JP7222842B2 - vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to vehicles.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses that the engine is covered with a cover to form a capsule structure in order to manage heat in the engine room and reduce noise emitted from the engine room to the outside of the vehicle. Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to suppress an increase in the number of battery units mounted on an electric vehicle and to suppress an impact at the time of a vehicle collision, a plurality of battery module groups are divided and housed in a plurality of cases. is disclosed.

JP 2013-119384 A JP 2018-069809 A

By the way, in a capsule structure in which a plurality of devices to be cooled, such as an engine, a transmission, a motor, and a battery, are covered with a case (soundproof cover), the heat generation of each device changes depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. For this reason, it is preferable to individually cover each device using a plurality of cases, and to provide a vent for air-cooling the internal space of each case and an opening/closing mechanism for the vent. This makes it possible to individually cool or heat the internal space of each case to control the temperature of each device.

Here, in order to efficiently air-cool the internal space of each case, it is preferable to provide each case with two or more vents serving as an inflow port and an outflow port for outside air. However, if two or more vents are provided in each case, there is a problem that the number of opening/closing mechanisms for these vents increases, leading to an increase in cost. In addition, there is also a problem that the soundproofing performance of the case (soundproof cover) deteriorates as the number of installed vents and the opening area increases.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a structure in which a plurality of objects to be cooled mounted on a vehicle are divided and housed in a plurality of cases, and the efficiency in each case is improved while reducing the number of ventilation openings and opening/closing mechanisms installed in each case. The purpose is to achieve both good temperature control and soundproof performance.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention,
an outside air flow path through which outside air flows;
a plurality of cases that are provided adjacent to the outside air flow path and respectively accommodate objects to be cooled;
a vent for communicating an internal space of a first case among the plurality of cases, an internal space of a second case adjacent to the first case, and the external air flow path;
a valve provided in the ventilation port, which switches a state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path by opening and closing the ventilation port in a plurality of opening/closing patterns;
with
The vent is provided at a boundary between the first case, the second case, and the external air flow path,
The valve is provided rotatably about a rotating shaft extending in a direction intersecting the circulation direction of the outside air in the outside air passage, and has three valve bodies projecting in three directions from the rotating shaft. have
A vehicle is provided in which the state of communication between the inner space of the first case, the inner space of the second case, and the outside air flow path is switched by rotating the valve about the rotating shaft.

The opening/closing pattern comprises: a first pattern that does not allow communication between the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case; A second pattern that allows communication between the outside air flow path and the second case but does not allow communication between the internal space of the first case and the internal space of the second case, and allows communication between the external air flow path and the internal space of the first case. a third pattern that does not allow communication between the outside air flow path and the internal space of the second case and allows communication between the internal space of the first case and the internal space of the second case; a fourth pattern that communicates with the inner space of the case, does not communicate with the outside air flow path and the inner space of the second case, and does not communicate with the inner space of the first case and the inner space of the second case; and a fifth pattern that allows the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other.
Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention,
an outside air flow path through which outside air flows;
a plurality of cases that are provided adjacent to the outside air flow path and respectively accommodate objects to be cooled;
a vent for communicating an internal space of a first case among the plurality of cases, an internal space of a second case adjacent to the first case, and the external air flow path;
a valve provided in the ventilation port, which switches a state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path by opening and closing the ventilation port in a plurality of opening/closing patterns;
with
The opening/closing pattern is
a first pattern that does not allow the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air flow path and the second case are communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the interior of the second case are communicated. a second pattern that does not communicate with the space;
The external air passage and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air passage and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the first case are not communicated. a third pattern that communicates with the internal spaces of the two cases;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are communicated, and the external air flow path and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the second case are connected. a fourth pattern that does not communicate with the internal space of the case;
a fifth pattern that allows the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
A vehicle is provided comprising:

The plurality of cases includes a first case, a second case, and a third case adjacent to the second case, and the air vent is defined between the inner space of the first case, the inner space of the second case, and the outside air flow path. and a second vent for interconnecting the internal space of the second case, the internal space of the third case, and the external air flow path, wherein the valve comprises the first vent A first valve provided in the port for switching the state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path; and a second valve for switching the state of communication between the internal space of the case and the outside air flow path.

A thermometer provided in each of the plurality of cases, and a control unit that controls the opening/closing pattern of the valve based on the temperature inside the plurality of cases detected by the thermometer may be further provided.

When the temperature inside at least one case among the plurality of cases satisfies the cooling condition, the control unit may control the valve so as to allow the internal space of the case to communicate with the outside air flow path.

When the temperatures in two or more adjacent cases among the plurality of cases satisfy the cooling condition, the controller causes the internal spaces of the two or more cases to communicate with each other, and the two or more cases. Of these, the valves may be controlled so that the internal spaces of the case on the upstream side and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the outside air communicate with the outside air flow path.

If the temperatures in two or more adjacent cases among the plurality of cases do not satisfy the cooling condition, the control unit prevents the internal spaces of the two or more cases from communicating with each other, and The valve may be controlled so that the internal space of the case and the outside air flow path are not communicated.

The vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, an object to be cooled housed in a first case among the plurality of cases includes the engine of the vehicle, and an object to be cooled housed in cases other than the first case among the plurality of cases is the engine of the vehicle. If the battery is included, the running mode of the vehicle is the EV mode, and the temperature inside the first case does not satisfy the cooling condition, the controller controls two or more cooling conditions including the first case and a case other than the first case. The valve may be controlled so that the internal spaces of the cases are communicated with each other and the internal spaces of the two or more cases are not communicated with the outside air flow path.

According to the present invention, in a structure in which a plurality of objects to be cooled to be mounted on a vehicle are divided into a plurality of cases and housed therein, the efficiency in each case can be improved while reducing the number of ventilation openings and opening/closing mechanisms for the respective cases. Good temperature control and sound insulation performance can be compatible.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the capsule structure of the vehicle which concerns on the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an opening/closing pattern I of a valve according to the same embodiment; It is a sectional view showing opening-and-closing pattern II of a valve concerning the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an opening/closing pattern III of the valve according to the same embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an opening/closing pattern IV of the valve according to the same embodiment; 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an opening/closing pattern V of a valve according to the same embodiment; FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a schematic diagram which shows the opening-and-closing pattern of the valve which concerns on the same embodiment, and the flow of air. It is a table for demonstrating opening-and-closing control of the valve by the control part which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows opening-and-closing control of a valve by a control part concerning the embodiment.

One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings. do.

[1. Vehicle configuration]
First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle having both an engine and a motor as power sources, particularly a series-parallel type (power split type) hybrid vehicle. However, the vehicle of the present invention is not limited to the example of a hybrid vehicle, and can be applied to vehicles having various power sources, such as a vehicle having only an engine as a power source, or an electric vehicle having only a motor as a power source. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes an engine 10, a power split device 12, a reduction mechanism (transmission) 14, a first motor generator 16, a first inverter 18, a battery 20, and a second inverter 22. , a second motor generator 24 , and a control unit 26 . Further, the vehicle 1 includes a differential gear 34, a drive shaft 36, and drive wheels (front wheels 30 and rear wheels 32).

The engine 10 generates driving force for running the vehicle 1 . For example, the engine 10 burns fuel such as gasoline or light oil to reciprocate the piston. The power of the reciprocating motion of the piston is converted into power of the rotational motion of the crankshaft through a connecting rod connected to the output shaft of the engine 10 . Rotational power generated by engine 10 is transmitted to power split device 12 .

