JP4687606B2 - Cooling system and automobile - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooling system used for cooling electrical equipment including a power storage device, and an automobile equipped with the cooling system.

  Conventionally, there are a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, an electric vehicle, and the like that travel by driving force from an electric motor. These automobiles are equipped with electric devices such as a battery and a capacitor (condenser) that store electric power supplied to the electric motor, and a DC / DC converter that adjusts the voltage.

  Here, since electric devices, such as a battery, generate | occur | produce heat with this operation | movement, in order to suppress degradation of the electric device by heat_generation | fever, it is necessary to cool an electric device. Thus, there is a cooling fan that supplies air inside or outside the vehicle to the electric device to cool the electric device (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Here, in the configuration in which the air in the vehicle is supplied to the electric device, the cooling efficiency of the electric device can be improved by increasing the driving amount of the cooling fan (in other words, the air supply amount to the electric device). However, as the driving amount of the cooling fan increases, the driving sound (so-called noise) of the cooling fan increases, which may cause discomfort to passengers in the vehicle.

Therefore, when cooling the electrical equipment, the cooling fan is driven within a range that does not cause discomfort to the passenger.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-178815 (paragraph number 0060, FIG. 1, etc.) JP 2004-255960 A (paragraph number 0033, FIG. 1 etc.)

  When there are two or more passengers in the vehicle, it is preferable that the noise level in the vehicle is low so that the passengers can enjoy conversation. On the other hand, if there is only a driver in the vehicle, if the driving amount of the cooling fan is limited, the driver may reduce the cooling performance for the electric equipment even though the driver is not concerned about noise. become.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system capable of improving the cooling performance of electrical equipment while reducing the noise level given to the passenger, and an automobile equipped with this cooling system.

First aspect of the invention is a cooling system used to cool the electrical equipment including the power storage device mounted in the vehicle, control a fan for supplying car air to electrical equipment, the driving of the fan And a control means for acquiring information related to boarding in a seat other than the driver's seat in the vehicle, the control means boarding another seat based on the output of the information acquisition means When it is determined that there is no person, the amount of air supplied to the electrical equipment is increased by increasing the driving amount of the fan .

In addition, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the electrical equipment is provided, and the control means drives the fan in the first state when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and outputs the information to the information acquisition means. If it is determined that there is no passenger in another seat, the fan may be driven in the second state in which the air supply amount to the electrical device is greater than the air supply amount in the first state. it can.

Here, when it is determined that the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value and there is a passenger on another seat based on the output of the information acquisition unit, the driving state of the fan can be maintained in the first state. it can. In addition, air-conditioning means for supplying cooling air to the interior of the vehicle can be provided, and cooling air from the air-conditioning means can be supplied to the electrical equipment via the fan .

Furthermore, in the duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electrical equipment via the fan , the air intake port of this duct can be provided in the upper part of the other seats.

On the other hand, 2nd -4th invention of this application is a cooling system used for cooling of the electric equipment containing the electrical storage apparatus mounted in a vehicle, Comprising: The fan for supplying the air for cooling with respect to an electric equipment, The first duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electric device via the fan , and the second duct for taking the air from a position different from the air intake port of the first duct and guiding the air to the electric device via the fan And a switching means for switching to one of the first and second ducts as a duct through which air supplied to the electrical equipment passes, a control means for controlling the driving of the switching means, and other than the driver's seat in the vehicle and an information obtaining means for obtaining information about the ride to another seat.

Here, when it is determined that there is no passenger to another seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the control means switches to supply air to the electrical equipment using the first duct. When the means is driven and it is determined that there is a passenger to another seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is provided so as to supply air to the electrical equipment using the second duct. To drive . Further, in these cases, it is possible to control the driving of the fan in a direction in which the amount of air supplied to the electrical equipment is increased.

In the second invention of the present application, the air intake port of the first duct is provided in the upper part of the vehicle corresponding to the other seat, and the air intake port of the second duct is provided in the lower part of the vehicle corresponding to the other seat. It is provided to. Present in the third invention, provided with air inlet of the first duct into the passenger compartment is provided with air inlet of the second duct outside the vehicle compartment.

In the fourth invention of the present application, the air intake port of the first duct is provided at a position closer to the rider's ear in a state where the passenger has boarded another seat than the air intake port of the second duct.

