JP6784279B2 - Equipment temperature controller - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of a target device.

Conventionally, a device temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of a target device by a loop type thermosiphon method has been known. For example, the cooling device described in Patent Document 1 is that.

In Patent Document 1, the target device to be cooled by the cooling device is a communication device. The cooling device of Patent Document 1 has an on-off valve provided in the path of a liquid pipe connecting the lower part of the evaporator and the lower part of the condenser. This on-off valve detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the evaporator and performs an opening / closing operation to open / close the liquid pipe.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-9646

Certainly, according to the cooling device of Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent excessive cooling of the target device by operating the on-off valve.

However, in the thermosiphon type equipment temperature control device, evaporation and condensation of the working fluid can occur without power supply, so the on-off valve is a valve that does not use electric power, specifically, there is no open / close operation based on the temperature. It is desirable that the valve can be operated by electric power.

Further, in the cooling device of Patent Document 1, the on-off valve operates based on the temperature on the air path that cools the evaporator, but in this method, a blower is required and the cooling device becomes large. On the other hand, the on-off valve needs to operate according to the temperature of the target device, and the temperature-sensitive portion of the on-off valve that senses the temperature should be arranged in a temperature atmosphere close to the temperature of the target device. Further, in the device temperature control device, the temperature sensitive unit may not always be arranged close to the target device so that the temperature sensitive unit can easily detect the temperature of the target device. As a result of detailed examination by the inventors, the above was found.

In view of the above points, the present invention covers the opening degree of the liquid passage so as to prevent excessive cooling of the target device even if the opening degree adjusting device corresponding to the above-mentioned on-off valve is arranged away from the target device. An object of the present invention is to provide an equipment temperature control device that can be adjusted according to the temperature of the equipment.

In order to achieve the above object, the device temperature control device according to claim 1 is
An equipment temperature control device having a working fluid circuit (10) in which a working fluid circulates and adjusting the temperature of a target device (BP) by a phase change between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the working fluid.
A heat exchanger (12) for equipment, which is included in the working fluid circuit and evaporates the working fluid by absorbing heat from the target device to the working fluid.
A condenser (15) included in the working fluid circuit, located above the heat exchanger for equipment, and condensing the working fluid by dissipating heat from the evaporated working fluid.
A gas passage portion (16) including a gas passage (161) included in the working fluid circuit and in which a gas passage (161) for flowing the working fluid evaporated in the equipment heat exchanger from the equipment heat exchanger to the condenser is formed.
A liquid passage portion (18) included in the working fluid circuit and formed with a liquid passage (181) for flowing the working fluid condensed by the condenser from the condenser to the heat exchanger for equipment.
When the opening increase / decrease portion (221) arranged in the liquid passage and increasing / decreasing the opening degree of the liquid passage and the opening / decreasing portion block the liquid passage, it is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase in the working fluid circuit. opening adjustment device having temperature sensing portion disposed at a position of (225) and (22),
It is included in the working fluid circuit and includes a communication portion (20) in which a communication passage (201) is formed to communicate the downstream side of the working fluid flow and the gas passage with respect to the opening / decreasing portion of the liquid passage .
The temperature sensitive part has a temperature sensitive material (223, 229) having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature, and using the temperature sensitive material, the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive part, the larger the opening degree. It actuates the opening adjuster to,
The merging portion (162) between the gas passage and the connecting passage and the merging portion (182) between the liquid passage and the connecting passage are the working fluids generated in the working fluid circuit when the opening increase / decrease portion blocks the liquid passage. It is located above the liquid level (SF) .

As described above, when the opening increase / decrease portion blocks the liquid passage, the temperature sensing portion is arranged at a portion of the working fluid circuit of the equipment temperature control device that is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase. Therefore, the working fluid evaporated by the heat of the target device is transmitted to the temperature-sensitive part, and the heat is transferred by condensing the working fluid in the temperature-sensitive part. At this time, since the temperature sensitive part is more susceptible to the temperature of the target device than the outside of the device temperature control device, it is reliable even when the temperature of the target device rises, for example, when the ambient temperature of the device temperature control device is low. The temperature of the temperature sensitive part rises. In short, the temperature sensitive part is arranged in an environment where it is easily affected by the heat of the target device but not easily affected by the heat of other devices. Therefore, even if the opening degree adjusting device is arranged away from the target device, the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device can appropriately sense the temperature of the target device.

Then, the temperature sensitive part that senses the temperature of the target device has a temperature sensitive material having physical properties that show a physical change according to the temperature, and the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive part is adjusted by using the temperature sensitive material. The opening increase / decrease part is operated so that the higher the value, the larger the opening of the liquid passage. At this time, since the temperature sensitive portion is on the path through which the working fluid flows, when the temperature of the target device decreases, the temperature of the temperature sensitive portion also decreases. Therefore, the opening increase / decrease portion operates so as to suppress the flow of the working fluid of the liquid phase from the condenser to the heat exchanger for the device as the temperature of the target device decreases. That is, the opening degree of the liquid passage can be adjusted according to the temperature of the target device so as to prevent excessive cooling of the target device.

Further, since a temperature-sensitive material having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature is used to operate the opening increase / decrease portion, it is possible to operate the opening increase / decrease portion without electric power.

The reference reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component or the like indicate an example of the correspondence between the component or the like and the specific component or the like described in the embodiment described later.

It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the fully closed state of the liquid passage. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of II-II of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, showing a positional relationship between an evaporator, a heat conductive material, and an assembled battery. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liquid passage portion and an opening degree adjusting device in the first embodiment, showing a fully closed state of the liquid passage. It is a schematic diagram which illustrated the liquid passage part and the opening degree adjustment apparatus in the cross section in 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the physical property of the temperature sensitive object which the opening degree adjusting apparatus has in 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the relationship between the temperature and the volume of the temperature sensitive object. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 1st Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the state which the liquid passage is fully opened state, and the working fluid circulates. It is an exploded perspective view which showed the schematic structure of the evaporator in 1st Embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the output characteristic of the assembled battery of FIG. It is a graph for demonstrating the input characteristic of the assembled battery of FIG. In the schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment temperature control device of the first embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the path that the working fluid evaporated by an evaporator reaches the temperature sensitive part of an opening degree adjustment device. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 2nd Embodiment, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the device temperature control device in 3rd Embodiment, and is the figure which corresponds to FIG. It is a perspective view which excerpted and schematically showed the evaporator and the assembled battery in 3rd Embodiment. In the schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the equipment temperature control device of the third embodiment, it is a diagram for explaining the path through which the working fluid evaporated by the evaporator reaches the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device. It is a figure corresponding to 10. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 4th Embodiment, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 5th Embodiment, and is the figure which corresponds to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the liquid passage portion and its periphery in the XVII portion of FIG. 16, which corresponds to FIG. 3 and shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the liquid passage portion and its periphery in the XVII portion of FIG. 16, which corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows a fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 6th Embodiment, and is the figure which corresponds to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the liquid passage portion and its periphery in the XX portion of FIG. 19, which corresponds to FIG. 3 and shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the liquid passage portion and its periphery in the XX portion of FIG. 19, which corresponds to FIG. 4 and shows a fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 7th Embodiment, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 8th Embodiment, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. It is a schematic diagram which showed the schematic structure of the apparatus temperature control device in 9th Embodiment, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. 23. In the tenth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 3, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is blocked by a valve body in a fully closed state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state of being. In the tenth embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device is shown in a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 4, showing a state in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. is there. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a cross section of a liquid passage portion and an opening degree adjusting device in a comparative example for explaining the effect of the tenth embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 25. In the eleventh embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device is shown in a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 26, showing a state in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. is there. In the twelfth embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device is shown in a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 28, showing a state in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. is there. In the thirteenth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in cross-sectional view, and is a schematic view corresponding to FIGS. 25 and 26, in which (a) shows the fully open state of the liquid passage and (b) shows. It is the figure which showed the fully closed state of a liquid passage. In the 14th embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view, and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 30; (a) shows the fully open state of the liquid passage and (b) shows the liquid passage. It is the figure which showed the fully closed state. In the fifteenth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 25, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is blocked by the valve body in a fully closed state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state of being. In the fifteenth embodiment, a cross-sectional view of the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device is shown in a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 26, showing a state in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. is there. It is a figure which showed the physical property of the temperature sensitive spring which the opening degree adjusting apparatus has in 15th Embodiment, and is the figure which showed the relationship between the temperature of the temperature sensitive spring, and the thrust. In the 16th embodiment, it is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the condenser which is an air-cooled condenser with built-in the opening degree adjusting device, and is the partial sectional view which cross-sectionally illustrated the opening degree adjusting device and its periphery. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a condenser which is an air-cooled condenser having a built-in opening degree adjusting device, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 35. It is a figure which showed the schematic structure of the condenser which is a refrigerant capacitor with built-in opening degree adjusting device in 18th Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the XXXVIII part of FIG. 19th embodiment is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a condenser which is a water-cooled condenser having a built-in opening degree adjusting device, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 37. It is the figure which showed the XL part of FIG. 39, and is the cross-sectional view which showed the opening degree adjusting apparatus and its periphery in cross section. It is sectional drawing which showed the XXXV-XXXV cross section of FIG. 12 in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. In the first modification of the first embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the amount of the working fluid sealed in the working fluid circuit, and is the figure corresponding to FIG. In the first modification of the tenth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 25, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is a valve body in a fully closed state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state that it is blocked by. In the second modification of the tenth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 26, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state. In the first modification of the eleventh embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 28, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in a fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state. In the second modification of the eleventh embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 28, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in the fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state. In the first modification of the twelfth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 29, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in the fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state. In the second modification of the twelfth embodiment, the liquid passage portion and the opening degree adjusting device are shown in a cross-sectional view and is a schematic view corresponding to FIG. 29, in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is flowing in the fully open state of the liquid passage. It is a figure which showed the state. It is a schematic diagram which showed the 2nd merging part 182 of the liquid passage part 18 and the periphery thereof in the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same or equal parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
The device temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 adjusts the battery temperature of the in-vehicle battery pack BP mounted on the vehicle by cooling the battery pack BP. In short, the device temperature control device 1 is a battery cooling device that cools the assembled battery BP as the target device for temperature control. As the vehicle equipped with the device temperature control device 1, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by a traveling electric motor (not shown) that uses an assembled battery BP as a power source is assumed. In FIG. 1, the assembled battery BP is illustrated by a chain double-dashed line, which is the same in FIGS. 11, 16, 19, 22, 22 to 24, and 42, which will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the assembled battery BP has a plurality of battery cells BC having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The assembled battery BP is composed of a laminated body in which the plurality of battery cells BC are laminated and arranged. Specifically, the plurality of battery cells BC are laminated in predetermined stacking directions DRs. Therefore, the entire assembled battery BP also has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the present embodiment, a total of two assembled battery BPs are provided, one on each side of the device temperature control device 1 on both sides of the evaporator 12.

Then, as a part of the surface of the assembled battery BP, the assembled battery BP includes a battery lower surface BPa which is a downward-facing battery bottom surface BPa and a battery side surface BPb which spreads along the vehicle vertical direction DRg (that is, gravity direction DRg). have. In the present embodiment, the stacking direction DRs of the battery cells BC are in a direction intersecting the vehicle vertical direction DRg, strictly speaking, in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle vertical direction DRg. Further, the stacking direction DRs of the battery cell BC are referred to as cell stacking direction DRs.

The plurality of battery cells BC constituting the assembled battery BP are electrically connected in series. Each battery cell BC constituting the assembled battery BP is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery (for example, a lithium ion battery or a lead storage battery). The battery cell BC is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may have another shape such as a cylindrical shape. Further, the assembled battery BP may be configured to include a battery cell BC electrically connected in parallel.

The assembled battery BP is connected to a power converter and a motor generator (not shown). The power conversion device is, for example, a device that converts a direct current supplied from an assembled battery into an alternating current and supplies (that is, discharges) the converted alternating current to various electric loads such as a traveling electric motor. Further, the motor generator is a device that reversely converts the traveling energy of the vehicle into electric energy at the time of regeneration of the vehicle, and supplies the reversely converted electric energy as regenerative power to the assembled battery BP via an inverter or the like.

