TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT DEVICE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No.

PCT/JP 2024/000661 filed Jan. 12, 2024, claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-020528 filed Feb. 14, 2023.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to temperature management devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Various techniques for managing the temperature of an internal combustion engine etc. have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling control system including: a radiator connected to an engine via a first circulation passage and configured to dissipate heat from a coolant (cooling liquid) flowing through the first circulation passage; and a heater core connected to the engine via a second circulation passage and configured to dissipate heat from the coolant flowing through the second circulation passage. The first circulation passage includes an outlet passage connecting a coolant outlet provided in an upper part of the engine (cylinder head) to an inlet of the radiator, and an inlet passage connecting an outlet of the radiator to a coolant inlet in a lower part of the engine (cylinder block). The second circulation passage includes an outlet passage connecting the coolant outlet provided in the upper part of the engine (cylinder head) to an inlet of the heater core, and an inlet passage connecting an outlet of the heater core to the inlet passage of the first circulation passage.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-169237 (JP 2011-169237A)

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Problem to be Solved by the Various Aspects of the Disclosure

A cylinder head becomes hotter than a cylinder block while an engine is running. That is, temperature changes in the cylinder head and the cylinder block occur in different ways. It is therefore desirable to be able to manage the temperature of the cylinder head and the temperature of the cylinder block independently. In the cooling control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, however, only the first circulation passage is connected to the coolant inlet through which the coolant flows into the engine, and only the coolant circulating through the first circulation passage (coolant at one temperature) flows into the engine. In other words, the temperature of the cylinder block and the temperature of the cylinder head are managed only by the coolant flowing into the coolant inlet, and the temperature of the cylinder head and the temperature of the cylinder block cannot be managed independently. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in temperature management on a temperature management target such as an engine.

The present disclosure was made in view of the above issue, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature management device that can more precisely manage the temperature of a temperature management target.

Means for Solving the Problem

A temperature management device according to the present disclosure is a temperature management device configured to manage, by circulating a fluid, the temperature of a temperature management target including a first management target and a second management target. The temperature management device is characterized by including: a first pump configured to transport the fluid at a first temperature heated by the temperature management target; a second pump configured to transport the fluid at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; a first channel configured to guide, to the first management target, the fluid at the first temperature that is transported by the first pump; a second channel through which the fluid at the second temperature that is transported by the second pump flows; and a switching channel that is connected to the first channel and the second channel and in which the temperature of the fluid to be guided to the second management target is switched. The temperature management device is also characterized in that the fluid at the first temperature or the fluid at a third temperature, namely a mixture of the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel.

In this configuration, the first channel that guides the fluid at the first temperature to the first management target and the switching channel that guides it to the second management target are provided separately. This allows the temperature of the first management target and the temperature of the second management target to be managed independently. Either the fluid at the first temperature or the fluid at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the fluid at the first temperature and the fluid at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel. That is, the temperature of the fluid that flows through the switching channel can be switched. Therefore, the temperature of the temperature management target can be managed more precisely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a temperature management device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a temperature management unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the temperature management unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a switching channel and its surrounding area according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the switching channel and its surrounding area according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a section of the switching channel and its surrounding area according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lead channel according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a temperature sensor unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a merged lead channel and a temperature sensor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration near a switching channel according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing the configuration near the switching channel according to another embodiment.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, a temperature management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Temperature Management Device

First, an overview of a temperature management device 100 will be provided with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature management device 100 is mounted on a vehicle V such as an automobile. The temperature management device 100 manages the temperature of an engine E (an example of the temperature management target) that is an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle V.

In the present embodiment, the temperature management device 100 operates in two operation modes as operation modes. Specifically, the temperature management device 100 operates in a first mode in which it operates to raise the temperature of (warm up) the engine E, or in a second mode in which it operates such that the temperature of the engine E reaches a target temperature. Hereinafter, the first mode will be referred to as “warm-up mode,” and the second mode will be referred to as “temperature adjustment mode.”

The temperature management device 100 includes a temperature management unit 10 that manages the temperature of the engine E, and a control unit 20 that controls the operation of the temperature management unit 10.

Temperature Management Unit

FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configuration of the temperature management unit 10. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows the temperature management unit 10 in the warm-up mode, and FIG. 3 shows the temperature management unit 10 in the temperature adjustment mode.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the temperature management unit 10 manages the temperature of the engine E by circulating a coolant W (an example of the fluid). The coolant W is a cooling fluid such as a long-life coolant (LLC).

The temperature management unit 10 includes: a fluid channel 1 through which the coolant W for managing the temperature of the engine E flows; a radiator 2 that cools (lowers the temperature of) the coolant W; a pump 3 that circulates the coolant W in the fluid channel 1; and a temperature sensor 4 (an example of the sensor) that acquires (measures) the temperature of the coolant W. The radiator 2, the pump 3, the temperature sensor 4, and the engine E are connected via the fluid channel 1 through which the coolant W flows. Hereinafter, the downstream side in the flow direction of the coolant W flowing through the fluid channel 1 will be simply referred to as “downstream side,” and the upstream side will be simply referred to as “upstream side.”

The engine E includes a cylinder block EB (an example of the first management target) and a cylinder head EH (an example of the second management target). The cylinder block EB is provided with a piston that generates power from thermal energy generated by combustion of fuel. The cylinder head EH is provided with an intake port for introducing intake air and an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases. The cylinder head EH and the cylinder block EB form a combustion chamber. When the engine E is driven, heat is generated by combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber. When the engine E is running, the cylinder head EH becomes hotter than the cylinder block EB.