Note that the above-described cooling system of the present invention can be mounted on a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and an electric vehicle that can travel by receiving driving force from a power storage device. Moreover, when using the cooling system which is this invention 2nd-4th invention, the air-conditioning means for supplying cooling air in a vehicle can be provided.

According to the first invention of the present application, by changing the driving state of the fan based on the output of the information acquisition means, the air to the electric device is changed according to the presence or absence of a passenger in a seat other than the driver seat. The supply amount can be changed.

Specifically, when there are no passengers in other seats, the cooling efficiency of the electrical equipment can be improved by increasing the amount of air supplied to the electrical equipment. Also, if there is a passenger in the other seat, by suppressing the driving rate of the fan, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect (noise) to the rider by the fan driving sound.

On the other hand, according to the second to fourth inventions of the present application, while the first and second ducts are switched via the switching means based on the output of the information means obtaining means, the electric equipment is always cooled. The adverse effect (noise) on the passenger due to the driving sound of the fan can be suppressed.

Specifically, when a passenger is present in another seat, air is supplied to the electrical equipment using the second duct, so that the driving sound of the fan can hardly reach the passenger. it can. In addition, when there is no passenger in another seat, for example, cooling air in the vehicle can be taken in by supplying air to the electrical equipment using the first duct, thereby cooling the electrical equipment. Efficiency can be improved.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  First, the configuration of an automobile equipped with a cooling system that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The automobile of this embodiment includes an engine 100, a first MG (Motor Generator) 200, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 300, a battery 400 as a power storage device, a second MG 500, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). 600. The operation of the cooling system in the present embodiment is executed based on a program executed by the ECU 600, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the automobile will be described as a hybrid vehicle equipped with the engine 100, but a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, an electric vehicle, or the like may be used instead of the hybrid vehicle.

  The engine 100 burns an air-fuel mixture of fuel and air to rotate a crankshaft (not shown) to generate a driving force. The driving force generated by engine 100 is divided into two paths by power split mechanism 102. One path is a path for driving the wheel 106 via the speed reducer 104. The other path is a path for generating power by driving the first MG 200.

  First MG 200 is driven by the power of engine 100 divided by power split mechanism 102 to generate power. The electric power generated by first MG 200 is selectively used depending on the driving state of the vehicle and the state of charge (SOC) of battery 400. For example, during normal traveling or sudden acceleration, the power generated by the first MG 200 is supplied to the second MG 500 via the PCU 300.

  On the other hand, when the SOC of battery 400 is lower than a predetermined value, the power generated by first MG 200 is converted from AC power to DC power by inverter 302 of PCU 300, and voltage is converted by DC / DC converter 304. Is adjusted and stored in the battery 400.

  The battery 400 is an assembled battery configured by connecting a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are integrated in series. Note that a capacitor may be used instead of the battery 400.

  A part of the electric power stored in the battery 400 is converted into a low voltage value by the DC / DC converter 402 and then supplied to the auxiliary battery 404. The battery 400 generates heat by charging / discharging. The DC / DC converter 402 generates heat as it operates.

Battery 400 and DC / DC converter 402 are cooled by the air supplied from inside the vehicle by driving cooling fan 406 . Here, in the cooling system of the present embodiment, a duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402 via the cooling fan 406 is provided. And the intake port for taking in the air in a vehicle is provided in the rear seat vicinity (specifically, rear upper part of a rear seat) among this duct. In this duct configuration, the driving sound (so-called noise) of the cooling fan 406 may reach the passenger in the rear seat via the duct intake.

  In this embodiment, the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402 as electric devices are cooled using air. However, in addition to the DC / DC converter 402, an inverter (electric device) 302 and a DC / DC converter are used. The DC converter (electric device) 304 may be configured to be cooled, or instead of the DC / DC converter 402, at least one of the inverter 302 and the DC / DC converter 304 may be configured to be cooled. Any configuration that cools at least the battery 400 may be used.

  Second MG 500 is a three-phase AC rotating electric machine. Second MG 500 is driven by at least one of the electric power stored in battery 400 and the electric power generated by first MG 200. The driving force of the second MG 500 is transmitted to the wheel 106 via the speed reducer 104. As a result, second MG 500 assists engine 100 to cause the vehicle to travel, or causes the vehicle to travel only by the driving force from second MG 500.

  At the time of regenerative braking of the automobile, second MG 500 is driven by wheel 106 via reduction gear 104, and second MG 500 operates as a generator. Thus, second MG 500 operates as a regenerative brake that converts braking energy into electric power. The electric power generated by second MG 500 is stored in battery 400 via inverter 302 and DC / DC converter 304.

