Patent ID: 12252003

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle temperature control system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are to be viewed according to orientation of the reference signs. In the present specification and the like, in order to simplify and clarify the description, a front-rear direction, a left-right direction, and an up-down direction are described in accordance with directions viewed from a driver of the vehicle. In the drawings, a front side of the vehicle is denoted by Fr, a rear side thereof is denoted by Rr, a left side thereof is denoted by L, a right side thereof is denoted by R, an upper side thereof is denoted by U, and a lower side thereof is denoted by D.

[Vehicle]

First, a vehicle according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.1. As illustrated inFIG.1, a vehicle V of the present embodiment includes an internal combustion engine ICE, a control device ECU, a vehicle temperature control system10, an electric motor20, a generator30, a transmission device40, an electric-power conversion unit50, and a temperature control circuit60.

The electric motor20is a rotary electric machine that outputs power for driving the vehicle V using electric power stored in an electrical storage device (not illustrated) mounted on the vehicle V or electric power generated by the generator30. During braking of the vehicle V, the electric motor20may generate electric power using kinetic energy of drive wheels of the vehicle V to charge the electrical storage device described above. The electric motor20is provided with a third temperature sensor20athat detects a temperature of the electric motor20. The third temperature sensor20aoutputs a detection value of the temperature of the electric motor20to the control device ECU.

The generator30is a rotary electric machine that generates electric power using power of the internal combustion engine ICE, and charges the electrical storage device described above, or supplies the electric power to the electric motor20.

The transmission device40is provided between the electric motor20and the drive wheels of the vehicle V, and is a power transmission device configured to be able to transmit the power between the electric motor20and the drive wheels. For example, the transmission device40is a gear-type power transmission device that moderates the power output from the electric motor20and transmits the moderated power to the drive wheels.

The electric-power conversion unit50includes a power drive unit (PDU) (not illustrated) that converts electric power output from the electrical storage device described above from direct current to alternating current and controls input and output electric power of the electric motor20and the generator30, and a voltage control unit (VCU) (not illustrated) that boosts a voltage of electric power output from the electrical storage device described above as necessary. When the electric motor20generates electric power during braking of the vehicle V, the VCU may step down a voltage of the electric power generated by the electric motor20. The electric-power conversion unit50is provided with a fourth temperature sensor50athat detects a temperature of the electric-power conversion unit50. The fourth temperature sensor50aoutputs a detection value of the temperature of the electric-power conversion unit50to the control device ECU.

The temperature control circuit60includes a first temperature control circuit61through which a non-conductive first temperature control medium TCM1circulates to control temperatures of the electric motor20, the generator30, and the transmission device40, a second temperature control circuit62through which a conductive second temperature control medium TCM2circulates to control the temperature of the electric-power conversion unit50, and a heat exchanger63in which heat exchange between the first temperature control medium TCM1and the second temperature control medium TCM2is performed. The non-conductive first temperature control medium TCM1is, for example, oil that is called automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and can lubricate the electric motor20, the generator30, and the transmission device40and control the temperatures thereof. The conductive second temperature control medium TCM2is, for example, cooling water that is called long life coolant (LLC).

The first temperature control circuit61is provided with a first pump (MOP)611and a storage part612. The first pump611is a mechanical pump driven by the power of the internal combustion engine ICE and a rotational force of an axle (not shown) of the vehicle V. The storage part612stores the first temperature control medium TCM1circulating through the first temperature control circuit61. The storage part612is, for example, an oil pan provided at a bottom of a housing (not illustrated) in which the electric motor20, the generator30, and the transmission device40are housed.

The first temperature control circuit61includes a pressure feeding flow path610ain which the first pump611is provided, a first branch flow path610b1in which the electric motor20and the generator30are provided, a second branch flow path610b2in which the transmission device40is provided, and a branching portion613at which the first temperature control circuit61branches into the first branch flow path610b1and the second branch flow path610b2.

The pressure feeding flow path610apasses through the first pump611, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the storage part612, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion613. The first branch flow path610b1passes through the electric motor20and the generator30, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion613, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the storage part612. The second branch flow path610b2passes through the transmission device40, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion613, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the storage part612.