The engine E is also provided with an engine inlet El that allows the coolant W in the fluid channel 1 to flow into the engine E, and an engine outlet E2 that allows the coolant W to flow out of the engine E into the fluid channel 1. The engine inlet El includes a first engine inlet Ell connected to the cylinder block EB and a second engine inlet E12 connected to the cylinder head EH.

The coolant W having entered the cylinder block EB via the first engine inlet E11 flows from the cylinder block EB into the cylinder head EH via an internal engine channel EL provided inside the engine E. The coolant W having entered the cylinder head EH flows out into the fluid channel 1 via the engine outlet E2. The coolant W having entered the cylinder head EH via the second engine inlet E12 also flows out into the fluid channel 1 via the engine outlet E2.

The radiator 2 is a heat exchanger, and cools the coolant W by exchanging heat between the coolant W and air etc.

The pump 3 transports the coolant W to circulate the coolant W in the fluid channel 1. In the present embodiment, the pump 3 is an electric water pump, and includes an electric motor (not shown) and an impeller (not shown) that is powered by the electric motor. The pressure (discharge rate) of the pump 3 is changed as the control unit 20 described with reference to FIG. 1 controls the operation of the electric motor (the rotational speed of the impeller).

The pump 3 includes a first pump 31 that transports the coolant W at a first temperature heated by the engine E, and a second pump 32 that transports the coolant W at a second temperature cooled by the radiator 2. The first temperature is, for example, 90 degrees Celsius to 95 degrees Celsius, and the second temperature is, for example, zero degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius (same as outside air). Since the second temperature is lower than the first temperature, the first temperature is hereinafter sometimes referred to as “high temperature,” and the second temperature is sometimes referred to as “low temperature.”

The temperature sensor 4 measures the temperature of the coolant W and outputs information indicating the measured temperature. The control unit 20 controls the operation (pressure) of the pump 3, based on the information indicating the temperature of the coolant W output from the temperature sensor 4 and information indicating the amount of heat generated by the engine E. The control unit 20 acquires the amount of heat generated by the engine E, based on information indicating the rotational speed of the engine E, the load factor of the engine E, etc.

The fluid channel 1 includes: a high-temperature channel 11 (an example of the first channel) through which the coolant W at the first temperature (high temperature) flows; a low-temperature channel 12 (an example of the second channel) through which the coolant W at the second temperature (low temperature) cooled by the radiator 2 flows; a switching channel 13 in which the temperature of the coolant W flowing therein is switched; and a lead channel 14 that guides the coolant W to the temperature sensor 4. In FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to distinguish the temperatures of the coolant W, a dashed line indicates the coolant W at the first temperature, and a long dashed short dashed line indicates the coolant W at the second temperature. Moreover, a long dashed double-short dashed line indicates the coolant W at a third temperature (mixed temperature), namely a mixture of the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W with at second temperature (see FIG. 3).

The first pump 31 is connected to the high-temperature channel 11. The high-temperature channel 11 guides, to the cylinder block EB, the coolant W at the first temperature that is transported by the first pump 31. The high-temperature channel 11 includes: a first high-temperature channel 111 with its upstream side connected to the engine E (engine outlet E2) and its downstream side connected to the first pump 31; a second high-temperature channel 112 with its upstream side connected to the first pump 31 and its downstream side connected to the switching channel 13; a third high-temperature channel 113 with its upstream side connected to the switching channel 13 and its downstream side is connected to the cylinder block EB of the engine E (first engine inlet E11); and a fourth high-temperature channel 114 with its upstream side connected to the first high-temperature channel 111 and its downstream side connected to the radiator 2.

That is, the first high-temperature channel 111 guides the coolant W from the engine E to the first pump 31, and the second high-temperature channel 112 guides the coolant W from the first pump 31 to the switching channel 13. The third high-temperature channel 113 guides the coolant W from the switching channel 13 to the cylinder block EB, and the fourth high-temperature channel 114 guides the coolant W diverted from the first high-temperature channel 111 to the radiator 2.

The second pump 32 is connected to the low-temperature channel 12. The coolant W at the second temperature that is transported by the second pump 32 flows in the low-temperature channel 12. The low-temperature channel 12 includes: a first low-temperature channel 121 with its upstream side connected to the radiator 2 and its downstream side connected to the second pump 32; and a second low-temperature channel 122 with its upstream side connected to the second pump 32 and its downstream side connected to the switching channel 13. That is, the first low-temperature channel 121 guides the coolant W from the radiator 2 to the second pump 32, and the second low-temperature channel 122 guides the coolant W from the second pump 32 to the switching channel 13.

The switching channel 13 is connected to the second high-temperature channel 112, the third high-temperature channel 113, the low-temperature channel 12 (second low-temperature channel 122), and the cylinder head EH (second engine inlet E12). The temperature of the coolant W that flows through the switching channel 13 (coolant W to be guided to the cylinder head EH) is switched according to the operation mode of the temperature management device 100.

Specifically, in the warm-up mode shown in FIG. 2, the coolant W at the first temperature flows through the switching channel 13. In the temperature adjustment mode shown in FIG. 3, the coolant W at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel 13. That is, the coolant W at the first temperature or the coolant W at the third temperature flows through the switching channel 13.

Configuration Near Switching Channel

Next, the configuration of the switching channel 13 and its surrounding area will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the configuration of the switching channel 13 and its surrounding area. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the switching channel 13 and its surrounding area taken along a horizontal direction. The direction from top to bottom in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a direction along a vertical direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the switching channel 13 extends in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The third high-temperature channel 113 connected to the switching channel 13 has a proximal end at the switching channel 13 and extends obliquely upward from the switching channel 13 (see also FIG. 5).

