Heat management system for electric two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

According to the present invention, a heat management system for an electric two-wheeled vehicle is to be provided to an electric two-wheeled vehicle that travels using electricity charged to a battery to drive a motor. The electric two-wheeled vehicle comprises a saddle on which an operator sits. The heat management system comprises a circulation passage that circulates a liquid medium, an electric pump for pumping the liquid medium through the circulation passage, and an electric heater for heating the liquid medium in the circulation passage. The circulation passage is provided to allow for heat transfer with the battery, and the saddle has a saddle passage that circulates the liquid medium of the circulation passage.

Description

Thermal management system for electric motorcycles

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that adjusts the temperature of a battery mounted on the electric motorcycle to an appropriate temperature.

[0002] A known heating technology for engine-driven motorcycles is the "motorcycle heating device" described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-232996). This device, for a motorcycle with a water-cooled engine, provides a second circulation path by connecting a bypass pipe branching off from a coolant (liquid medium) circulation path to a heater pipe built into the saddle, and also provides a cock on part of the heater pipe. The cock adjusts the amount of liquid medium circulating, allowing the liquid medium heated by the engine to flow through the heater pipe, thereby warming the saddle to an appropriate temperature.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-244663

[0004] Recently, there has been a trend toward electrification of motorcycles, similar to the trend toward electrification of automobiles. With the electrification of motorcycles, it is necessary to maintain the appropriate temperature of the batteries installed in motorcycles in order to ensure their longevity. There is a trend to shift from air-cooling to water-cooling (liquid medium) for battery cooling. Additionally, in cold weather, it is necessary to warm the battery to the appropriate temperature.

[0005] In the device described in Patent Document 1, a heater pipe is provided in the saddle and a heated liquid medium is circulated through the saddle to moderately warm the saddle. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can regulate the temperatures of at least both the battery and the saddle, even in electric motorcycles.

[0006] This disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a new thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that is capable of regulating the temperature of at least both the battery and the saddle.

[0007] (1) In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that is provided on an electric motorcycle that travels by driving a motor using electricity charged in a battery, wherein the electric motorcycle has a saddle on which a rider sits, and the management system has a circulation passage that circulates a liquid medium, an electric pump that pressurizes the liquid medium in the circulation passage, and an electric heater that heats the liquid medium in the circulation passage, the circulation passage is arranged to be able to transfer heat to the battery, and a saddle passage is arranged in the saddle through which the liquid medium in the circulation passage circulates.

[0008] According to this aspect, by operating the electric pump and the electric heater, the liquid medium circulates through the circulation passage and is heated by the electric heater. The liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage exchanges heat with the battery. Furthermore, the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage circulates through the saddle passage, whereby the liquid medium exchanges heat with the saddle.

[0009] The technology described in (2) is the aspect of (1) above, in which the saddle is disposed directly above the electric heater and the saddle passage is disposed directly below the electric heater.

[0010] According to this aspect, the saddle and the saddle passage are arranged with the electric heater sandwiched between them, so the saddle can be heated by both the electric heater and the liquid medium in the saddle passage. In addition, since the saddle passage is arranged directly below the electric heater, the liquid medium heated by the electric heater in the saddle passage circulates through the circulation passage.

[0011] The technology described in (3) is the aspect of (1) or (2) above, in which a radiator and a bypass passage that bypasses the radiator are provided in the circulation passage, and a first electric switching valve is provided at the branch point between the circulation passage and the bypass passage to switch the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the circulation passage to the bypass passage.

[0012] According to this aspect, by switching the first electric switching valve, it is possible to selectively perform heat exchange of the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage in the radiator.

[0013] The technology described in (4) is the same as the above (3), but further includes a control means for controlling the battery, the motor, the electric pump, the electric heater, and the first electric switching valve, and the control means controls the electric pump, the electric heater, and the first electric switching valve in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor.

[0014] According to this aspect, the control means controls the electric pump, the electric heater, and the first electric switching valve in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor, thereby circulating a heated or cooled liquid medium to the battery and the saddle.

[0015] The technology described in (5) is the same as the above (1), except that a mobile base for placing a mobile device having a rechargeable built-in battery is provided at a position where the saddle passage can transfer heat, and a mobile charger that can be electrically connected to the built-in battery of the mobile device is provided near the mobile base, and the mobile charger is configured to be able to receive power from the battery.