  The ECU (control means) 600 includes a battery temperature sensor (temperature detection means) 602, a seating sensor (information acquisition means) 606, a vehicle speed sensor 610, a crank position sensor 612, a first rotation speed sensor 614, and a second rotation speed. A sensor 616 is connected.

  Battery temperature sensor 602 detects the temperature of battery 400 and outputs this detection information to ECU 600.

  The seating sensor 606 is provided in the vicinity of the rear seat in the vehicle and is used to detect the presence or absence of a passenger in the rear seat. An output signal from the seating sensor 606 is input to the ECU 600. The seating sensor 606 can be provided corresponding to all seats arranged in the automobile. However, in order to operate the cooling system of the present embodiment as described later, seats other than the driver's seat (specifically, , Rear seats).

  As the seating sensor 606, for example, a load sensor for detecting a load on the seat, or presence / absence of an object by irradiating an object on the seat with infrared light (line) and detecting reflection thereof An infrared sensor capable of detecting the above can be used.

  In this embodiment, the seating sensor 606 is used to determine the presence or absence of a passenger on a seat in the automobile, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can determine the presence or absence of a passenger is used. A configuration can also be used.

  For example, a sensor for detecting opening / closing of a door of a car, a sensor for detecting a seat belt wearing state, a light provided near a seat in the car, an air conditioner, an audio switch, or the like can be used. When a car door is opened or closed or a seat belt is worn, there is a high possibility that a passenger is present in the seat in the car. Can be determined. Even when a switch for operating a light or the like is operated, there is a high possibility that a passenger is present in the vehicle. Therefore, by determining the switch operation state (on / off state, etc.), the rider The presence or absence of can be determined.

  On the other hand, vehicle speed sensor 610 detects the number of rotations of the wheel and outputs this detection information to ECU 600. The crank position sensor 612 is provided facing a timing rotor provided on a crankshaft (not shown), detects the number of rotations of the crankshaft, and outputs this detection information to the ECU 600. First rotation speed sensor 614 detects the rotation speed of first MG 200 and outputs this detection information to ECU 600. Second rotation speed sensor 616 detects the rotation speed of second MG 500 and outputs this detection information to ECU 600.

  ECU 600 outputs signals output from the above-described sensors, vehicle operating conditions, accelerator opening, rate of change in accelerator opening, shift position, SOC and temperature of battery 400, maps and programs stored in memory in ECU 600 The arithmetic processing is performed based on the Thereby, ECU 600 controls the devices mounted on the vehicle so that the vehicle is in a desired driving state.

  Next, the operation of the cooling system in the above-described automobile configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the battery 400 becomes operable with the start of traveling of the automobile, this flow is started.

  In step S1, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406. The driving state of the cooling fan 406 at this time is such that some air is supplied to the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402 (hereinafter referred to as the battery 400 or the like). In the present embodiment, the cooling fan 406 is driven from the start of traveling of the automobile, but the cooling fan 406 may not be driven from this timing. For example, the driving of the cooling fan 406 may be started at a timing when the temperature of the battery 400 becomes equal to or higher than a threshold, as will be described later.

  In step S <b> 2, ECU 600 receives input from battery temperature sensor 602 and acquires temperature information of battery 400. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 602 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. If the detected temperature is lower than the threshold, the process returns to step S1, and if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S4.

  Here, the threshold value in step S3 is a temperature that lowers the charge / discharge function of the battery 400, and is a preset value. For example, the threshold value can be set to 40 ° C.

  In this embodiment, the temperature of the battery 400 is detected using the battery temperature sensor 602. However, in addition to the temperature detection of the battery 400, the temperature of the DC / DC converter 402 may be detected. Then, the driving of the cooling fan 406 may be controlled in consideration of the detected temperature of the DC / DC converter 402.

  In step S4, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 in the first driving state. Here, the first driving state is a driving state higher than the driving state of the cooling fan 406 in step S1 (specifically, the number of rotations of the cooling fan 406), and the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 ( A so-called noise) refers to a driving state that does not cause discomfort to the passenger. The first driving state is set in advance, and ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 based on the setting information.

  In step S5, ECU 600 receives an input from seating sensor 606, and determines whether or not there is a passenger in the rear seat. If it is determined that no passenger is present in the rear seat, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that a passenger is present in the rear seat, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S6, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 in the second driving state. Here, the second drive state is a state in which the drive amount (that is, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 406) is larger than the first drive state in step S4. The driving amount of the cooling fan 406 in the second driving state can be set as appropriate.