The second low-temperature channel 122 is connected to a portion of the switching channel 13 that is located downstream of a connection portion P1 between the switching channel 13 and the second high-temperature channel 112. The second low-temperature channel 122 extends in the vertical direction, and is connected to the switching channel 13 so as to be perpendicular to the direction in which the switching channel 13 extends. Accordingly, the coolant W (coolant W with a relatively low dynamic pressure out of the high-temperature coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13) other than the mainstream of the coolant W at the first temperature flowing from the second high-temperature channel 112 into the switching channel 13 (coolant W with a relatively high dynamic pressure out of the high-temperature coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13) is less likely to flow against the coolant W at the second temperature flowing through the second low-temperature channel 122, and the coolant W at the first temperature is therefore less likely to flow into the second low-temperature channel 122.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second low-temperature channel 122 is connected to the switching channel 13 from below in the vertical direction. In other words, the temperature management device 100 is disposed (disposed vertically) in the vehicle V such that the second high-temperature channel 112 is connected to the switching channel 13 from below in the vertical direction. Accordingly, gravity acts on the coolant W at the second temperature flowing through the second low-temperature channel 122. As a result, the coolant W at the second temperature is less likely to flow into the switching channel 13, the second high-temperature channel 112, and the third high-temperature channel 113 that are located above the second low-temperature channel 122. The coolant W at the first temperature is also less likely to flow into the second low-temperature channel 122 due to the difference in specific gravity between the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature.

The second high-temperature channel 112 has a flow velocity adjusting portion 112a upstream of the connection portion P1. The flow velocity adjusting portion 112a is tilted so as to get closer to the switching channel 13 as it goes upward.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flow velocity adjusting portion 112a includes a first wall surface HI located on the side where the third high-temperature channel 113 extends as viewed in the vertical direction, and a second wall surface H2 facing the first wall surface H1.

The first wall surface HI extends parallel to the direction in which the switching channel 13 extends, i.e., the flow direction of the coolant W, as viewed in the vertical direction. The second wall surface H2 is formed such that its upstream side (side farther away from the connection portion P1) is closer to the first wall surface H1 and its downstream side (side closer to the connection portion P1) is farther away from the first wall surface H1. Hereinafter, a portion formed such that the second wall surface H2 gets closer to the first wall surface HI (portion formed by a portion including the first wall surface H1 and the second wall surface H2) will be referred to as “narrowed portion 112b,” and a portion formed such that the second wall surface H2 gets farther away from the first wall surface H1 (portion formed by a portion including the first wall surface H1 and the second wall surface H2) will be referred to as “expanded portion 112c.” T

he narrowed portion 112b is provided upstream of the connection portion P1 (expanded portion 112c). The narrowed portion 112b is configured such that the cross-11 sectional area of the channel through which the coolant W flows (hereinafter referred to as “channel cross-sectional area”) is smaller than that of a portion of the second high-temperature channel 112 located upstream of the narrowed portion 112b (immediately upstream of the narrowed portion 112b) and part of the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13 therefore has an increased flow velocity. Specifically, the narrowed portion 112b is configured such that part of the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13, namely the coolant W flowing on the first wall surface H1 (third high-temperature channel 113) side out of the coolant W flowing through the second high-temperature channel 112, has an increased flow velocity. Since the coolant W has an increased flow velocity, the coolant W at the second temperature is forced toward the opposite side of the switching channel 13 from the third high-temperature channel 113. Therefore, the coolant W at the second temperature is less likely to flow into the third high-temperature channel 113. In other words, the narrowed portion 112b constitutes a blocking mechanism that can block entry of the coolant W at the second temperature into the high-temperature channel 11.

The expanded portion 112c is provided downstream of the narrowed portion 112b and upstream of the connection portion P1. The expanded portion 112c is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the channel through which the coolant W flows is larger than that of the narrowed portion 112b. The expanded portion 112c is configured such that, when the coolant W having passed through the expanded portion 112c flows into the switching channel 13, the coolant W spreads in a radial pattern and collides with a third wall surface H3 forming the switching channel 13 and swirls. Specifically, the expanded portion 112c is configured such that, of the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13, at least part of the coolant W other than the coolant W having an increased flow velocity, namely the coolant W flowing on the second wall surface H2 side (opposite side from the third high-temperature channel 113), collides with the third wall surface H3 forming the switching channel 13 and swirls. In other words, the expanded portion 112c and the third wall surface H3 forming the switching channel 13 form a swirl generating portion that swirls the coolant W. The coolant W swirls around the direction in which the switching channel 13 extends.

Lead Channel

Next, the configuration of the lead channel 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and FIGS. 7, 8. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lead channel 14. Specifically, this figure shows the switching channel 13 and its surrounding area shown in FIG. 4, as viewed from the opposite side in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the switching channel 13 extends. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a temperature sensor unit U that is an integration of the lead channel 14 and the temperature sensor 4.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lead channel 14 is provided downstream of the second pump 32. The lead channel 14 includes: a first lead channel 141 connected to the switching channel 13; a second lead channel 142 connected to the second low-temperature channel 122; a merged lead channel 143 into which the first lead channel 141 and the second lead channel 142 merge; and a return lead channel 144 connected between the second pump 32 and the radiator 2 (first low-temperature channel 121). In order to avoid complicating the drawings, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first lead channel 141 is shown connected to the switching channel 13 at a position Q1 upstream of the portion where the switching channel 13 is connected to the second high-temperature channel 112. In reality, however, as shown in FIG. 7, the first lead channel 141 is connected to the switching channel 13 at a position Q2 downstream of the portion where the switching channel 13 is connected to the second high-temperature channel 112.