[0016] According to this aspect, a mobile base for placing a mobile device is provided at a position where the saddle passage allows heat transfer. Therefore, by placing the mobile device on the mobile base, heat is transferred to the mobile device from the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage. Furthermore, a mobile charger is provided near the mobile base, so that the built-in battery of the mobile device placed on the mobile base can be electrically connected to the mobile charger.

[0017] The technology described in (6) is the same as the above (5), in that downstream of the saddle passage, a base passage through which the liquid medium flows to the mobile base and a battery passage through which the liquid medium flows to the battery are branched off, and a second electric switching valve is provided at the branch point between the base passage and the battery passage to switch the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage to either the base passage or the battery passage.

[0018] According to this aspect, the downstream of the saddle passage branches into the base passage and the battery passage, and the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage is switched to either the base passage or the battery passage by the second electric selector valve. Therefore, by switching the second electric selector valve in accordance with the charging status of the mobile device and the outside air temperature, it is possible to change the flow rate ratio of the liquid medium flowing through the base passage and the battery passage.

[0019] According to the technology described in (1), it is possible to provide a novel thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that can regulate the temperatures of at least both the battery and the saddle.

[0020] According to the technique described in (2), the saddle can be effectively heated and the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage can be effectively heated by the electric heater.

[0021] According to the technology described in (3), the liquid medium can be cooled by the radiator as needed, and the battery and the saddle can be selectively cooled.

[0022] According to the technology described in (4), the battery and the saddle can be selectively heated or cooled depending on the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor.

[0023] According to the technology of (5), it is possible to regulate the temperature of the mobile device during charging, together with the battery and the saddle. Furthermore, when charging the mobile device, it is possible to efficiently heat or cool the mobile device, thereby efficiently charging the built-in battery of the mobile device and shortening the charging time.

[0024] According to the technology described in (6), it is possible to appropriately adjust the temperature of the mobile device and the battery depending on the charging status of the mobile device and the outside temperature.

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electric motorcycle according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme cold according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in cold weather according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system at room temperature according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme heat or when room-temperature cooling is required according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a saddle, saddle passages, and electric heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block circuit diagram showing the thermal management system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of saddle passages in the saddle according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 6 showing the configuration of a saddle, saddle passages, electric heater, etc. according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system at room temperature according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme cold or cold weather according to the third embodiment. 10 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme heat or when normal temperature cooling is required, according to a third embodiment. 11 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme cold or when cold, according to a fourth embodiment. 12 is a block circuit diagram showing the operation of the thermal management system in extreme heat or when normal temperature cooling is required, according to a fourth embodiment. 13 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the flow rate ratio of the liquid medium flowing to the mobile base and the battery in the charging mode, according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of a thermal management system for an electric motorcycle will be described.

[0027] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] [Regarding the Electric Motorcycle] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the electric motorcycle 1 is equipped with a battery 11 and a motor 12. The electric motorcycle 1 travels by using electricity stored in the battery 11 to drive the motor 12, which in turn drives the drive wheels 3. The electric motorcycle 1 is equipped with a saddle 5 on which a rider sits. The electric motorcycle 1 is equipped with a thermal management system (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thermal management system") 10 for regulating the temperature of the battery 11 and the saddle 5.

[0029] 2 to 5 are block circuit diagrams showing the operation of the heat management system 10 in this embodiment. The heat management system 10 includes a circulation passage 21 that circulates a liquid medium. An electric pump 13, a power control unit (PCU) 14, an electric heater 15, a battery 11, and a radiator 16 are arranged in series on the circulation passage 21.

[0030] The electric pump 13 operates to pump the liquid medium through the circulation passage 21. The PCU 14 is a unit that integrates a power drive unit (PDU) that converts current from direct current to alternating current and controls the motor 12, a voltage control unit (VCU) that increases the drive voltage of the motor 12 to a predetermined value as necessary, and a motor electronic control unit (motor ECU) that freely controls these. The electric heater 15 operates to heat the liquid medium flowing through the circulation passage 21. The battery 11 is configured to be capable of charging and discharging. The radiator 16 is configured to be able to exchange heat between the liquid medium flowing through the circulation passage 21 and the outside.

[0031] The circulation passage 21 is provided to be able to transfer heat to the battery 11. That is, the circulation passage 21 is configured to be able to transfer heat between the liquid medium flowing inside the circulation passage 21 and the cells that make up the battery 11.