Power split device 12 splits the rotational power of engine 10 into power for rotating first motor generator 16 and power for rotating front wheels 30 and rear wheels 32 . Power split device 12 is connected to engine 10 , speed reduction mechanism 14 and first motor generator 16 . The power split device 12 includes, for example, a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, a planetary gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and the like. The power split device 12 splits the power transmitted from the engine 10 and transmits it to the speed reduction mechanism 14 and the first motor generator 16 .

The speed reduction mechanism 14 converts the torque, rotation speed, etc. of the rotational power transmitted from the power source such as the engine 10 or the second motor generator 24, and transmits the converted rotational power to the output shaft. The speed reduction mechanism 14 is an assembly component that includes a plurality of gear mechanisms including gears, shafts, and the like. The reduction mechanism 14 may be, for example, a multi-stage reduction mechanism or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For example, the reduction mechanism 14 may be, for example, a multi-stage reduction mechanism or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The speed reduction mechanism 14 reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft of the power split device 12 or the second motor generator 24 in a plurality of stages, and outputs reduced rotational power. Reduction mechanism 14 transmits the reduced rotational power to front wheels 30 and rear wheels 32 via differential gear 34, drive shaft 36, and the like. In this way, the vehicle 1 runs with the driving force generated by the power source such as the engine 10 or the second motor generator 24 .

The first motor-generator 16 can function as a motor and a generator, but primarily functions as a generator. First motor generator 16 uses the power transmitted from engine 10 via power split device 12 to generate electric power to be stored in battery 20 . When the rotor of the first motor generator 16 rotates with the rotation of the sun gear of the power split device 12 , the first motor generator 16 generates AC power and outputs it to the first inverter 18 .

First inverter 18 is electrically connected to first motor generator 16 and battery 20 . First inverter 18 converts the AC power generated by first motor generator 16 into DC power and outputs the DC power to battery 20 .

The battery 20 is a secondary battery that can charge and discharge electric power. As the battery 20, for example, a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lead storage battery is used, but batteries other than these may be used. Battery 20 stores DC power supplied from first motor generator 16 via first inverter 18 . Electric power stored in battery 20 is mainly used to generate driving force for running vehicle 1 . Note that the battery 20 may be electrically connected to various auxiliaries provided in the vehicle 1 (for example, an air conditioner, an audio device, etc.), and the auxiliaries use the power supplied from the battery 20. may work.

Battery 20 is electrically connected to second motor generator 24 via second inverter 22 . Second inverter 22 converts the DC power supplied from battery 20 into AC power and outputs the AC power to second motor generator 24 .

The second motor-generator 24 functions primarily as a motor, although it can function as a motor and a generator. The second motor generator 24 uses the electric power of the battery 20 to generate driving force for running the vehicle 1 . A rotor of the second motor generator 24 is connected to the speed reduction mechanism 14 . Rotational power generated by the second motor generator 24 is transmitted to the speed reduction mechanism 14 .

The control unit 26 controls each device provided in the vehicle 1 . The control unit 26 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit on which a processor, memory elements, and the like are mounted. The controller 26 may be physically configured with one electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). Alternatively, the control unit 26 may be composed of a plurality of ECUs (for example, an engine ECU, a motor ECU, a transmission ECU, etc.), and the control functions of the control unit 26 may be shared among the plurality of ECUs. The ECU includes a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and calculation parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM ( Random Access Memory) or the like may be provided. In order to control each device to be controlled mounted on the vehicle 1, the control unit 26 can communicate with each device using, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication.

[2. Configuration of Capsule Structure]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a capsule structure (soundproofing and cooling mechanism) that covers an object to be cooled provided in the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the capsule structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule structure is a cover structure for covering various objects to be cooled (for example, the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, the battery 20, etc.) provided in the vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. This capsule structure mainly has a temperature control function for cooling or keeping warm the object to be cooled, and a soundproof function for blocking sound generated from the object to be cooled. It may have a waterproof function or the like.

A cooling target is a device that generates heat as it operates, and is a device to be cooled. If the object to be cooled is a device that generates sound, the object to be cooled can also be a device to be soundproofed using a capsule structure. In this embodiment, an example in which objects to be cooled are mainly the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20 will be described. However, the object to be cooled in the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be any device mounted on the vehicle 1 as long as it can be a device to be cooled or a device provided incidentally to the device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of cases 50A, 50B, 50C, one outside air flow path 52, a plurality of vents 54A, 54B, and a plurality of thermometers. 56A, 56B, 56C and a plurality of valves 60A, 60B.

First, the configurations of the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C will be described. Cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are housing members for individually housing a plurality of objects to be cooled. Internal spaces 51A, 51B, and 51C of individual cases 50A, 50B, and 50C (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "case 50" and "internal space 51", respectively.) are storage chambers for storing objects to be cooled. Function. In this embodiment, an example in which three cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are provided will be described. Note that the number of installed cases may be two or four or more as long as it is plural.

The case 50 has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and left and right side surfaces, and covers the entire circumference of the object to be cooled. As a result, the object to be cooled can be accommodated in the case 50 in an almost airtight manner, and the sound generated from the object to be cooled can be shielded so as not to leak outside the case 50 .

The shape of the case may be any shape other than the rectangular parallelepiped shape of the case 50 according to the present embodiment, as long as it can cover the object to be cooled. Further, from the viewpoint of improving soundproofing, it is preferable to provide as few openings as possible in the case, but openings for ventilation or device connection may be formed in a part of the case. Alternatively, the object to be cooled may be covered by connecting the case to other members of the vehicle 1 (eg, engine cover, undercover, floor panel, etc.). In this case, one or more surfaces of the case itself may be used. may be open.

As a material for the case 50, a metal such as aluminum, titanium, or steel, or a synthetic resin can be used. Since the wall surface of the case 50 functions as a soundproof wall, the case 50 may be made of a soundproof material, or a metal case 50 may be attached with a soundproof member.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, three cases 50A, 50B, 50C are provided adjacent to one outside air flow path 52 . These three cases 50 are continuously arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 1 (the circulation direction of outside air). The case 50A (first case) is arranged on the upstream side of the outside air flow path 52 (the front side of the vehicle 1). The case 50C (third case) is arranged on the downstream side of the outside air flow path 52 (the rear side of the vehicle 1). Case 50B (second case) is arranged between case 50A (first case) and case 50C (third case) and is adjacent to both cases 50A and 50C.

A method of manufacturing the plurality of cases 50 adjacent to each other in this manner is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, two partition walls 53A and 53B are provided inside one box-shaped case, and the internal space of the case is partitioned into three internal spaces 51A, 51B, and 51C. Three cases 50A, 50B, 50C may be made to accommodate. Alternatively, three adjacent cases may be produced by connecting three box-shaped cases in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. When the number of cases to be installed is two or four or more, a plurality of adjacent cases can be produced in the same manner.

An object to be cooled is accommodated in each of the three cases 50 configured as described above. In the example of FIG. 2, the engine 10 is housed in a case 50A (first case), the speed reduction mechanism 14 is housed in a case 50B (second case), and the battery 20 is housed in a case 50C (third case). be done.

The engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20 are devices that generate heat according to their operation, and can be objects to be cooled depending on their operating conditions and operating environment. The engine 10 is arranged in front of the vehicle 1 and has a speed reduction mechanism 14 connected to its output shaft. Also, the battery 20 is arranged at the rear of the vehicle 1 . For convenience of explanation, the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20 are simply arranged in that order in the example of FIG.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, devices other than the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14 and the battery 20 may be accommodated in the case 50. For example, in the case 50B (second case), in addition to the speed reduction mechanism 14, a motor or a generator (for example, the first motor generator 16 and the second motor generator 24 shown in FIG. 1), or a gear mechanism (for example, The power split mechanism 12) shown in FIG. 1 and the like may be accommodated. In addition to the battery 20, the case 50C (third case) may accommodate an inverter (for example, the first inverter 18 and the second inverter 22 shown in FIG. 1), a converter, or the like. The devices housed in each case 50 can be appropriately changed according to the type of vehicle, the configuration of the device to be mounted, the restrictions on the installation space, and the like.