The temperature sensor 4 is disposed in the merged lead channel 143. The temperature sensor 4 acquires the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the merged lead channel 143, and outputs information indicating the temperature.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lead channel 14 is formed by a groove S formed in a first wall Gl and a second wall G2, and a cover C covering the groove S (see FIG. 8). The first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the merged lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 are formed by covering the groove S with the cover C. The first wall Gl is a wall forming the high-temperature channel 11, the low-temperature channel 12, and the switching channel 13, and the second wall G2 is a wall protruding from the first wall G1. Specifically, the second wall G2 includes a first extending portion G3 extending along the direction in which the switching channel 13 extends, and a second extending portion G4 extending in a direction perpendicular to the first extending portion G3.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a temperature sensing portion 41 of the temperature sensor 4 is disposed between the groove S forming the merged lead channel 143 (groove S formed in the first extending portion G3 of the second wall G2) and the cover C (inserted in the groove S). The temperature sensing portion 41 is a portion of the temperature sensor 4 that measures the temperature of the coolant W.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first lead channel 141 is configured to have the same length as the second lead channel 142. The length of the first lead channel 141 is the length between a first lead inlet 14H1, namely an inlet through which the coolant W flows into the first lead channel 141, and a connection position P2. The length of the second lead channel 142 is the length between a second lead inlet 14H2, namely an inlet through which the coolant W flows into the second lead channel 142, and the connection position P2. The connection position P2 indicates the position where the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are connected to the merged lead channel 143, that is, the position where the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 merge.

The first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 have a smaller channel cross-sectional area than portions located upstream of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 (immediately upstream of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2), respectively. In other words, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are configured to increase the pressure loss of the coolant W. The first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are sized such that the difference between a first pressure difference and a second pressure difference can be ignored. Specifically, each of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 is sized small enough that the difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference can be ignored (such a shape that its smaller channel cross-sectional area is smaller than that immediately upstream of it (orifice shape)). The first pressure difference is the difference in pressure of the coolant W between the first lead inlet 14H1 and a lead outlet 14H3, and the second pressure difference is the difference in pressure of the coolant W between the second lead inlet 14H2 and the lead outlet 14H3. The lead outlet 14H3 is an outlet through which the coolant W flows out of the lead channel 14. In the present embodiment, the channel cross-sectional areas of the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the merged lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 are constant and equal to each other. The first lead channel 141 has the same channel cross-sectional area as the first lead inlet 14H1. The second lead channel 142 has the same channel cross-sectional area as the second lead inlet 14H2. The return lead channel 144 has the same channel cross-sectional area as the lead outlet 14H3.

The first lead inlet 14H1 is also sized so as to be able to reduce the possibility that the amount of coolant W at the first temperature supplied to the engine E may decrease due to the coolant W at the first temperature flowing into the lead channel 14 and the warm-up (heating) performance of the engine E may degrade.

The first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are also ensured to be large enough not to get blocked even if the coolant W contains foreign matter.

Moreover, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are sized large enough to be able to ensure at least the lower limit of the flow rate of the coolant W that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 (the minimum value of the flow rate of the coolant W at which the temperature sensor 4 can measure the temperature of the coolant W, namely the flow rate dependent on the performance of the temperature sensor 4). The lower limit of the flow rate of the coolant W that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 is, for example, 0.2 L/min.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the merged lead channel 143 and the temperature sensor 4. Specifically, this figure shows a section of the merged lead channel 143 taken along the flow direction of the coolant W. As shown in FIG. 9, the temperature sensing portion 41 of the temperature sensor 4 includes a rectangular temperature sensing surface 41S that senses the temperature of the coolant W. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensing surface 41S is disposed so as to extend along the flow direction of the coolant W.

The merged lead channel 143 includes a protrusion 143t protruding toward the temperature sensor 4. The protrusion 143t is provided on an inner wall 143s around the temperature sensor 4 out of the inner wall 143s forming the merged lead channel 143. When the temperature sensing surface 41S is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the temperature sensing surface 41S, the protrusion 143t has the shape of a sector of a circle with its arc on the upstream side (sector with a central angle of 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees).

The protrusion 143t causes the coolant W flowing along the inner wall 143s forming the merged lead channel 143 to collide with, i.e., contact, the temperature sensor 4.

In the present embodiment, 32 protrusions 143t are provided. The 32 protrusions 143t are arranged in four rows along the flow direction of the coolant W, with eight protrusions 143t in each row along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 143s forming the merged lead channel 143, in such a manner that the protrusions 143t are staggered when viewed from the flow direction. Each of the most upstream eight protrusions 143t (first row) is provided such that its downstream end coincides with the upstream end of the temperature sensor 4 (temperature sensing portion 41). The protrusions 143t in the remaining three downstream rows are provided at predetermined intervals. Specifically, each of the protrusions 143t in the fourth row of the protrusions 143t (most downstream eight protrusions) is disposed such that its downstream end coincides with the downstream end of the temperature sensing portion 41 in the flow direction, and the remaining two rows are arranged such that these two intervals and the first and fourth rows are at equal intervals.

Control Unit

The control unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 is an Engine Control Unit (ECU), and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage area such as a semiconductor memory. The control unit 20 controls the operation of each part (pump 3) of the temperature management device 100 by the processor executing a control program stored in the storage area. The control unit 20 switches control on the pump 3 between the warm-up mode and the temperature adjustment mode described with reference to FIG. 2.

Specifically, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the pressure (discharge rate) of the first pump 31 and the pressure (discharge rate) of the second pump 32 such that the position where the interface F between the coolant W at the first temperature (coolant W flowing through the switching channel 13) and the coolant W at the second temperature (coolant W flowing through the second low-temperature channel 122) is formed is between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 (midpoint) (see FIG. 7). Hereinafter, a target position where the interface F is to be formed (in the present embodiment, the midpoint between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2) will be referred to as “target position.”