[0032] 2 to 5, the circulation passage 21 is provided with a bypass passage 23 that bypasses the radiator 16. In addition, a first electric switching valve 17 is provided at one of the branch points between the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 to switch the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the circulation passage 21 to the bypass passage 23.

[0033] In this embodiment, the PCU 14 controls the battery 11, the motor 12, the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17. The PCU 14 corresponds to an example of the "control means" of the disclosed technology. The PCU 14 controls the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor 12.

[0034] [Regarding the Saddle and Saddle Passage] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the saddle 5, saddle passage 22, and electric heater 15. The saddle 5 includes a saddle passage 22 through which the liquid medium circulates in the circulation passage 21. The saddle 5 is made of a heat-transferring cushioning material. The saddle passage 22, connected in series and parallel to the circulation passage 21, branches into multiple branch passage sections 22a upstream. Each branch passage section 22a is formed in a coil spring shape and arranged side by side. The branch passage sections 22a merge into one downstream of the saddle passage 22 and are connected in series and parallel to the circulation passage 21. A plate-shaped heat transfer material 7 and a plate-shaped electric heater 15 are arranged directly above each branch passage section 22a. Heat from the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage 22 is transferred to the saddle 5 via the heat transfer material 7 and the electric heater 15. The saddle passage 22 (branch passage section 22a) is arranged directly below the electric heater 15. The heat of the electric heater 15 is transferred to the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage 22 via the heat transfer material 7 and also directly to the saddle 5 .

[0035] [Operation of the Heat Management System] Figure 2 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, electric heater 15, and first electric switching valve 17 in "extremely cold" conditions when the outside air temperature is extremely low (for example, below 0°C), and the flow of liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and bypass passage 23 (see arrows). In extreme cold conditions, the PCU 14 turns on the electric pump 13 and the electric heater 15, and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 bypasses the radiator 16 and flows into the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. In addition, the saddle 5 is warmed by the liquid medium via the saddle passage 22 (see Figure 6).

[0036] 3 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 in "cold weather" when the outside air temperature is slightly low (e.g., 0 to 20°C), and the flow of the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows). In cold weather, the PCU 14 turns the electric pump 13 "ON," turns the electric heater 15 "OFF," and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 bypasses the radiator 16 and flows into the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 also generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. In addition, the saddle 5 is warmed by the liquid medium via the saddle passage 22 (see FIG. 6).

[0037] 4 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 at "normal temperature" when the outside air is at normal temperature (e.g., 20 to 35°C), and the flow of the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows). At normal temperature, the PCU 14 turns "OFF" the electric pump 13, turns "OFF" the electric heater 15, and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 bypasses the radiator 16 and flows into the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 and the battery 11 generate heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric selector valve 17, as well as the flow of the liquid medium through the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows) during a "scorching heat" when the outside air temperature is high (e.g., 35°C or higher) or during a "normal-temperature cooling request" when the PCU 14 and the battery 11 require cooling at normal temperature. In this case, the PCU 14 turns the electric pump 13 "ON" and the electric heater 15 "OFF," and switches the first electric selector valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 flows to the radiator 16 without flowing to the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. The saddle 5 is also cooled by the liquid medium via the saddle passage 22 (see FIG. 6).

[0039] [Operations and Effects of the Thermal Management System] According to the configuration of the thermal management system 10 of this embodiment described above, by operating the electric pump 13 and the electric heater 15, the liquid medium circulates through the circulation passage 21, and the liquid medium is heated by the electric heater 15. The liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage 21 exchanges heat with the battery 11. Furthermore, the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage 21 circulates through the saddle passage 22, thereby exchanging heat between the liquid medium and the saddle 5. Therefore, it is possible to provide a novel thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that can regulate the temperatures of at least both the battery 11 and the saddle 5.

[0040] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the saddle 5 and the saddle passage 22 are disposed with the electric heater 15 sandwiched therebetween, so that the saddle 5 can be heated by both the electric heater 15 and the liquid medium in the saddle passage 22. Furthermore, because the saddle passage 22 is disposed directly below the electric heater 15, the liquid medium heated by the electric heater 15 in the saddle passage 22 circulates through the circulation passage 21. Therefore, the saddle 5 can be effectively heated, and the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage 21 can be effectively heated by the electric heater 15.