Next, the configuration of a cooling mechanism for cooling or keeping warm the object to be cooled accommodated in the case 50 will be described.

The outside air channel 52 is a channel for circulating the air outside the vehicle 1 (that is, the outside air) along the case 50 inside the vehicle 1 . The outside air flow path 52 is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the “vehicle front-rear direction X”), and directs outside air introduced into the vehicle 1 from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. guide towards.

The length of the outside air flow path 52 in the vehicle front-rear direction X is longer than the length of the case 50 in the vehicle front-rear direction X. As shown in FIG. The width of the outside air flow path 52 is approximately the same as the width of the case 50 . Here, the "width" is the length of the vehicle 1 in the width direction Y (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2, hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle width direction Y"). A tip opening (intake port) of the outside air flow path 52 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle 1, and may be arranged around the front grill, for example. A rear end opening (exhaust port) of the outside air flow path 52 is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle 1, and may be arranged, for example, around an undercover or the like so as to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Outside air that has flowed in from the intake port of the front grill or the like is introduced into the outside air channel 52 through the front end opening of the outside air channel 52 and is discharged out of the vehicle through the rear end opening of the outside air channel 52 .

The outside air flowing inside the outside air flow path 52 functions as a coolant for air-cooling objects to be cooled accommodated in the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. The air heated by the heat exchange during air cooling flows through the outside air passage 52 toward the rear of the vehicle and is discharged from the rear end opening of the outside air passage 52 . Outside air may be circulated in the outside air flow path 52 using the running wind that flows into the vehicle 1 from the front of the vehicle 1 as the vehicle 1 runs. Alternatively, external air may be circulated in the external air flow path 52 using an air flow that is forcibly generated by a fan or the like.

Vents 54A and 54B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as “vents 54”) are openings for communicating the internal spaces 51 of the plurality of cases 50 with the outside air flow paths 52 . The vent 54 is formed at the boundary between the two adjacent cases 50, 50 and the external air flow path 52, and communicates the internal spaces 51, 51 of the two cases 50, 50 with the external air flow path 52. Let

Specifically, the ventilation port 54A (first ventilation port) is formed at the boundary between the two adjacent cases 50A and 50B and the external air flow path 52, and is formed between the internal space 51A of the case 50A and the case 50B. The internal space 51B and the external air flow path 52 are communicated with each other. In order to form the vent hole 54A, a part of the upper surface of each of the cases 50A and 50B is notched, and the upper part of the partition 53A between the cases 50A and 50B is notched.

Similarly, the vent 54B (second vent) is formed at the boundary between the two adjacent cases 50B and 50C and the outside air flow path 52, and is an internal space 51B of the case 50B and an internal space of the case 50C. 51C and the outside air flow path 52 are communicated with each other. In order to form such a vent hole 54B, a part of the upper surface of each of the cases 50B and 50C is notched, and the upper part of the partition wall 53B between the cases 50B and 50C is notched.

Thermometers 56A, 56B, 56C (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "thermometers 56") are arranged in the respective cases 50A, 50B, 50C, and the internal spaces 51A, 51B of the respective cases 50A, 50B, 50C , _51C are _{detected .} Temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C detected by each thermometer 56 are output to the control section 26 . The control unit 26 controls the opening/closing patterns of the vents 54A and 54B by the valves 60A and 60B based on the temperatures T _A , T _B and T _C . The details of this open/close control will be described later.

The valves 60A, 60B (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "valves 60") are opening/closing mechanisms for opening and closing the vents 54A, 54B, and function as shutter members, for example. The valve 60A (first valve) is provided in the vent 54A (first vent) and opens and closes the vent 54A in a plurality of opening/closing patterns. The valve 60B (second valve) is provided in the vent 54B (second vent), and opens and closes the vent 54B in a plurality of opening/closing patterns. The valve 60 rotates according to a command from the controller 26 to open and close the vent 54 . By opening and closing the valve 60, not only the state of communication between the internal space 51 of each case 50 and the outside air flow path 52, but also the state of communication between the internal spaces 51, 51 of the two adjacent cases 50, 50 can be switched. .

As described above, the vent 54 is an opening that allows three spaces including the internal spaces 51 and the outside air flow path 52 of the two adjacent cases 50 and 50 to communicate with each other. The valve 60 functions as a three-way valve that switches the state of communication between these three spaces by opening and closing the vent 54 in a plurality of opening and closing patterns. For this reason, the valve 60 has, for example, a T-shaped cross section, and is configured to be able to open/close variously the vent 54 extending over the three spaces.

The valve 60 is provided at the vent 54 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is an axis that extends in a direction that intersects the circulation direction of the outside air in the outside air passage 52 (that is, the vehicle front-rear direction X). For example, the valve 60 shown in FIG. 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of circulation of outside air (that is, the vehicle width direction Y). The valve 60 is, for example, an electric rotary valve, and is rotated by a driving device such as an actuator (not shown). The rotation operation (opening/closing operation) of the valve 60 is controlled by the controller 26 .

The size and shape of valve 60 corresponds to the size and shape of vent 54 . The width of the valve 60 in the vehicle width direction Y is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the vent 54 in that direction. As described above, if the vent 54 is a belt-like opening elongated in the vehicle width direction Y, the valve 60 is also formed of an elongated member that can close almost the entire vent 54 .

The valve 60 according to this embodiment has at least three valve bodies projecting in three directions from the pivot shaft. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a valve 60A for opening and closing the front vent 54A has a T-shaped cross section, and three valves corresponding to the upper surfaces of the two cases 50A and 50B and the partition wall 53A. It may comprise bodies 61, 62, 63 (see FIG. 3). By rotating the valve 60A around the rotation shaft in the vent hole 54A, the communication state of the three spaces, that is, the internal space 51A of the case 50A, the internal space 51B of the case 50B, and the external air flow path 52, is switched. It is possible. Similarly, the valve 60B on the rear side may also have a T-shaped cross-sectional shape, and may include three valve bodies respectively corresponding to the upper surfaces of the two cases 50B and 50C and the partition wall 53B. By rotating the valve 60B around the rotation shaft in the vent hole 54B, the communication state of the three spaces, ie, the internal space 51B of the case 50B, the internal space 51C of the case 50C, and the external air flow path 52, is switched. It is possible.

By providing the ventilation port 54 and the valve 60 configured as described above, the outside air in the outside air passage 52 is allowed to flow into the internal space 51 of each case 50, and the air in the inside space 51 of each case 50 is allowed to flow out to the outside air passage 52. Also, air can flow in and out between the two cases 50, 50 adjacent to each other, or the flow of these air can be blocked. Thereby, the temperature of the internal space 51 of each case 50 can be controlled, and the object to be cooled in each case 50 can be air-cooled or kept warm.

