WO2022107428A1 - Temperature regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of a temperature regulator of the present invention comprises a motor for driving a vehicle, a cooling circuit through which a refrigerant flows, a first chiller that removes heat from the refrigerant, and a radiator that cools the refrigerant. The cooling circuit has a first loop that passes through, in series, the motor, the first chiller, and the radiator, and circulates the refrigerant, and is provided with a battery that supplies power to the motor. The cooling circuit has a battery-side loop that passes through the battery, and the battery-side loop is capable of circulating refrigerant independently of the first loop.

Description

Temperature control device

The present invention relates to a temperature control device.



This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-193503 filed on November 20, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, a cooling circuit for cooling a motor, a battery, or the like is installed. Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle heat exchange system that utilizes waste heat recovered from a motor and a battery in an in-vehicle temperature control device.

US Pat. No. 10183544

In the heat exchange system of the prior art, a chiller for recovering waste heat from the motor and a radiator for cooling the motor are provided, respectively. Only one of the circuit that exits the motor and passes through the chiller and the circuit that exits the motor and passes through the radiator is selected by the valve. That is, in the conventional heat exchange system, the motor is cooled by only one of the chiller and the radiator, so that if the heat recovery amount of the chiller is insufficient, the operating efficiency of the motor may decrease.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a temperature control device capable of sufficiently cooling a motor while recovering heat from the motor.

One aspect of the temperature control device of the present invention includes a motor for driving the vehicle, a cooling circuit through which the refrigerant flows, a first chiller for removing heat from the refrigerant, and a radiator for cooling the refrigerant. It has a first loop that circulates the refrigerant through the motor, the first chiller, and the radiator in series, and has a battery that supplies power to the motor, the cooling circuit has a battery-side loop that passes through the battery. The battery-side loop is a loop capable of circulating the refrigerant independently of the first loop.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature control device capable of sufficiently cooling the motor while recovering heat from the motor.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the temperature control device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first loop configured in the cooling circuit of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery-side loop configured in the cooling circuit of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fourth loop configured in the cooling circuit of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a temperature control device of a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the temperature control device of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the temperature control device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the scale and number of each structure may differ from the actual structure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the temperature control device 1 of the first embodiment. The temperature control device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 90 powered by a motor, such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV), and a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV).

The temperature control device 1 includes a motor 31, an inverter 32, a power control device 33, a battery 34, a chiller 40, a radiator 50, a heater 60, an air conditioning device 70, a control unit 80, and a cooling circuit C. , Equipped with. Refrigerant flows in the cooling circuit C.

The motor 31 is a motor generator having both a function as a motor and a function as a generator. The motor 31 is connected to the wheels of the vehicle 90 via a reduction mechanism (not shown). The motor 31 is driven by an alternating current supplied from the inverter 32 to rotate the wheels. As a result, the motor 31 drives the vehicle 90. Further, the motor 31 regenerates the rotation of the wheels to generate an alternating current. The generated electric power is stored in the battery 34 through the inverter 32. Oil that cools and lubricates each part of the motor 31 is stored in the housing of the motor 31.

The inverter 32 converts the direct current of the battery 34 into an alternating current. The inverter 32 is electrically connected to the motor 31. The alternating current converted by the inverter 32 is supplied to the motor 31. That is, the inverter 32 converts the direct current supplied from the battery 34 into an alternating current and supplies it to the motor 31.

The power control device 33 is also called an IPS (Integrated Power System). The power control device 33 has an AC / DC conversion circuit and a DC / DC conversion circuit. The AC / DC conversion circuit converts the alternating current supplied from the external power source into a direct current and supplies it to the battery 34. That is, in the AC / DC conversion circuit, the power control device 33 converts the alternating current supplied from the external power source into a direct current and supplies it to the battery 34. The DC / DC conversion circuit converts the direct current supplied from the battery 34 into a direct current having a different voltage, and supplies the direct current to the control unit 80 that switches the switching valve 10.

The battery 34 supplies electric power to the motor 31 via the inverter 32. Further, the battery 34 charges the electric power generated by the motor 31. The battery 34 may be charged by an external power source. The battery 34 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The battery 34 may be in another form as long as it is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

The chiller 40 takes heat from the refrigerant flowing through the cooling circuit C. The chiller 40 is connected to the air conditioner 70. The chiller 40 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant of the cooling circuit C and the refrigerant of the air conditioning refrigerant circuit (not shown) provided in the air conditioning device 70.



In the following description, when a plurality of chillers 40 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as a first chiller 41 and a second chiller 42.

The radiator 50 has a fan and cools the refrigerant by releasing the heat of the refrigerant to the outside air. That is, the radiator 50 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the outside air.

The heater 60 heats the refrigerant flowing through the cooling circuit C. The heater 60 generates heat when a direct current is supplied from the battery 34.

The air conditioner 70 adjusts the air temperature in the living space of the vehicle 90. The air conditioner 70 receives heat from the refrigerant of the cooling circuit C via the chiller 40 and uses it for adjusting the air temperature in the living space of the vehicle 90. The air-conditioning device 70 has an air-conditioning refrigerant circuit (not shown) that circulates the air-conditioning refrigerant. The air-conditioning refrigerant circuit is a circuit independent of the cooling circuit C, and a refrigerant different from the cooling circuit C flows.