Since the assembled battery BP self-heats when power is supplied while the vehicle is running, if the assembled battery BP is not cooled, it is assumed that the assembled battery BP becomes excessively hot due to the self-heating. To. When the temperature of the assembled battery BP becomes excessively high, the deterioration of the battery cell BC is promoted, so that the input / output of the assembled battery BP must be reduced in order to suppress the amount of heat generated by the assembled battery BP. Therefore, a cooling device for maintaining the assembled battery BP below a predetermined temperature is required.

In addition, the power storage device including the assembled battery BP is often arranged under the floor of the vehicle or under the trunk room, and the battery temperature of the assembled battery BP gradually increases not only while the vehicle is running but also when parking in the summer. It may rise and the battery temperature may become excessively high. If the assembled battery BP is left in a high temperature environment, the battery life will be significantly shortened due to the progress of deterioration. Therefore, the battery temperature of the assembled battery BP should be maintained below a predetermined temperature even while the vehicle is parked. Is desired.

Further, the assembled battery BP is composed of a plurality of battery cells BC, but if the temperature of each battery cell BC varies, the degree of deterioration of each battery cell is biased, and the entire assembled battery BP Input / output characteristics deteriorate. This is because the assembled battery BP includes a series connection of the battery cells BC, and the input / output characteristics of the entire assembled battery BP are according to the battery characteristics of the battery cell BC in which the deterioration has progressed most among the battery cells BC. Is decided. Therefore, in order to bring out the desired performance of the assembled battery BP for a long period of time, it is important to equalize the temperature to reduce the temperature variation of each battery cell BC.

As a cooling device for cooling the assembled battery BP, an air-cooled cooler using a blower or the like is generally used.

However, since the air-cooled cooler using the blower only blows the air in the vehicle interior to the assembled battery BP, it may not be possible to obtain sufficient cooling capacity to sufficiently cool the assembled battery BP. Therefore, in the device temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment, a thermosiphon system is adopted in which the assembled battery BP is cooled by natural circulation accompanied by a phase change of the working fluid.

The equipment temperature control device 1 includes a working fluid circuit 10 in which a working fluid circulates. As the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 10, a refrigerant (for example, R134a, R1234yf) used in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is adopted.

The working fluid circuit 10 is a heat pipe that transfers heat by evaporating and condensing the working fluid, and is configured to be a thermosiphon type in which the working fluid naturally circulates due to gravity. Further, the working fluid circuit 10 is configured to have a loop type in which the flow path through which the working fluid in the gas phase flows and the flow path through which the working fluid in the liquid phase flows are separated. That is, the working fluid circuit 10 constitutes a loop type thermosiphon type heat pipe. Since such a working fluid circuit 10 is adopted, the equipment temperature control device 1 adjusts the battery temperature of the assembled battery BP by the phase change between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the working fluid.

As shown in FIG. 1, the working fluid circuit 10 includes an evaporator 12, a condenser 15, a gas passage portion 16, a liquid passage portion 18, and a communication portion 20. Specifically, the working fluid circuit 10 is a closed fluid circuit, and is configured by connecting the evaporator 12, the gas passage portion 16, the condenser 15, and the liquid passage portion 18 in this order in an annular shape. .. Further, a predetermined amount of working fluid is sealed inside the working fluid circuit 10, and the inside of the working fluid circuit 10 is filled with the working fluid.

The evaporator 12 is a heat exchanger for equipment that exchanges heat between the working fluid flowing in the evaporator 12 and the assembled battery BP. That is, the evaporator 12 absorbs heat from the assembled battery BP to the working fluid of the liquid phase as the working fluid circulates in the working fluid circuit 10, thereby evaporating the working fluid of the liquid phase.

The evaporator 12 is arranged below the condenser 15. As a result, the working fluid of the liquid phase is accumulated in the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10 including the evaporator 12 by gravity. The detailed structure of the evaporator 12 will be described later.

The condenser 15 is a heat exchanger that condenses the working fluid of the gas phase evaporated by the evaporator 12. In other words, the condenser 15 is a radiator that condenses the working fluid by radiating heat from the working fluid evaporated by the evaporator 12.

The condenser 15 dissipates heat from the working fluid by exchanging heat between the outside air such as running wind and the working fluid.

The gas passage portion 16 guides the working fluid of the gas phase evaporated in the evaporator 12 to the condenser 15. The gas passage portion 16 is composed of, for example, a piping member or the like, and a gas passage 161 which is a flow passage through which a working fluid flows is formed inside the gas passage portion 16. The gas passage 161 causes the working fluid evaporated by the evaporator 12 to flow from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 15. Further, the lower end of the gas passage 16 is connected to the evaporator 12, and the upper end of the gas passage 16 is connected to the upper part of the condenser 15.

The liquid passage portion 18 guides the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed by the condenser 15 to the evaporator 12. The liquid passage portion 18 is composed of, for example, a piping member or the like, and a liquid passage 181 which is a flow passage through which a working fluid flows is formed inside the liquid passage portion 18. The liquid passage 181 allows the working fluid condensed by the condenser 15 to flow from the condenser 15 to the evaporator 12. Further, the lower end portion of the liquid passage portion 18 is connected to the evaporator 12, and the upper end portion of the liquid passage portion 18 is connected to the lower portion of the condenser 15.

Further, the equipment temperature control device 1 includes an opening degree adjusting device 22 that increases or decreases the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 according to the sensed temperature. The opening degree adjusting device 22 is a temperature-sensitive valve that increases the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 as the sensed temperature increases. The opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is the degree of opening of the liquid passage 181, and the opening degree adjusting device 22 is between the minimum opening degree which is 0% opening degree and the maximum opening degree which is 100% opening degree. , Adjust the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. The larger the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is, the easier it is for the working fluid of the liquid passage 181 to flow from the condenser 15 to the evaporator 12.

If the opening degree adjusting device 22 blocks, for example, the liquid passage 181 the working fluid condensed by the condenser 15 is accumulated in the condenser 15, and the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the condenser 15 is increased in the condenser 15. Heat exchange is less likely to occur. That is, the opening degree adjusting device 22 works to stop the heat exchange in the condenser 15 by blocking the liquid passage 181.

In the present embodiment, when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 becomes the minimum opening degree, the liquid passage 181 is blocked, and the flow of the working fluid from the condenser 15 to the evaporator 12 is blocked. When the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 reaches the maximum opening degree, the working fluid of the liquid passage 181 passes through the opening degree adjusting device 22 without being substantially throttled by the opening degree adjusting device 22.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening degree adjusting device 22 includes a valve body 221, a device main body 222, a temperature sensitive object 223, and an operating pin 224. Further, the entire opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged in the liquid passage 181. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is the minimum opening degree, that is, a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is the maximum opening degree, that is, a fully open state of the liquid passage 181.

The valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 functions as an opening degree increasing / decreasing portion for increasing / decreasing the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. The valve body 221 is non-movably connected to the actuating pin 224. Then, the valve body 221 moves in the axial direction of the operating pin 224 together with the operating pin 224, thereby increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the liquid passage 181.

The apparatus main body 222 has a temperature-sensitive material accommodating portion 222a for accommodating the temperature-sensitive material 223 and a pin guide portion 222b for guiding the operating pin 224 in the axial direction thereof. Further, the apparatus main body 222 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy so that the heat outside the temperature sensitive material accommodating portion 222a is satisfactorily transferred to the temperature sensitive material 223. The apparatus main body 222 is fixed to the liquid passage portion 18. The apparatus main body 222 and the temperature sensitive object 223 are arranged on the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the valve body 221 in the liquid passage 181.

For example, in the present embodiment, the portion of the liquid passage 181 in which the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged is formed so as to extend in the vehicle vertical direction DRg, and the axial direction of the operating pin 224 is oriented along the vehicle vertical direction DRg. ing. The device main body 222 and the temperature sensitive object 223 are arranged below the valve body 221.

The temperature sensitive material 223 has physical properties that show a physical change depending on the temperature. Various physical properties can be assumed as the physical properties of the temperature sensitive material 223, but the physical properties of the temperature sensitive material 223 in the present embodiment are physical properties that increase in volume as the temperature of the temperature sensitive material 223 itself increases. That is, the temperature-sensitive material 223 of the present embodiment is a thermal expansion body whose volume increases as the temperature of the temperature-sensitive material 223 itself increases.

For example, the temperature sensitive material 223 has physical properties as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature-sensitive material 223 rapidly changes in volume at a certain temperature. The opening degree adjusting device 22 is configured such that the liquid passage 181 is fully opened when the temperature of the temperature sensitive object 223 reaches a predetermined fully open temperature TP1.

Further, the temperature sensitive material 223 and the temperature sensitive material accommodating portion 222a constitute a temperature sensitive unit 225 that senses the temperature and operates the valve body 221. The higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225, the larger the volume of the temperature sensitive object 223.

Specifically, the actuating pin 224 is inserted into the pin guide portion 222b so as to be relatively movable, one end of the actuating pin 224 is connected to the temperature sensitive object 223, and the other end of the actuating pin 224 is connected to the valve body 221. ing. Then, the volume change of the temperature sensitive object 223 is transmitted to the valve body 221 via the operating pin 224. Therefore, as the volume of the temperature sensitive object 223 increases, the valve body 221 increases the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. In other words, the temperature sensitive unit 225 uses the temperature sensitive material 223 to operate the valve body 221 so that the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 increases as the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive unit 225 increases.

For example, when the heat generation of the assembled battery BP is stopped or almost stopped, the temperature of the temperature sensitive object 223 falls below the temperature threshold slightly lower than the fully open temperature TP1 of FIG. 5, thereby, as shown in FIG. The volume of the temperature sensitive object 223 is reduced, and the valve body 221 blocks the liquid passage 181. In short, when the temperature sensitive portion 225 cools below the above temperature threshold value, the valve body 221 closes the liquid passage 181.

On the contrary, when the heat generation of the assembled battery BP becomes large to some extent, the temperature of the temperature sensitive object 223 becomes equal to or higher than the fully open temperature TP1 in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the volume of the temperature sensitive material 223 increases, and the temperature sensitive material 223 pushes up the operating pin 224 and the valve body 221. Therefore, the valve body 221 opens the liquid passage 181. In short, when the temperature sensitive portion 225 warms up to the fully open temperature TP1 or higher due to the heat generated by the assembled battery BP, the valve body 221 opens the liquid passage 181.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the valve body 221 closes the liquid passage 181, that is, when the liquid passage 181 is fully closed by the valve body 221, the valve in the liquid passage 181 The upstream side of the working fluid flow from the body 221 is filled with the working fluid of the liquid phase. On the other hand, in the liquid passage 181 around the temperature sensitive portion 225 located on the downstream side of the working fluid flow from the valve body 221 is filled with the working fluid of the gas phase. That is, the temperature sensitive portion 225 is arranged in the working fluid circuit 10 at a position where the valve body 221 is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase when the liquid passage 181 is blocked.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 20 guides the working fluid of the gas phase in the gas passage 161 to the opening degree adjusting device 22 via the liquid passage 181. The communication portion 20 is composed of, for example, a piping member or the like, and a communication passage 201, which is a flow passage through which a working fluid flows, is formed inside the communication portion 20. The communication passage 201 communicates the gas passage 161 with the working fluid flow downstream side of the liquid passage 181 with respect to the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22. That is, one end of the communication passage 201 is connected to the gas passage 161. The other end of the communication passage 201 is connected to the downstream side of the working fluid flow of the liquid passage 181 with respect to the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22.

Since the communication passage 201 is connected to each of the gas passage 161 and the liquid passage 181 in this way, the gas passage portion 16 has a first merging portion 162 which is a merging portion between the gas passage 161 and the communication passage 201. doing. The liquid passage portion 18 has a second merging portion 182 that is a merging portion between the liquid passage 181 and the communication passage 201. Since the communication passage 201 is connected to the downstream side of the working fluid flow of the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 in the liquid passage 181, the second merging portion 182 is the opening degree adjusting device in the liquid passage 181. It is located on the downstream side of the working fluid flow from the valve body 221 of 22. Further, the second merging portion 182 is located below the valve body 221 from the installation direction of the opening degree adjusting device 22.

