends in an L-shape when viewed from the -X side. The multiple second openings 105A to 105C are lined up in the Y direction when viewed from the -X side. When viewed from the -X side, the second openings 105A, 105B, and 105C are lined up in order from the +Y side to the -Y side.

[0077] As viewed from the -X side, second opening 105A, which is located furthest on the +Y side, extends in the -Y side from a portion that leads to first pump communication port 101, and then extends on the -Z side to a portion that leads to valve communication port 103B. As viewed from the -X side, second opening 105B, which is located toward the center in the Y direction, extends in the +Y side from a portion that leads to second pump communication port 102, and then extends on the -Z side to a portion that leads to valve communication port 103A, and then extends further on the -Z side to a portion that leads to valve communication port 103C. As viewed from the -X side, second opening 105C, which is located furthest on the -Y side, extends in the +Y side from a portion that leads into bypass outflow port 76, and then extends on the -Z side to a portion that leads to valve communication port 103E, and then extends further on the -Z side to a portion that leads to valve communication port 103D.

[0078] Mounting seats 114A to 114J are portions to which mounting pieces 13A to 13C, 23A to 23C, and 33E to 33H of the corresponding devices are attached. A plurality of mounting seats 114A to 114J are provided. The plurality of mounting seats 114A to 114J includes portions 114A to 114C to which the plurality of mounting pieces 13A to 13C of first pump 10 are attached, respectively, portions 114D to 114F to which the plurality of mounting pieces 23A to 23C of second pump 20 are attached, respectively, and portions 114G to 114J to which the plurality of mounting pieces 33A to 33D of control valve 30 are attached, respectively.

[0079] When viewed from the X direction, each of the mounting seats 114A to 114J is provided at a position overlapping with the corresponding mounting pieces 13A to 13C, 23A to 23C, and 33E to 33H of the device. Each of the mounting seats 114A to 114J is provided with a screw hole into which a bolt that fastens the corresponding device to the mounting pieces 13A to 13C, 23A to 23C, and 33E to 33H is threaded.

[0080] The pedestal pieces 115A to 115D are portions for fixing the cooling module 2 to the vehicle body. A plurality of pedestal pieces 115A to 115D (four in this embodiment) are provided. Two of the pedestal pieces 115A to 115D are provided on each of the +Z side and -Z side portions of the case 100. Each of the pedestal pieces 115A to 115D is positioned so as not to overlap with each of the mounting seats 114A to 114J when viewed from the X direction.

[0081] <Configuration of Control Valve> Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the control valve 30 according to the embodiment, viewed from one side in the depth direction. Figure 14 is a plan view of a portion of the distributor 42 according to the embodiment, viewed from one side in the depth direction. With reference to both Figures 13 and 14 , the control valve 30 includes a housing 40, a valve body 41, the distributor 42, a seal member 43, a biasing member 44, an output shaft 45, a bearing 46, a shaft seal 47, and a packing B48.

[0082] The housing 40 may be integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The housing 40 is disposed facing the case 100 in the depth direction. A portion of the housing 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom so that the −X side is open.

[0083] 9 to 14 , the valve element 41 is disposed between the housing 40 and the case 100 in the depth direction. The valve element 41 rotates around an axis along the depth direction. A portion of the valve element 41 is formed in a plate shape along the YZ plane. The valve element 41 has multiple (three in this embodiment) through holes formed at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis.

[0084] The distribution member 42 is a member that distributes the coolant between the corresponding inlet and outlet ports, etc. The distribution member 42 is disposed between the valve body 41 and the case 100 in the depth direction.

[0085] The distributor 42 includes a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) first holes 51A to 51G formed in positions facing the valve body 41 in the depth direction, and a plurality of (five in this embodiment) second holes 52A to 52E formed in a different number than the first holes 51A to 51G in positions facing the case 100 in the depth direction. The plurality of second holes 52A to 52E are formed in the same number as the valve communication ports 103A to 103E.

[0086] The number of second holes 52A to 52E (e.g., five) is smaller than the number of first holes 51A to 51G (e.g., seven). The second holes 52A to 52E communicate with at least any of the first holes 51A to 51G at the center of the distributor 42 in the X direction. In other words, the second holes 52A to 52E aggregate at least some of the first holes 51A to 51G.