In the first temperature control circuit61, the heat exchanger63is disposed upstream of the electric motor20and the generator30in the first branch flow path610b1. Therefore, in the first temperature control circuit61, a first flow path and a second flow path of the first temperature control medium TCM1are formed in parallel. Specifically, in the first flow path, the first temperature control medium TCM1pressure-fed from the first pump611flows through the first branch flow path610b1from the branching portion613, is cooled by the heat exchange with the second temperature control medium TCM2in the heat exchanger63, is supplied to the electric motor20and the generator30to lubricate the electric motor20and the generator30and control the temperatures thereof, and then is stored in the storage part612. In the second flow path, the first temperature control medium TCM1pressure-fed from the first pump611flows through the second branch flow path610b2from the branching portion613, is supplied to the transmission device40to lubricate the transmission device40and control the temperature thereof, and then is stored in the storage part612. The first temperature control medium TCM1stored in the storage part612flows through the pressure feeding flow path610aand is supplied to the first pump611, thereby the first temperature control medium TCM1circulating through the first temperature control circuit61.

In the present embodiment, the first branch flow path610b1and the second branch flow path610b2are formed such that a flow rate of the first temperature control medium TCM1flowing through the first branch flow path610b1is larger than a flow rate of the first temperature control medium TCM1flowing through the second branch flow path610b2.

The first temperature control circuit61is provided with a first temperature sensor61athat detects a temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1circulating through the first temperature control circuit61. In the present embodiment, the first temperature sensor61ais provided in the storage part612. Which is an oil pan, and detects the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1stored in the storage part612. The first temperature sensor61aoutputs a detection value of the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1stored in the storage part612to the control device ECU.

The first temperature control circuit61further includes a pressure control circuit610cprovided with a pressure control valve619. An upstream end portion of the pressure control circuit610cis connected to the storage part612, and a downstream end portion of the pressure control circuit610cis connected to the pressure feeding flow path610adownstream of the first pump611. The pressure control valve619may be a check valve or an electromagnetic valve such as a solenoid valve. When a liquid pressure of the first temperature control medium TCM1pressure-fed from the first pump611becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the pressure control valve619is opened, and a part of the first temperature control medium TCM1pressure-fed from the first pump611is returned to the storage part612. Accordingly, the liquid pressure of the first temperature control medium TCM1flowing through the first branch flow path610b1and the second branch flow path610b2is maintained at the predetermined pressure or lower.

The second temperature control circuit62is provided with a second pump (EWP)621, a radiator622, and a storage tank623. The second pump621is, for example, an electric pump that is driven by the electric power stored in the electrical storage device. A rotational speed sensor621athat detects a rotational speed of the second pump621is attached to the second pump621. The rotational speed sensor621aoutputs a detection value of the rotational speed of the second pump621to the control device ECU.

The radiator622is disposed at a front portion of the vehicle V, and is a heat dissipation device that cools the second temperature control medium TCM2by traveling wind formed during traveling of the vehicle V. A grille shutter70, which is configured so as to be able to control an amount of outside air blowing against the radiator622, is provided in front of the radiator622. An example of the grille shutter70will be described later with reference toFIG.2.

The storage tank623is a tank in which the second temperature control medium TCM2circulating through the second temperature control circuit62is temporarily stored. Even when cavitation occurs in the second temperature control medium TCM2circulating through the second temperature control circuit62, the cavitation occurring in the second temperature control medium TCM2disappears because the second temperature control medium TCM2circulating through the second temperature control circuit62is temporarily stored in the storage tank623.

The second temperature control circuit62includes a branching portion624and a merging portion625. In the second temperature control circuit62, the storage tank623, the second pump621, and the radiator622are provided in this order from an upstream side. The second temperature control circuit62further includes a pressure feeding flow path620a. The pressure feeding flow path620apasses through the storage tank623, the second pump621, and the radiator622, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the merging portion625, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion624. The second temperature control medium TCM2stored in the storage tank623is pressure-fed by the second pump621through the pressure feeding flow path620a, and is cooled by the radiator622.

The second temperature control circuit62further includes a first branch flow path620b1in which the electric-power conversion unit50is provided, and a second branch flow path620b2in which the heat exchanger63is provided. The first branch flow path620b1passes through the electric-power conversion unit50, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion624, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the merging portion625. The second branch flow path620b2passes through the heat exchanger63, an upstream end portion thereof is connected to the branching portion624, and a downstream end portion thereof is connected to the merging portion625.

In the present embodiment, a valve device626serving as a flow rate control valve is provided in a portion of the second branch flow path620b2upstream of the heat exchanger63. The valve device626may be an on-off valve that switches the second branch flow path620b2between a fully open state and a fully closed state, or may be a variable flow rate valve capable of controlling a flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the second branch flow path620b2. The valve device626is controlled by the control device ECU.