  In step S7, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 in the first state. That is, when a passenger is present in the rear seat, the driving state of the cooling fan 406 is maintained in the first driving state set in step S4.

  After the process of step S6 and step S7 is complete | finished, it returns to step S1 and circulates this flow. That is, when the detected temperature in battery 400 is lower than the threshold value, cooling fan 406 is driven in the driving state in step S1. When the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the cooling fan 406 is driven in the first driving state or driven in the second driving state according to the presence or absence of a passenger in the rear seat. .

  According to the cooling system of the present embodiment, the driving state of the cooling fan 406 is changed depending on whether or not a passenger is present in the rear seat, and the noise (cooling fan 406 is given to the passenger in the rear seat). The cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved. That is, when no passenger is present in the rear seat, the cooling fan 406 is driven in the second driving state to supply more air to the battery 400 and the like, thereby cooling the battery 400. Can be improved. On the other hand, when a passenger is present in the rear seat, driving the cooling fan 406 in the first driving state can suppress noise given to the passenger when the cooling fan 406 is driven.

  In this embodiment, since the air intake is provided in the vicinity of the rear seat, the seat sensor 606 is provided in the rear seat to determine the presence or absence of a passenger in the rear seat. The position where the seating sensor 606 is provided can be changed according to the position where the intake port is provided. For example, if an air intake port is provided in the vicinity of the passenger seat, a seating sensor 606 can be provided in the vicinity of the passenger seat in order to detect the presence or absence of a passenger in the passenger seat.

  In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the battery 400 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and a passenger is present in the rear seat, the driving state of the cooling fan 406 is maintained in the first driving state. The cooling fan 406 can also be driven so as to be smaller than the driving amount in the first driving state. In this case, the noise given to the passenger by driving the cooling fan 406 can be further suppressed. However, if the driving amount of the cooling fan 406 is decreased too much, the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 is decreased. Therefore, cooling is performed in a state where a balance between the driving sound (noise) of the cooling fan 406 and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 can be secured. It is preferable to drive the fan 406.

  Here, the automobile is usually provided with an air conditioning mechanism for supplying cooling air into the vehicle, and the cooling air from the air conditioning mechanism can be supplied to the battery 400 via the cooling fan 406. Thus, if the cooling air from the air conditioning mechanism is supplied to the battery 400, the temperature rise of the battery 400 can be suppressed while the driving amount (air supply amount) of the cooling fan 406 is suppressed. Further, by suppressing the driving amount of the cooling fan 406, the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, although the present Example demonstrated the structure which has arrange | positioned the intake port for taking in air in the back seat vicinity, the position which arrange | positions an intake port and the cooling fan 406 is not restricted to this. In other words, the present embodiment can be applied as long as the configuration is such that noise when driving the cooling fan 406 can cause discomfort to the passenger. For example, the present embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which the intake port is arranged in the lower part (foot) of the rear seat.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cooling fan 406 is provided in the vicinity of the rear seat has been described. However, the cooling fan 406 may be disposed at a position different from the rear seat depending on the position of the battery 400 in the vehicle. . Even in this case, the present embodiment can be applied.

  Further, as a mechanism for supplying the air in the vehicle (including the cooling air from the air conditioning mechanism) to the battery 400, there is one described below, for example. The air inside the vehicle is guided to a cooling unit (not shown) and a cooling fan 406 by a duct. Here, the cooling unit cools the air guided from the duct, and this cooling air is guided to the cooling fan 406 through the duct. That is, the air in the vehicle passes through the duct and is directly guided to the cooling fan 406, and the air is guided to the cooling fan 406 through the cooling unit.

  Next, an automobile equipped with a cooling system that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. First, the configuration of the cooling system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, in FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in the first embodiment (FIG. 1). Moreover, in the following description, only a different point from the structure of the motor vehicle in Example 1 is demonstrated.

  In the cooling system of this embodiment, a first duct 701 and a second duct 702 are provided. The first duct 701 has a first intake port 701a for taking in air in the vehicle, and the first intake port 701a is located behind the rear seat 901 in the vehicle as shown in FIG. It is provided in the upper part (near the headrest). The second duct 702 has a second intake port 702a for taking in air in the vehicle, and the second intake port 702a is a lower part of the rear seat 901 in the vehicle as shown in FIG. Is provided.