Further, the communication portion 20 is formed so that the communication passage 201 extends horizontally or upward from the horizontal from the second merging portion 182. In the present embodiment, the communication passage 201 extends in the horizontal direction from the second confluence portion 182.

Further, when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is the maximum opening degree, the working fluid of the gas phase flowing from the evaporator 12 to the first confluence portion 162 flows to the communication passage 201 rather than flowing to the gas passage 161. The communication passage 201 is formed so as to facilitate the flow of the working fluid to the downstream side of the confluence portion 162. In other words, the gas phase working fluid flowing from the evaporator 12 to the first confluence portion 162 flows to the gas passage 161 rather than to the communication passage 201 when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is set to the maximum opening. The communication passage 201 is formed so as to facilitate the flow to the condenser 15 through the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the first confluence portion 162.

For example, in the present embodiment, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage 201 is significantly smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of the gas passage 161. As a result, the first path from the first confluence portion 162 to the second confluence portion 182 through the gas passage 161, the condenser 15, and the liquid passage 181 in order, and the first path from the first confluence portion 162 through the communication passage 201 There is a difference in pressure loss from the second path leading to the two confluence portion 182. More specifically, when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is set to the maximum opening degree, that is, when the liquid passage 181 is fully opened, the pressure loss when the working fluid of the gas phase flows through the first path is larger. The working fluid in the gas phase is smaller than the pressure loss when flowing through the second path. As a result, as described above, the working fluid of the gas phase flows through the gas passage 161 on the downstream side of the working fluid flow from the first merging portion 162, rather than flowing from the first merging portion 162 to the communication passage 201. It is easy to flow up to 15.

Subsequently, the basic operation of the device temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the assembly battery BP is not shown in FIG. 6, and this also applies to FIG. 10 described later.

In the device temperature control device 1, when the battery temperature of the assembled battery BP rises due to self-heating or the like while the vehicle is running, the heat of the assembled battery BP is transferred to the evaporator 12. In the evaporator 12, a part of the working fluid in the liquid phase evaporates by absorbing heat from the assembled battery BP. The assembled battery BP is cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the working fluid existing inside the evaporator 12, and the temperature of the assembled battery BP is lowered.

Then, when the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 rises due to the evaporation of the working fluid, the opening degree adjusting device 22 opens the liquid passage 181 so that the working fluid of the liquid phase in the condenser 15 becomes liquid. It becomes possible to flow to the evaporator 12 through the passage 181.

When the liquid passage 181 is opened in this way, the working fluid evaporated in the evaporator 12 rises in the evaporator 12 as shown by an arrow FLe, and flows out from the evaporator 12 to the gas passage 161. Then, the evaporated working fluid moves from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 15 via the gas passage 161 as shown by the arrow FL1 in FIG.

In the condenser 15, the working fluid of the gas phase dissipates heat, so that the working fluid of the gas phase is condensed. The working fluid of the condensed liquid phase descends due to gravity as shown by the arrow FLc. As a result, the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed in the condenser 15 flows out from the condenser 15 to the liquid passage 181 and moves to the evaporator 12 through the liquid passage 181 as shown by the arrow FL2 in FIG. Then, in the evaporator 12, a part of the working fluid of the inflowing liquid phase absorbs heat from the assembled battery BP and evaporates.

In this way, in the equipment temperature control device 1, when the working fluid of the evaporator 12 is heated by the assembled battery BP and the opening degree adjusting device 22 opens the liquid passage 181, the working fluid is between the evaporator 12 and the condenser 15. Since the circulation of the fluid is started, the cooling of the assembled battery BP is started. Then, when the working fluid circulates in this way, heat is transported from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 15 while the working fluid undergoes a phase change between a gas state and a liquid state, whereby the assembled battery BP is cooled.

Further, when the heat generation of the assembled battery BP stops and the opening degree adjusting device 22 blocks the liquid passage 181, the circulation of the working fluid between the evaporator 12 and the condenser 15 stops, so that the assembled battery BP is also cooled. Stop.

The equipment temperature control device 1 is configured such that the working fluid naturally circulates inside the working fluid circuit 10 even if there is no driving force required for circulating the working fluid by a compressor or the like. Therefore, the device temperature control device 1 can realize efficient cooling of the assembled battery BP while suppressing both power consumption and noise.

Next, the structure of the evaporator 12 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the evaporator 12 has a heat exchange unit 40, a liquid supply unit 42 connected to the lower end of the heat exchange unit 40, and a fluid outflow connected to the upper end of the heat exchange unit 40. It is provided with a unit 44. The fluid outflow unit 44 is arranged above the liquid supply unit 42 and the heat exchange unit 40, and the liquid supply unit 42 is arranged below the fluid outflow unit 44 and the heat exchange unit 40.

The heat exchange unit 40 is thermally conductively connected to the battery side surface BPb of the assembled battery BP. In other words, the heat exchange unit 40 is thermally connected to the assembled battery BP. Specifically, the heat exchange unit 40 is thermally conductively connected to the assembled battery BP by coming into contact with the heat conductive material 38 interposed between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP. For example, in order to increase the thermal conductivity between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP, the heat exchange unit 40 is held in a state of being pressed against the assembled battery BP.

The heat conductive material 38 has electrical insulation and high heat conductivity, and is sandwiched between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP in order to increase the heat conductivity between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP. There is. For example, as the heat conductive material 38, grease or a sheet-like material is adopted. If the electrical insulation and thermal conductivity between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP are sufficiently ensured, the heat conductive material 38 is not provided and the heat exchange unit 40 is used as the assembled battery BP. It does not matter if it is in direct contact with.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, a plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 extending in the vehicle vertical direction DRg are formed inside the heat exchange unit 40. In other words, each of the plurality of evaporation channels 401 extends from the bottom to the top along the battery side surface BPb.

Then, the heat exchange unit 40 evaporates the working fluid flowing in the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 by the heat of the assembled battery BP. That is, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing into the evaporation flow path 401 boils and vaporizes in the evaporation flow path 401 while flowing through the evaporation flow path 401. In FIG. 7, the battery cell BC is shown by a two-dot chain line for easy viewing, and the heat conductive material 38 is shown and a part of the plurality of battery cells BC included in the assembled battery BP is shown. Is omitted. This also applies to FIG. 13 described later.

Inside the liquid supply unit 42, a supply flow path 421 extending in the cell stacking direction DRs is formed. Further, inside the fluid outflow portion 44, an outflow flow path 441 extending in the cell stacking direction DRs is formed.

Focusing on the constituent members of the evaporator 12, the heat exchange section 40 is composed of a plurality of multi-hole tubes 50 arranged side by side in the cell stacking direction DRs. The liquid supply unit 42 and the fluid outflow unit 44 are each composed of tubular members extending in the cell stacking direction DRs. The liquid supply section 42, the fluid outflow section 44, and the plurality of multi-hole pipes 50 are made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, and are joined to each other by brazing or the like.

The multi-hole pipe 50 is a flat multi-hole pipe formed by extrusion molding or the like. The multi-hole pipe 50 is formed so as to spread in a plane in the vehicle vertical direction DRg and the cell stacking direction DRs, and has one end 50a at the lower end and the other end 50b at the upper end. Inside the multi-hole tube 50, a plurality of communication holes are formed so as to be separated from each other and arranged side by side in the cell stacking direction DRs. The plurality of communication holes are provided as a plurality of evaporation channels 401.

The communication holes as the evaporation flow path 401 penetrate from one end 50a to the other end 50b of the multi-hole pipe 50, and are opened at one end 50a and the other end 50b, respectively. In short, the evaporation flow path 401 is formed as a through hole extending from one end 50a to the other end 50b of the multi-hole pipe 50.

The internal space of the tubular member constituting the liquid supply unit 42 is the supply flow path 421. Further, the internal space of the tubular member constituting the fluid outflow portion 44 is an outflow flow path 441.

One ends 50a of the plurality of multi-hole pipes 50 are joined to the liquid supply section 42, so that the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 communicate with each other to the supply flow path 421. Further, the other ends 50b of the plurality of multi-hole pipes 50 are joined to the fluid outflow portion 44, so that the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 communicate with each other to the outflow flow path 441.

Further, the liquid supply unit 42 has a fluid inlet portion 422 as a lower connection portion to which the liquid passage 181 is connected at one end of the cell stacking direction DRs. The liquid passage 181 communicates with the supply flow path 421 via the fluid inlet portion 422, and the working fluid of the liquid passage 181 reaches the supply flow path 421 via the fluid inlet portion 422 as shown by the arrow Fi in FIG. It flows. Further, in the liquid supply unit 42, the other end of the cell stacking direction DRs is closed.

Further, the fluid outflow portion 44 has a fluid outlet portion 442 as an upper connecting portion to which the gas passage 161 is connected at one end of the cell stacking direction DRs. The gas passage 161 communicates with the outflow flow path 441 via the fluid outlet portion 442, and the working fluid of the outflow flow path 441 reaches the gas passage 161 via the fluid outlet portion 442 as shown by the arrow Fo in FIG. It flows. Further, in the fluid outflow portion 44, the other end of the cell stacking direction DRs is closed.

Further, since the liquid supply unit 42 is provided below the heat exchange unit 40 and the fluid outflow unit 44 is provided above the heat exchange unit 40, the fluid inlet unit 422 is arranged below the fluid outlet unit 442. Has been done.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, that is, a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181. As shown in FIG. 1, the amount of the working fluid sealed in the working fluid circuit 10 is such that the working fluid of the liquid phase is the assembled battery even when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181. It is a predetermined amount that can receive heat from the BP. Specifically, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the working fluid circuit 10 is provided with an encapsulating amount of working fluid sufficient for the working fluid of the liquid phase to exist in the heat exchange unit 40. Is enclosed.

For example, in the present embodiment, the filling amount of the working fluid is set so that the liquid level SF of the working fluid is located in the middle of the range occupied by the heat exchange unit 40 in the vehicle vertical DRg in the fully closed state of the liquid passage 181. ing. When the liquid passage 181 is fully closed, the working fluid condensed by the condenser 15 is blocked by the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22, so that, for example, the condenser 15 is moved from the position of the valve body 221. The upper end will be filled with the working fluid of the liquid phase.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first merging portion 162 and the second merging portion 182 provided at both ends of the communication portion 20 are used when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181. It is arranged above the liquid level SF of the working fluid generated in the working fluid circuit 10.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22, the valve body 221 of the working fluid circuit 10 closes the liquid passage 181. It is placed in a place where it is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase. Therefore, when the working fluid evaporates due to the heat of the assembled battery BP, the working fluid of the gas phase is transmitted to around the temperature sensitive portion 225. Therefore, even if the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged away from the assembled battery BP, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 can appropriately sense the temperature of the assembled battery BP.

Specifically, the working fluid of the gas phase that has been evaporated by obtaining the heat of the assembled battery BP is condensed by the temperature sensitive unit 225, and the temperature of the temperature sensitive unit 225 rises with the condensation. It is possible to appropriately sense the temperature of the assembled battery BP.

Then, the temperature sensitive unit 225 that senses the temperature of the assembled battery BP has a temperature sensitive material 223 having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature, and the temperature sensitive unit 223 is used to obtain the temperature sensitive unit 223. The valve body 221 is operated so that the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 increases as the ambient temperature of 225 increases. In other words, the temperature sensitive portion 225 causes the valve body 221 to undergo a physical change according to the temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 223, so that the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225, the larger the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. The valve body 221 is operated as described above. Therefore, the valve body 221 operates so as to suppress the flow of the working fluid of the liquid phase from the condenser 15 to the evaporator 12 as the temperature of the assembled battery BP is lower. That is, the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 can be adjusted according to the temperature of the assembled battery BP so as to prevent excessive cooling of the assembled battery BP.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the temperature of the assembled battery BP becomes lower than the predetermined optimum temperature range, the internal resistance of the assembled battery BP increases, and the output characteristics and input characteristics of the assembled battery BP are increased. Decrease together. Further, when the temperature of the assembled battery BP becomes higher than the predetermined optimum temperature range, the deterioration of the assembled battery BP is likely to be promoted. Therefore, the input / output of the assembled battery BP must be reduced in order to suppress the heat generation amount of the assembled battery BP. Will not get. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present embodiment, the output characteristic and the input characteristic of the assembled battery BP are appropriately secured by preventing the assembled battery BP from being excessively cooled by the opening degree adjusting device 22. Is possible.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the opening degree adjusting device 22, the temperature sensitive object 223 having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature operates the valve body 221. Since it is used, it is possible to operate the valve body 221 without electric power. This makes it possible to avoid power consumption by the opening degree adjusting device 22. Further, even in a situation where the device temperature control device 1 cannot receive power supply such as when parking, the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 can be operated according to the temperature of the assembled battery BP. In addition, since power is not consumed to operate the valve body 221, it is possible to contribute to power saving of the vehicle.