The second temperature control medium TCM2pressure-fed by the second pump621and cooled by the radiator622in the pressure feeding flow path620abranches its flow into the first branch flow path620b1and the second branch flow path620b2at the branching portion624. The second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the first branch flow path620b1cools the electric-power conversion unit50, and merges with the second branch flow path620b2and the pressure feeding flow path620aat the merging portion625. The second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the second branch flow path620b2cools the first temperature control medium TCM1by exchanging heat with the first temperature control medium TCM1in the heat exchanger63, and merges with the first branch flow path620b1and the pressure feeding flow path620aat the merging portion625. The second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the first branch flow path620b1and the second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the second branch flow path620b2are merged at the merging portion625, and the merged second temperature control medium TCM2flows through the pressure feeding flow path620aand is temporarily stored in the storage tank623. Then, the second temperature control medium TCM2stored in the storage tank623is supplied again to the second pump621through the pressure feeding flow path620a, thereby the second temperature control medium TCM2circulating through the second temperature control circuit62.

In the present embodiment, the first branch flow path620b1and the second branch flow path620b2are formed such that a flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the first brand flow path620b1is larger than a flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the second branch flow path620b2.

The second temperature control circuit62is provided with a second temperature sensor62athat detects a temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2circulating through the second temperature control circuit62. In the present embodiment, the second temperature sensor62ais provided in the pressure feeding flow path620abetween the radiator622and the branching portion624, and detects the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2discharged from the radiator622. The second temperature sensor62aoutputs a detection value of the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2discharged from the radiator622to the control device ECU.

In the first temperature control circuit61, when it is assumed that the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1stored in the storage part612after cooling the electric motor20, the generator30, and the transmission device40is about 100 [° C.], the first temperature control medium TCM1of about 100 [° C.] is supplied to the heat exchanger63.

On the other hand, in the second temperature control circuit62, when it is assumed that the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2cooled by the radiator622is about 40 [° C.], since the second temperature control medium TCM2to be supplied to the heat exchanger63does not pass through the electric-power conversion unit50that is a temperature controlled device, the second temperature control medium TCM2of about 40 [° C.] is supplied to the heat exchanger63.

In this case, in the heat exchanger63, heat exchange between the first temperature control medium TCM1of about 100 [° C.] and the second temperature control medium TCM2of about 40 [° C.], which are supplied to the heat exchanger63, is performed. Then, the first temperature control medium TCM1of about 80 [° C.] is discharged from the heat exchanger63to a downstream side of the first branch flow path610b1of the first temperature control circuit61, and the second temperature control medium TCM2of about 70 [° C.] is discharged from the heat exchanger63to a downstream side of the second branch flow path620b2of the second temperature control circuit62.

In this way, since the first temperature control medium TCM1is cooled in the heat exchanger63, the temperature control circuit60can cool the first temperature control medium TCM1without providing a radiator for cooling the first temperature control medium TCM1. Therefore, since the temperature control circuit60can cool the first temperature control medium TCM1flowing through the first temperature control circuit61and the second temperature control medium TCM2flowing through the second temperature control circuit62by one radiator622, the temperature control circuit60can be miniaturized.

The control device ECU is implemented by, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) including a processor that performs various types of calculation, a storage device that stores various types of information, an input and output device that controls input and output of data between the inside and the outside of the control device ECU, and the like, and performs overall control of the entire vehicle V. The control device ECU may be implemented by a single ECU or may be implemented by a plurality of ECUs. The control device ECU controls, for example, the internal combustion engine ICE, the electric-power conversion unit50, the second pump621, the valve device626, the grille shutter70, and the like.

In general, viscosity of the first temperature control medium TCM1increases as the temperature thereof decreases. When the viscosity of the first temperature control medium TCM1increases, a friction loss generated in the electric motor20and the transmission device40increases, and output efficiency of the electric motor20and the transmission device40decreases. Therefore, in a case where the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is low (for example, the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is equal to or lower than a predetermined value), for example, immediately after start of the electric motor20and the generator30, it is preferable that the first temperature control medium TCM1is not cooled (that is, it is preferable to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1).