[0087] Second holes 52A to 52E communicate with corresponding valve communication ports 103A to 103E in a portion on the +X side of case 100. Valve communication ports 103A to 103E communicate with corresponding second openings 105A to 105C in a portion on the −X side of case 100. That is, first holes 51A to 51G (seven ports on the +X side) of distributor 42 are aggregated into second holes 52A to 52E (five ports on the −X side), and then aggregated into second openings 105A to 105C (three ports on the −X side) via valve communication ports 103A to 103E (five ports on the +X side) of case 100.

[0088] In this embodiment, the number of holes (number of flow paths) is different on the front and back (-X side and +X side) of the distributor 42, but this is not limiting. For example, the number of holes on the front and back of the distributor 42 may be the same, and a separate plate may be added to the -X side (case 100 side) of the distributor 42 to aggregate the flow paths on the separate plate.

[0089] The seal member 43 forms a separate sealed space between the passage hole of the valve body 41 and the inside of the port inside the housing 40. A plurality of seal members 43 (three in this embodiment) are provided adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction around the axis. An O-ring 43A is interposed between the seal member 43 and the biasing member 44.

[0090] The biasing member 44 is disposed between the seal member 43 and the housing 40. The biasing member 44 biases the seal member 43 toward the valve body 41. The biasing member 44 is, for example, a so-called wave spring formed by spirally winding a rectangular wire extending in a wavy shape. A plurality of biasing members 44 (three in this embodiment) are provided corresponding to the seal members 43. The biasing members 44 are attached to the seal member 43 via O-rings 43A.

[0091] The output shaft 45 protrudes coaxially with the axis line from the actuator of the drive unit 31 toward the −X side. The −X side end of the output shaft 45 is fitted into the connecting hole 41A of the valve body 41. As a result, the driving force (rotational force) generated by the actuator is transmitted to the valve body 41 via the output shaft 45.

[0092] The bearing 46 and the shaft seal 47 are provided on a portion of the output shaft 45 that is located inside the through-hole of the housing 40. The housing 40 supports the output shaft 45 rotatably about its axis via the bearing 46. The shaft seal 47 is disposed on the −X side of the bearing 46, between the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft 45 and the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole of the housing 40.

[0093] The packing B48 is disposed between the housing 40 and the distributor 42 in the depth direction. The packing B48 is formed in an annular shape that follows the distributor 42 when viewed from the X direction.

[0094] The packing A60 is disposed between the distributor 42 and the case 100 in the depth direction. When viewed from the X direction, the packing A60 is formed in a shape that separates the surrounding spaces of each of the plurality of second holes 52A to 52E. When viewed from the X direction, the outer shape of the packing A60 is formed in a circular ring shape that follows the distributor 42. The packing A60 seals the five flow paths on the back surface of the distributor 42, and distributes the fluid to the second holes 52A to 52E on the case 100 side.

[0095] <Operation and Effect> As described above, the cooling module 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of pumps 10, 20 that pump coolant, a control valve 30 that is aligned in a planar direction relative to the pumps 10, 20 and that rotates to control switching of circuits through which the coolant passes, and a case 100 to which the pumps 10, 20 and the control valve 30 are attached. The plurality of pumps 10, 20 include a first pump 10 and a second pump 20 that are aligned in a width direction of the case 100. The first pump 10 includes a first main body portion 12 and a first attachment piece 13A that protrudes from the first main body portion 12 toward the second pump 20 and is fastened to the case 100. The second pump 20 includes a second main body portion 22 and a second attachment piece 23A that protrudes from the second main body portion 22 toward the first main body portion 12 and is fastened to the case 100.

[0096] According to this configuration, the mounting pieces 13A, 23A protruding from the main body portions 12, 22 of the first pump 10 and the second pump 20 can be arranged facing each other. Therefore, the width of the case 100 is shorter than when one mounting piece 13A (23A) protrudes in the opposite direction from the other main body portion 22 (12). This contributes to the miniaturization of the cooling module 2. In addition, because the first pump 10 and the second pump 20 are arranged facing each other, they can be used as common components.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first mounting piece 13A and the second mounting piece 23A are aligned in a height direction (for example, on the YZ plane and the XZ plane in this embodiment) that is perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction of the case 100. With this configuration, the mounting pieces 13A to 13C protruding from each main body 12, 22 are arranged alternately in the height direction, which contributes to further miniaturization of the cooling module 2.