For example, in a situation where the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 operates so as to open the liquid passage 181 from the fully closed state of the liquid passage 181, the temperature of the assembled battery BP when the assembled battery BP is used in winter. It is assumed that the temperature rises and the battery BP needs to be cooled.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the working fluid circuit 10 includes a communication portion 20, and the communication portion 20 is formed with a communication passage 201 through which the working fluid flows. There is. The communication passage 201 communicates the gas passage 161 with the working fluid flow downstream side of the liquid passage 181 with respect to the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22. The merging portion 162 between the gas passage 161 and the connecting passage 201 and the merging portion 182 between the liquid passage 181 and the connecting passage 201 are the working fluids when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181. It is arranged above the liquid level SF of the working fluid generated in the circuit 10.

Therefore, the working fluid evaporated in the evaporator 12 due to the heat of the assembled battery BP is passed through the communication passage 201 and bypassing the condenser 15 as shown by the arrow Ah in FIG. 10, and the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is used. It is possible to send to. That is, the working fluid evaporated by the evaporator 12 (specifically, the working fluid of the gas phase corresponding to the battery temperature) is not hindered by the working fluid of the liquid phase in the condenser 15, and the opening degree adjusting device 22 It is possible to reach the temperature sensitive part 225. Therefore, when the liquid passage 181 is changed from the fully closed state to the fully open state, it is possible to operate the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 so as to open the liquid passage 181 with good response to the battery temperature. ..

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is the maximum opening degree of the working fluid of the gas phase flowing from the evaporator 12 to the first confluence portion 162, The communication passage 201 is formed so as to flow more easily to the condenser 15 through the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the first merging portion 162 of the gas passage 161 than to flow to the communication passage 201.

Therefore, during the normal cooling operation in which the liquid passage 181 is opened and the working fluid circulates between the condenser 15 and the evaporator 12, the flow rate of the working fluid in the gas phase that flows to the communication passage 201 and bypasses the condenser 15 is suppressed. be able to. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in cooling capacity due to the flow of the working fluid bypassing the condenser 15.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the communication passage 201 extends in the horizontal direction from the confluence portion 182 of the liquid passage 181 and the communication passage 201. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the extension direction of the communication passage 201 from the merging portion 182 is downward from the horizontal direction, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing down the liquid passage 181 is liquid at the merging portion 182. It is possible to prevent the fluid from flowing out of the passage 181 and into the continuous passage 201.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged on the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181 with respect to the valve body 221. The fluid. Therefore, with the opening degree adjusting device 22 having a simple configuration, the temperature sensing unit 225 can be arranged at a portion of the working fluid circuit 10 exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the evaporator 12 is electrically conductively connected to the assembled battery BP, and the heat exchange unit 40 evaporates the working fluid by the heat of the assembled battery BP. have. Then, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181 and the working fluid circuit 10 is filled with a sufficient amount of working fluid so that the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange unit 40. Has been done. To put it simply, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange unit 40. Therefore, when the liquid passage 181 is blocked by the valve body 221, it is possible to improve the followability of the operation of the valve body 221 opening the liquid passage 181 in response to the temperature rise of the assembled battery BP.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the temperature sensitive object 223 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is a thermal expansion body having physical properties that increase in volume as the temperature increases. The higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225, the larger the volume of the temperature sensitive material 223, and the larger the volume of the temperature sensitive material 223, the larger the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 of the valve body 221. Therefore, it is easy to connect the volume change, which is the physical change of the temperature sensitive object 223, to the operation of the valve body 221. Therefore, it is easy to make the opening degree adjusting device 22 a simple structure.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the evaporator 12 has a fluid outlet portion 442 to which the gas passage 161 is connected and a fluid inlet portion 422 to which the liquid passage 181 is connected. Have. The fluid inlet portion 422 is arranged below the fluid outlet portion 442. Therefore, when the liquid passage 181 is fully closed, the working fluid of the gas phase that receives heat from the assembled battery BP in the evaporator 12 flows out exclusively from the fluid outlet portion 442. Therefore, the working fluid of the gas phase that receives heat from the assembled battery BP easily reaches the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 via the communication passage 201. For this reason, when the liquid passage 181 is transitioned from the fully closed state to the fully open state, the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is operated so as to open the liquid passage 181 with good response to the battery temperature. Is possible.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the target device to be cooled by the device temperature control device 1 is an in-vehicle assembled battery BP. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the input / output characteristics of the assembled battery BP from being impaired due to overcooling of the assembled battery BP.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described. In addition, the same or equivalent parts as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted or simplified. This also applies to the description of the embodiment described later.

As shown in FIG. 11, the working fluid circuit 10 of the present embodiment does not have the communication portion 20 of FIG. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

In this embodiment as well as in the first embodiment, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase when the valve body 221 of the working fluid circuit 10 blocks the liquid passage 181. It is placed in the place where it is used. Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, the response to the increase in the battery temperature is poor because the communication unit 20 is not provided, but the temperature sensitive unit 225 can also detect the increase in the battery temperature in the present embodiment. It is possible.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the evaporator 12 of the present embodiment, the positions of the fluid inlet portion 422 and the fluid outlet portion 442 in the vehicle vertical DRg are substantially the same as each other for heat exchange for horizontal equipment. It is a vessel. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a fully open state of the liquid passage 181.

Specifically, the evaporator 12 of the present embodiment has a flat cross-sectional shape with the vehicle vertical DRg in the lateral direction, and has a heat exchange section 40, but the liquid supply section 42 and the fluid outflow section in FIG. Does not have 44. Therefore, the fluid inlet portion 422 is provided at one end of the heat exchange portion 40 in the cell stacking direction DRs, and the fluid outlet portion 442 is provided at the other end of the heat exchange portion 40 in the cell stacking direction DRs. There is.

Further, the heat exchange unit 40 of the evaporator 12 is arranged below the assembled battery BP, and is electrically conductively connected to the lower surface BPa of the assembled battery BP. For example, the heat exchange unit 40 is connected to the assembled battery BP with a heat conductive material 38 sandwiched between the heat exchange unit 40 and the battery lower surface BPa.

In this embodiment as well as in the first embodiment, when the opening degree adjusting device 22 opens the liquid passage 181 the working fluid is accompanied by evaporation in the evaporator 12 and condensation in the condenser 15. Then, it circulates in the working fluid circuit 10 as shown by the arrows FLe, FL1, and FLc.

Further, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is the working fluid of the gas phase when the valve body 221 of the working fluid circuit 10 closes the liquid passage 181. It is placed in a place exposed to. Therefore, the working fluid evaporated in the evaporator 12 due to the heat of the assembled battery BP can reach the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 from the liquid passage 181 as shown by the arrow A1h in FIG. At the same time, since the communication portion 20 is provided in the present embodiment, the evaporated working fluid passes from the gas passage 161 through the communication passage 201 and bypasses the condenser 15 as shown by the arrow A2h in FIG. It can also reach the temperature sensitive part 225.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described third embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the working fluid circuit 10 of this embodiment does not have the communication portion 20 of FIG. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the third embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a fully open state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

In this embodiment as well as in the third embodiment, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase when the valve body 221 of the working fluid circuit 10 blocks the liquid passage 181. It is placed in the place where it is used. Therefore, as compared with the third embodiment, the response to the increase in the battery temperature is poor because the communication unit 20 is not provided, but the temperature sensitive unit 225 can also detect the increase in the battery temperature in the present embodiment. It is possible.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned third embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment)
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is different from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

Specifically, the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is provided in the liquid passage 181 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the valve body 221 opens and closes in the liquid passage 181.

On the other hand, the device main body 222 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged so as to straddle the liquid passage 181 and the communication passage 201. As a result, the temperature sensitive portion 225 is arranged not in the liquid passage 181 but in the continuous passage 201.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modified example based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the above-mentioned third embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment)
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the arrangement of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is different from that of the first embodiment in the present embodiment. FIG. 19 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

Specifically, the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is provided in the liquid passage 181 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the valve body 221 opens and closes in the liquid passage 181.

On the other hand, the device main body 222 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged so as to straddle the liquid passage 181 and the gas passage 161. As a result, the temperature sensitive portion 225 is arranged in the gas passage 161 instead of the liquid passage 181. Further, due to the arrangement of the temperature sensitive unit 225, it is no longer necessary to guide the working fluid of the gas phase to the temperature sensitive unit 225 using the communication unit 20 of FIG. 1, so that the communication is different from the first embodiment in the present embodiment. The part 20 is not provided.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modified example based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the above-mentioned fourth embodiment.

(7th Embodiment)
Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 22, the device temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a heat transfer member 23, and this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in this respect. Further, the amount of the working fluid filled in the working fluid circuit 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 22 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

The heat transfer member 23 of FIG. 22 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as an aluminum alloy. Then, the heat transfer member 23 transfers the heat of the assembled battery BP to a portion of the working fluid circuit 10 other than the evaporator 12. The portion of the working fluid circuit 10 other than the evaporator 12 is, for example, a heat transfer target portion 183 that is a part of the liquid passage portion 18. The heat transfer target portion 183 is located in the lower part of the liquid passage portion 18, and is a liquid pool portion in which the working fluid of the liquid phase is collected when the circulation of the working fluid in the working fluid circuit 10 is stopped.

In order to transfer the heat of the assembled battery BP to the heat transfer target portion 183, the heat transfer member 23 is joined to the assembled battery BP in a part of the heat transfer member 23, and is joined to the heat transfer target portion 183 in the other part. Has been done.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the working fluid has an encapsulating amount sufficient for the working fluid of the liquid phase to exist in the heat transfer target portion 183. It is enclosed in the circuit 10. To put it simply, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat transfer target portion 183. Even in this way, when the liquid passage 181 is blocked by the valve body 221, the working fluid of the liquid phase in the working fluid circuit 10 receives heat from the assembled battery BP, whereby the working fluid of the liquid phase is evaporated. Because it is possible to make it.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the above-mentioned second to fourth embodiments.

(8th Embodiment)
Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 23, the equipment temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a refrigeration cycle device 24 composed of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and in which a refrigerant circulates. Further, the working fluid circuit 10 includes a second condenser 244 in addition to the condenser 15 as the first condenser. In these respects, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 23 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG.

The second condenser 244 of FIG. 23 is included in both the working fluid circuit 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 24. The second condenser 244 is provided in the communication passage 201 in the working fluid circuit 10. Further, the second condenser 244 is arranged above the evaporator 12 like the first condenser 15.

The refrigeration cycle device 24 includes a compressor 241, a refrigerant radiator 242, and an expansion valve 243 in addition to the second condenser 244. In the refrigeration cycle device 24, the compressor 241 compresses the sucked refrigerant and then discharges it. Then, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 241 flows in the order of the refrigerant radiator 242, the expansion valve 243, and the second condenser 244, and is sucked into the compressor 241 from the second condenser 244.

The refrigerant radiator 242 dissipates heat from the refrigerant to, for example, air, thereby condensing the refrigerant. The expansion valve 243 decompresses and expands the condensed refrigerant.

The second condenser 244 exchanges heat between the working fluid that evaporates in the heat exchange section 40 of the evaporator 12 and flows through the communication passage 201 and the refrigerant from the expansion valve 243, and dissipates heat from the working fluid to the refrigerant. As a result, the second condenser 244 condenses the working fluid passing through the second condenser 244 in the communication passage 201 and evaporates the refrigerant. The evaporated refrigerant flows from the second condenser 244 to the compressor 241. Further, the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed by the second condenser 244 flows to the liquid supply section 42 of the evaporator 12 through the liquid passage 181.