  The battery 400 is provided behind the rear seat 901.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first duct 701 and the second duct 702 partially have a common duct, and this duct is connected to the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402 via the cooling fan 406. It is connected.

  In addition, a switching damper (switching means) 710 is provided at a connection portion between the first duct 701 and the second duct 702. The switching damper 710 is rotatable between two positions by receiving the driving force of the actuator (switching means) 711. The driving of the actuator 711 is controlled by an ECU (control means) 600.

  When the switching damper 710 is in the first position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3, that is, in a position where the flow of air in the second duct 702 is blocked, the cooling fan 406 is driven so that the air in the vehicle is It is led to the cooling fan 406 side through one duct 701. On the other hand, when the switching damper 710 is in the second position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 3, that is, in the position where the flow of air in the first duct 701 is blocked, the cooling fan 406 is driven to drive the air in the vehicle. Is guided to the cooling fan 406 side through the second duct 702.

  The air that has passed through the cooling fan 406 is guided to the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402 and used to cool the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402.

  As described above, the ECU 600 controls the position of the switching damper 710 via the actuator 711 to switch the air passage led to the battery 400 and the like between the first duct 701 and the second duct 702. be able to. In this embodiment, as described later, the position of the switching damper 710 is switched based on the output signal of the seating sensor 606.

  The automobile of the present embodiment is provided with an air conditioning mechanism, and as shown in FIG. 4, an air outlet 903 for blowing out cooling air is provided in the upper part of the car. When cooling air is blown out from the air outlet 903, most of the cooling air is taken in from the first air inlet 701a located above the second air inlet 702a. In this case, the temperature of the air guided to the battery 400 or the like via the first duct 701 is lower than the temperature of the air guided to the battery 400 or the like via the second duct 702. Therefore, if the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like using the first duct 701, the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 or the like can be improved.

  On the other hand, since the first intake port 701a is arranged at the upper rear part of the rear seat 901, when a passenger is present in the rear seat 901, the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 causes the first duct 701 to pass through. It is easy to reach the rider (specifically, the ear of the rider). Therefore, in this embodiment, as described later, when a passenger is present in the rear seat 901, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like via the second duct 702.

  Thereby, it is possible to suppress discomfort to the passenger of the rear seat 901 due to the driving sound of the cooling fan 406. That is, when a passenger is present in the rear seat 901, by using the second duct 702 in which an intake port (second intake port 702a) for taking in air is located at the feet of the passenger, The driving sound (so-called noise) of the cooling fan 406 is difficult to reach the passenger.

  On the other hand, when no passenger is present in the rear seat 901, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like via the first duct 701. When no passenger is present in the rear seat 901, driving of the cooling fan 406 does not adversely affect the passenger. In addition, by using the first duct 701, as described above, low-temperature air can be supplied to the battery 400 and the like, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the cooling system of the present embodiment (specifically, the control operation of the ECU 600) will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. It is assumed that switching damper 710 is driven to a position indicated by a solid line in FIG.

  In step S11, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406. The driving state of the cooling fan 406 at this time is such that some air is supplied to the battery 400 and the like. As a result, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 and the like via the first duct 701.

  In this embodiment, the cooling fan 406 is driven in step S11. However, as will be described later (see step S14), driving of the cooling fan 406 may be started according to the detected temperature of the battery 400.

  In step S <b> 12, ECU 600 receives the input from battery temperature sensor 602 and detects the temperature of battery 400. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value. This threshold value is a temperature that lowers the charge / discharge function of the battery 400, and is a preset value. For example, the threshold value can be set to 40 ° C. The threshold information can be stored in advance in a memory or the like in ECU 600.

  In step S13, if the detected temperature is lower than the threshold value, the process returns to step S11. If the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 in the first driving state. Here, the first driving state is a driving state higher than the driving state of the cooling fan 406 in the step S11 (specifically, the rotational speed of the cooling fan 406), and the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 ( A so-called noise) refers to a driving state within a range in which the passenger does not feel uncomfortable. The first driving state is set in advance, and ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 based on the setting information.

  In step S <b> 15, the ECU 600 receives an input signal from the seating sensor 606 and determines whether or not there is a passenger in the rear seat 901. If it is determined that there is no passenger in the rear seat 901, the process proceeds to step S16. If it is determined that there is a passenger, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In the present embodiment, the seating sensor 606 is used to determine the presence or absence of a passenger. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as described in the first embodiment, the opening / closing of the door of the automobile is performed. A sensor for detecting, a sensor for detecting the wearing state of the seat belt, or the like can be used.