The control unit 20 determines whether the temperature indicated by the information output from the temperature sensor 4 (hereinafter referred to as “acquired temperature”) is higher than an average temperature that is the average value of the first temperature and the second temperature, and controls the pressure of the pump 3 according to the determination result.

For example, when the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is higher than the average temperature, i.e., determines that the position where the interface F is formed is upstream of the target position (closer to the low-temperature channel 12 (second low-temperature channel 122)), the control unit 20 increases the pressure of the second pump 32. On the other hand, when the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is lower than the average temperature, that is, that the position where the interface F is formed is downstream of the target position (closer to the switching channel 13), the control unit 20 reduces the pressure of the second pump 32. When the control unit 20 determines that the acquired temperature is equal to the average temperature, that is, when the control unit 20 determines that the position where the interface F is formed is the target position, the control unit 20 does not change the pressure of the second pump 32. The control unit 20 controls the operation of the pump 3 such that the interface F is not formed inside the second high-temperature channel 112 and the third high-temperature channel 113 even when the vehicle V (see FIG. 1) leans forward, backward, left, or right. The second lead inlet 14H2 is provided below the position where the interface F is formed (see FIG. 7).

Since the interface F is formed between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, the coolant W at the second temperature is less likely to flow into the second high-temperature channel 112 and the third high-temperature channel 113. In other words, the control unit 20, the first pump 31, and the second pump 32 constitute the blocking mechanism that can block entry of the coolant W at the second temperature into the high-temperature channel 11.

Since the interface F is formed between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, the coolant W at the first temperature alone flows into the engine E through the first engine inlet E11 and the second engine inlet E12. As a result, the engine E can be warmed up efficiently.

On the other hand, in the temperature adjustment mode, the control unit 20 controls the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 such that the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature are mixed in the switching channel 13. That is, the control unit 20 controls the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 such that the coolant W at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel 13. Since the control unit 20 controls the pressure of the pump 3 in the manner described above, the coolant W at the third temperature flows into the first lead channel 141, and the coolant W at the second temperature flows into the second lead channel 142.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the pump 3 by, for example, referring to pump control information (pump map) indicating information regarding control on the pump 3. The pump control information is created in advance by a designer of the temperature management device 100 etc., and is stored in advance in the storage area of the control unit 20. The pump control information is, for example, information indicating the correlation among the amount of heat generated by the engine E, a first target temperature of the coolant W to be caused to flow into the cylinder head EH, and a target temperature of the coolant W that flows out from the engine outlet E2 of the engine E (hereinafter referred to as “second target temperature”). The second target temperature is, for example, 95 degrees Celsius. The control unit 20 refers to the pump control information and acquires the first target temperature based on the second target temperature and the amount of heat generated by the engine E.

The control unit 20 may determine whether the third temperature is higher than the first target temperature, namely the target temperature of the coolant W to be caused to flow into the cylinder head EH, and control the pressure (driving force) of the pump 3 according to the determination result. The third temperature is acquired based on information indicating the temperature output from the temperature sensor 4 and information indicating the second temperature (the temperature of the coolant W flowing out of the radiator 2).

When the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is higher than the first target temperature, the control unit 20 increases the pressure of the second pump 32. On the other hand, when the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is lower than the first target temperature, the control unit 20 reduces the pressure of the second pump 32. The coolant W whose temperature has been adjusted to the first target temperature thus flows through the switching channel 13 into the cylinder head EH via the second engine inlet E12. When the control unit 20 determines that the third temperature is equal to the first target temperature, the control unit 20 does not change the pressure of the second pump 32.

Functions and Effects of Embodiment

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the high-temperature channel 11 (third high-temperature channel 113) that guides the coolant W at the high temperature (first temperature) to the cylinder block EB and the switching channel 13 that guides it to the cylinder head EH are provided separately. This allows the temperature of the cylinder block EB and the temperature of the cylinder head EH to be managed independently. Specifically, depending on whether the mode is the warm-up mode or the temperature adjustment mode, either the coolant W at the first temperature or the coolant W at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel 13. That is, the temperature of the coolant W that flows through the switching channel 13 can be switched depending on whether the mode is the warm-up mode or the temperature adjustment mode. Therefore, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

According to the present embodiment, the low-temperature channel 12 (second low-temperature channel 122) is connected to the switching channel 13 from below in the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This facilitates control on (reduction in) entry of the coolant W flowing through the low-temperature channel 12 into the switching channel 13. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the coolant W to be guided to the cylinder head EH via the switching channel 13 (keep the temperature of this coolant W at the first temperature) in the warm-up mode (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder head EH can be managed more precisely. Moreover, in the warm-up mode, the coolant W at the first temperature that flows into the cylinder head EH is less likely to flow into the low-temperature channel 12 (second low-temperature channel 122). Therefore, degradation in warm-up performance can also be reduced.

According to the present embodiment, the narrowed portion 112b, the control unit 20, the first pump 31, and the second pump 32 that serve as the blocking mechanism can block entry of the coolant W flowing through the low-temperature channel 12 into the high-temperature channel 11. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the coolant W to be guided to the cylinder block EB (keep the temperature of this coolant W at the first temperature). Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder block EB can be managed more precisely.

According to the present embodiment, the narrowed portion 112b is configured such that part of the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13, namely the coolant W flowing on the first wall surface HI (third high-temperature channel 113) side out of the coolant W flowing through the second high-temperature channel 112, has an increased flow velocity. In the switching channel 13, the coolant W with the increased flow velocity reduces entry of the coolant W at the second temperature into the third high-temperature channel 113. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the coolant W to be guided to the cylinder block EB (keep the temperature of this coolant W at the first temperature). Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder block EB can be managed more precisely.