The control unit 80 controls each unit of the temperature control device 1 by using the electric power supplied from the battery 34. The control unit 80 is connected to a thermometer that measures the temperature of the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the battery 34, respectively. The control unit 80 controls the radiator 50, the heater 60, the switching valve 10 of the cooling circuit C, and the pump 20 based on the measurement results of the thermometer.

The cooling circuit C has a plurality of pipelines 100, a plurality of switching valves 10, and a plurality of pumps 20.

The plurality of pipelines 100 are connected to each other to form a loop (circulation route) through which the refrigerant flows.



In the following description, when a plurality of pipelines 100 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as the first pipeline 101, the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, the fourth pipeline 104, the fifth pipeline 105, and the sixth pipeline. Pipe line 106, 7th line 107, 8th line 108, 9th line 109, 10th line 110, 11th line 111, 12th line 112 (1st bypass), 13th line 113 , 14th pipeline 114, 15th pipeline 115, 16th pipeline 116 (second bypass).

The plurality of pumps 20 are arranged in different pipelines 100. The plurality of pumps 20 pump the refrigerant of the arranged pipeline 100 in one direction.



In the following description, when a plurality of switching valves 10 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as a first pump 21 and a second pump 22.

The switching valve 10 is connected to the control unit 80, and by switching between opening and closing, the pipeline 100 through which the refrigerant passes is switched. A part (second valve 12) of the plurality of switching valves 10 is arranged in the path of the pipeline 100. The switching valve 10 arranged in the path of the pipeline 100 can switch between opening and closing of the pipeline 100. Further, the other switching valves 10 (first valve 11, third valve 13, fourth valve 14, fifth valve 15) are arranged at a portion where three or more pipelines meet (hereinafter referred to as a connection portion). .. The switching valve 10 arranged at the connection portion communicates with any two of the plurality of connected pipelines 100 and closes the other pipelines 100. The switching valve 10 can selectively switch which pipeline is closed.



In the following description, when a plurality of switching valves 10 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as a first valve 11, a second valve 12, a third valve 13, a fourth valve 14, and a fifth valve 15.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each pipeline 100 will be specifically described. In the description of each of the pipelines 100, the "one end" and the "other end" of the conduit 100 simply indicate that they are either of both ends of the conduit 100. Therefore, it does not necessarily indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant.

The second pipe line 102 and the twelfth pipe line 112 are connected to one end of the first pipe line 101 via the first valve 11. The fourth line 104 and the eleventh line 111 are connected to the other end of the first line 101. The first pipeline 101 passes through the first pump 21, the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the first chiller 41. The first pump 21 pumps the refrigerant from the other end side toward one end side in the first pipeline 101. The refrigerant passing through the first pipeline 101 is cooled by the first chiller 41.

A third pipeline 103 and a twelfth pipeline 112 are connected to one end of the second pipeline 102. The first pipe line 101 and the twelfth pipe line 112 are connected to the other end of the second pipe line 102 via the first valve 11. That is, the second pipeline 102 and the twelfth pipeline 112 are connected in parallel. The second pipeline 102 passes through the radiator 50. The refrigerant passing through the second pipeline 102 is cooled by the radiator 50.

A fourth pipeline 104 and a tenth pipeline 110 are connected to one end of the third pipeline 103. The second pipeline 102 and the twelfth pipeline 112 are connected to the other end of the third pipeline 103.

The first pipeline 101 and the eleventh pipeline 111 are connected to one end of the fourth pipeline 104. A third pipeline 103 and a tenth pipeline 110 are connected to the other end of the fourth pipeline 104. The fourth pipeline 104 passes through the second valve 12.

A sixth pipeline 106 and a seventh pipeline 107 are connected to one end of the fifth pipeline 105. The ninth line 109 and the tenth line 110 are connected to the other end of the fifth line 105. The fifth pipeline 105 passes through the second pump 22. The second pump 22 pumps the refrigerant from the other end side toward one end side in the fifth pipeline 105.

The seventh pipe line 107 and the eighth pipe line 108 are connected to one end of the sixth pipe line 106 via the third valve 13. The fifth line 105 and the seventh line 107 are connected to the other end of the sixth line 106. That is, the sixth pipeline 106 and the seventh pipeline 107 are connected in parallel. The sixth pipeline 106 passes through the second chiller 42. The refrigerant passing through the sixth pipeline 106 is cooled by the second chiller 42.

The sixth pipe 106 and the eighth pipe 108 are connected to one end of the seventh pipe 107 via the third valve 13. The fifth line 105 and the sixth line 106 are connected to the other end of the seventh line 107. That is, in the present embodiment, the 7th pipeline 107 and the 6th pipeline 106 are connected in parallel. The seventh pipeline 107 passes through the heater 60. When the heater 60 is driven, the refrigerant passing through the seventh pipe line 107 is heated by the heater 60.

The ninth pipe line 109 and the eleventh pipe line 111 are connected to one end of the eighth pipe line 108 via the fourth valve 14. The sixth pipe 106 and the seventh pipe 107 are connected to the other end of the eighth pipe 108 via the third valve 13. The eighth pipeline 108 passes through the battery 34.

The fifth line 105 and the tenth line 110 are connected to one end of the ninth line 109. The eighth pipe 108 and the eleventh pipe 111 are connected to the other end of the ninth pipe 109 via the fourth valve 14.