[3. Valve Configuration and Opening/Closing Pattern]
Next, the configuration of the valve 60 according to the present embodiment and the opening/closing pattern of the vent 54 by the valve 60 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG. 3 to 7 are cross-sectional views showing opening/closing patterns IV of the vent 54 by the valve 60 according to this embodiment. Although the opening/closing pattern of the valve 60A that opens and closes the upstream vent 54A shown in FIG. 2 will be described below, the same applies to the opening/closing pattern of the valve 60B that opens and closes the downstream vent 54B.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, a valve 60A for opening and closing the vent 54A has, for example, a T-shaped cross-sectional shape and three valve bodies 61, 62 projecting in three directions from a rotation shaft 65. 63. The three valve bodies 61, 62, 63 respectively correspond to the upper surface 57A of the upstream case 50A, the upper surface 57B of the downstream case 50B, and the partition wall 53A that is the boundary between the cases 50A and 50B. The valve bodies 61, 62, 63 do not interfere with the upper surfaces 57A, 57B and the partition wall 53A when the valve 60A rotates within the vent 54A, and the vent 54A can be properly closed. The extension length, shape, etc. of 61, 62, and 63 are adjusted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, if the valve 60A has a T-shaped cross section, the three valve bodies 61, 62, and 63 can be used to properly open and close the vent 54A. However, the cross-sectional shape of the valve 60A may be any shape, such as a Y shape, a cross shape, a triangular shape, a gear shape, a star shape, a curved shape, etc., as long as it is a shape that can open and close the vent 54. .

The opening/closing pattern of the vent 54A by the valve 60A includes at least the following five opening/closing patterns IV.

(1) Opening and closing pattern I (first pattern)
As shown in FIG. 3, the opening/closing pattern I divides the external air flow path 52, the internal space 51A of the upstream case 50A (first case), and the internal space 51B of the downstream case 50B (second case). It is a pattern that does not communicate with each other.

In opening/closing pattern I, the vent port 54A between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A is closed by the valve body 61, and the vent port 54A between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B is closed by the valve body 62. In addition, the valve body 63 closes the vent hole 54A between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B. Therefore, the external air flow path 52, the internal space 51A, and the internal space 51B are not in communication with each other, and air does not flow between these three spaces.

In the opening/closing pattern I, the outside air in the outside air flow path 52 does not flow into the internal spaces 51A and 51B of the cases 50A and 50B, so the internal spaces 51A and 51B are kept warm. Therefore, the opening/closing pattern I is useful when it is desired to keep the engine 10 and the speed reduction mechanism 14 housed in the cases 50A and 50B warm, or when it is desired to promote warming up of the engine 10 and the speed reduction mechanism 14 .

(2) Opening and closing pattern II (second pattern)
As shown in FIG. 4, the opening/closing pattern II allows communication between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B of the case 50B, but does not allow communication between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A of the case 50A. This is a pattern that does not allow communication between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B of the case 50B. When the position of the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern I is used as a reference, the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern II is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees.

In the opening/closing pattern II, the vent 54A between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A is closed by the valve body 63, and the vent 54A between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B is closed by the valve body 62. be done. On the other hand, the vent port 54A between the outside air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B is not closed by the valve 60A and is open. Therefore, the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A are not communicated with each other, and the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B are not communicated with each other. On the other hand, the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B are in a state of communicating with each other.

In such open/close pattern II, the outside air in the outside air passage 52 does not flow into the internal space 51A of the case 50A, and air does not flow between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B, so the internal space 51A is kept warm. On the other hand, since the outside air in the outside air passage 52 flows into the internal space 51B of the case 50B, the temperature of the internal space 51B can be lowered. Therefore, the opening/closing pattern II is useful when it is desired to cool the speed reduction mechanism 14 housed in the case 50B without cooling the engine 10 housed in the case 50A.

(3) Open/close pattern III (third pattern)
As shown in FIG. 5, the opening/closing pattern III does not allow communication between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A of the case 50A, and does not allow communication between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B of the case 50B. It is a pattern that allows communication between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B of the case 50B. When the position of the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern I is used as a reference, the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern III is rotated clockwise by 180 degrees.

In the opening/closing pattern III, the vent port 54A in the portion between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A is closed by the valve body 62, and the vent port 54A in the portion between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B is closed by the valve body 61. Closed. On the other hand, the vent port 54A between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B is not closed by the valve 60A and is open. Therefore, the external air passage 52 and the internal space 51A are not communicated with each other, and the external air passage 52 and the internal space 51B are not communicated with each other. On the other hand, the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B are in a state of communicating with each other.

In the opening/closing pattern III, the outside air in the outside air flow path 52 does not flow into the internal spaces 51A and 51B of the cases 50A and 50B, while the air flows between the internal spaces 51A and 51B. Therefore, heat exchange occurs between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B. Therefore, the opening/closing pattern III is useful when the heat of the engine 10 housed in the case 50A is to be transferred to the speed reduction mechanism 14 housed in the case 50B, or vice versa. is.

(4) Opening/closing pattern IV (fourth pattern)
As shown in FIG. 6, the opening/closing pattern IV allows communication between the outside air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A of the case 50A, but does not allow communication between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B of the case 50B. This is a pattern that does not allow communication between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B of the case 50B. When the position of the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern I is used as a reference, the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern IV is rotated clockwise by 270 degrees.

In the opening/closing pattern IV, the vent port 54A between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B is closed by the valve body 63, and the vent port 54A between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B is closed by the valve body 61. be done. On the other hand, the vent port 54A between the outside air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A is not closed by the valve 60A but is open. Therefore, the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B are not communicated with each other, and the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B are not communicated with each other. On the other hand, the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A are in a state of communicating with each other.

In the open/close pattern IV, the outside air in the outside air passage 52 does not flow into the internal space 51B of the case 50B, and air does not flow between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B, so that the internal space 51B is kept warm. On the other hand, since the outside air in the outside air passage 52 flows into the internal space 51A of the case 50A, the temperature of the internal space 51A can be lowered. Therefore, the opening/closing pattern IV is useful when it is desired to cool the engine 10 housed in the case 50A without cooling the speed reduction mechanism 14 housed in the case 50B.

(5) Opening/closing pattern V (fifth pattern)
As shown in FIG. 7, the open/close pattern V is a pattern that allows the external air flow path 52, the internal space 51A of the upstream case 50A, and the internal space 51B of the downstream case 50B to communicate with each other. When the position of the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern I is used as a reference, the valve 60A of the opening/closing pattern V is rotated clockwise by 45 degrees, for example.

In the opening/closing pattern V, the portion between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51A, the portion between the external air flow path 52 and the internal space 51B, and the portion between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B of the vent 54A are all valves. Not closed by 60A. Therefore, the external air flow path 52, the internal space 51A, and the internal space 51B are in a state of communicating with each other, and air flows freely between these three spaces.

In such open/close pattern V, the outside air in the outside air flow path 52 flows into both the internal spaces 51A and 51B of the cases 50A and 50B. Further, air flows in and out between the internal space 51A and the internal space 51B. Therefore, a large amount of outside air in the outside air passage 52 passes through the internal spaces 51A and 51B, so that the temperature of the internal spaces 51A and 51B can be significantly lowered. Therefore, the opening/closing pattern V is useful when it is desired to strongly cool the engine 10 and the speed reduction mechanism 14 housed in the cases 50A and 50B, respectively.

As described above, in this embodiment, the ventilation port 54 and the valve 60 are provided at the boundary position between the adjacent cases 50 , 50 , and the opening/closing pattern of the valve 60 is controlled by the controller 26 . As a result, the ventilation port 54 can be opened and closed in a plurality of opening/closing patterns, and the state of communication between the internal spaces 51, 51 of the two adjacent cases 50, 50 and the external air flow path 52 can be switched in various ways. Therefore, the temperatures of the internal spaces 51 of the plurality of cases 50 can be individually controlled with a small number of vents 54 and valves 60 installed. In other words, the temperature inside each case 50 can be controlled simply by installing a smaller number of vents 54 and valves 60 than the number of installed cases 50 . For example, when providing three cases 50A, 50B, 50C as shown in FIG. 2, two vents 54A, 54B and two valves 60A, 60B may be provided.

Therefore, since the number of vent holes 54 and valves 60 to be installed can be reduced, the device configuration of the capsule-structured cooling mechanism can be simplified, and the device cost can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the capsule structure using the case 50, the number and opening area of the openings formed in the case 50 can be reduced, and the sealing property of the capsule structure is high, so the soundproofing of the capsule structure can also be improved.