According to the present embodiment, the expanded portion 112c is configured such that the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13 collides with the third wall surface H3 forming the switching channel 13 and swirls. Therefore, the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature are mixed well, which allows the coolant W flowing through the switching channel 13 to have a uniform temperature distribution. As a result, in the temperature adjustment mode, the coolant W at the third temperature flowing from the switching channel 13 into the merged lead channel 143 through the first lead channel 141 has a constant temperature. As a result, the temperature of the coolant W (third temperature) acquired by the temperature sensor 4 becomes more accurate.

According to the present embodiment, the first lead channel 141 is configured to have the same length as the second lead channel 142. It is therefore possible to equalize the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the second lead channel 142. This allows the temperature sensor 4 disposed in the merged lead channel 143 to acquire the average value of the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the second lead channel 142. As a result, it is possible to more accurately acquire the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the temperature of the coolant W flowing through the second lead channel 142. Therefore, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

According to the present embodiment, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 have a reduced channel cross-sectional area. That is, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are configured such that the pressure loss of the coolant W increases. It is therefore possible to equalize the flow rate of the coolant W in the first lead channel 141 and the flow rate of the coolant W in the second lead channel 142 both of which flow into the merged lead channel 143. In particular, it is possible to equalize the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the second lead channel 142 by sizing the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 (small enough) such that the difference between the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference can be ignored.

When the coolant W comes into contact with the temperature sensor 4, the coolant W exchanges heat with the temperature sensor 4 and increases in temperature. Therefore, when the protrusions 143t are not provided in the merged lead channel 143, the coolant W having increased in temperature through heat exchange with the temperature sensor 4 will flow along the temperature sensor 4 (temperature sensing portion 41). Therefore, the temperature of the coolant W measured by the temperature sensor 4 may be inaccurate. According to the present embodiment, however, the coolant W that has not exchanged heat with the temperature sensor 4 (fresh coolant W) is guided by the protrusions 143t and comes into contact with the temperature sensor 4. At the same time, the coolant W that has increased in temperature through heat exchange with the temperature sensor 4 is forced away from the temperature sensor 4 (temperature sensing portion 41). This can increase the amount of heat transfer between the temperature sensor 4 and the coolant W. As a result, even when the flow rate of the coolant W flowing through the merged lead channel 143 is at the lower limit of the flow rate that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 (that can be measured and that is dependent on the performance of the temperature sensor 4), the temperature of the coolant W can be accurately measured.

According to the present embodiment, the lead channel 14 is formed by the groove S and the cover C covering the groove S. Therefore, the configurations of the lead channel 14 and the temperature sensor 4 can be simplified. Since the temperature sensor 4 is merely disposed between the groove S and the cover C, assembly of the temperature sensor 4 is facilitated.

According to the present embodiment, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the first pump 31 and the second pump 32 such that the position where the interface F between the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature is formed is between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2. Accordingly, the temperature of the coolant W can be acquired more accurately. As a result, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

Other Embodiments

The present disclosure may be configured as follows in addition to the above embodiment (portions having the same functions as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and signs as those of the above embodiment).

• • (1) For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the second high-temperature channel 112 may include a diverged portion 112B, and the diverged portion 112B may be connected to the switching channel 13. The diverged portion 112B is tilted so as to get closer to the switching channel 13 as it goes upward. This reduces entry of the coolant W at the first temperature into the second low-temperature channel 122. Therefore, degradation in warm-up performance of the engine E can also be reduced. The direction from top to bottom in FIG. 10 is a direction along the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 11, in order to allow more efficient stirring of the coolant W flowing into the switching channel 13, a stirring portion 112K that improves the capability to stir the coolant W such as a baffle plate 112J and a stirring tank 112T may be provided inside the second high-temperature channel 112 (diverged portion 112B). The stirring portion 112K may be provided in the flow velocity adjusting portion 112a described with reference to FIG. 6.