The fifth line 105 and the ninth line 109 are connected to one end of the tenth line 110. A third pipeline 103 and a fourth pipeline 104 are connected to the other end of the tenth pipeline 110.

The first pipeline 101 and the fourth pipeline 104 are connected to one end of the eleventh pipeline 111. The eighth line 108 and the ninth line 109 are connected to the other end of the eleventh line 111.

A second pipeline 102 and a third pipeline 103 are connected to one end of the twelfth pipeline 112. The first pipe line 101 and the second pipe line 102 are connected to the other end of the twelfth pipe line 112 via the first valve 11. That is, the 12th pipeline 112 and the 2nd pipeline 102 are connected in parallel.

The first valve 11 is arranged at the connection portion between the first pipe line 101, the second pipe line 102, and the twelfth pipe line 112. The first valve 11 communicates either the first line 101 and the second line 102 or the first line 101 and the twelfth line 112 with each other. The first valve 11 causes the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe line 101 to flow through either the second pipe line 102 or the twelfth pipe line 112.

The second valve 12 is arranged in the path of the fourth pipeline 104. The second valve 12 can switch between an open state in which the refrigerant flows in the fourth pipeline 104 and a closed state in which the flow of the refrigerant is stopped.

The third valve 13 is arranged at the connection portion between the sixth pipe line 106, the seventh pipe line 107, and the eighth pipe line 108. The third valve 13 communicates either the sixth pipe 106 and the eighth pipe 108 or the seventh pipe 107 and the eighth pipe 108 with each other. The third valve 13 causes either one of the refrigerant flowing through the sixth pipe line 106 and the refrigerant flowing through the seventh pipe line 107 to flow through the eighth pipe line 108.

The fourth valve 14 is arranged at the connection portion between the eighth pipe line 108, the ninth pipe line 109, and the eleventh pipe line 111. The fourth valve 14 communicates either the eighth pipe 108 and the ninth pipe 109 or the eighth pipe 108 and the eleventh pipe 111 with each other. The fourth valve 14 causes the refrigerant flowing through the eighth pipe line 108 to flow through either the ninth pipe line 109 or the eleventh pipe line 111.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the first loop L1 configured in the cooling circuit C. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the battery-side loop Lb configured in the cooling circuit C. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the fourth loop L4 configured in the cooling circuit C.

The cooling circuit C includes a first loop L1, a battery-side loop Lb, a second loop L2, a third loop L3, and a fourth loop L4. The first loop L1, the battery side loop Lb, the second loop L2, the third loop L3, and the fourth loop L4 are configured by switching the switching valve 10 in the cooling circuit C. Refrigerant flows in one direction and circulates in the first loop L1, the battery side loop Lb, the second loop L2, the third loop L3, and the fourth loop L4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first loop L1 is configured by connecting the first pipeline 101, the second pipeline 102, the third pipeline 103, and the fourth pipeline 104 in a loop shape. To. The first loop L1 is configured by switching the switching valve 10 as follows. The first valve 11 communicates the first pipe line 101 and the second pipe line 102. The second valve 12 is opened. The fourth valve 14 communicates the eighth pipe line 108 and the ninth pipe line 109.

The first loop L1 circulates the refrigerant through the first pump 21, the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the first chiller 41, and the radiator 50. That is, in the first loop L1, the refrigerant is pumped counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by the first pump 21. The refrigerant pumped by the first pump 21 passes through each part of the first loop L1 in the order of the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the first chiller 41, and the radiator 50.

In the first loop L1, the heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is transferred to the refrigerant. Further, this heat is recovered by the first chiller 41 and used in the air conditioning equipment 70. As a result, in the first loop L1, the heat generated from the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be recovered by the first chiller 41. That is, the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 are cooled by the first chiller 41.

Further, in the first loop L1, the heat transferred from the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 to the refrigerant can be released to the outside air by the radiator 50. As a result, the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 are cooled by the radiator 50.

In the first loop L1, the passage and non-passage of the radiator 50 can be selected by switching the first valve 11. That is, in the first valve 11, the pipe passing through the first loop L1 is switched from the second pipe 102 to the twelfth pipe 112 by communicating the first pipe 101 and the twelfth pipe 112. Can be done. In this case, the twelfth pipeline 112 functions as a first bypass 112 that bypasses the radiator 50 in the first loop L1.

According to the present embodiment, in the first loop L1, a route through which the radiator 50 is passed and a route through which the radiator 50 is not passed are selectively selected. Therefore, when the calorific value of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is small, the refrigerant can be cooled only by the first chiller 41, bypassing the radiator 50, and the waste heat can be efficiently used. On the other hand, it is assumed that the amount of heat generated by the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is large, and cooling by the first chiller 41 is insufficient. In such a case, the refrigerant passes not only through the first chiller 41 but also through the radiator 50, so that the shortage of heat recovery amount by the first chiller 41 can be compensated and the temperature of the refrigerant is maintained appropriately. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 from becoming too high.

The first valve 11 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The first valve 11 communicates one of the second pipe line 102 and the twelfth pipe line 112 with the first pipe line 101 in response to a command from the control unit 80. When the first valve 11 is a solenoid valve, the first valve 11 may be arranged at the connection portion between the second pipe line 102, the twelfth line line 112, and the third line line 103.