Further, when the compressor 241 is stopped, the refrigerant does not circulate in the refrigeration cycle device 24, and heat exchange is not performed in the second condenser 244. Therefore, for example, when the working fluid of the gas phase flows through the communication passage 201 while the compressor 241 is stopped, it flows out from the communication passage 201 as it is in the gas phase and reaches the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22. can do.

The compressor 241 of the refrigeration cycle device 24 does not operate when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 blocks the liquid passage 181. In order to realize the operation of the compressor 241 such as this, the battery temperature is detected by, for example, a temperature sensor or the like. Then, the compressor 241 is operated when the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature determination value set higher than the fully open temperature TP1 in FIG. 5, and when the battery temperature becomes equal to or lower than the temperature determination value. Is stopped.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the equipment temperature control device 1 includes a second condenser 244 in addition to the first condenser 15. The second condenser 244 is provided in the communication passage 201. Therefore, the communication passage 201 can also be used as a flow path for guiding the working fluid of the gas phase to the second condenser 244. That is, it is possible to simplify the working fluid circuit 10 when the second condenser 244 is provided as in the present embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modified example based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the above-mentioned third, fifth, and seventh embodiments.

(9th Embodiment)
Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described eighth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 24, the equipment temperature control device 1 of the present embodiment includes a coolant circulation device 25 in place of the refrigeration cycle device 24 of FIG. 23. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the eighth embodiment. Note that FIG. 24 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 as in FIG. 23.

The coolant circulating device 25 in FIG. 24 circulates the coolant and has a liquid pump 251, a coolant radiator 252, and a second condenser 244. In the coolant circulation device 25, when the liquid pump 251 operates, the liquid pump 251 flows in the order of the second condenser 244 and the coolant radiator 252, and returns from the coolant radiator 252 to the liquid pump 251.

The coolant radiator 252 dissipates heat from the coolant to, for example, air.

The second condenser 244 of the present embodiment exchanges heat between the working fluid that evaporates in the heat exchange section 40 of the evaporator 12 and flows through the communication passage 201 and the coolant from the liquid pump 251 and cools the coolant from the working fluid. Dissipate heat to. As a result, the second condenser 244 condenses the working fluid passing through the second condenser 244 in the communication passage 201.

Further, when the liquid pump 251 is stopped, the coolant does not circulate in the coolant circulation device 25, and heat exchange is not performed in the second condenser 244. Therefore, for example, when the working fluid of the gas phase flows through the communication passage 201 while the liquid pump 251 is stopped, it flows out from the communication passage 201 as it is in the gas phase and reaches the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22. can do.

The liquid pump 251 of the coolant circulation device 25 does not operate when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 blocks the liquid passage 181. In order to realize the operation of such a liquid pump 251, for example, the battery temperature is detected by a temperature sensor or the like. Then, the liquid pump 251 is operated when the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature determination value set higher than the fully open temperature TP1 in FIG. 5, and when the battery temperature becomes equal to or lower than the temperature determination value. Is stopped.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the eighth embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned eighth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the eighth embodiment.

(10th Embodiment)
Next, the tenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the opening degree adjusting device 22 has a temperature sensitive portion cover 226 that covers the temperature sensitive portion 225. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment.

The temperature-sensitive part cover 226 of the present embodiment is connected to the device main body 222 so as not to be relatively movable. Then, when the liquid passage 181 is opened by the valve body 221 and the working fluid of the liquid phase flows from the upstream side of the working fluid flow to the temperature sensitive part 225 to the downstream side of the working fluid flow, the temperature sensitive part cover 226 is thus operated. It suppresses the temperature sensitive portion 225 from being covered with the working fluid of the flowing liquid phase.

Therefore, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 has an umbrella portion 226a and a side covering portion 226b. The umbrella portion 226a is provided between the valve body 221 and the temperature sensitive portion 225, and prevents the temperature sensitive portion 225 from being covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase from the upstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181. The umbrella portion 226a is formed with a through hole through which the actuating pin 224 is inserted, and the actuating pin 224 is movable relative to the umbrella portion 226a.

The side cover portion 226b of the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 is connected to the umbrella portion 226a. Specifically, the side covering portion 226b is formed so as to form a tubular shape extending from the outer peripheral edge portion of the umbrella portion 226a to the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181. The temperature sensitive portion 225 is arranged inside the tubular shape.

Further, the side of the tubular side covering portion 226b opposite to the umbrella portion 226a side, that is, the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181 (for example, the lower side of the vehicle vertical DRg in FIG. 25) is opened. There is. Therefore, the end portion of the side cover portion 226b on the downstream side of the working fluid flow is an open portion 226c partially opened to the outside of the temperature sensitive portion cover 226. The opening portion 226c includes a downstream opening portion 226d that is opened toward the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned first embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the opening degree adjusting device 22 has a temperature sensitive portion cover 226 that covers the temperature sensitive portion 225. Then, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 suppresses the temperature sensitive portion 225 from being covered with the hydraulic fluid of the liquid phase flowing from the upstream side of the working fluid flow to the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature sensitive portion 225. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature sensitive portion 225 from being excessively cooled due to the temperature sensitive portion 225 being directly covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase cooled by the condenser 15. Then, it is possible to prevent the liquid passage 181 from being unnecessarily closed due to the excessive cooling of the temperature sensitive portion 225.

Here, for example, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 27, in the configuration in which there is no opening portion 226c and the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 completely covers the temperature sensitive portion 225, the gas phase is transferred from the communication passage 201 to the temperature sensitive portion 225. The working fluid cannot reach, and the heat from the assembled battery BP is hardly transferred to the temperature sensitive unit 225. The arrow A3h represents the flow of the working fluid in the gas phase that receives heat from the assembled battery BP and evaporates in the fully closed state of the liquid passage 181.

In contrast to the above comparative example of FIG. 27, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the temperature sensitive part cover 226 is an open portion partially opened to the outside of the temperature sensitive part cover 226. It has 226c. Therefore, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 can be provided with a simple structure so as not to prevent the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 from detecting the battery temperature.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the open portion 226c of the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 includes the downstream open portion 226d which is opened toward the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181. Here, in the fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 the working fluid of the gas phase that receives heat from the assembled battery BP and evaporates is the temperature sensitive portion 225 from the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature sensitive portion 225 as shown by the arrow A3h in FIG. To reach. Therefore, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 can be configured so as not to further prevent the temperature sensitive portion 225 from sensing the battery temperature, as compared with the case where the downstream open portion 226d does not include the open portion 226c. .. The case where the opening portion 226c does not include the downstream opening portion 226d is, for example, a case where the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 is not opened toward the downstream side of the working fluid flow.

Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the above-mentioned second to ninth embodiments.

(11th Embodiment)
Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described tenth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 28, the portion of the liquid passage 181 in which the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction, and the axial direction of the operating pin 224 is oriented along the horizontal direction. ing. Except for this point, the present embodiment is the same as the tenth embodiment.

Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-described tenth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment. Note that FIG. 28 shows the fully open state of the liquid passage 181, and the flow of the working fluid in the liquid phase around the opening degree adjusting device 22 is indicated by an arrow.

(12th Embodiment)
Next, the twelfth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the eleventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 29, the portion of the liquid passage 181 in which the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged is formed so as to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vehicle vertical direction DRg, not in the horizontal direction. However, the direction of the portion of the liquid passage 181 is such that the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing from the condenser 15 to the liquid supply portion 42 of the evaporator 12 flows diagonally downward. The axial direction of the actuating pin 224 is along the direction in which the portion of the liquid passage 181 extends. Except for this point, the present embodiment is the same as the eleventh embodiment.

Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the eleventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the eleventh embodiment. Note that FIG. 29 shows the fully open state of the liquid passage 181, and the flow of the working fluid in the liquid phase around the opening degree adjusting device 22 is indicated by an arrow.

(13th Embodiment)
Next, the thirteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described tenth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 30, the temperature-sensitive part cover 226 of the present embodiment is fixed to the operating pin 224 instead of the device main body 222, and is movable relative to the device main body 222. The opening degree adjusting device 22 has a coil spring 227. In these respects, the present embodiment is different from the tenth embodiment. Note that FIG. 30A shows a fully open state of the liquid passage 181 and FIG. 30B shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181. The DL in FIG. 30 represents the displacement amount of the valve body 221 when the liquid passage 181 transitions from the fully closed state to the fully open state.

In the present embodiment, the valve body 221, the operating pin 224, and the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 are integrally moved in the axial direction of the operating pin 224 along the vehicle vertical direction DRg. The coil spring 227 is an urging member that urges the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 downward.

Therefore, the coil spring 227 urges the valve body 221 to the side where the valve body 221 reduces the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. Then, the temperature sensitive material 223 expands as the temperature of the temperature sensitive material 223 increases, so that the valve body 221 is urged by the coil spring 227 toward the side where the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is increased. Move against.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the tenth embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-described tenth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modified example based on the tenth embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the eleventh embodiment or the twelfth embodiment described above.

(14th Embodiment)
Next, the 14th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described thirteenth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 31, in the present embodiment, in the portion of the liquid passage 181 where the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged, the upper side of the vehicle vertical DRg is the upstream side of the working fluid flow, and the lower side is the working fluid. It is on the downstream side of the flow. This point is the same as that of the thirteenth embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the thirteenth embodiment, the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 becomes smaller as the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 moves upward. Note that FIG. 31 (a) shows a fully open state of the liquid passage 181 and FIG. 31 (b) shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181. The DL in FIG. 31 represents the displacement amount of the valve body 221 when the liquid passage 181 transitions from the fully closed state to the fully open state.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the device main body 222 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 is not fixed to the liquid passage portion 18. The valve body 221 and the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 are fixed to the device main body 222.

The actuating pin 224 is axially movably inserted through the pin guide portion 222b of the apparatus main body 222. Therefore, the device main body 222, the valve body 221 and the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 can be integrally moved in the axial direction of the operating pin 224, that is, in the vehicle vertical direction DRg.

Further, the actuating pin 224 is not fixed to the valve body 221, the upper end of the actuating pin 224 is fixed to the liquid passage portion 18, and the lower end of the actuating pin 224 is attached to the temperature sensitive object 223 in the apparatus main body 222. It is connected.

The coil spring 227 is arranged radially outside the temperature sensing portion cover 226 with respect to the side covering portion 226b. The coil spring 227 is an urging member that urges the temperature-sensitive portion cover 226 upward.

Therefore, the coil spring 227 urges the valve body 221 to the side where the valve body 221 reduces the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. Then, the temperature sensitive material 223 expands as the temperature of the temperature sensitive material 223 increases, so that the valve body 221 moves to the side where the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 is increased (that is, the lower side). Is moved against the urging force of the coil spring 227. The urging force of the coil spring 227 that urges the temperature-sensitive portion cover 226 upward is transmitted to the above-mentioned operating pin 224 via the temperature-sensitive object 223. Then, the operating pin receiving portion 220 that does not move relative to the liquid passage portion 18 receives the urging force. As a result, the actuating pin 224 has a mechanism in which the upper end of the actuating pin 224 is fixed to the liquid passage portion 18.

Therefore, in the present embodiment as well as in the thirteenth embodiment, the temperature sensitive portion 225 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 uses the temperature sensitive object 223, and the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225, the more the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. The valve body 221 is operated so as to increase the size.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the thirteenth embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the thirteenth embodiment.

(15th Embodiment)
Next, the fifteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described tenth embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, in the present embodiment, in the portion of the liquid passage 181 where the opening degree adjusting device 22 is arranged, the upper side of the vehicle vertical DRg is the upstream side of the working fluid flow, and is downward. The side is the downstream side of the working fluid flow. This point is the same as that of the tenth embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the tenth embodiment, the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 becomes smaller as the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 moves upward. Further, the opening degree adjusting device 22 does not have the device main body 222, and the configuration of the temperature sensing unit 225 is different from that of the tenth embodiment. Note that FIG. 32 shows a fully closed state of the liquid passage 181 and FIG. 33 shows a fully open state of the liquid passage 181. Then, in FIG. 33, the flow of the working fluid of the liquid phase around the opening degree adjusting device 22 is represented by an arrow.