[3. Judgment conditions for valve opening/closing control]
Next, determination conditions for opening/closing control of the valve 60 according to the present embodiment and opening/closing control of the valve 60 based on the determination results will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 15. FIG. 8 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing the opening/closing pattern of the valve 60 and the air flow according to this embodiment. 8 to 15 show the case 50, the outside air flow path 52, the vent 54, the thermometer 56, and the valve 60, and omit the illustration of the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, the battery 20, and the like. There is.

The control unit 26 acquires the temperatures T _A , T _B , T _C of the internal spaces 51A, 51B, 51C of the cases 50A, 50B, 50C from the thermometers 56A, 56B, 56C. Then, the control unit 26 controls the opening/closing patterns I to V of the valves 60A and 60B based on whether or not the acquired temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C satisfy predetermined determination conditions. The determination conditions are, for example, whether the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C in each case 50 satisfy the cooling conditions, and whether the running mode of the vehicle 1 is a specific mode. The cooling conditions include, for example, whether the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C inside each case 50 are equal to or higher than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} set for each case 50 .

The control unit 26 determines whether or not the following five determination conditions are satisfied as determination conditions, and controls the opening/closing patterns IV of the valves 60A and 60B. Regarding the five determination conditions, the larger the ordinal number, the higher the priority of the determination condition. That is, priority is given in the order of "first determination condition"<"second determination condition"<"third determination condition"<"fourth determination condition"<"fifth determination condition". If two or more judgment conditions are satisfied in duplicate, the judgment condition with the higher ordinal number takes precedence.

(1) First Determination Condition The first determination condition is whether or not the temperature inside each case 50 satisfies a preset cooling condition. For example, the first determination condition is that the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C in the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are equal to or higher than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} set for the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, respectively. or not. The control unit 26 determines this first determination condition. As a result of this determination, if the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C of any one of the cases 50 satisfy the first determination condition, the control unit 26 controls the internal spaces 51 and the outside air flow paths of the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. Valves 60A and 60B are controlled so that 52 is in communication.

For example, consider a case where it is determined that the temperature _TA in the case 50A is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature _{TA_MAX} , and the temperatures TB and _TC of the cases 50B and _50C are lower than the upper limit temperatures _{TB_MAX} and _{TC_MAX} (T _A ≧ _{TA_MAX} , _TB < _{TB_MAX} , _TC < _{TC_MAX} ). In this case, the control unit 26 controls the valve 60A to open/close pattern IV and the valve 60B to open/close pattern I, as shown in FIG. As a result, outside air flows into the case 50A from the outside air passage 52, and heat is exchanged between the case 50A and the outside air passage 52, so that only the engine 10 inside the case 50A is cooled appropriately.

(2) Second Judgment Condition The second judgment condition is that among the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C within the plurality of cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, the temperatures of two or more adjacent cases 50 satisfy the cooling condition. or not. For example, the second determination condition is whether the temperatures _TA , _TB , and _TC of two or more adjacent cases 50 are equal to or higher than the corresponding upper limit temperatures _{TA_MAX} , _{TB_MAX} , and _{TC_MAX} . The control unit 26 determines this second determination condition. As a result of this determination, if the second determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 26 causes the internal spaces 51 of two or more adjacent cases 50 to be in communication with each other, and one of the two or more adjacent cases 50 . , the valves 60A and 60B are controlled so that the inner space 51 of the case 50 on the most upstream side and the most downstream side in the outside air flow path 52 and the outside air path 52 are in communication.

For example, consider the case where it is determined that the temperatures TA and TB of two adjacent cases _50A and _50B are equal to or higher than the upper limit temperatures _{TA_MAX} and _{TB_MAX} , and the temperature _TC of the case 50C is lower than the upper limit temperature _{TC_MAX} . ( _TA > _{TA_MAX} , _TB > _{TB_MAX} , _TC < _{TC_MAX} ). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 26 controls the valve 60A to open/close pattern V and the valve 60B to open/close pattern IV. As a result, the outside air is positively taken into the case 50A from the outside air passage 52, the outside air is circulated from the case 50A to the case 50B, and the outside air is discharged from the case 50B to the outside air passage 52. Therefore, the engine 10 inside the case 50A and the speed reduction mechanism 14 inside the case 50B are preferably cooled.

Also, consider the case where the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C of the three adjacent cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are determined to be equal to or higher than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} (T _A ≥ T _{A_MAX} , _TB ≧ _{TB_MAX} , _TC ≧ _{TC_MAX} ). In this case, the control unit 26 controls the valves 60A and 60B to open/close pattern V, as shown in FIG. As a result, the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C communicate with each other, and the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C communicate with the outside air flow path 52 as well. As a result, the outside air is positively taken into the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C from the outside air passage 52, the outside air is circulated from the case 50A through the case 50B to the case 50C, and the outside air is discharged from the case 50C to the outside air passage 52. Therefore, engine 10 in case 50A, speed reduction mechanism 14 in case 50B, and battery 20 in case 50C are preferably cooled.

(3) Third Judgment Condition The third judgment condition is that among the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C within the plurality of cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, the temperatures of two or more adjacent cases 50 satisfy the cooling condition. For example, whether the temperatures T _A , T _B , T _C of two or more adjacent cases 50 are less than the corresponding upper temperature limits T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , T _{C_MAX} . The control unit 26 determines this third determination condition. As a result of this determination, if the third determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 26 puts the internal spaces 51 of the two or more adjacent cases 50 in a state where they do not communicate with each other, and the two or more adjacent cases 50 and the two or more cases 50 do not communicate with each other. The valves 60A and 60B are controlled so that the outside air flow path 52 is not communicated.

For example, consider the case where it is determined that the temperatures T _A and T _B of two adjacent cases 50A and 50B are lower than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} and T _{B_MAX} , and the temperature T _C of the case 50C is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T _{C_MAX} . ( _TA < _{TA_MAX} , _TB < _{TB_MAX} , _TC > _{TC_MAX} ). In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the controller 26 controls the valve 60A to open/close pattern I and the valve 60B to open/close pattern II. As a result, the case 50C communicates with the outside air flow path 52 without the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C communicating with each other. As a result, the cases 50A and 50B that do not satisfy the cooling conditions can be kept warm while the outside air is taken into the case 50C from the outside air flow path 52 . Thereby, the engine 10 and the speed reduction mechanism 14 in the cases 50A and 50B can be kept warm while the battery 20 in the case 50C is suitably cooled.

Also, consider the case where the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C of three adjacent cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are determined to be less than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} (T _A <T _{A_MAX} , _TB < _{TB_MAX} , _TC < _{TC_MAX} ). In this case, the controller 26 controls both the valves 60A and 60B to open/close pattern I, as shown in FIG. As a result, the case 50A, the case 50B, the case 50C, and the outside air flow path 52 are not communicated with each other. As a result, the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 2 in the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C that do not satisfy the cooling conditions can be kept warm.

(4) Fourth Determination Condition The fourth determination condition is that the temperature _TC in the case 50C housing the battery 20 is less than the upper limit temperature _{TC_MAX} , and the temperatures of two or more adjacent cases 50 including the case 50C is less than the corresponding upper limit temperature, and the temperature of the case 50 on the upstream side of the outside air flow path 52 among the two or more adjacent cases 50 is higher than the temperature of the case 50 on the downstream side is. The control unit 26 determines this fourth determination condition. As a result of this determination, if the fourth determination condition is satisfied, the controller 26 causes the internal spaces 51 of the two or more adjacent cases 50 to communicate with each other, and the two or more adjacent cases 50 and the outside. The valves 60A and 60B are controlled so that the airflow path 52 is not communicated.