• • (2) The embodiment illustrates the case where the coolant W that has passed through the temperature sensor 4 is returned between the radiator 2 and the second pump 32. However, the coolant W that has passed through the temperature sensor 4 may be returned to the first high-temperature channel 111 at a position upstream of the first pump 31 and downstream of the diverging point between the first high-temperature channel 111 and the fourth high-temperature channel 114.
  • (3) In the embodiment, the engine E is described as an example of the temperature management target. However, the temperature management target is not limited to the engine E. The temperature management target may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery, or a fuel cell that generates electricity through a chemical reaction.
  • (4) In the embodiment, the coolant W is described as an example of the fluid. However, the fluid may be a fluid other than the coolant W, for example, a cooling medium such as an insulating oil like a paraffin insulating oil, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
  • (5) The embodiment illustrates the case where the switching channel 13 extends in the horizontal direction. However, the switching channel 13 need not extend in the horizontal direction. For example, the switching channel 13 may be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. The second low-temperature channel 122 is not limited to being connected to the switching channel 13 from below in the vertical direction, and may be connected to the switching channel 13 from, for example, obliquely below.
  • (6) The narrowed portion 112b of the second high-temperature channel 112 may be omitted, and the blocking mechanism may be formed by the control on the pump 3 alone. The expanded portion 112c of the second high-temperature channel 112 may be omitted.
  • (7) The first lead channel 141 and the second lead channel 142 need not be configured to have the same length as long as the flow rates of the coolant W flowing therein are equalized. The first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 may have any size as long as these lead inlets are configured such that the flow rate of the coolant W flowing into the first lead channel 141 and the flow rate of the coolant W flowing into the second lead channel 142 are equalized. The channel cross-sectional areas of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 need not be made smaller than those upstream of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, respectively.
  • (8) The embodiment illustrates the case where 32 protrusions 143t are provided. However, the number of protrusions 143t can be changed as appropriate. Specifically, the number of protrusions 143t provided along the circumferential direction is not limited to eight, and may be four, six, etc. The number of rows in which the protrusions 143t are arranged along the flow direction is also not limited to four, and may be six, eight, etc. The most upstream eight protrusions 143t need not be provided such that their downstream ends coincide with the upstream end of the temperature sensor 4 (temperature sensing portion 41). The downstream ends of the most downstream protrusions 143t (in the fourth row) need not coincide with the downstream end of the temperature sensing portion 41. Moreover, the eight protrusions 143t need not be provided at equal intervals along the flow direction. Alternatively, the protrusions 143t of the merged lead channel 143 may be omitted. The shape of the temperature sensing surface 41S is not limited to a rectangle. The shape of the temperature sensing surface 41S may be, for example, an ellipse, a circle, etc. a sector of a circle.
  • (9) In the embodiment, the lead channel 14 is formed by the groove S and the cover C. However, the lead channel 14 may be formed by a cylindrical tube etc., and the temperature sensor 4 may be disposed (inserted) inside the tube.
  • (10) In the embodiment, in the warm-up mode, the control unit 20 controls the position where the interface F is formed to the target position by adjusting the pressure of the second pump 32. However, the control unit 20 may control the position where the interface F is formed to the target position by changing the pressure of the first pump 31. Alternatively, the position where the interface F is formed may be controlled to the target position by changing both the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32. In the temperature adjustment mode as well, either the pressure of the first pump 31 alone may be changed or both the pressure of the first pump 31 and the pressure of the second pump 32 may be changed such that the coolant W at the first temperature and the coolant W at the second temperature are mixed in the switching channel 13.
  • (11) The embodiment illustrates the configuration in which the channel cross-sectional areas of the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the merged lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 are constant and equal to each another. However, the channel cross-sectional areas of the first lead channel 141, the second lead channel 142, the merged lead channel 143, and the return lead channel 144 need not be constant and need not be equal to each other. However, it is desirable that the channel cross-sectional area of the first lead channel 141 and the channel cross-sectional area of the second lead channel 142 be constant and equal to each other. The first lead channel 141 may have a different channel area from the first lead inlet 14H1, the second lead channel 142 may have a different channel area from the second lead inlet 14H2, and the return lead channel 144 may have a different channel area from the lead outlet 14H3.

The following configurations are possible for the embodiments described above.

• • (1) The temperature management device 100 according to the present disclosure is the temperature management device 100 configured to manage, by circulating the fluid W, the temperature of the engine E including the cylinder block EB (first management target) and the cylinder head EH (second management target). The temperature management device 100 is characterized by including: the first pump 31 configured to transport the fluid W at the first temperature heated by the engine E; the second pump 32 configured to transport the fluid W at the second temperature lower than the first temperature; the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) configured to guide, to the cylinder block EB (first management target), the fluid W at the first temperature that is transported by the first pump 31; the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) through which the fluid W at the second temperature that is transported by the second pump 32 flows; and the switching channel 13 that is connected to the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) and the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) and in which the temperature of the fluid W to be guided to the cylinder head EH (second management target) is switched. The temperature management device 100 is also characterized in that the fluid W at the first temperature or the fluid W at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the fluid W at the first temperature and the fluid W at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel 13.

In this configuration, the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) that guides the fluid W at the first temperature to the cylinder block EB (first management target) and the switching channel 13 that guides it to the cylinder head EH (second management target) are provided separately. This allows the temperature of the cylinder block EB (first management target) and the temperature of the cylinder head EH (second management target) to be managed independently. Either the fluid W at the first temperature or the fluid W at the third temperature, namely a mixture of the fluid W at the first temperature and the fluid W at the second temperature, flows through the switching channel 13. That is, the temperature of the fluid W that flows through the switching channel 13 can be switched. Therefore, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

• • (2) In the temperature management device 100 according to (1), the switching channel 13 may extend in a horizontal direction, and the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) may be connected to the switching channel 13 from below in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

In this configuration, the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) is connected to the switching channel 13 from below in the vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. This facilitates control on (reduction in) entry of the fluid W flowing through the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) into the switching channel 13. As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the fluid W to be guided to the cylinder head EH (second management target) via the switching channel 13. Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder head EH (second management target) can be managed more precisely.

• • (3) The temperature management device 100 according to (1) or (2) may further include the narrowed portion 112b (blocking mechanism) configured to block entry of the fluid W at the second temperature into the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel).

With this configuration, the narrowed portion 112b (blocking mechanism) can block entry of the fluid W flowing through the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) into the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel). As a result, it becomes easier to manage the temperature of the fluid W to be guided to the cylinder block EB (first management target) (keep the temperature of this fluid W at a high temperature). Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder block EB (first management target) can be managed more precisely.

• • (4) In the temperature management device 100 according to (3), the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) may include the narrowed portion 112b provided upstream of the connection portion Pl between the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) and the switching channel 13 in the flow direction of the fluid W, and having a smaller channel cross-sectional area than a portion of the high-temperature channel 11 located upstream of the narrowed portion 112b. The narrowed portion 112b may constitute the blocking mechanism configured to block the entry of the fluid W at the second temperature into the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) by increasing the flow velocity of the fluid W at the first temperature flowing into the switching channel 13.