[0098] In this embodiment, the control valve 30 includes a valve body 32 and a valve mounting piece 33E that protrudes from the valve body 32 toward the pumps 10, 20. With this configuration, the valve mounting piece 33E that protrudes from the valve body 32 can be positioned facing the pumps 10, 20. This contributes to further miniaturization of the cooling module 2 compared to when the valve mounting piece 33E protrudes from the valve body 32 on the side opposite the pumps 10, 20.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first mounting piece 13A, the second mounting piece 23A, and the valve mounting piece 33E are each disposed on a line ZL along the height direction. This configuration shortens the distance between the first mounting piece 13A, the second mounting piece 23A, and the valve mounting piece 33E, thereby contributing to further miniaturization of the cooling module 2.

[0100] <Modifications> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims. For example, in the above embodiment, the cooling module is described as including two pumps and one control valve, but this is not limiting. For example, the cooling module may include three or more pumps or two or more control valves. For example, the cooling module may include multiple pumps and one or more control valves. The installation manner of the pumps and / or control valves can be changed according to specifications.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the flow path from the control valve is described as an example in which a coolant flows as the fluid, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a fluid other than a coolant may flow in the flow path from the control valve. For example, the cooling module may include a pump that pressurizes the fluid and a control valve that rotates to control the switching of the circuit through which the fluid passes. The type of fluid can be changed depending on the specifications.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the first and second mounting pieces are arranged in a height direction perpendicular to the depth and width directions of the case, but this is not limiting. For example, the first and second mounting pieces may be arranged in a direction that intersects with the height direction (e.g., a direction that intersects diagonally with the line ZL along the height direction in the embodiment). The arrangement of the first and / or second mounting pieces in the depth, width, and height directions of the case can be changed depending on the specifications.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the control valve is described as including a valve body and a valve mounting piece that protrudes from the valve body toward the pump, but this is not limited to this. For example, the valve mounting piece may protrude from the valve body on the side opposite the pump. The manner in which the valve mounting piece protrudes can be changed depending on the specifications.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece, and the valve mounting piece are each arranged on a line along the height direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, at least two of the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece, and the valve mounting piece may be arranged on a line along the height direction. The arrangement of the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece, and the valve mounting piece can be changed depending on the specifications.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the cooling module is mounted on an electric vehicle, but this is not limiting. For example, the cooling module may be mounted on a vehicle other than an electric vehicle, another moving body, or another system. The mounting manner of the cooling module and the target to which the control module is applied can be changed depending on the specifications.

[0106] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0107] 2...cooling module, 10...first pump (pump), 12...first main body portion, 13A...first mounting piece, 20...second pump (pump), 22...second main body portion, 23A...second mounting piece, 30...control valve, 32...valve main body portion, 33E...valve mounting piece, 100...case, ZL...line along the height direction

Claims

1. A cooling module comprising: a plurality of pumps that pressurize a fluid; one or more control valves that are arranged in a plane relative to the pumps and that rotate to control the switching of circuits through which the fluid passes; and a case to which the pumps and the control valves are attached, wherein the plurality of pumps include a first pump and a second pump that are arranged in a width direction of the case, wherein the first pump comprises a first main body portion and a first mounting piece that protrudes from the first main body portion toward the second pump and is fastened to the case, and the second pump comprises a second main body portion and a second mounting piece that protrudes from the second main body portion toward the first body portion and is fastened to the case.

2. The cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting piece and the second mounting piece are aligned in a height direction perpendicular to both the depth direction and the width direction of the case.

3. The cooling module according to claim 2, wherein the control valve comprises a valve body and a valve mounting piece that protrudes from the valve body toward the pump and is connected to the case.

4. The cooling module according to claim 3, wherein at least two of the first mounting piece, the second mounting piece and the valve mounting piece are arranged on a line along the height direction.

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