Therefore, the control device ECU controls the valve device626based on the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1detected by the first temperature sensor61aand the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2detected by the second temperature sensor62a. Specifically, when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, the control device ECU controls the valve device626such that the flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2to the second branch flow path620b2is larger than the flow rate when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is higher than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

As described, when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, the flow rate to the second branch flow path620b2is increased so that the heat exchange between the first temperature control medium TCM1and the second temperature control medium TCM2via the heat exchanger63can be facilitated. Therefore, it is possible to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1by using the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2, and it is possible to suppress an increase in friction loss of the electric motor20and the transmission device40caused due to the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1being low.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a fan401is provided in the front portion of the vehicle V at a rear side of the radiator622. The fan401draws air from the front side (Fr) toward the rear side (Rr) of the vehicle V to introduce outside air to the radiator622.

An air conditioner condenser402is a condenser of an air conditioner of the vehicle V, and is located, for example, at a front side of the fan401and at an upper side of the radiator622. A first radiator403is a radiator for cooling the internal combustion engine ICE, and is located, for example, at the front side of the fan401and at a rear side of the radiator622.

The grille shutter70is provided at a front side of the radiator622. The grille shutter70includes a motor (not illustrated) and a louver71driven by the motor, and is driven and controlled by the control device ECU.

When the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, the control device ECU controls the grille shutter70such that the amount of outside air that blows against the radiator622is smaller than the amount of the outside air when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is higher than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

In this way, when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, cooling of the second temperature control medium TCM2by the radiator622can be suppressed by reducing the amount of outside air that blows against the radiator622. Accordingly, it is possible to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1by more efficiently using the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

Controlling the grille shutter70so as to reduce the amount of outside air that blows against the radiator622includes fully closing the grille shutter70. For example, when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, the control device ECU fully closes the grille shutter70. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppresses the cooling of the second temperature control medium TCM2by the radiator622. When the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds a predetermined value, the control device ECU may open (for example, fully open) the grille shutter70. In this way, it is possible to avoid an excessive increase in the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

When the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds the predetermined value, the control device ECU may control the valve device626such that the flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2to the first branch flow path620b1is larger than that before the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds the predetermined value. As described, when the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds the predetermined value, the flow rate of the second temperature control medium TCM2to the first branch flow path620b1is increased, so that it is possible to avoid the second temperature control medium TCM2, which is at a high temperature, from reaching a higher temperature due to heat exchange with the first temperature control medium TCM1via the heat exchanger63. Here, the predetermined value is set in advance by, for example, a manufacturer of the control device ECU.

[Control Example of Valve Device and Grille Shutter by Control Device]

Next, a specific control example of the valve device626and the grille shutter70by the control device ECU will be described with reference toFIGS.3and4. For example, when an ignition power supply of the vehicle V is turned on, the control device ECU executes the processing illustrated inFIG.3.

First, the control device ECU acquires the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1detected by the first temperature sensor61aand the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2detected by the second temperature sensor62a(step S301).

Next, the control device ECU determines whether there is a request for opening the grille shutter70(step S302). In step S302, for example, the control device ECU determines that there is a request for opening the grille shutter70when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is higher than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, and determines that there is no request for opening the grille shutter70when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2. Even when the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2, the control device ECU may determine that there is a request for opening the grille shutter70if the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds the predetermined value.

When it is determined that there is no request for opening the grille shutter70(step S302: Yes), the control device ECU proceeds to step S304while keeping the grille shutter70closed, and when it is determined that there is a request for opening the grille shutter70(step S302: No), the control device ECU opens the grille shutter70(step S303).

That is, as illustrated inFIG.4, during a period until the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1exceeding the temperature T2of the second temperature control medium TCM2(periods indicated by reference signs “P1” and “P2” inFIG.4), the control device ECU maintains the grille shutter70in a closed state because the temperature rise of the first temperature control medium TCM1is not completed. On the other hand, the control device ECU keeps the grille shutter70open in a period after the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1exceeding the temperature T2of the second temperature control medium TCM2(periods indicated by reference signs “P3” and “P4” inFIG.4).

As described, during the period until the completion of the temperature rise of the first temperature control medium TCM1, the grille shutter70is kept in a closed state to reduce the amount of outside air that blows against the radiator622, so that the cooling of the second temperature control medium TCM2by the radiator622can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently use the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1. On the other hand, in a period after completion of the temperature rise of the first temperature control medium TCM1, the grille shutter70is kept in an opened state to increase the amount of outside air that blows against the radiator622, so that the cooling of the second temperature control medium TCM2by the radiator622can be facilitated.