[0041] According to the configuration of this embodiment, by switching the first electric switching valve 17, it is possible to selectively perform heat exchange with the liquid medium circulating through the circulation passage 21 in the radiator 16. Therefore, the liquid medium can be cooled by the radiator 16 as needed, and the battery 11 and the saddle 5 can be selectively cooled.

[0042] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the PCU 14 controls the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor 12, thereby circulating a heated or cooled liquid medium to the battery 11 and the saddle 5. Therefore, the battery 11 and the saddle 5 can be selectively heated or cooled in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor 12.

[0043] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, explanations of components equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0044] [About the Heat Management System] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the saddle 5 in the heat management system 10. Fig. 7 is a block circuit diagram showing the heat management system 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, the saddle 5 is not arranged directly above the electric heater 15. In addition, the saddle passage 22 (see Fig. 8) provided in the saddle 5 is connected in series with the circulation passage 21.

[0045] [Regarding the Saddle Passage] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the saddle passage 22 in the saddle 5. The saddle 5 is made of a heat-conductive cushioning material. The saddle passage 22, which is connected in series to the circulation passage 21, branches into three branch passage portions 22b on the upstream side. The three branch passage portions 22b are each bent in a zigzag pattern inside the saddle 5 and arranged parallel to one another. The three branch passage portions 22b merge into one on the downstream side of the saddle passage 22 and are connected in series to the circulation passage 21.

[0046] [Regarding the Functions and Effects of the Heat Management System] According to the configuration of the heat management system 10 of this embodiment described above, the saddle 5 is not positioned directly above the electric heater 15, so the amount of heat transferred to the saddle 5 is less than in the first embodiment. Otherwise, the heat management system 10 of this embodiment has the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0047] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0048] [Charging a Mobile Phone] As with automobiles, motorcycles also have mobile phones attached to the handlebars via holders. Mobile phones are sometimes connected to a charger located near the handlebars via a charging cord to charge the built-in battery. On motorcycles, mobile phones attached to the handlebars are exposed to harsh outdoor conditions. Furthermore, when charging, the mobile phone may be exposed to extreme heat or cold, which can hinder efficient charging and tend to prolong charging times.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, when charging a mobile phone or the like on a motorcycle, the temperature of the mobile phone or the like is adjusted using a heat source provided in the saddle 5, thereby enabling the mobile phone to be charged efficiently.

[0050] [Regarding the Saddle Configuration] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the saddle 5. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram similar to Fig. 6 showing the configuration of the saddle 5, saddle passage 22, electric heater 15, etc. of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a mobile base 31 is provided in a position where the saddle passage 22 can transfer heat. The mobile base 31 is used to place a mobile device 40 having a rechargeable built-in battery 41. In this embodiment, the mobile device 40 can be a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a mobile battery, or the like.

[0051] In this embodiment, the saddle 5 is mainly made of a heat-conductive cushioning material 32. A box 33 is built into the rear of the saddle 5. This box 33 has a chamber 34 inside. The mobile base 31 is placed in this chamber 34. The bottom surface of the mobile base 31 is fixed in surface contact with the electric heater 15. The mobile base 31 is made of a heat-conductive material. The mobile device 40 placed on the mobile base 31 can be held by the mobile base 31 via a holder (not shown). The box 33 has an openable and closable door 35 at the opening of the chamber 34.

[0052] The box 33 is provided with a mobile charger 36 that can be electrically connected to the mobile device 40. The mobile charger 36 includes a USB port 37. The USB port 37 is disposed on an inner wall of the room 34 and can be connected to the mobile device 40 via a charging cord (not shown). The mobile charger 36 is configured to be able to receive power from the battery 11 of the thermal management system 10 via a power cord (not shown).

[0053] [About the Heat Management System] Figures 10 to 12 are block circuit diagrams showing the operation of the heat management system 10 in this embodiment. The configuration of this heat management system 10 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in this embodiment, a saddle 5 and a mobile base 31 are provided on an electric heater 15 in a heat-transferable manner.

[0054] [Operation of the Heat Management System] Figure 10 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 at "normal temperature" when the outside air is at normal temperature (for example, 20 to 35°C), and the flow of the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows). At normal temperature, the PCU 14 turns the electric pump 13 "ON," turns the electric heater 15 "OFF," and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 flows into the bypass passage 23, bypassing the radiator 16. In this case, the PCU 14 and the battery 11 generate heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium.