For example, the temperature _TA of the case 50A is equal to or higher than the _upper limit temperature _{TA_MAX} , the temperatures TB and TC of the two adjacent cases 50B and _50C are lower than the upper limit temperatures _{TB_MAX} and _{TC_MAX} , and the temperature _TB is Consider the case where it is determined that the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature _TC ( _TA ≥ _{TA_MAX} , _TB < _{TB_MAX} , _TC < _{TC_MAX} , _TB ≥ _TC ). In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the controller 26 controls the valve 60A to open/close pattern IV and the valve 60B to open/close pattern III. As a result, the cases 50B and 50C communicate with each other, the case 50A communicates with the outside air flow path 52, and the cases 50A and 50B do not communicate with each other. As a result, outside air is taken into the case 50A from the outside air flow path 52, and the inside of the case 50A is cooled. Further, heat is exchanged between the cases 50B and 50C that do not satisfy the cooling conditions, the heat in the case 50B can be transferred to the lower temperature case 50C, and the temperatures T _B and T _C can be averaged. As a result, the engine 10 inside the case 50A can be suitably cooled, and the heat inside the case 50B can be used to suitably heat and warm the battery 20 inside the case 50C.

Further, the temperatures _TA , TB, and _TC in the three adjacent cases 50A, 50B, and _50C are lower than the upper limit temperatures _{TA_MAX} , _{TB_MAX} , and _{TC_MAX} , and the temperature _TA is equal to or higher than the temperature _TB , and , the temperature _TB is determined to be greater than or equal to the temperature _{TC (TA<TA_MAX, TB<TB_MAX, TC<TC_MAX , TA ≧ TB , TB ≧ TC )} . In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller 26 controls both the valves 60A and 60B to open/close pattern III. Thereby, the case 50A, the case 50B, and the case 50C communicate with each other. As a result, the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C can be averaged by heat exchange among the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C that do not satisfy the cooling conditions. In particular, heat is transferred from case 50A through case 50B into case 50C due to the temperature gradient of T _A ≧ _TB ≧ _TC , so that battery 20 in case 50C can be suitably kept warm.

(5) Fifth Determination Condition The fifth condition is that the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle, and the running mode of the vehicle 1 is the EV mode (the hybrid vehicle is in a state where the engine 10 is stopped and the second motor generator 24 is driven). mode) is set to

The fifth determination condition is whether or not the traveling mode is the EV mode, and whether or not the case 50A housing the engine 10 satisfies the cooling condition. For example, the fifth determination condition is whether or not the driving mode is the EV mode, the temperature _TA of the case 50A is less than the upper limit temperature _{TA_MAX} , and the temperature _TA is equal to or lower than the temperatures _TB and _TC . be. The control unit 26 determines this fifth determination condition. As a result of this determination, if the fifth determination condition is satisfied, the control unit 26 controls the valve so that all the cases 50 are in a state of communication and all the cases 50 and the outside air passage 52 are not in communication with each other. 60A and 60B are controlled.

For example, consider a case where it is determined that the temperature _TA is equal to or lower than the temperature _TB , the temperature _TB is equal to or lower than the temperature _TC , and the temperature _TA of the case 50A housing the engine 10 is lower than the upper limit temperature _{TA_MAX} . (T _A ≤ T _B ≤ T _C , T _A < T _{A_MAX} ). In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 26 controls both the valves 60A and 60B to open/close pattern III to bring the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C into communication with each other. This enables heat exchange between the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C during the EV mode to average the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C . In particular, heat is transferred from case 50C to case 50B into case 50A due to the temperature gradient of TA _≤ TB _{≤ TC} , so that engine 10 in case 50A can be suitably kept warm and warmed up. Therefore, it is possible to warm up the engine 10, which does not easily generate heat in the EV mode, for starting or restarting.

[4. Valve opening/closing control based on judgment result]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the opening/closing control of the valve 60 based on the comprehensive determination result according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a table for explaining the opening/closing control of the valve 60 by the controller 26 according to this embodiment.

In the table on the left side of FIG. 16, the case where the running mode is the EV mode and the case where the cooling conditions are satisfied are represented by "o", and the case where the running mode is other than the EV mode and the cooling conditions are satisfied. The case where the condition is not satisfied is indicated by "x", and the case where the condition is not judged is indicated by "-". The table on the right side of FIG. 16 shows the determination conditions applied under the conditions, the controlled opening/closing pattern of the valve 60, and the temperature control state within each case 50. In FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 26 determines the cooling condition of each case 50 by combining the above-described first to fifth determination conditions (see FIGS. 8 to 15). Then, the control unit 26 determines the opening/closing pattern of the valves 60A and 60B to be one of the opening/closing patterns IV (see FIGS. 3 to 7) according to the determination result, and the valves 60A and 60B are selected. to control.

For example, under the condition of number 1 shown in FIG. 16, the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C in the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C satisfy the cooling conditions (hereinafter, “T _A =0” and “ T _B =0”, “T _C =0”, etc.). In this case, the second determination condition is applied, and both the valves 60A and 60B are controlled to open/close pattern V as shown in FIG. As a result, the internal spaces 51A, 51B, 51C of all the cases 50A, 50B, 50C are cooled.

In condition number 2, T _A =×, T _B =0, and T _C =0. In this case, the second determination condition is applied, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern II, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern V. As a result, the internal spaces 51B and 51C of the cases 50B and 50C are cooled, and the internal space 51A of the case 50A is kept warm.

In condition No. 3, T _A =O, T _B =X, and T _C =O. In this case, the first determination condition is applied, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern IV, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern II. As a result, the internal spaces 51A and 51C of the cases 50A and 50C are cooled, and the internal space 51B of the case 50B is kept warm.

Under condition No. 4, T _A =x, T _B =x, and T _C =O. In this case, the third determination condition is applied for cases 50A and 50B, and the first determination condition is applied for case 50C. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern I, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern II. As a result, the internal space 51C of the case 50C is cooled, and the internal spaces 51A and 51B of the cases 50A and 50B are kept warm.

In condition No. 5, T _A =O, T _B =O, and T _C =×. In this case, the second criterion is applied. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, the valve 60A is controlled to the opening/closing pattern V, and the valve 60B is controlled to the opening/closing pattern IV. As a result, the internal spaces 51A and 51B of the cases 50A and 50B are cooled, and the internal space 51C of the case 50C is kept warm.

In the condition of number 6, T _A =×, T _B =◯, and T _C =×. In this case, the first determination condition is applied, the valve 60A is controlled to the opening/closing pattern II, and the valve 60B is controlled to the opening/closing pattern IV. As a result, the internal space 51B of the case 50B is cooled, and the internal spaces 51A and 51C of the cases 50A and 50C are kept warm.

In condition No. 7, T _A =O, T _B =x, and T _C =x. Furthermore, it does not satisfy T _B ≧T _C. In this case, the third determination condition is applied to cases 50B and 50C, the first determination condition is applied to case 50A, and the fourth determination condition is not applied. As a result, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern IV, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern I, as shown in FIG. As a result, the internal space 51A of the case 50A is cooled, the internal spaces 51B and 51C of the cases 50B and 50C are kept warm, and there is no heat exchange between the cases 50B and 50C.

In the condition of number 8, T _A =x, T _B =x, and T _C =x. Furthermore, T _A ≧T _B is satisfied, but T _B ≧T _C is not satisfied. In this case, the third determination condition is applied for cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, and the fourth determination condition is also applied for cases 50A and 50B. As a result, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern III, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern I. As a result, heat is exchanged between the cases 50A and 50B while the internal spaces 51A, 51B and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B and 50C are kept warm. 14 is warmed up.