  In step S16, ECU 600 drives cooling fan 406 in the second driving state. Here, the second drive state is a state in which the drive amount (that is, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 406) is larger than that in the first drive state in step S14. The driving amount of the cooling fan 406 in the second driving state can be set as appropriate.

  Also at this time, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like via the first duct 701. Further, by driving the cooling fan 406 in the second driving state, the amount of air supplied to the battery 400 or the like can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 or the like can be improved.

  In step S17, the ECU 600 controls the drive of the actuator 711 to rotate the switching damper 710 from the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3 to the position indicated by the dotted line. Thereby, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like via the second duct 702.

  At this time, the cooling fan 406 continues to be driven in the first driving state set in step S14, but the driving state of the cooling fan 406 may be changed. Specifically, the cooling fan 406 can be driven at a higher rotational speed than in the first driving state. When the second duct 702 is used, the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 is difficult to reach the passenger of the rear seat 901 through the second intake port 702a. Even if it increases, there is little possibility of adversely affecting passengers. Then, by increasing the driving amount of the cooling fan 406, the amount of air supplied to the battery 400 and the like can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the first and second intake ports 701a and 702a are arranged as shown in FIG. 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the duct 702 having the second intake port 702a, a duct having the intake port 801 can be used. Here, the intake port 801 is located in the trunk room 800 of the automobile (outside the passenger compartment), and the air in the trunk room 800 is supplied to the battery 400 and the like. Further, instead of the duct 702 having the second intake port 702a, a duct having an intake port provided at a position facing the outside of the vehicle (outside the passenger compartment) is used to supply outside air to the battery 400 or the like. You can also.

  Further, instead of the duct 701 having the first intake port 701a, a duct having an intake port 801 provided in the trunk room 800 is used, or a duct having an intake port provided at a position facing the outside of the vehicle. Can be used.

  As described above, when one of the two intakes is provided in the vehicle interior and the other intake port is provided outside the vehicle compartment (in the trunk room or outside the vehicle), generally, Due to the air conditioning mechanism provided, the temperature inside the passenger compartment is often lower than the temperature outside the passenger compartment. In addition, when the intake port is provided in the vehicle interior, the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 may reach the passenger in the vehicle via the intake port.

  For this reason, when there is no passenger in the rear seat 901, the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved by taking in air from the intake port provided in the passenger compartment. In addition, when there is a passenger on the rear seat 901, it is possible to prevent the driving sound of the cooling fan from adversely affecting the passenger by taking in air from the intake port provided outside the passenger compartment. it can.

  When the temperature outside the passenger compartment is lower than the temperature inside the passenger compartment, the battery 400 or the like may be cooled by outside air (air outside the passenger compartment) regardless of the presence or absence of a passenger.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the switching damper 710 is used to switch between the first and second ducts 701 and 702, but the mechanism for switching the ducts is not limited to this. That is, any configuration can be used as long as switching between the first and second ducts 701 and 702 is performed using a blocking member that blocks air passing through the first and second ducts 701 and 702. You can also For example, switching between the first and second ducts 701 and 702 can be performed by sliding the blocking member in a portion where the first and second ducts 701 and 702 are arranged in parallel. .

  According to the present embodiment, depending on the presence or absence of a passenger other than the driver, by properly using ducts provided at different positions, while suppressing the influence of the driving sound (noise) of the cooling fan on the passenger, The cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved.

  That is, when there is no passenger in a seat other than the driver's seat (rear seat 901), by taking air from the second intake port 702a arranged at a position away from the passenger's ear, It is possible to suppress the driving sound of the cooling fan 406 from adversely affecting the passenger. When a passenger is present in a seat other than the driver's seat (rear seat 901), air is taken in from the first intake port 701a arranged at a position where low-temperature air is easily taken in, and a cooling fan By increasing the driving amount (air intake amount) of 406, it is possible to supply more air (low temperature air) suitable for cooling to the battery 400 and the like, and to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like. Can be improved.

  Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, the duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the battery 400 or the like is switched between the first duct 701 and the second duct 702 by using the switching damper 710. In this modification, A cooling fan 406 is provided in each of the two ducts.