The first valve 11 may be a thermostat that allows the refrigerant to flow through the twelfth pipeline 112 when the temperature of the passing refrigerant falls below the threshold value. In this case, the refrigerant in the first loop L1 is autonomously guided to the radiator 50 and cooled when the temperature rises. That is, since the first valve 11, which is a thermostat, switches autonomously independently of the control unit 80, there is no need for wiring for connecting to the control unit 80, a thermometer as a basis for control in the control unit 80, and the like. Will be. As a result, the number of parts of the temperature control device 1 as a whole can be reduced, and the temperature control device 1 can be configured at low cost. When a thermostat is used as the first valve 11. The first valve 11 needs to be located at the upstream end of the twelfth pipeline 112.

Here, the upstream end of the 12th pipeline 112 means an end located on the upstream side of the refrigerant flowing in the 12th pipeline 112. Therefore, the upstream end of the 12th pipeline 112 is connected to the discharge port of the first pump 21 when the pipeline connected to the end is traced upstream. In the present embodiment, the first pipeline 101 in which the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the first pump 21 are arranged is connected to the upstream end of the twelfth pipeline 112. Will be done.

The second valve 12 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The second valve 12 can switch between opening and closing of the fourth pipeline 104 in response to a command from the control unit 80.

As shown in FIG. 3, the battery-side loop Lb has a second loop L2 and a third loop L3. The second loop L2 is configured by connecting the fifth pipe line 105, the sixth pipe line 106, the eighth pipe line 108, and the ninth pipe line 109 in a loop shape. The second loop L2 is configured by switching the switching valve 10 as follows. The third valve 13 communicates the sixth pipe line 106 and the eighth pipe line 108. The fourth valve 14 communicates the eighth pipe line 108 and the ninth pipe line 109.

The second loop L2 passes through the second pump 22, the second chiller 42, and the battery 34 to circulate the refrigerant. That is, in the second loop L2, the refrigerant is pumped counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by the second pump 22. The refrigerant pumped by the second pump 22 passes through each part of the second loop L2 in the order of the second chiller 42 and the battery 34.

In the second loop L2, the heat of the battery 34 is transferred to the refrigerant. Further, this heat is recovered by the second chiller 42 and used in the air conditioning equipment 70. As a result, in the second loop L2, the heat generated from the battery 34 can be recovered by the second chiller 42. That is, the battery 34 is cooled by the second chiller 42.

The third loop L3 is configured by connecting the fifth pipe line 105, the seventh pipe line 107, the eighth pipe line 108, and the ninth pipe line 109 in a loop shape. The third loop L3 is configured by switching the switching valve 10 as follows. The third valve 13 communicates the seventh pipe line 107 and the eighth pipe line 108. The fourth valve 14 communicates the eighth pipe line 108 and the ninth pipe line 109.

The third loop L3 passes through the second pump 22, the heater 60, and the battery 34 to circulate the refrigerant. That is, in the third loop L3, the refrigerant is pumped counterclockwise in FIG. 3 by the second pump 22. The refrigerant pumped by the second pump 22 passes through each part of the third loop L3 in the order of the heater 60 and the battery 34.

In the third loop L3, the heat of the heater 60 is transferred to the refrigerant. Further, this heat is transferred to the battery 34. As a result, in the third loop L3, the heat generated from the heater 60 can be recovered by the battery 34. That is, the battery 34 is heated by the heater 60.

In the battery-side loop Lb, the passage of the second chiller 42 and the passage of the heater 60 can be selected by switching the third valve 13. The sixth pipe line 106 passes through the second chiller 42, and the seventh pipe line 107 passes through the heater 60. That is, in the third valve 13, by communicating the sixth pipe line 106 and the eighth pipe line 108, the pipe line through which the refrigerant passes is in the second loop L2, and the seventh pipe line 107 and the eighth pipe line 108. By communicating with and, the pipeline through which the refrigerant passes can be switched to the third loop L3.

According to the present embodiment, in the battery-side loop Lb, a path through which the second chiller 42 is passed and a path through which the heater 60 is passed are selectively selected by switching the switching valve 13. There is a concern that the characteristics of the battery 34 may be deteriorated in both the case where the temperature is too high and the case where the temperature is too low. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to select whether the battery-side loop Lb passes through the second chiller 42 or the heater 60 depending on the temperature of the battery 34, so that deterioration of the characteristics of the battery 34 can be suppressed.

According to the present embodiment, the battery-side loop Lb and the first loop L1 circulate independently of each other. As a result, even when the optimum temperature for driving the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 and the optimum temperature for driving the battery 34 are different from each other, the battery-side loop Lb and the first loop L1 Can be adjusted to each target temperature. Independence referred to here means that the circulating refrigerant does not constantly mix, and is arranged between the battery-side loop Lb and the first loop L1 immediately after the pump 20 is operated. It does not include the movement of a small amount of refrigerant in the 10th pipeline 110, heat conduction due to physical connection between the pipelines, and heat conduction through the non-moving refrigerant in the 10th pipeline, and these affect the system. Do not give.

The third valve 13 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The third valve 13 communicates one of the sixth pipe line 106 and the seventh pipe line 107 with the eighth pipe line 108 in response to a command from the control unit 80. When the third valve 13 is a solenoid valve, the third valve 13 may be arranged at the connection portion between the fifth pipe line 105, the sixth pipe line 106, and the seventh pipe line 107.