In this configuration, the narrowed portion 112b is configured such that the fluid W flowing into the switching channel 13 has an increased flow velocity. The fluid W with the increased flow velocity reduces entry of the fluid W flowing through the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel) into the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel). As a result, such a simple configuration as forming the narrowed portion 112b makes it easier to manage the temperature of the fluid W to be guided to the cylinder block EB (first management target). Therefore, the temperature of the cylinder block EB (first management target) can be managed more precisely.

• • (5) In the temperature management device 100 according to (4), the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel) may include the expanded portion 112c provided downstream of the narrowed portion 112b and upstream of the switching channel 13 and having a larger channel cross-sectional area than the narrowed portion 112b. The expanded portion 112c may be configured such that the fluid W flowing into the switching channel 13 collides with the third wall surface H3 (wall surface) forming the switching channel 13 and swirls.

In this configuration, the expanded portion 112c is configured such that the fluid W flowing into the switching channel 13 collides with the third wall surface H3 (wall surface) forming the switching channel 13 and swirls. Therefore, the fluid W at the first temperature and the fluid W at the second temperature are mixed well, which allows the fluid W flowing through the switching channel 13 to have a uniform temperature distribution.

• • (6) The temperature management device 100 according to any one of (1) to (5) may further include: the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) configured to acquire the temperature of the fluid W; and the lead channel 14 configured to guide the fluid W to the temperature sensor 4 (sensor). The lead channel 14 may include the first lead channel 141 connected to the switching channel 13, the second lead channel 142 connected to the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel), and the merged lead channel 143 into which the first lead channel 141 and the second lead channel 142 merge and in which the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) is disposed. The first lead channel 141 may be configured to have the same length as the second lead channel 142.

This configuration can equalize the flow rate of the fluid W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the flow rate of the fluid W flowing through the second lead channel 142. This allows the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) disposed in the merged lead channel 143 to acquire the average value of the temperature of the fluid W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the temperature of the fluid W flowing through the second lead channel 142. As a result, it is possible to more accurately acquire the temperature of the fluid W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the temperature of the fluid W flowing through the second lead channel 142. Therefore, the temperature for the engine E can be managed more precisely.

• • (7) In the temperature management device 100 according to (6), the first lead inlet 14H1 that is an inlet through which the fluid W flows into the first lead channel 141 and the second lead inlet 14H2 that is an inlet through which the fluid W flows into the second lead channel 142 may have a smaller channel cross-sectional area than portions located upstream of the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2, respectively.

In this configuration, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H 2 have a reduced channel cross-sectional area. That is, the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2 are configured such that the pressure loss of the fluid W increases. Accordingly, the difference between the pressure of the fluid W flowing through the first lead channel 141 and the pressure of the fluid W flowing through the second lead channel 142 becomes negligibly small, and it is possible to equalize the flow rate in the first lead channel 141 that flows into the merged lead channel 143 and the flow rate in the second lead channel 142 that flows into the merged lead channel 143.

• • (8) In the temperature management device 100 according to (6) or (7), the merged lead channel 143 may include the protrusion 143t protruding toward the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) disposed in the merged lead channel 143.

With this configuration, the fluid W that has not exchanged heat with the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) (fresh fluid W) is guided by the protrusion 143t and comes into contact with the temperature sensor 4 (sensor). At the same time, the fluid W that has increased in temperature through heat exchange with the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) is forced away from the temperature sensor 4 (sensor). This can increase the amount of heat transfer between the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) and the fluid W. As a result, even when the flow rate of the fluid W flowing through the merged lead channel 143 is at the lower limit of the flow rate that can be measured by the temperature sensor 4 (sensor), the temperature of the fluid W can be accurately measured.

• • (9) In the temperature management device 100 according to any one of (6) to (8), the lead channel 14 may be formed by: the groove S provided in the first wall Gl forming the high-temperature channel 11 (first channel), the low-temperature channel 12 (second channel), and the switching channel 13 and the second wall G2 protruding from the first wall G1; and the cover C covering the groove S. The temperature sensor 4 (sensor) may be disposed between the groove S and the cover C.

In this configuration, the lead channel 14 is formed by the groove S provided in the walls and the cover C covering the groove S. Therefore, the configurations of the lead channel 14 and the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) can be simplified. Since the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) is merely disposed between the groove S and the cover C, assembly of the temperature sensor 4 (sensor) is facilitated.

• • (10) The temperature management device 100 according to (7) may further include the control unit 20 configured to control the operation of the first pump 31 and the operation of the second pump 32. The control unit 20 may be configured to control the operation of the first pump 31 and the operation of the second pump 32 such that the position where the interface F between the fluid W at the first temperature and the fluid W at the second temperature is present is between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2.

With this configuration, the interface F between the fluid W at the first temperature and the fluid W at the second temperature is formed between the first lead inlet 14H1 and the second lead inlet 14H2. Therefore, the temperature of the fluid W can be acquired more accurately. As a result, the temperature of the engine E can be managed more precisely.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to temperature management devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 3: pump, 4: temperature sensor (sensor), 11: high-temperature channel (first channel), 12: low-temperature channel (second channel), 13: switching channel, 14: lead channel, 14H1: first lead inlet, 14H2: second lead inlet, 20: control unit, 31: first pump, 32: second pump, 100: temperature management device, 112b: narrowed portion, 112c: expanded portion, 141: first lead channel, 142: second lead channel, 143: merged lead channel, 143t: protrusion, C: cover, E: engine (temperature management target), EB: cylinder block (first management target), EH: cylinder head (second management target), F: interface, G1: first wall, G2: second wall, H3: third wall surface (wall surface), P1: connection portion, S: groove, W: coolant (fluid)