[0055] 11 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17 in "extremely cold or cold weather" when the outside air temperature is extremely low (e.g., below 0°C), and the flow of the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows). In extremely cold or cold weather, the PCU 14 turns on the electric pump 13 and the electric heater 15, respectively, and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 bypasses the radiator 16 and flows into the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. In addition, the saddle 5 and the mobile base 31 are heated by the liquid medium and the electric heater 15 via the saddle passage 22 (see FIG. 9).

[0056] 12 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, and the first electric switching valve 17, and the flow of the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 and the bypass passage 23 (see arrows) during "extremely hot weather" when the outside air temperature is high (e.g., 35°C or higher) or during "normal-temperature cooling demand" when the PCU 14 and the battery 11 need to be cooled at normal temperature. In this case, the PCU 14 turns the electric pump 13 "ON" and the electric heater 15 "OFF," and switches the first electric switching valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 flows to the radiator 16 without flowing to the bypass passage 23. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. The saddle 5 and the mobile base 31 are also cooled by the liquid medium via the saddle passage 22 (see FIG. 9).

[0057] [Operations and Effects of the Heat Management System] According to the configuration of the heat management system 10 of this embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain basically the same operations and effects as the heat management system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0058] Additionally, in this embodiment, a mobile base 31 for placing the mobile device 40 is provided at a position where the saddle passage 22 allows heat transfer. Therefore, when the mobile device 40 is placed on the mobile base 31, heat is transferred to the mobile device 40 from the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage 22. Furthermore, a mobile charger 36 is provided near the mobile base 31, allowing the internal battery 41 of the mobile device 40 placed on the mobile base 31 to be electrically connected to the USB port 37 of the mobile charger 36. This allows the temperature of the mobile device 40, together with the battery 11 and the saddle 5, to be regulated during charging. Furthermore, when charging the mobile device 40, the mobile device 40 can be efficiently heated or cooled, allowing the internal battery 41 of the mobile device 40 to be efficiently charged and the charging time to be shortened. Particularly in this embodiment, the mobile device 40 is housed in the chamber 34 inside the saddle 5, preventing the mobile device 40 from contacting the outside air. In this sense, the influence of the outside air on the mobile device 40 during charging can be suppressed, and the charging time for the built-in battery 41 of the mobile device 40 can be further shortened.

[0059] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0060] [About the Heat Management System] The configuration of the heat management system 10 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the second embodiment. Figures 13 and 14 are block circuit diagrams showing the operation of the heat management system 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, a base passage 26 through which the liquid medium flows to the mobile base 31 and a battery passage 27 through which the liquid medium flows to the battery 11 are branched downstream of the saddle 5 (saddle passage 22). A second electric switching valve 28 is provided at the branch point between the base passage 26 and the battery passage 27 to switch the circulation passage 21 of the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage 22 to either the base passage 26 or the battery passage 27.

[0061] [Operation of the Heat Management System] Figure 13 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, electric heater 15, first electric selector valve 17, and second electric selector valve 28 in "extremely cold or cold weather" when the outside air temperature is extremely low (for example, below 0°C), and the flow of liquid medium (see arrows) in the circulation passage 21, bypass passage 23, base passage 26, and battery passage 27. In extremely cold or cold weather, the PCU 14 turns "ON" the electric pump 13 and the electric heater 15, and switches the first electric selector valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 bypasses the radiator 16 and flows into the bypass passage 23. The PCU 14 also switches the second electric selector valve 28 so that the liquid medium flows into both the base passage 26 and the battery passage 27. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. In addition, the saddle 5, the battery 11 and the mobile base 31 are heated by the liquid medium flowing through the saddle 5 via the electric heater 15 and the saddle passage 22.

[0062] 14 shows the control states of the electric pump 13, the electric heater 15, the first electric selector valve 17, and the second electric selector valve 28, as well as the flow of the liquid medium (see arrows) through the circulation passage 21, the bypass passage 23, the base passage 26, and the battery passage 27 during a "very hot" period when the outside air temperature is high (e.g., 35°C or higher) or during a "normal-temperature cooling request" period when the PCU 14 and the battery 11 require cooling at normal temperature. In this case, the PCU 14 turns the electric pump 13 "ON" and the electric heater 15 "OFF," and switches the first electric selector valve 17 so that the liquid medium in the circulation passage 21 flows to the radiator 16 without flowing to the bypass passage 23. The PCU 14 also switches the second electric selector valve 28 so that the liquid medium flows to both the base passage 26 and the battery passage 27. In this case, the PCU 14 generates heat, and the heat is transferred to the liquid medium. In addition, the saddle 5, the battery 11, and the mobile base 31 are cooled by the liquid medium flowing into the saddle 5 through the saddle passage 22.