Specifically, the opening degree adjusting device 22 has a disk portion 228 that extends in a disk shape in the radial direction of the operating pin 224. A plurality of through holes 228a for circulating the working fluid in the vehicle vertical direction DRg are formed in the disk portion 228.

The upper end of the operating pin 224 is fixed to the valve body 221 and the lower end of the operating pin 224 is fixed to the disk portion 228. The valve body 221 and the actuating pin 224 and the disk portion 228 are integrally movable in the axial direction of the actuating pin 224, that is, in the vehicle vertical direction DRg.

Further, the temperature sensitive unit 225 of the present embodiment has a temperature sensitive spring 229 instead of a thermal expander as a temperature sensitive material having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature. More specifically, the temperature sensitive unit 225 has nothing other than the temperature sensitive spring 229, and is composed of the temperature sensitive spring 229.

The temperature sensitive spring 229 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The temperature-sensitive spring 229 is an urging member that urges the disk portion 228 downward. Specifically, the temperature-sensitive spring 229 is attached in a compressed state, and as the temperature-sensitive spring 229 extends, the valve body 221 moves downward and the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 increases.

The temperature sensitive spring 229 is arranged radially outside the valve body 221. As a result, the temperature sensitive spring 229 is arranged in the working fluid circuit 10 at a position where the valve body 221 is exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase when the liquid passage 181 is blocked, as in the tenth embodiment.

Further, the coil spring 227 is arranged on the opposite side, that is, on the lower side of the temperature sensitive spring 229 with the disk portion 228 interposed therebetween. The coil spring 227 urges the disk portion 228 upward against the temperature sensitive spring 229.

The spring constant of the temperature-sensitive spring 229 increases as the temperature of the temperature-sensitive spring 229 rises, and in the process of the temperature rise, it sharply increases after a certain temperature. Therefore, for example, the thrust, that is, the urging force of the temperature-sensitive spring 229 when the valve body 221 is in a predetermined position in the vehicle vertical direction DRg, changes as shown in FIG. 34 with respect to the temperature of the temperature-sensitive spring 229.

Therefore, when the temperature of the temperature-sensitive spring 229 reaches a predetermined fully open temperature TP1, the urging force of the temperature-sensitive spring 229 overcomes the urging force of the coil spring 227, and the temperature-sensitive spring 229 moves the valve body 221 downward to liquid. The passage 181 is fully opened. That is, also in the present embodiment, as in the tenth embodiment, the temperature sensitive portion 225 having the temperature sensitive spring 229 uses the temperature sensitive spring 229, and the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion 225, the more the opening degree of the liquid passage 181. The valve body 221 is operated so as to increase the size.

On the contrary, when the temperature of the temperature sensitive spring 229 falls below the temperature threshold slightly lower than the fully open temperature TP1 of FIG. 34 and the urging force of the temperature sensitive spring 229 falls below the urging force of the coil spring 227, the coil spring 227 presses the valve body 221. The liquid passage 181 is fully closed by moving it upward.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 does not have the umbrella portion 226a of FIG. 25, but has a side covering portion 226b. The side covering portion 226b has a tubular shape extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle DRg, and is fixed to the liquid passage portion 18. The side covering portion 226b is arranged on the radial inside of the temperature sensitive spring 229 and on the radial outside of the valve body 221.

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the tenth embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-described tenth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment.

Although this embodiment is a modified example based on the tenth embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the eleventh embodiment or the twelfth embodiment described above.

(16th Embodiment)
Next, the 16th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment described above will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 35, the condenser 15 of the present embodiment is an air-cooled condenser that radiates heat from the working fluid and condenses the working fluid by exchanging heat between air and the working fluid. The condenser 15 has an upper header tank 52, a lower header tank 53, a plurality of tubes 54, and a plurality of outer fins 55. Further, the opening degree adjusting device 22 is built in the working fluid outlet portion of the lower header tank 53. In these respects, the present embodiment is different from the second embodiment.

Specifically, in the condenser 15 of the present embodiment, the upper header tank 52 is arranged above the lower header tank 53. A plurality of tubes 54 and a plurality of outer fins 55 are provided between the upper header tank 52 and the lower header tank 53 in the vehicle vertical direction DRg, and the plurality of tubes 54 and the plurality of outer fins 55 are provided. , The vehicles are arranged alternately side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the DRg in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Each of the plurality of tubes 54 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle DRg, is connected to the upper header tank 52 at the upper end of the tube 54, and is connected to the lower header tank 53 at the lower end of the tube 54. The plurality of tubes 54 and the plurality of outer fins 55 together constitute a core portion 56 that exchanges heat between the working fluid flowing in the tube 54 and the air passing between the tubes 54. In addition, in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 described later, the illustration of the central portion of the core portion 56 is omitted.

A gas piping member 165 is connected to the upper header tank 52 via an upper joint 164. The gas piping member 165 is connected to the fluid outflow portion 44 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 at the connection end on the side opposite to the upper header tank 52 side.

Therefore, the gas piping member 165 is included in the gas passage portion 16, and the upper header tank 52 is included in both the gas passage portion 16 and the condenser 15 in an overlapping manner.

A liquid piping member 185 is connected to the lower header tank 53 via a lower joint 184. The liquid piping member 185 is connected to the liquid supply unit 42 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 at the connection end on the side opposite to the lower header tank 53 side.

Therefore, the liquid piping member 185 is included in the liquid passage portion 18, and the lower header tank 53 is included in both the liquid passage portion 18 and the condenser 15 in an overlapping manner.

Further, the opening degree adjusting device 22 of the present embodiment is built in the working fluid outlet portion of the lower header tank 53 connected to the lower joint 184. For example, the opening degree adjusting device 22 is configured as a cartridge type thermo valve, and is inserted into the working fluid outlet portion of the lower header tank 53 thereof.

When the opening degree adjusting device 22 is a cartridge type thermo valve, the thermo valve is inserted into the working fluid outlet portion of the lower header tank 53, and then the lower joint 184 is fastened to the working fluid outlet portion. , The position of the thermo valve can be fixed. The area around the thermo valve is sealed with a cylindrical seal or a thrust seal.

In the condenser 15 configured in this way, the working fluid from the fluid outflow portion 44 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 passes through the gas piping member 165 and the upper joint 164 in the order of description thereof, and the upper header tank 52 It flows into the internal space of the above as shown by the arrow FA1. The inflowing working fluid is distributed from the internal space of the upper header tank 52 into the plurality of tubes 54. In the plurality of tubes 54, the working fluid flows from above to below and is condensed by heat exchange with air.

The condensed working fluid flows into the internal space of the lower header tank 53 from the plurality of tubes 54, respectively. Then, the inflowing working fluid passes through the opening degree adjusting device 22, the lower joint 184, and the liquid piping member 185 from the internal space of the lower header tank 53 in the order of description, and the evaporator 12 is indicated by the arrow FA2. Flows to the liquid supply unit 42 (see FIG. 11).

Except as described above, the present embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned second embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

(17th Embodiment)
Next, the 17th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described 16th embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 36, the working fluid circuit 10 of this embodiment has a communication portion 20. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the 16th embodiment.

Specifically, the communication portion 20 of the present embodiment is composed of a pipe member that communicates the upper joint 164 and the lower joint 184. That is, the communication portion 20 is connected to the upper joint 164 at one end of the communication portion 20, and is connected to the lower joint 184 at the other end of the communication portion 20. As a result, the communication portion 20 connects the internal space of the upper joint 164 forming a part of the gas passage 161 and the internal space of the lower joint 184 forming a part of the liquid passage 181 with the communication passage 201 of the communication portion 20. It is communicated via (see FIG. 1).

Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the 16th embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the same configuration as the 16th embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the 16th embodiment.

Further, since the working fluid circuit 10 of the present embodiment is provided with the communication portion 20, the circuit configuration of the working fluid circuit 10 of the present embodiment is the same as the circuit configuration of the working fluid circuit 10 of the first embodiment. is there. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment, which is obtained from the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above.

(18th Embodiment)
Next, the 18th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described 16th embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 37, the condenser 15 of the present embodiment is a refrigerant condenser that dissipates heat from the working fluid by exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the refrigerating cycle apparatus and the working fluid to condense the working fluid. That is, in the condenser 15 of the present embodiment, the heat receiving medium that receives heat from the working fluid is the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the 16th embodiment. In the present embodiment, the refrigerating cycle device in which the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the working fluid in the condenser 15 circulates is the same as the refrigerating cycle device 24 shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the condenser 15 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of working fluid tubes 60 through which a working fluid flows, and a plurality of heat receiving medium tubes 61 through which a refrigerant as a heat receiving medium flows. doing. All of these tubes 60 and 61 have a flat shape. The working fluid tube 60 and the heat receiving medium tube 61 are alternately arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vehicle vertical DRg, and the tubes 60 and 61 adjacent to each other are joined so as to be heat transferable.

Further, the upper end portion of the working fluid tube 60 and the heat receiving medium tube 61 constitutes the upper header portion 62, and the lower end portion constitutes the lower header portion 63. Then, the portions of the upper header portion 62 belonging to the working fluid tube 60 communicate with each other to form the upper working fluid header portion 621, and the portions belonging to the heat receiving medium tube 61 communicate with each other to receive the upper heat. The medium header section 622 constitutes. That is, the upper header portion 62 has an upper working fluid header portion 621 and an upper heat receiving medium header portion 622. Further, the upper working fluid header portion 621 and the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 have a structure in which they do not communicate with each other.

The structure of the lower header portion 63 is also the same as the structure of the upper header portion 62 described above. More specifically, the portions of the lower header portion 63 belonging to the working fluid tube 60 communicate with each other to form the lower working fluid header portion 631, and the portions belonging to the heat receiving medium tube 61 communicate with each other. It communicates with each other to form the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632. That is, the lower header portion 63 has a lower working fluid header portion 631 and a lower heat receiving medium header portion 632. Further, the lower working fluid header portion 631 and the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632 have a structure in which they do not communicate with each other.

A gas piping member is connected to the upper working fluid header portion 621 via an upper joint 164. This gas piping member is connected to the fluid outflow portion 44 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 at the connection end on the side opposite to the upper working fluid header portion 621 side.

Therefore, the gas piping member is included in the gas passage portion 16, and the upper working fluid header portion 621 is included in both the gas passage portion 16 and the condenser 15 in an overlapping manner.

Further, the refrigerant inlet side of the compressor included in the refrigeration cycle device is connected to the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 via the heat receiving medium outlet pipe 64. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing out from the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 is sucked into the compressor through the heat receiving medium outlet pipe 64.

A liquid piping member is connected to the lower working fluid header portion 631 via a lower joint 184. This liquid piping member is connected to the liquid supply section 42 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 at the connection end on the side opposite to the lower working fluid header section 631 side.

Therefore, the liquid piping member is included in the liquid passage portion 18, and the lower working fluid header portion 631 is included in both the liquid passage portion 18 and the condenser 15 in an overlapping manner.

Further, the refrigerant outlet side of the expansion valve included in the refrigeration cycle device is connected to the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632 via the heat receiving medium inlet pipe 65. Therefore, the refrigerant expanded under reduced pressure by the expansion valve flows into the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632.

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the opening degree adjusting device 22 of the present embodiment is built in the working fluid outlet portion of the lower working fluid header portion 631 connected to the lower joint 184. The opening degree adjusting device 22 of the present embodiment is configured as a cartridge type thermo valve as in the 16th embodiment, and is inserted into the working fluid outlet portion of the lower working fluid header portion 631 thereof.

In the condenser 15 configured in this way, the working fluid from the fluid outflow portion 44 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 passes through the upper joint 164 and into the upper working fluid header portion 621 as shown by the arrow FB1. Inflow. The inflowing working fluid is distributed to each working fluid tube 60, and flows in the working fluid tube 60 from the upper side to the lower side as shown by the arrow FB2.