The fourth valve 14 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The fourth valve 14 communicates one of the ninth pipe line 109 and the eleventh pipe line 111 with the eighth pipe line 108 in response to a command from the control unit 80. When the fourth valve 14 is a solenoid valve, the fourth valve 14 may be arranged at the connection portion between the fifth pipe line 105, the ninth pipe line 109, and the tenth pipe line 110.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth loop L4 includes the first line 101, the twelfth line 112, the third line 103, the tenth line 110, the fifth line 105, and the sixth line. It is configured by connecting the pipeline 106, the eighth pipeline 108, and the eleventh pipeline 111 in a loop. The fourth loop L4 is configured by switching the switching valve 10 as follows. The first valve 11 communicates the first pipe line 101 and the twelfth pipe line 112. The second valve 12 is closed. The third valve 13 communicates the sixth pipe line 106 and the eighth pipe line 108. The fourth valve 14 communicates the eighth pipe line 108 and the eleventh pipe line 111.

The fourth loop L4 passes through the first pump 21, the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the first chiller 41, the second pump 22, the second chiller 42, and the battery 34. And circulate the refrigerant. In the fourth loop L4, the refrigerant is pumped counterclockwise in the figure by the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. The refrigerant pumped by the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 includes the first pump 21, the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the first chiller 41, the second pump 22, the second chiller 42, and the battery 34. It passes through each part of the fourth loop L4 in the order of.

In the fourth loop L4, the heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the battery 34 is transferred to the refrigerant. Further, this heat is recovered by the first chiller 41 and the second chiller 42 and used in the air conditioning equipment 70. That is, the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the battery 34 are cooled by the first chiller 41 and the second chiller 42.

Further, also in the fourth loop L4, as in the first loop L1, the passage or non-passage of the radiator 50 can be selected by switching the first valve 11. In the fourth loop L4, the heat transferred from the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the battery 34 to the refrigerant can be released to the outside air by the radiator 50. As a result, the motor 31, the inverter 32, the power control device 33, and the battery 34 are cooled by the radiator 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the fourth loop L4, the heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be transferred to the battery 34 by circulating the refrigerant by bypassing the radiator 50. As a result, the waste heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be effectively utilized in the cooling circuit C.

The plurality of switching valves 10 of the present embodiment are solenoid valves controlled by the control unit 80. However, as described above, a thermostat can be adopted for the first valve 11. Further, the second valve 12 is not limited to the embodiment of the present embodiment, and is, for example, a three-way valve arranged at a connection portion between the third pipe line 103, the fourth pipe line 104, and the tenth pipe line 110. You may.

Further, among the connecting portions at both ends of the fourth pipeline 104, the pressure at the end (one end) to which the first pipeline 101 and the eleventh pipeline 111 are connected is the pressure of the third pipeline 103 and the tenth. If the pressure is higher than the pressure at the end (the other end) to which the pipeline 110 is connected, a check valve (check valve) can be adopted for the second valve 12. In other words, by adjusting and designing the outputs of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, a check valve (check valve) can be adopted for the second valve 12. As a result, wiring for connecting to the control unit 80 becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts of the temperature control device 1 as a whole can be reduced. As a result, the temperature control device 1 can be configured at low cost.

The temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a motor 31 for driving the vehicle 90, a cooling circuit C through which the refrigerant flows, a first chiller 41 for removing heat from the refrigerant, and a radiator 50 for cooling the refrigerant. The cooling circuit C has a first loop L1 that passes through the motor 31, the first chiller 41, and the radiator 50 in series to circulate the refrigerant. With this configuration, the motor 31 can be sufficiently cooled while recovering heat from the motor 31.

Further, the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a battery 34 that supplies electric power to the motor 31. The cooling circuit C has a battery-side loop Lb that passes through the battery 34. The battery-side loop Lb is independent of the first loop L1. In this configuration, even when the motor 31 and the battery 34 have optimum temperatures that are different from each other in terms of characteristics, the battery-side loop Lb and the first loop L1 can be adjusted to their respective target temperatures.

Further, the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second chiller 42 that takes heat from the refrigerant, and a heater 60 that gives heat to the refrigerant. The battery-side loop Lb has a second loop L2 that circulates the refrigerant through the battery 34 and the second chiller 42, and a third loop L3 that circulates the refrigerant through the battery 34 and the heater 60. The second loop L2 and the third loop L3 are loops that can be switched so that the refrigerant flows in only one of them. In this configuration, since there is a concern that the characteristics of the battery 34 deteriorate in both the case where the temperature is too high and the temperature is too low, the battery side loop Lb becomes the second chiller 42 and the heater 60 depending on the temperature of the battery 34. It is possible to suppress deterioration of the characteristics of the battery 34 by selecting which of the above is passed.

Further, in the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment, the cooling circuit C has a fourth loop L4 that passes through the motor 31 and the battery 34 in series to circulate the refrigerant. In this configuration, the motor 31 and the battery 34 can be connected in series. As a result, the heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be transferred to the battery 34. As a result, the waste heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be effectively utilized in the cooling circuit C.