In the condition of number 9, T _A =x, T _B =x, and T _C =x. Furthermore, T _A ≧T _B is not satisfied, nor is T _B ≧T _C. In this case, the third determination condition is applied for cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. As a result, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern I, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern I, as shown in FIG. As a result, while the internal spaces 51A, 51B and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B and 50C are kept warm, there is no heat exchange among the cases 50A, 50B and 50C.

In the condition of number 10, _TA = 0, _TB = x, and _TC = x. Furthermore, T _B ≧T _C is satisfied. In this case, the first determination condition is applied to case 50A, and the third and fourth determination conditions are applied to cases 50B and 50C. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13, the valve 60A is controlled to the opening/closing pattern IV, and the valve 60B is controlled to the opening/closing pattern III. As a result, the internal space 51A of the case 50A is cooled, and heat is exchanged between the cases 50B and 50C while the internal spaces 51B and 51C of the cases 50B and 50C are kept warm. , the battery 20 in the case 50C is warmed up.

In the condition of number 11, T _A =x, T _B =x, and T _C =x. Furthermore, both T _A ≧T _B and T _B ≧T _C are satisfied. In this case, the third determination condition is applied for cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, and the fourth determination condition is also applied for cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the valves 60A and 60B are controlled to open/close pattern III. As a result, heat is exchanged between the cases 50A and 50B and between the cases 50B and 50C while keeping the internal spaces 51A, 51B and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B and 50C warm. As a result, the heat of the engine 10 inside the case 50A warms the inside of the case 50B, and the heat inside the case 50B warms the battery 20 inside the case 50C.

In the condition of number 12, T _A =x, T _B =x, and T _C =x. Furthermore, T _B ≧T _C is satisfied, but T _A ≧T _B is not satisfied. In this case, the third determination condition is applied for cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, and the fourth determination condition is also applied for cases 50B and 50C. As a result, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern I, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern III. As a result, heat is exchanged between the cases 50B and 50C while the internal spaces 51A, 51B, and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C are kept warm. 20 is warmed up.

In the condition of number 13, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 is set to the EV mode ("EV=O"), and T _A =x. Furthermore, T _A ≤ T _B ≤ T _C is satisfied. In this case, the fifth criterion is applied to cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 15, the valve 60A is controlled to open/close pattern III, and the valve 60B is controlled to open/close pattern III. As a result, heat is exchanged between the cases 50A and 50B and between the cases 50B and 50C while keeping the internal spaces 51A, 51B and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B and 50C warm. As a result, the heat of the battery 20 in the case 50C warms up the case 50B, and the heat in the case 50B warms up the engine 10 in the case 50A.

[5. Opening/closing control flow in EV mode]
Next, referring to FIG. 17, in the case where vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment is a hybrid vehicle, when battery 20 heats up and engine 10 cools down during running in the EV mode, engine 10 A specific example of the opening/closing control flow for keeping heat by flowing heat to the side will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing opening/closing control of the valve 60 by the control unit 26 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, first, the control unit 26 detects the internal spaces 51A, 51B, and 51C of the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C from the thermometers 56A, 56B, and 56C provided in the cases 50A, 50B, and 50C. Temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C are obtained (S100).

Next, the control unit 26 determines whether or not the vehicle 1 is running (S102). For example, by detecting the vehicle speed, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is running. If the detected vehicle speed is greater than 0 km/h, the control unit 26 determines that the vehicle 1 is running, and proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the detected vehicle speed is 0 km, the control unit 26 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped, and proceeds to S120.

Furthermore, the control unit 26 determines whether or not the engine 10 of the vehicle 1 is stopped (S104). For example, by detecting the engine speed Ne, it is possible to determine whether the engine 10 is stopped. If the detected engine speed is 0 rpm, the control unit 26 determines that the engine 10 is stopped, and proceeds to S106. On the other hand, if the detected engine speed is greater than 0 rpm, the control unit 26 determines that the engine 10 is operating, and proceeds to S120.

When the vehicle 1 is running (YES in S102) and the engine 10 is stopped (YES in S104), the running mode is the EV mode. In this EV mode, the vehicle 1 runs with the driving force of the second motor generator 24 using the electric power from the battery 20 .

Next, the control unit 26 determines whether or not the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C acquired in S100 satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, T _A ≦T _B ≦T _C ) (S106). When T _A ≤ T _B ≤ T _C is satisfied, the temperature T _B around the speed reduction mechanism 14 is lower than the temperature T _C around the battery 20, and the temperature T _A around the engine 10 is even lower. show. In this case, the heat of battery 20 can be preferably transferred from case 50C that houses battery 20 to case 50A that houses engine 10 through case 50B that houses speed reduction mechanism 14 . Therefore, when T _A ≤ T _B ≤ T _C is satisfied, the process proceeds to S108. On the other hand, if T _A ≤ T _B ≤ T _C is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S120.

Furthermore, since the engine 10 is cold, the control unit 26 determines whether or not warm-up is necessary (S108). For example, by detecting the engine oil temperature or the exhaust system catalyst temperature, it is possible to determine whether the engine 10 needs to be warmed up. If the engine oil temperature or the catalyst temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined lower limit value, the control unit 26 determines that the engine 10 needs to be warmed up, and proceeds to S110. On the other hand, if the engine oil temperature or catalyst temperature is higher than the predetermined lower limit value, the control unit 26 determines that warming up of the engine 10 is not necessary, and proceeds to S120.

If it is determined in S108 that the engine 10 needs to be warmed up, the controller 26 controls the opening/closing pattern of both the valves 60A and 60B to the opening/closing pattern III (see FIG. 5) (S110). By this open/close control, as shown in FIG. 15, the heat of the battery 20 in the case 50C is transferred to the case 50A through the case 50B, and the temperature _TA in the case 50A can be increased. Therefore, the engine 10 in the case 50A can be preferably kept warm and warmed up. Therefore, even if the battery 20 heats up and the engine 10 cools down while the vehicle is running in the EV mode, the engine 10 can be properly warmed up for starting or restarting.

On the other hand, if the above S102 to S108 result in NO, the control unit 26 performs normal opening/closing control on the valves 60A and 60B (S120). Here, the normal opening/closing control means, for example, the opening/closing control of the valves 60A and 60B based on the first to fourth determination conditions (cooling conditions) described above (that is, the opening/closing control of numbers 1 to 12 shown in FIG. 16). is.

[6. summary]
The capsule structure that covers the devices to be cooled (power unit) such as the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20, and the opening/closing control of the valve 60 by the control unit 26 in the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment have been described in detail above. bottom.

According to the capsule structure according to the present embodiment, a plurality of cases 50 are provided for respectively accommodating objects to be cooled, and one ventilation port 54 is provided at the boundary between the two adjacent cases 50, 50 and the external air flow path 52, A valve 60 is provided within the vent 54 . As a result, the three spaces of the two adjacent cases 50, 50 and the outside air flow path 52 are communicated with one vent 54, and one valve 60 opens and closes the vent 54, thereby connecting the three spaces. communication state can be freely switched.