  In this configuration, the actuator 711 and the switching damper 710 are omitted from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, and the cooling fan 406 is provided in each of the ducts 701 and 702. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the first and second ducts 701 and 702 have a common duct portion. However, these ducts are configured as separate bodies, and the air in the vehicle is transferred from each duct to the battery. It is good also as a structure led to 400 grade | etc.,.

  In this modification, the ECU 600 controls the first cooling fan provided on the first duct 701 and the second cooling fan provided on the second duct 702 independently. In other words, in the present modification, the ECU 600 as the control means performs two cooling operations based on the output from the seating sensor 606 as the information acquisition means (in other words, the presence or absence of a passenger in a seat other than the driver's seat). The fan drive is switched.

  The operation of the cooling system of this modification will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S21, ECU 600 drives the first cooling fan. The driving state of the first cooling fan at this time is such that some air is supplied to the battery 400 and the like. As a result, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 and the like via the first duct 701.

  In step S22, ECU 600 receives the input from battery temperature sensor 602 and detects the temperature of battery 400. In step S23, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold (similar to the above-described threshold). If the detected temperature is lower than the threshold, the process returns to step S21, and the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold. If there is, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, ECU 600 drives the first cooling fan in the first drive state. Here, the first driving state is a driving state higher than the driving state of the first cooling fan in the step S21 (specifically, the rotational speed of the cooling fan), and the driving of the first cooling fan. A driving state within a range where sound (so-called noise) does not cause discomfort to the passenger. The first driving state is set in advance, and ECU 600 drives the first cooling fan based on the setting information.

  In step S25, the ECU 600 receives the input signal from the seating sensor 606, and determines whether or not there is a passenger in the rear seat 901. If it is determined that there is no passenger in the rear seat 901, the process proceeds to step S26. If it is determined that there is a passenger, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S26, ECU 600 drives the first cooling fan in the second driving state. The second drive state is a state in which the drive amount (that is, the rotation speed of the cooling fan) is larger than that in the first drive state in step S24. The driving amount of the first cooling fan in the second driving state can be set as appropriate.

  As a result, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 and the like via the first duct 701. Further, by driving the first cooling fan in the second driving state, the amount of air supplied to the battery 400 and the like can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved.

  In step S27, the ECU 600 stops driving the first cooling fan and drives the second cooling fan. Thereby, the air in the vehicle is guided to the battery 400 or the like via the second duct 702.

  At this time, the driving state of the second cooling fan can be set as appropriate. However, in the process of step S27, since the detected temperature of the battery 400 is higher than the threshold, it is necessary to drive the second cooling fan so that the temperature of the battery 400 is lower than the threshold.

  In this modification, one of the first and second cooling fans is driven according to whether or not a passenger is present in the rear seat 901. That is, when there is no passenger in the rear seat 901, the first cooling fan is driven to take in air from the first duct 701, so that the low-temperature air is discharged from the battery 400 or the like as described above. The cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved. When a passenger is present in the rear seat 901, the second cooling fan is driven to use the second duct 702, so that the driving sound of the second cooling fan is difficult to reach the passenger. be able to.

  In this modified example, the first and second cooling fans are selectively used depending on the presence or absence of a passenger in the rear seat 901. However, when one cooling fan is driven, the other cooling fan is assisted. Can also be driven.

  For example, when there is no passenger in the rear seat 901, the second cooling fan can also be driven when the first cooling fan is driven. Thereby, the amount of air supplied to the battery 400 and the like can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved. In addition, when a passenger is present in the rear seat 901, the first cooling fan can be driven in an auxiliary manner when the second cooling fan is driven. Also in this case, the amount of air supplied to the battery 400 and the like can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 400 and the like can be improved. Note that when the first cooling fan is driven auxiliary, it is necessary to drive the first cooling fan within a range in which the driving sound of the first cooling fan does not adversely affect the passenger.

  In this embodiment and the modification described above, since the intake ports 701a and 702a are provided in the vicinity of the rear seat 901, the presence or absence of a passenger in the rear seat 901 is determined. This is not a limitation. For example, in the case where the intake port for taking in air is provided in the vicinity of the passenger seat 902 shown in FIG. 4, the presence or absence of a passenger in the passenger seat 902 can be determined.

  3 is a mechanism for supplying air to the battery 400 and the DC / DC converter 402, a duct for supplying air only to the battery 400 and a duct for supplying air only to the DC / DC converter 402. These ducts may be switched according to the temperature state of the battery 400 or the DC / DC converter 402. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply air only to the electrical equipment that needs to be cooled, and it is possible to suppress overcooling of the electrical equipment. In this case, the duct mechanism can be the same as the mechanism shown in FIG. 3 (the mechanism using the switching damper).