Referring back toFIG.3, in step S304, the control device ECU determines whether the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is equal to or lower than 75 [° C.] (step S304). When the control device ECU determines that the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is not equal to or lower than 75 [° C.] (step S304: No), the control device ECU opens the valve device626(step S305).

That is, as illustrated inFIG.4, the control device ECU keeps the valve device626open during a period in which the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1is higher than 75 [° C.] (a period indicated by a reference sign “P4” inFIG.4). Accordingly, heat exchange is performed between the first temperature control medium TCM1and the second temperature control medium TCM2via the heat exchanger63, and the temperature rise of the first temperature control medium TCM1is suppressed.

On the other hand, when the control device ECU determines that the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is equal to or lower than 75 [° C.] (step S304: Yes), the control device ECU proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the control device ECU determines whether the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2(step S306). When the control device ECU determines that the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is not lower than the temperature of the second temperature control median TCM2(step S306: No), the control device ECU closes the valve device626(step S307).

That is, as illustrated inFIG.4, the control device ECU keeps the valve device626closed during a period in which the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1is equal to or lower than 75 [° C.] and the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1is equal to or higher than the temperature T2of the second temperature control medium TCM2(a period indicated by a reference sign “P3” inFIG.4). Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the heat of the first temperature control medium TCM1from being transferred to the second temperature control medium TCM2via the heat exchanger63, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature of the second temperature control medium.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2(step S306: Yes), the control device ECU proceeds to step S308. In step S308, the control device ECU determines whether the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2is equal to or lower than 45 [° C.] (step S308). When it is determined that the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2is equal to or lower than 45 [° C.] (step S308: Yes), the control device ECU proceeds to step S307and closes the valve device626.

That is, as illustrated inFIG.4, the control device ECU keeps the valve device626closed during a period in which the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2and the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2is equal to or lower than 45 [° C.] (a period indicated by a reference sign “P1” inFIG.4). Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2from being transferred to the first temperature control medium TCM1via the heat exchanger63, and to rapidly raise the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2is not equal to or lower than 45 [° C.] (step S308: No), the control device ECU opens the valve device626(step S309).

That is, as illustrated inFIG.4, the control device ECU keeps the valve device626open during a period in which the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2and the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2is higher than 45 [° C.] (a period indicated by a reference sign “P2” inFIG.4). Accordingly, since the second temperature control medium TCM2flows through the second branch flow path620b2in which the heat exchanger63is provided, the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2is transferred to the first temperature control medium TCM1via the heat exchanger63. Therefore, it is possible to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1by using the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2.

Next, the control device ECU determines whether the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds a predetermined value (step S310). When it is determined that the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2exceeds the predetermined value (step S370: Yes), the control device ECU closes the valve device626(step S311), and returns to step S301. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the second temperature control medium TCM2, which is at a high temperature, from reaching a higher temperature due to heat exchange with the first temperature control medium TCM1via the heat exchanger63.

On the other hand, when the control device ECU determines that the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2does not exceed the predetermined value (step S310: No), the control device ECU returns to step S301as it is. After opening the grille shutter70in step S303, after opening the valve device626in step S305, after closing the valve device626in step S307, and after closing the valve device626in step S311, the control device ECU returns to step S301.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, during a period in which the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1is the lowest (for example, the period indicated by the reference sign “P1” inFIG.4), the valve device626is kept closed to increase the temperature T2of the second temperature control medium TCM2. Since the second temperature control circuit62does not have a larger thermal mass than the first temperature control circuit61, the temperature of the second temperature control medium TCM2(for example, LLC) can be rapidly increased by closing the valve device626.

Then, during a period in which a predetermined condition is satisfied after the temperature T2of the second temperature control medium TCM2is set to be higher than the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1(for example, periods indicated by reference signs “P2” and “P4” inFIG.4), the valve device626is kept open to cause the second temperature control medium TCM2to flow through the second branch flow path620b2in which the heat exchanger63is provided. Accordingly, heat can be transferred from the second temperature control medium TCM2to the first temperature control medium TCM1via the heat exchanger63, and the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1can be raised at an early stage.

For example, since the first temperature control circuit61includes components having a large thermal mass such as the electric motor20and the transmission device40, there is a scene in which the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1(for example, ATF) hardly rises immediately after the start of the electric motor20and the generator30. From the viewpoint of reducing the friction loss of the electric motor20and the transmission device40, in such a scene, it is required to increase the temperature of the first temperature control medium TCM1at an earlier stage. According to the present embodiment, since the temperature T1of the first temperature control medium TCM1can be raised at an early stage by using the heat of the second temperature control medium TCM2as described above, it is possible to reduce the friction loss of the electric motor20and the transmission device40.

Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be conceived within the scope of the claims. It is also understood that the various changes and modifications belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the constituent elements in the above embodiment may be combined freely without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, although a configuration in which the vehicle V includes the internal combustion engine ICE has been described, the vehicle V may be an electric vehicle that does not include the internal combustion engine ICE.

Although a configuration in which the electric-power conversion unit50and the heat exchanger63are arranged in parallel is described, the electric-power conversion unit50and the heat exchanger63may be arranged in series. For example, the electric-power conversion unit50may be arranged between the radiator622and the branching portion624.

In the present description, at least the following matters are described. In the parentheses, the corresponding components and the like in the above embodiment are shown as an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

(1) A vehicle temperature control system (vehicle temperature control system10), including:a first temperature control circuit (first temperature control circuit61) that is provided with a first pump (first pump611) and that is configured to perform temperature control of a rotary electric machine (electric motor20) and a gearbox (transmission device40) provided in a vehicle (vehicle V);a second temperature control circuit (second temperature control circuit62) that is provided with a second pump (second pump621) and that is configured to perform temperature control of an electric-power conversion unit (electric-power conversion unit50) provided in the vehicle;a heat exchanger (heat exchanger63) in which heat exchange between a first temperature control medium circulating through the first temperature control circuit and a second temperature control medium circulating through the second temperature control circuit is performed; anda control device (control device ECU),in which the first temperature control circuit includes a first temperature sensor (first temperature sensor61a) that is configured to detect a temperature of the first temperature control medium,in which the second temperature control circuit includesa second temperature sensor (second temperature sensor62a) that is configured to detect a temperature of the second temperature control medium,a radiator (radiator622) with which heat exchange between the second temperature control medium and outside air is performed,a first branch flow path (first branch flow path620b1) of the second temperature control medium that bypasses the heat exchanger,a second branch flow path (second branch flow path620b2) of the second temperature control medium that passes through the heat exchanger, anda flow rate control valve (valve device626) with which a flow rate of the second temperature control medium to the second branch flow path is controlled, andin which the control device is capable of controlling the flow rate control valve based on the temperature of the first temperature control medium detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature of the second temperature control medium detected by the second temperature sensor, andin a case where the temperature of the first temperature control medium is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium, the control device controls the flow rate control valve such that a flow rate to the second branch flow path is larger than a flow rate in a case where the temperature of the first temperature control medium is higher than the temperature of the second temperature control medium.

According to (1), when the temperature of the first temperature control medium is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium, the control device controls the flow rate control valve such that the flow rate to the second branch flow path increases, and thus it is possible to facilitate the heat exchange between the first temperature control medium and the second temperature control medium via the heat exchanger. Therefore, it is possible to rapidly raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium by using the heat of the second temperature control medium, and it is possible to suppress an increase in friction loss of the rotary electric machine and the gearbox caused due to a temperature of the first temperature control medium being low.

(2) The vehicle temperature control system according to (1),in which the vehicle further includes a shutter (grille shutter70) that is configured to be opened and closed under control of the control device so as to be capable of controlling an amount of outside air blowing against the radiator, andin which in a case where the temperature of the first temperature control medium is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium, the control device further controls the shutter such that the amount of outside air blowing against the radiator is smaller than an amount of the outside air in a case where the temperature of the first temperature control medium is higher than the temperature of the second temperature control medium.

According to (2), when the temperature of the first temperature control medium is lower than the temperature of the second temperature control medium, the control device controls the shutter so as to reduce the amount of outside air blowing against the radiator, thereby making it possible to suppress cooling of the second temperature control medium by the radiator. Accordingly, it is possible to raise the temperature of the first temperature control medium by more efficiently using the heat of the second temperature control medium.

(3) The vehicle temperature control system according to (1) or (2),in which in a case where the temperature of the second temperature control medium exceeds a predetermined value, the control device further controls the flow rate control valve such that a flow rate to the first branch flow path is larger than a flow rate before the temperature of the second temperature control medium exceeds the predetermined value.

According to (3), when the temperature of the second temperature control medium exceeds the predetermined value, the control device controls the flow rate control valve so that the flow rate to the first branch flow path increases, and thus it is possible to suppress the second temperature control medium, which is at a high temperature, from reaching a higher temperature due to heat exchange with the first temperature control medium via the heat exchanger.