As described above, in this embodiment, an opening/closing mechanism including one vent 54 and one valve 60 is arranged so as to straddle two adjacent cases 50 and 50 and the outside air flow path 52 . By switching the opening/closing patterns IV of the valve 60, the cooling, heat retention and heat exchange of the internal space 51 of each case 50 are controlled. As a result, it is possible to individually cool and heat the object to be cooled accommodated in each case 50 by using a small number of vents 54 and valves 60 to be installed. Furthermore, heat is radiated from the case 50 to the outside air flow path 52, heat is exchanged between two or more adjacent cases 50, 50, and the heat inside one case 50 warms the inside of the other case 50. The cold air inside the case 50 can also cool the inside of the other case 50 .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening and closing of each vent 54 by each valve 60 can be controlled by the control unit 26 based on the temperature state inside each case 50 in a plurality of opening/closing patterns IV. As a result, even if the heat generation state of each power unit (the object to be cooled, such as the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20) changes according to the operating state, running state, etc. of the vehicle 1, each case 50 after the change The opening/closing pattern of each valve 60 can be controlled by the controller 26 according to the internal temperature. Therefore, each power unit can be appropriately cooled, warmed, or warmed according to the heat generation and temperature conditions of each power unit.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the case 50 covers substantially the entire circumference of the power unit, and the number of openings (vents 54) formed in the case 50 is small and the opening area is also small. Therefore, the case 50 has high soundproofing properties, and can effectively suppress the sound emitted from the power unit in the case 50 to the outside of the vehicle.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of openings (vents 54) and their opening/closing mechanisms (valves 60) in the capsule structure while achieving both temperature control and soundproofing performance in each case 50. It is possible.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was given in which the engine 10, the speed reduction mechanism 14, and the battery 20 were housed in the three cases 50A, 50B, and 50C, respectively. However, the invention is not limited to such examples. For example, a plurality of objects to be cooled may be divided and housed in two cases 50A and 50B, or may be divided and housed in four or more cases 50 .

Also, when using two cases 50A and 50B, for example, the engine 10 may be housed in the first case 50A, and both the speed reduction mechanism 14 and the battery 20 may be housed in the second case 50B. Alternatively, both the engine 10 and the speed reduction mechanism 14 may be housed in the first case 50A, and the battery 20 may be housed in the second case 50B.

In the above embodiment, one external air flow path 52 is provided along the upper surface of the case 50, and the valve 60 is arranged on the upper surface side of the case 50 in accordance with the position of the external air flow path 52. . However, the invention is not limited to such examples. The outside air flow path 52 may be provided along the left side, right side, bottom, front, or rear of the case 50 . Also, a plurality of outside air flow paths 52 may be provided around the case 50 . When the outside air passage 52 is arranged along the left side, the right side, the bottom, the front surface, or the rear side of the case 50 , the vent 54 and the valve 60 are also aligned with the outside air passage 52 . It may be arranged on the side, bottom, front or rear side.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C of the three cases 50A, 50B, and 50C become equal to or higher than the predetermined upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} , the temperatures of the valves 60A, 60B An example of switching the opening/closing pattern immediately has been described. However, in the vicinity of the upper limit temperatures _{TA_MAX} , _{TB_MAX} , and _{TC_MAX} , chattering may occur due to changes in the temperatures _TA , _TB , and _TC . Therefore, once the temperatures T _A , T _B , and T _C become equal to or higher than the upper limit temperatures T _{A_MAX} , T _{B_MAX} , and T _{C_MAX} , the opening/closing pattern is not switched unless the temperature drops to a predetermined temperature lower than the upper limit temperature. , so-called chatterless processing may be performed.

The present invention is applicable to vehicles such as gasoline vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles.

1 Vehicle 10 Engine 14 Speed Reduction Mechanism 20 Battery 26 Control Units 50A, 50B, 50C Cases 51A, 51B, 51C Internal Space 52 Outside Air Flow Paths 53A, 53B Partition Walls 54A, 54B Ventilation Ports 56A, 56B, 56C Thermometers 60A, 60B Valve 61 , 62, 63 valve body 65 rotating shaft

Claims (9)

an outside air flow path through which outside air flows;
a plurality of cases that are provided adjacent to the outside air flow path and respectively accommodate objects to be cooled;
a vent for communicating an internal space of a first case among the plurality of cases, an internal space of a second case adjacent to the first case, and the external air flow path;
a valve provided in the ventilation port, which switches a state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path by opening and closing the ventilation port in a plurality of opening/closing patterns;
with
The vent is provided at a boundary between the first case, the second case, and the external air flow path,
The valve is provided rotatably about a rotating shaft extending in a direction intersecting the circulation direction of the outside air in the outside air passage, and has three valve bodies projecting in three directions from the rotating shaft. have
A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the communication state between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the outside air flow path is switched by rotating the valve about the rotating shaft. The opening and closing pattern is
a first pattern that does not allow the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air flow path and the second case are communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the interior of the second case are communicated. a second pattern that does not communicate with the space;
The external air passage and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air passage and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the first case are not communicated. a third pattern that communicates with the internal spaces of the two cases;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are communicated, and the external air flow path and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the second case are connected. a fourth pattern that does not communicate with the internal space of the case;
a fifth pattern that allows the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
2. The vehicle of claim 1 , comprising: an outside air flow path through which outside air flows;
a plurality of cases that are provided adjacent to the outside air flow path and respectively accommodate objects to be cooled;
a vent for communicating an internal space of a first case among the plurality of cases, an internal space of a second case adjacent to the first case, and the external air flow path;
a valve provided in the ventilation port, which switches a state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path by opening and closing the ventilation port in a plurality of opening/closing patterns;
with
The opening and closing pattern is
a first pattern that does not allow the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air flow path and the second case are communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the interior of the second case are communicated. a second pattern that does not communicate with the space;
The external air passage and the internal space of the first case are not communicated, the external air passage and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the first case are not communicated. a third pattern that communicates with the internal spaces of the two cases;
The external air flow path and the internal space of the first case are communicated, and the external air flow path and the internal space of the second case are not communicated, and the internal space of the first case and the second case are connected. a fourth pattern that does not communicate with the internal space of the case;
a fifth pattern that allows the external air flow path, the internal space of the first case, and the internal space of the second case to communicate with each other;
including, vehicle. The plurality of cases are
the first case;
the second case;
a third case adjacent to the second case;
including
The vent is
a first vent that allows the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path to communicate with each other;
a second vent that allows the internal space of the second case, the internal space of the third case, and the external air flow path to communicate with each other;
including
The valve is
a first valve provided in the first vent for switching a state of communication between the internal space of the first case, the internal space of the second case, and the external air flow path;
a second valve provided in the second vent for switching a state of communication between the internal space of the second case, the internal space of the third case, and the external air flow path;
The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a thermometer provided in each of the plurality of cases;
a control unit that controls the opening/closing pattern of the valve based on the temperatures in the plurality of cases detected by the thermometer;
The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: When the temperature in at least one of the plurality of cases satisfies the cooling condition,
6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said control unit controls said valve so as to communicate an internal space of said case and said outside air passage. When temperatures in two or more adjacent cases among the plurality of cases satisfy the cooling condition,
The control unit communicates the internal spaces of the two or more cases with each other, and the internal spaces of the cases on the upstream side and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the outside air and the external space of the two or more cases. 7. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein said valve is controlled so as to communicate with an airflow path. If the temperatures in two or more adjacent cases among the plurality of cases do not satisfy the cooling conditions,
The control unit controls the valve so that the internal spaces of the two or more cases do not communicate with each other and the internal spaces of the two or more cases do not communicate with the external air flow path. A vehicle according to any one of claims 5-7. the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle,
the object to be cooled, which is housed in the first case among the plurality of cases , includes an engine of the vehicle;
the object to be cooled, which is housed in a case other than the first case among the plurality of cases, includes a battery of the vehicle;
When the driving mode of the vehicle is the EV mode and the temperature in the first case does not satisfy the cooling condition,
The control unit causes the internal spaces of two or more cases including the first case and a case other than the first case to communicate with each other, and the internal spaces of the two or more cases and the external air flow path to communicate with each other. The vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the valve is controlled so as not to communicate with the

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