Further, the refrigerant flows into the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632 from the expansion valve of the refrigeration cycle device as shown by the arrow FC1. The inflowing refrigerant is distributed to each heat receiving medium tube 61, and flows in the heat receiving medium tube 61 from the lower side to the upper side as shown by the arrow FC2.

At this time, the working fluid flowing in the working fluid tube 60 as shown by the arrow FB2 and the refrigerant flowing in the heat receiving medium tube 61 as shown by the arrow FC2 exchange heat with each other. Then, the heat-exchanged working fluid condenses and flows into the lower working fluid header portion 631, and at the same time, the heat-exchanged refrigerant evaporates and flows into the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622.

The working fluid that has flowed into the lower working fluid header portion 631 passes through the opening adjustment device 22 and the lower joint 184 from the lower working fluid header portion 631 in the order of description thereof, and is an evaporator 12 as shown by the arrow FB3. Flows to the liquid supply unit 42 (see FIG. 11).

Then, the refrigerant that has flowed into the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 flows from the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 to the compressor of the refrigeration cycle device as shown by the arrow FC3.

Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the 16th embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the same configuration as the 16th embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the 16th embodiment.

(19th Embodiment)
Next, the 19th embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described 18th embodiment will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 39, the condenser 15 of the present embodiment is a water-cooled condenser that radiates heat from the working fluid by exchanging heat between the cooling water and the working fluid to condense the working fluid. That is, in the condenser 15 of the present embodiment, the heat receiving medium that receives heat from the working fluid is cooling water. In this respect, the present embodiment is different from the 18th embodiment.

Further, in the condenser 15 of the present embodiment, unlike the 18th embodiment, the lower heat receiving medium header portion 632 is composed of the first heat receiving medium header portion 632a and the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b. The first heat receiving medium header portion 632a is arranged on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b. Further, the first heat receiving medium header section 632a communicates with the second heat receiving medium header section 632b via the upper heat receiving medium header section 622, but directly communicates with the second heat receiving medium header section 632b. Not. More specifically, in the cooling water flow path, the first heat receiving medium header portion 632a is provided on the upstream side with respect to the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622, and the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b is provided with respect to the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622. It is provided on the downstream side.

In the present embodiment, the heat receiving medium tube 61 having the lower end portion belonging to the first heat receiving medium header portion 632a is referred to as the first heat receiving medium tube 61a. Further, the heat receiving medium tube 61 having the lower end portion belonging to the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b is referred to as the second heat receiving medium tube 61b. Further, when the first heat receiving medium tube 61a and the second heat receiving medium tube 61b are generically referred to without distinction, they are simply referred to as the heat receiving medium tube 61 or the heat receiving medium tubes 61a and 61b.

In the present embodiment, the heat receiving medium inlet tube 65 is connected to the first heat receiving medium header section 632a of the lower heat receiving medium header section 632, and the heat receiving medium outlet tube 64 is connected to the second heat receiving medium header section 632b. There is. Neither the heat receiving medium outlet pipe 64 nor the heat receiving medium inlet pipe 65 is connected to the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the opening degree adjusting device 22 of the present embodiment is connected to the lower joint 184 of the lower working fluid header portion 631 as in the 18th embodiment. It is built in the fluid outlet part. The opening degree adjusting device 22 of the present embodiment is configured as a cartridge type thermo valve as in the 18th embodiment, and is inserted into the working fluid outlet portion of the lower working fluid header portion 631 thereof.

In the condenser 15 configured in this way, the working fluid from the fluid outflow portion 44 (see FIG. 11) of the evaporator 12 passes through the upper joint 164 and into the upper working fluid header portion 621 as shown by the arrow FD1. Inflow. The inflowing working fluid is distributed to each working fluid tube 60, and flows in the working fluid tube 60 from the upper side to the lower side as shown by the arrow FD2.

Further, cooling water flows into the first heat receiving medium header portion 632a from the outside of the condenser 15 via the heat receiving medium inlet pipe 65 as shown by the arrow FE1. The inflowing cooling water is distributed to each of the first heat receiving medium tubes 61a, and flows in the first heat receiving medium tube 61a from the lower side to the upper side as shown by the arrow FE2. Further, the cooling water flows from each first heat receiving medium tube 61a into the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622, flows in the upper heat receiving medium header portion 622 as shown by an arrow FE3, and is distributed to each second heat receiving medium tube 61b. To. The cooling water distributed to each of the second heat receiving medium tubes 61b flows in the second heat receiving medium tube 61b from the upper side to the lower side as shown by the arrow FE4.

At this time, the working fluid flowing in the working fluid tube 60 and the cooling water flowing in the heat receiving medium tubes 61a and 61b exchange heat with each other. Then, the heat-exchanged working fluid condenses and flows into the lower working fluid header portion 631.

The working fluid that has flowed into the lower working fluid header portion 631 passes through the opening adjustment device 22 and the lower joint 184 from the lower working fluid header portion 631 in the order of description thereof, and is an evaporator 12 as shown by the arrow FD3. Flows to the liquid supply unit 42 (see FIG. 11).

Then, the cooling water that has flowed into the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b is discharged from the second heat receiving medium header portion 632b to the outside of the condenser 15 as shown by the arrow FE5.

Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the 18th embodiment. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect produced from the configuration common to the above-mentioned 18th embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the 18th embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
(1) In the third embodiment described above, the heat exchange unit 40 of the evaporator 12 is connected to the assembled battery BP with a heat conductive material 38 sandwiched between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP, for example. , This is an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 41, the heat conductive material 38 is provided not only sandwiched between the heat exchange unit 40 and the assembled battery BP, but also wound around the entire circumference of the heat exchange unit 40. May be. By doing so, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the heat of the assembled battery BP is easily transferred to the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the lower part of the heat exchange unit 40. Become.

Even if the heat conductivity of the heat exchange unit 40 is increased by increasing the plate thickness of the plate material constituting the heat exchange unit 40, as described above, the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the lower part of the heat exchange unit 40 can be transferred. The heat of the assembled battery BP is easily transferred.

(2) In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22 closes the liquid passage 181, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange unit 40. A sufficient amount of working fluid is sealed in the working fluid circuit 10, which is an example.

Not limited to this, it is sufficient that the working fluid circuit 10 is filled with a sufficient amount of working fluid so that the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the evaporator 12 when the valve body 221 closes the liquid passage 181. It is also possible to consider. Even in this way, although indirectly, the working fluid of the liquid phase can receive heat from the assembled battery BP and evaporates due to the heat reception. For example, when the filling amount is determined in this way, as shown in FIG. 42, when the valve body 221 closes the liquid passage 181 the working fluid of the liquid phase enters the liquid supply section 42 of the evaporator 12. It is possible that it exists but does not exist in the heat exchange unit 40. In this case, by increasing the plate thickness of the multi-hole tube 50 constituting the heat exchange section 40, the heat from the assembled battery BP can be easily transferred to the portion of the evaporator 12 where the working fluid of the liquid phase is accumulated. Good.

In short, when the valve body 221 closes the liquid passage 181, it is preferable that the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange unit 40, but even if it is not, the evaporator 12 that can exchange heat with the assembled battery BP It suffices if the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the inner part. The part in the evaporator 12 that can exchange heat with the assembled battery BP, in other words, the part of the evaporator 12 that can exchange heat with the assembled battery BP is, for example, the heat exchange part 40 or the liquid of the evaporator 12. The supply unit 42 and the like are applicable.

(3) In the tenth embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 25, of the side covering portion 226b of the temperature sensitive portion cover 226, the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage 181 is open, and the temperature sensitive portion cover. 226 does not cover the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature sensitive portion 225 at all. However, this is an example, and as shown in FIG. 43, the temperature-sensitive portion cover 226 may partially cover the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature-sensitive portion 225.

(4) In the tenth embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 25, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 has a side covering portion 226b, which is an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 44, it is conceivable that the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 does not have the side covering portion 226b. In this case, since there is no side covering portion 226b, the outer peripheral edge portion of the umbrella portion 226a is an open portion 226c. Note that FIG. 44 shows the fully open state of the liquid passage 181, and the flow of the working fluid in the liquid phase around the opening degree adjusting device 22 is indicated by an arrow.

(5) In the eleventh embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 28, the temperature-sensitive part cover 226 does not cover the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature-sensitive part 225, but this is an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 may have a downstream side covering portion 226e that partially covers the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature sensitive portion 225. The downstream side covering portion 226e is connected to the side covering portion 226b, and covers the temperature sensitive portion 225 in a downward direction within the range occupied by the temperature sensitive portion 225 in the vehicle vertical direction DRg. This is because when the working fluid of the liquid phase flows around the temperature sensitive portion 225, the working fluid of the liquid phase is biased downward in the liquid passage 181 and flows as shown by the arrow AL1.

Then, the downstream side covering portion 226e shown in FIG. 45 can prevent the working fluid of the liquid phase from being applied to the temperature sensitive portion 225 as shown by the arrow AL2 from the flow indicated by the arrow AL1.

Further, in the example of FIG. 45, the side covering portion 226b of the temperature sensitive portion cover 226 has a tubular shape so as to cover the entire circumference of the temperature sensitive portion 225, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 46, the side covering portion 226b may be opened on the upper side with respect to the temperature sensitive portion 225 without partially covering the temperature sensitive portion 225.

What has been described with reference to FIGS. 45 and 46 is the same in the twelfth embodiment as shown in FIG. 47 corresponding to FIG. 45 and FIG. 48 corresponding to FIG. 46.

(6) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the communication passage 201 extends in the horizontal direction from the second confluence portion 182, which is an example. For example, as shown in FIG. 49, the communication passage 201 may extend from the second merging portion 182 in a direction that is upward from the horizontal direction, for example, in an obliquely upward direction. This also applies to embodiments other than the first embodiment as long as the communication unit 20 is provided.

(7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the working fluid filled in the working fluid circuit 10 is, for example, a chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerant, but the working fluid in the working fluid circuit 10 is not limited to the chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerant. For example, as the working fluid filled in the working fluid circuit 10, another refrigerant such as propane or CO ₂ or another phase-changing medium may be used.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the target device for which the device temperature control device 1 adjusts the temperature is the assembled battery BP, but the target device may not be the assembled battery BP.

(9) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, when the opening degree of the liquid passage 181 reaches the minimum opening degree, the liquid passage 181 is blocked by the valve body 221 of the opening degree adjusting device 22. This is an example. For example, at the minimum opening degree of the liquid passage 181 the valve body 221 does not completely block the liquid passage 181 and may allow a slight flow of the working fluid.

(10) In the 16th embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 35, the opening degree adjusting device 22 is configured as, for example, a cartridge type thermo valve, and is built in the working fluid outlet portion of the lower header tank 53. , This is an example. For example, the opening degree adjusting device 22 is not built in the lower header tank 53, but is arranged between the lower header tank 53 and the lower joint 184, and is arranged in the lower header tank 53 and the lower joint 184. It does not matter if they are connected and fixed in series. This also applies to the 17th to 19th embodiments.

(11) In the 18th and 19th embodiments described above, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, the working fluid circuit 10 does not have the communication portion 20, but the upper joint 164 is similar to the 17th embodiment. It may have a communication portion 20 for connecting the lower joint 184 and the lower joint 184.

(12) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modifications. Further, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined unless the combination is clearly impossible. Further, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential except when it is clearly stated that they are essential and when they are clearly considered to be essential in principle. No.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical values, amounts, and ranges of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, when it is clearly stated that they are particularly essential, and in principle, they are clearly limited to a specific number. It is not limited to the specific number except when it is done. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., except when specifically specified or when the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. are limited in principle. , The material, shape, positional relationship, etc. are not limited.

(Summary)
According to the first aspect shown in a part or all of the above-described embodiments, the opening degree adjusting device has an opening degree increasing / decreasing portion arranged in the liquid passage and increasing / decreasing the opening degree of the liquid passage. Further, the opening degree adjusting device has a temperature sensitive portion arranged at a portion of the working fluid circuit exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase when the opening degree increasing / decreasing portion blocks the liquid passage. The temperature-sensitive part has a temperature-sensitive material having physical properties that show a physical change according to the temperature, and the temperature-sensitive part is opened so as to increase the opening degree as the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive part increases. Activate the temperature increase / decrease part.