Further, in the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first pump 21 that pumps the refrigerant in the first loop L1, the second pump 22 that pumps the refrigerant in the battery side loop Lb, and the refrigerant in the first loop L1 A check valve 12 that allows passage only in the flow direction by the first pump 21 is provided. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 make the pressure on the outflow side of the check valve 12 higher than the pressure on the inflow side of the check valve 12. In the fourth loop L4, the cooling circuit C closes the first loop L1 by the check valve 12. In this configuration, a check valve can be adopted for the second valve 12 by adjusting and designing the outputs of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. As a result, wiring for connecting to the control unit 80 becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts of the temperature control device 1 as a whole can be reduced. As a result, the temperature control device 1 can be configured at low cost.

Further, the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment converts the direct current supplied from the battery 34 into an alternating current and supplies the inverter 32 to the motor 31, and converts the alternating current supplied from the external power source into the direct current. A power control device 33 for supplying the battery 34 is provided. The first loop L1 passes through the inverter 32 and the power control device 33. In this configuration, the inverter 32 and the power control device 33 can be cooled together with the motor 31.

Further, the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first valve 11 on either the front or the front of the radiator 50. The cooling circuit C has a first bypass 112 that bypasses the radiator 50 in the first loop L1. The first valve 11 switches between the first loop L1 and the first bypass 112. In this configuration, in the first loop L1, a route through which the radiator 50 is passed and a route through which the radiator 50 is not passed can be selectively selected. Therefore, when the calorific value of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is small, the refrigerant can be cooled by the first chiller 41 by bypassing the radiator 50, and the waste heat can be efficiently used. At the same time, when the calorific value of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is large, the refrigerant passes not only through the first chiller 41 but also through the radiator 50, so that the heat recovery amount by the first chiller 41 is insufficient. It can be supplemented and the temperature of the refrigerant can be maintained properly. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 from becoming too high.

Further, in the temperature control device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first valve 11 is a thermostat that allows the refrigerant to flow to the first bypass 112 when the temperature of the passing refrigerant falls below the threshold value. It is arranged at the upstream end of the first bypass 112. In this configuration, the first valve 11, which is a thermostat, switches autonomously independently of the control unit 80, so that the wiring for connecting to the control unit 80 and the thermometer that is the basis for control in the control unit 80. Etc. are not required. As a result, the number of parts of the temperature control device 1 as a whole can be reduced, and the temperature control device 1 can be configured at low cost.

<Modification example>



FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the cooling circuit D of the modified example of the first embodiment. The cooling circuit D of this modification is mainly different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a 16th pipeline (second bypass) 116. Further, the cooling circuit D of the present modification includes the 13th pipe line 113, the 14th pipe line 114, and the 15th pipe line 115 as the pipe lines corresponding to the first pipe line 101 of the first embodiment. Have. The components having the same aspects as those of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The 14th pipe 114 and the 16th pipe 116 are connected to one end of the 13th pipe 113 via the 5th valve 15. The fourth line 104 and the eleventh line 111 are connected to the other end of the thirteenth line 113. The thirteenth pipeline 113 passes through the first pump 21, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33. The first pump 21 pumps the refrigerant from the other end side toward one end side in the thirteenth pipeline 113.

The 15th pipe 115 and the 16th pipe 116 are connected to one end of the 14th pipe 114. The 13th pipe 113 and the 16th pipe 116 are connected to the other end of the 14th pipe 114 via the 5th valve 15. That is, the 14th pipeline 114 and the 16th pipeline 116 are connected in parallel. The 14th pipeline 114 passes through the motor 31.

The second pipe line 102 and the twelfth pipe line 112 are connected to one end of the fifteenth line line 115 via the first valve 11. The 14th line 114 and the 16th line 116 are connected to the other end of the 15th line 115. The fifteenth pipeline 115 passes through the first chiller 41. The refrigerant passing through the 15th pipeline 115 is cooled by the first chiller 41.

The 14th line 114 and the 15th line 115 are connected to one end of the 16th line 116. The 13th pipe 113 and the 14th pipe 114 are connected to the other end of the 16th pipe 116 via the 5th valve 15. That is, the 16th pipeline 116 and the 14th pipeline 114 are connected in parallel.

The first valve 11 is arranged at the connection portion between the fifteenth pipe line 115, the second pipe line 102, and the twelfth pipe line 112. The first valve 11 communicates either the 15th pipe line 115 and the second pipe line 102 or the 15th pipe line 115 and the 12th pipe line 112 with each other. The first valve 11 causes the refrigerant flowing through the fifteenth pipe line 115 to flow through either the second pipe line 102 or the twelfth pipe line 112.

The fifth valve 15 is arranged at the connection portion between the thirteenth pipe line 113, the fourteenth pipe line 114, and the sixteenth pipe line 116. The fifth valve 15 communicates either the 13th pipe 113 and the 14th pipe 114 or the 13th pipe 113 and the 16th pipe 116 with each other. The fifth valve 15 causes the refrigerant flowing through the thirteenth pipe 113 to flow to either the fourteenth pipe 114 or the sixteenth pipe 116.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first loop L1 includes the thirteenth line 113, the fourteenth line 114, the fifteenth line 115, the second line 102, the third line 103, and the fourth line. It is configured by connecting the pipeline 104 and the pipeline 104 in a loop shape. The first loop L1 is configured by switching the switching valve 10 as follows. The first valve 11 communicates the 15th pipe line 115 and the second pipe line 102. The second valve 12 is opened. The fourth valve 14 communicates the eighth pipe line 108 and the ninth pipe line 109.