[0063] Here, by adjusting the switching aperture of the second electric switching valve 28, it is possible to set an appropriate flow rate ratio between the liquid medium flowing to the mobile base 31 and the liquid medium flowing to the battery 11. FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the "flow rate ratio" of the liquid medium flowing to the mobile base 31 and the battery 11 for the "charging mode." The flow rate ratio corresponds to the switching aperture of the second electric switching valve 28. In FIG. 15, in charging mode "1," the flow rate ratio to the mobile base 31 is "100%." ​​In charging mode "2," the flow rate ratio to the mobile base 31 is "approximately 20%," and the flow rate ratio to the battery 11 is "approximately 80%." In charging mode "3," the flow rate ratio to the battery 11 is "100%."

[0064] [Operations and Effects of the Heat Management System] According to the configuration of the heat management system 10 of this embodiment described above, it is possible to obtain basically the same operations and effects as the heat management system 10 of the second embodiment.

[0065] Additionally, in this embodiment, the downstream side of the saddle 5 (saddle passage 22) branches into a base passage 26 and a battery passage 27, and the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage 22 is switched by a second electric selector valve 28 to either the base passage 26 or the battery passage 27. Therefore, by switching the second electric selector valve 28 in accordance with the charging status of the mobile device 40 and the outside air temperature, it is possible to change the flow rate ratio of the liquid medium flowing through the base passage 26 and the battery passage 27. This makes it possible to appropriately adjust the temperatures of the mobile device 40 and the battery 11 in accordance with the charging status of the mobile device 40 and the outside air temperature.

[0066] <Other Embodiments> The disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying part of the configuration within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0067] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the radiator 16, the first electric switching valve 17, and the bypass passage 23 are provided in the circulation passage 21, but the radiator 16, the first electric switching valve 17, and the bypass passage 23 may be omitted.

[0068] The disclosed technology can be applied to electric motorcycles.

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electric motorcycle 5 saddle 10 thermal management system 11 battery 12 motor 13 electric pump 14 PCU (control means) 15 electric heater 16 radiator 17 first electric switching valve 21 circulation passage 22 saddle passage 23 bypass passage 26 base passage 27 battery passage 28 second electric switching valve 31 mobile base 36 mobile charger 40 mobile device 41 built-in battery

Claims

1. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle that is provided on an electric motorcycle that travels by driving a motor using electricity charged in a battery, wherein the electric motorcycle has a saddle on which a rider sits, and the thermal management system has: a circulation passage that circulates a liquid medium; an electric pump that pressurizes the liquid medium in the circulation passage; and an electric heater that heats the liquid medium in the circulation passage, the circulation passage being arranged to be able to transfer heat to the battery, and the saddle being provided with a saddle passage through which the liquid medium in the circulation passage circulates.

2. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle as described in claim 1, characterized in that the saddle is disposed directly above the electric heater, and the saddle passage is disposed directly below the electric heater.

3. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the circulation passage is provided with a radiator and a bypass passage that bypasses the radiator, and a first electric switching valve is provided at the branch point between the circulation passage and the bypass passage for switching the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the circulation passage to the bypass passage.

4. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle as described in claim 3, further comprising control means for controlling the battery, the motor, the electric pump, the electric heater and the first electric switching valve, wherein the control means controls the electric pump, the electric heater and the first electric switching valve in accordance with the outside air temperature and the operating state of the motor.

5. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein a mobile base for placing a mobile device having a rechargeable built-in battery is provided at a position where the saddle passage can transfer heat, and a mobile charger that can be electrically connected to the built-in battery of the mobile device is provided near the mobile base, and the mobile charger is configured to be able to receive power from the battery.

6. A thermal management system for an electric motorcycle as described in claim 5, wherein a base passage through which the liquid medium flows to the mobile base and a battery passage through which the liquid medium flows to the battery are branched downstream of the saddle passage, and a second electric switching valve is provided at the branch point between the base passage and the battery passage for switching the flow path of the liquid medium flowing through the saddle passage to either the base passage or the battery passage.

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