Further, according to the second viewpoint, the communication portion is included in the working fluid circuit, and the communication portion communicates with the gas passage and the downstream side of the working fluid flow rather than the opening / decreasing portion of the liquid passage. Is formed. The confluence portion between the gas passage and the communication passage and the confluence portion between the liquid passage and the communication passage are larger than the liquid level of the working fluid generated in the working fluid circuit when the opening increase / decrease portion closes the liquid passage. Placed above. Therefore, it is possible to send the working fluid evaporated by the heat exchanger of the device due to the heat of the target device to the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device via the communication passage and bypassing the condenser. That is, the working fluid evaporated by the heat exchanger for the device can be sent to the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device without being hindered by the working fluid of the liquid phase in the condenser.

Further, according to the third viewpoint, the equipment temperature control device includes a second condenser in addition to the above-mentioned condenser as the first condenser. The second condenser is included in the working fluid circuit, is arranged above the heat exchanger for equipment, dissipates heat from the evaporated working fluid to condense the working fluid, and is provided in the communication passage. Therefore, the communication passage can also be used as a flow path for guiding the working fluid of the gas phase to the second condenser. That is, it is possible to simplify the working fluid circuit when the second condenser is provided.

Further, according to the fourth viewpoint, the working fluid of the gas phase flowing from the heat exchanger for equipment to the confluence portion between the gas passage and the communication passage is connected when the opening degree of the liquid passage is set to the maximum opening. The connecting passage is formed so that the working fluid flows to the downstream side of the gas passage with respect to the merging portion rather than flowing to the passage. Therefore, during normal cooling operation in which the liquid passage opens and the working fluid circulates between the condenser and the heat exchanger for equipment, it is possible to suppress the flow rate of the working fluid in the gas phase that flows into the continuous passage and bypasses the condenser. it can. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in cooling capacity due to the flow of the working fluid bypassing the condenser.

Further, according to the fifth aspect, the communication passage is extended from the confluence portion of the liquid passage and the communication passage in the horizontal direction or in a direction upward from the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing down the liquid passage due to gravity from coming off the liquid passage and flowing into the communication passage at the confluence portion between the liquid passage and the communication passage.

Further, according to the sixth viewpoint, the temperature sensing portion is arranged on the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage, rather than the opening / decreasing portion. Therefore, it is possible to make the opening degree adjusting device a simple structure and arrange the temperature sensitive portion at a position exposed to the working fluid of the gas phase.

Further, according to the seventh aspect, the opening degree adjusting device has a temperature sensitive portion cover that covers the temperature sensitive portion. Then, the temperature-sensitive part cover suppresses the temperature-sensitive part from being covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing from the upstream side of the working fluid flow to the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature-sensitive part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature-sensitive portion from being excessively cooled due to the temperature-sensitive portion being directly covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase cooled by the condenser.

Further, according to the eighth viewpoint, the temperature sensitive portion cover has an open portion partially opened to the outside of the temperature sensitive portion cover. Therefore, the temperature sensitive portion cover can be provided with a simple structure so that the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device does not interfere with sensing the temperature of the target device.

Further, according to the ninth aspect, the open portion includes a portion opened toward the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage. Therefore, as compared with the case where the portion does not include the open portion, the temperature sensitive portion cover can be configured so as not to further prevent the temperature sensitive portion of the opening degree adjusting device from sensing the temperature of the target device. ..

Further, according to the tenth viewpoint, when the opening / decreasing portion closes the liquid passage, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the portion in the heat exchanger for the device which can exchange heat with the target device. Therefore, when the liquid passage is blocked by the opening increase / decrease portion, the working fluid of the liquid phase in the working fluid circuit receives heat from the target device, whereby the working fluid of the liquid phase can be evaporated. ..

Further, according to the eleventh viewpoint, the heat exchanger for equipment has a heat exchange unit which is electrically conductively connected to the target equipment and evaporates the working fluid by the heat of the target equipment. Then, when the opening / decreasing portion blocks the liquid passage, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange portion. Therefore, when the liquid passage is blocked by the opening / decreasing portion, it is possible to improve the followability of the operation of the opening increasing / decreasing portion opening the liquid passage according to the temperature rise of the target device.

Further, according to the twelfth viewpoint, the heat transfer member transfers the heat of the target device to a portion of the working fluid circuit other than the heat exchanger for the device. Then, when the opening / decreasing portion blocks the liquid passage, the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the above-mentioned place other than the heat exchanger for equipment. Therefore, when the liquid passage is blocked by the opening increase / decrease portion, the working fluid of the liquid phase in the working fluid circuit receives heat from the target device, whereby the working fluid of the liquid phase can be evaporated. ..

Further, according to the thirteenth viewpoint, the thermosensitive material is a thermal expansion body having physical properties that increase in volume as the temperature increases. The higher the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive portion, the larger the volume of the thermal expansion body, and the larger the volume of the thermal expansion body, the larger the opening degree increasing / decreasing portion. Therefore, it is easy to connect the volume change, which is the physical change of the temperature-sensitive object, to the operation of the opening increase / decrease portion. Therefore, it is easy to make the opening degree adjusting device a simple structure.

Further, according to the fourteenth aspect, the heat exchanger for equipment has an upper connecting portion to which the gas passage is connected and a lower connecting portion to which the liquid passage is connected. The lower connection portion is arranged below the upper connection portion.

Further, according to the fifteenth viewpoint, the target device is an in-vehicle battery pack. Therefore, it is possible to avoid impairing the input / output characteristics of the assembled battery due to overcooling of the assembled battery.

1 Equipment temperature controller 10 Working fluid circuit 12 Evaporator (heat exchanger for equipment)
15 Condenser (1st condenser)
22 Opening adjustment device 161 Gas passage 181 Liquid passage 221 Valve body (opening increase / decrease part)
223 Temperature sensitive material 225 Temperature sensitive part

Claims (15)

An equipment temperature control device having a working fluid circuit (10) in which a working fluid circulates and adjusting the temperature of a target device (BP) by a phase change between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the working fluid.
A heat exchanger (12) for equipment included in the working fluid circuit, which evaporates the working fluid by absorbing heat from the target device to the working fluid.
A condenser (15) included in the working fluid circuit, arranged above the heat exchanger for the device, and condensing the working fluid by dissipating heat from the evaporated working fluid.
With the gas passage portion (16) in which the gas passage (161) included in the working fluid circuit and evaporated in the heat exchanger for the equipment is formed to flow the working fluid from the heat exchanger for the equipment to the condenser. ,
A liquid passage portion (18) included in the working fluid circuit and formed with a liquid passage (181) for flowing the working fluid condensed by the condenser from the condenser to the heat exchanger for equipment.
An opening increase / decrease portion (221) arranged in the liquid passage to increase / decrease the opening degree of the liquid passage, and the operation of the gas phase in the working fluid circuit when the opening / decreasing portion closes the liquid passage. opening adjustment device having temperature sensing portion disposed at a location exposed to fluid (225) and (22),
A communication portion (20) included in the working fluid circuit and having a communication passage (201) for communicating the working fluid flow downstream side and the gas passage with respect to the opening increase / decrease portion of the liquid passage is provided. ,
The temperature-sensitive part has a temperature-sensitive material (223, 229) having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature, and using the temperature-sensitive material, the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive part, the more the opening degree. the actuates the opening adjuster so as to increase,
The confluence portion (162) between the gas passage and the communication passage and the confluence portion (182) between the liquid passage and the communication passage are the working fluids when the opening increase / decrease portion blocks the liquid passage. An equipment temperature control device arranged above the liquid level (SF) of the working fluid generated in the circuit . In addition to the condenser as the first condenser, a second condenser (244) is provided.
The second condenser is included in the working fluid circuit, is arranged above the heat exchanger for equipment, dissipates heat from the evaporated working fluid to condense the working fluid, and is provided in the communication passage. The device temperature control device according to claim 1 . The working fluid of the gas phase flowing from the heat exchanger for equipment to the confluence portion of the gas passage and the communication passage flows to the communication passage when the opening degree of the liquid passage is set to the maximum opening. The device temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the communication passage is formed so as to facilitate the flow to the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the confluence portion of the gas passage. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the communication passage extends in a horizontal direction or a direction upward from the horizontal direction from the confluence portion of the liquid passage and the communication passage. Equipment temperature control device. The device temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the temperature sensitive portion is arranged on the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage. The opening degree adjusting device has a temperature sensitive portion cover (226) that covers the temperature sensitive portion.
The device according to claim 5 , wherein the temperature-sensitive part cover suppresses the temperature-sensitive part from being covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing from the upstream side of the working fluid flow to the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature-sensitive part. Temperature control device. An equipment temperature control device having a working fluid circuit (10) in which a working fluid circulates and adjusting the temperature of a target device (BP) by a phase change between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the working fluid.
A heat exchanger (12) for equipment included in the working fluid circuit, which evaporates the working fluid by absorbing heat from the target device to the working fluid.
A condenser (15) included in the working fluid circuit, arranged above the heat exchanger for the device, and condensing the working fluid by dissipating heat from the evaporated working fluid.
With the gas passage portion (16) in which the gas passage (161) included in the working fluid circuit and evaporated in the heat exchanger for the equipment is formed to flow the working fluid from the heat exchanger for the equipment to the condenser. ,
A liquid passage portion (18) included in the working fluid circuit and formed with a liquid passage (181) for flowing the working fluid condensed by the condenser from the condenser to the heat exchanger for equipment.
An opening increase / decrease portion (221) arranged in the liquid passage to increase / decrease the opening degree of the liquid passage, and the operation of the gas phase in the working fluid circuit when the opening / decreasing portion closes the liquid passage. It is provided with an opening degree adjusting device (22) having a temperature sensing portion (225) arranged at a location exposed to a fluid.
The temperature-sensitive part has a temperature-sensitive material (223, 229) having physical properties showing a physical change according to the temperature, and using the temperature-sensitive material, the higher the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive part, the more the opening degree. the actuates the opening adjuster so as to increase,
The temperature-sensitive portion is arranged on the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the opening increase / decrease portion in the liquid passage.
The opening degree adjusting device has a temperature sensitive portion cover (226) that covers the temperature sensitive portion.
The temperature-sensitive part cover is an equipment temperature control device that suppresses the temperature- sensitive part from being covered with the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing from the upstream side of the working fluid flow to the downstream side of the working fluid flow with respect to the temperature-sensitive part . The device temperature control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the temperature-sensitive part cover has an open part (226c) partially opened to the outside of the temperature-sensitive part cover. The device temperature control device according to claim 8, wherein the opening portion includes a portion (226d) opened toward the downstream side of the working fluid flow in the liquid passage. The working fluid of the liquid phase exists in a portion in the heat exchanger for the device which can exchange heat with the target device when the opening increase / decrease portion closes the liquid passage, according to claims 1 to 9. The device temperature control device according to any one. The device heat exchanger has a heat exchange unit (40) that is thermally conductively connected to the target device and evaporates the working fluid with the heat of the target device.
The device temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the working fluid of the liquid phase exists in the heat exchange section when the opening degree increasing / decreasing section blocks the liquid passage. A heat transfer member (23) for transferring the heat of the target device to a portion (183) of the working fluid circuit other than the heat exchanger for the device is provided.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the working fluid of the liquid phase is present at the location other than the heat exchanger for equipment when the opening increase / decrease portion blocks the liquid passage. Equipment temperature controller. The temperature-sensitive material (223) is a thermal expander having the physical properties that increases in volume as the temperature rises.
The higher the ambient temperature of the temperature sensitive portion, the larger the volume of the thermal expansion body.
The device temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the opening increase / decrease portion increases the opening as the volume of the thermal expansion body increases. The equipment heat exchanger has an upper connecting portion (442) to which the gas passage is connected and a lower connecting portion (422) to which the liquid passage is connected.
The device temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lower connection portion is arranged below the upper connection portion. The device temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the target device is an in-vehicle battery pack.

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