In the first loop L1, the passage and non-passage of the motor 31 can be selected by switching the fifth valve 15. That is, in the fifth valve 15, the 13th pipe 113 and the 16th pipe 116 are communicated with each other, so that the pipe passing through the first loop L1 is switched from the 14th pipe 114 to the 16th pipe 116. Can be done. In this case, the 16th pipeline 116 functions as a second bypass 116 that bypasses the motor 31 in the first loop L1.

The first valve 11 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The first valve 11 communicates one of the second pipe line 102 and the twelfth pipe line 112 with the fifteenth pipe line 115 in response to a command from the control unit 80. When the first valve 11 is a solenoid valve, the first valve 11 may be arranged at the connection portion between the second pipe line 102, the twelfth line line 112, and the third line line 103.

The fifth valve 15 of the present embodiment is a solenoid valve controlled by the control unit 80. The fifth valve 15 communicates one of the 14th pipe line 114 and the 16th pipe line 116 with the 13th pipe line 113 in response to a command from the control unit 80. The fifth valve 15 may be arranged at the connection portion between the 14th pipe line 114, the 15th pipe line 115, and the 16th pipe line 116.

Generally, when the temperature of the motor 31 is sufficiently lower than the temperature of the inverter 32 and the power control device 33, when the refrigerant is circulated in the first loop L1, the heat of the inverter 32 and the power control device 33 is generated. It moves to the motor 31. Therefore, the heat of the inverter 32 and the power control device 33 is difficult to transfer to the first chiller 41, and the heat exchange efficiency in the first chiller 41 is lowered.

On the other hand, according to this modification, the 16th pipeline 116 capable of bypassing the motor 31 is provided in the first loop L1. Therefore, depending on the temperature of the motor 31, the motor 31 can be bypassed and the heat of the inverter 32 and the power control device 33 can be efficiently transferred to the first chiller 41. Further, when the temperature of the motor 31 is low, the supply of the refrigerant to the motor 31 can be stopped, so that the motor 31 can be heated immediately and the viscosity of the oil filled in the housing of the motor 31 can be quickly reduced. can.

The temperature control device 1 according to this modification is provided with a fifth valve 15 either before or after the motor 31. The cooling circuit D has a second bypass 116 that bypasses the motor 31 in the first loop L1. The fifth valve 15 switches between the first loop L1 and the second bypass 116. In this configuration, when the temperature of the motor 31 is sufficiently lower than the temperature of the inverter 32 and the power control device 33, the motor 31 absorbs the heat of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant drops, and the first chiller 41 Suppresses the decrease in heat exchange efficiency in. Further, in a cold region or the like, the supply of the refrigerant to the motor 31 can be stopped to quickly warm the motor 31.

<Second Embodiment>



FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the temperature control device 2 of the second embodiment.



The temperature control device 2 of the second embodiment has a different arrangement of the first chiller 41 in the first embodiment as compared with the first embodiment. The components having the same aspects as those of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The second pipe line 102 and the twelfth pipe line 112 are connected to one end of the first pipe line 101 via the first valve 11. The fourth line 104 and the eleventh line 111 are connected to the other end of the first line 101. The first pipeline 101 passes through the first pump 21, the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33. The first pump 21 pumps the refrigerant from the other end side toward one end side in the first pipeline 101.

A fourth pipeline 104 and a tenth pipeline 110 are connected to one end of the third pipeline 103. The second pipeline 102 and the twelfth pipeline 112 are connected to the other end of the third pipeline 103. The third pipeline 103 passes through the third chiller 43. The refrigerant passing through the third pipeline 103 is cooled by the third chiller 43.

The first loop L1 circulates the refrigerant through the first pump 21, the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the radiator 50, and the third chiller 43. That is, in the first loop L1, the refrigerant is pumped counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by the first pump 21. The refrigerant pumped by the first pump 21 passes through each part of the first loop L1 in the order of the power control device 33, the inverter 32, the motor 31, the radiator 50, and the third chiller 43.

In the first loop L1, the heat transferred from the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 to the refrigerant can be released to the outside air by the radiator 50. As a result, the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 are cooled by the radiator 50.

Further, the heat of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is transferred to the refrigerant. Further, this heat is recovered by the third chiller 43 and used in the air conditioning equipment 70. As a result, in the first loop L1, the heat generated from the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 can be recovered by the third chiller 43. That is, the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 are cooled by the third chiller 43.

According to the present embodiment, in the first loop L1, a route through which the radiator 50 is passed and a route through which the radiator 50 is not passed are selectively selected. Therefore, when the calorific value of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is small, the refrigerant can be cooled only by the third chiller 43 without passing through the radiator 50. On the other hand, it is assumed that the amount of heat generated by the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is large, and cooling by the third chiller 43 is insufficient. In such a case, the refrigerant passes not only through the third chiller 43 but also through the radiator 50, so that the shortage of heat recovery amount by the third chiller 43 can be compensated and the temperature of the refrigerant is maintained appropriately. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 from becoming too high.