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the motor vehicle which is Example 1 of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating drive control of a cooling fan in Embodiment 1. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the cooling system which is Example 2 of this invention. In Example 2, it is the schematic which shows the path | route of the air for cooling. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the cooling system according to the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a cooling system according to a modification of the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

400: Battery 402: DC / DC converter 406: Cooling fan 600: ECU
602: Battery temperature sensor 606: Seating sensor

Claims (11)

A cooling system used for cooling electrical equipment including a power storage device mounted on a car,
A fan for supplying air in the vehicle to the electrical equipment;
Control means for controlling the drive of the fan ;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information related to boarding other than the driver's seat in the vehicle,
When it is determined that there is no passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition unit , the control unit increases the amount of air supplied to the electrical device by increasing the driving amount of the fan. Cooling system characterized by letting Having temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the electrical equipment;
The control means drives the fan in the first state when the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a threshold value,
When it is determined that there is no passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the second air supply amount to the electric device is larger than the air supply amount in the first state. cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that to drive the fan in a state. The control means determines the driving state of the fan when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold and it is determined that there is a passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means. The cooling system according to claim 2 , wherein the cooling system is maintained in a state of 1. Having air-conditioning means for supplying cooling air into the vehicle;
The cooling system according to claim 3 , wherein cooling air from the air-conditioning unit is supplied to the electric equipment via the fan . A duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electric device via the fan ;
The cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein an air intake port in the duct is provided in an upper part of the other seat. A cooling system used for cooling electrical equipment including a power storage device mounted on a car,
A fan for supplying cooling air to the electrical equipment;
A first duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electric device via the fan;
A second duct that takes in air from a position different from the air inlet of the first duct and guides it to the electrical device via the fan;
Switching means for switching to one of the first and second ducts as a duct through which air supplied to the electrical equipment passes;
Control means for controlling the drive of the switching means;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information related to boarding other than the driver's seat in the vehicle,
An air intake port of the first duct is provided in an upper portion of the vehicle corresponding to the other seat, and an air intake port of the second duct is provided in a lower portion of the vehicle corresponding to the other seat. It is and,
The control means includes
If it is determined that there is no passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the first duct. Drive
When it is determined that there is a passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the second duct. A cooling system characterized by being driven . A cooling system used for cooling electrical equipment including a power storage device mounted on a car,
A fan for supplying cooling air to the electrical equipment;
A first duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electric device via the fan;
A second duct that takes in air from a position different from the air inlet of the first duct and guides it to the electrical device via the fan;
Switching means for switching to one of the first and second ducts as a duct through which air supplied to the electrical equipment passes;
Control means for controlling the drive of the switching means;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information related to boarding other than the driver's seat in the vehicle,
An air intake port of the first duct is provided in the vehicle interior, and an air intake port of the second duct is provided outside the vehicle interior ;
The control means includes
If it is determined that there is no passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the first duct. Drive
When it is determined that there is a passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the second duct. A cooling system characterized by being driven . A cooling system used for cooling electrical equipment including a power storage device mounted on a car,
A fan for supplying cooling air to the electrical equipment;
A first duct for guiding the air in the vehicle to the electric device via the fan;
A second duct that takes in air from a position different from the air inlet of the first duct and guides it to the electrical device via the fan;
Switching means for switching to one of the first and second ducts as a duct through which air supplied to the electrical equipment passes;
Control means for controlling the drive of the switching means;
Information acquisition means for acquiring information related to boarding other than the driver's seat in the vehicle,
The air intake port of the first duct is provided at a position closer to the passenger's ear in the state of getting on the other seat than the air intake port of the second duct ,
The control means includes
If it is determined that there is no passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the first duct. Drive
When it is determined that there is a passenger in the other seat based on the output of the information acquisition means, the switching means is configured to supply air to the electrical equipment using the second duct. A cooling system characterized by being driven . When the control means determines that there is no passenger in the other seat, or when it is determined that there is a passenger in the other seat, the control means increases the air supply amount to the electrical device. The cooling system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 , wherein the driving of the fan is controlled. An automobile comprising the cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A cooling system according to any one of claims 6 to 9 ;
An automobile having an air conditioning means for supplying cooling air into the vehicle.