In the temperature control device 1 according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant passes through the motor 31, the first chiller 41, and the radiator 50 in this order. That is, in the first loop L1, the refrigerant passes through the radiator 50 after passing through the first chiller 41. In this configuration, when the calorific value of the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is small, the refrigerant can be cooled by the first chiller 41 before passing through the radiator 50, and the waste heat can be efficiently used. can. It is also useful when it is desired to efficiently utilize more waste heat in the air conditioner 70 in a cold environment. Further, if the cooling is insufficient only by recovering the waste heat by the first chiller 41, the radiator 50 can also cool the cooling.

On the other hand, in the temperature control device 1 according to the second embodiment, the refrigerant passes through the motor 31, the radiator 50, and the third chiller 43 in this order. That is, in the first loop L1, the refrigerant passes through the radiator 50 and then through the third chiller 43. In this configuration, when the amount of heat generated by the motor 31, the inverter 32, and the power control device 33 is large, the refrigerant can be cooled by the radiator 50 before passing through the third chiller 43, which bears the burden on the third chiller 43. Can be reduced. It is also useful when there is little need to utilize waste heat in the air conditioning equipment 70 in a warm environment.

Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments and modifications are examples, and the configurations may be added or omitted within the scope of the present invention. , Substitution and other changes are possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

1 ... Temperature control device, 2 ... Temperature control device, 10 ... Switching valve, 11 ... 1st valve, 12 ... 2nd valve (check valve), 13 ... 3rd valve, 14 ... 4th valve, 15 ... 5th valve , 20 ... Pump, 21 ... 1st pump, 22 ... 2nd pump, 31 ... Motor, 32 ... Inverter, 33 ... Power control device, 34 ... Battery, 40 ... Chiller, 41 ... 1st chiller, 42 ... 2nd chiller , 43 ... Third chiller, 50 ... Radiator, 60 ... Heater, 70 ... Air conditioning equipment, 80 ... Control unit, 90 ... Vehicle, 100 ... Pipe, 101 ... First pipe, 102 ... Second pipe, 103 ... 3rd line, 104 ... 4th line, 105 ... 5th line, 106 ... 6th line, 107 ... 7th line, 108 ... 8th line, 109 ... 9th line, 110 ... 10 lines, 111 ... 11th line, 112 ... 12th line (first bypass), 113 ... 13th line, 114 ... 14th line, 115 ... 15th line, 116 ... 16th line (2nd bypass), C ... Cooling circuit, D ... Cooling circuit, L1 ... 1st loop, L2 ... 2nd loop, L3 ... 3rd loop, L4 ... 4th loop, Lb ... Battery side loop

Claims (10)

1. 
   
   
   The motor that drives the vehicle and
   
   
   
   The cooling circuit through which the refrigerant flows and
   
   
   
   The first chiller that removes heat from the refrigerant,
   
   
   
   A radiator for cooling the refrigerant is provided.
   
   
   
   The cooling circuit has a first loop that circulates the refrigerant through the motor, the first chiller, and the radiator in series.
   
   
   
   It is equipped with a battery that supplies power to the motor.
   
   
   
   The cooling circuit has a battery-side loop that passes through the battery.
   
   
   
   The battery-side loop is a temperature control device that can circulate the refrigerant independently of the first loop.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   
   The second chiller that removes heat from the refrigerant,
   
   
   
   A heater that gives heat to the refrigerant is provided.
   
   
   
   The battery side loop
   
   
   
   It has a second loop that circulates the refrigerant through the battery and the second chiller, and a third loop that circulates the refrigerant through the battery and the heater.
   
   
   
   The second loop and the third loop are loops that can be switched so that the refrigerant flows in only one of them.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to claim 1.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   
   The cooling circuit has a fourth loop that circulates the refrigerant through the motor and the battery in series.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   
   A first pump that pumps the refrigerant in the first loop,
   
   
   
   A second pump that pumps the refrigerant in the battery-side loop,
   
   
   
   A check valve that allows the refrigerant to pass only in the direction in which the first pump flows in the first loop is provided.
   
   
   
   The first pump and the second pump make the pressure on the outflow side of the check valve higher than the pressure on the inflow side of the check valve.
   
   
   
   In the fourth loop, the cooling circuit closes the first loop by the check valve.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to claim 3.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   
   An inverter that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into an alternating current and supplies it to the motor.
   
   
   
   It is equipped with a power control device that converts alternating current supplied from an external power source into direct current and supplies it to the battery.
   
   
   
   The first loop passes through the inverter and the power control device.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
   
   
   
6. 
   
   
   A fifth valve is provided on either the front or the front of the motor.
   
   
   
   The cooling circuit has a second bypass that bypasses the motor in the first loop.
   
   
   
   The fifth valve switches between the first loop and the second bypass.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to claim 5.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   
   A first valve is provided on either the front or the front of the radiator.
   
   
   
   The cooling circuit has a first bypass that bypasses the radiator in the first loop.
   
   
   
   The first valve switches between the first loop and the first bypass.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
   
   
   
8. 
   
   
   The first valve is
   
   
   
   It is a thermostat that flows the refrigerant to the first bypass when the temperature of the passing refrigerant falls below the threshold value.
   
   
   
   Located at the upstream end of the first bypass,
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to claim 7.
   
   
   
9. 
   
   
   The refrigerant passes through the motor, the first chiller, and the radiator in this order.
   
   
   
   The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
   
   
   
10. 
    
    
    The refrigerant passes through the motor, the radiator, and the first chiller in this order.
    
    
    
    The temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
    
    
    
    
    

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