Pipe device for transporting temperature-controlled medium

Abstract

A pipe device (1) for conveying a temperature-controlled medium, comprising a base body (2), which is manufactured by blow molding and forms at least a first channel (3) and a second channel (4) by the base body (2), wherein the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) have a first orientation relative to each other in a first section (11) and a second orientation relative to each other in a second section (12), wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipeline device for transporting a temperature-controlled medium, which includes a matrix formed by blow molding, and at least a first channel and a second channel are formed by the matrix. Background Art

[0002] For example, a temperature-controlled medium is required in electric vehicles. Electric vehicle batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, have optimal performance only within a limited temperature range. Therefore, it may be necessary to heat or cool the battery according to the ambient temperature. Therefore, the drive unit of an electric vehicle usually has a temperature control circuit with a pipeline device through which the temperature-controlled medium can be guided to the various cells of the battery in order to adjust the temperature of these cells to be within the desired temperature range. Due to the limited installation space, the temperature control device should be as compact as possible.

[0003] In addition, it may be necessary to adjust the temperature of the components of the entire drive unit of an electric vehicle, especially for cooling. In addition to the battery, this also includes power electronics and electric motors. The charging electronics and related plug connection devices and lines can also be cooled by the temperature control device. This is particularly important during rapid charging.

[0004] In addition to being used in the drive unit, there are other application fields related to other vehicle electronics, especially sensors and in-vehicle computers. If the vehicle is equipped with autonomous driving, powerful sensors and powerful computers are required, and the systems exist redundantly. Due to the fact that the installation space in the vehicle is limited, these systems also have specific requirements for the temperature control device to control the temperature of these components.

[0005] The temperature-controlled medium is also used in air conditioning systems. Air conditioning systems, especially mobile air conditioning systems, include pipeline devices capable of transporting the temperature-controlled medium between the various assemblies of the air conditioning system. In a mobile air conditioning system, for example, in an air conditioning system for climate control inside a motor vehicle, the pipeline device is a relatively complex structure and often includes pipelines made of different materials, such as pipelines made of metal, pipeline segments made of thermoplastic materials, and pipeline segments made of rubber-like materials. Although the operating conditions of the pipeline segments can be optimally adapted to their respective requirements, the pipeline device is costly, complex to assemble, and difficult to recycle.

[0006] In all applications, it is often required that the pipeline device should be particularly compact. In some cases, channels will be used to supply the medium to the assemblies, and these assemblies may be arranged at different positions, resulting in the need for crossed pipeline layouts, which require more installation space. Therefore, the crossed pipeline layouts will result in a large pipeline device with an increased demand for installation space. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a pipe device with a particularly small installation space requirement.

[0008] The pipe device for conveying a temperature-controlled medium according to the present invention comprises a base body made by blow molding, at least a first channel and a second channel being formed by the base body, wherein the first channel and the second channel have a first orientation relative to each other in a first section and a second orientation relative to each other in a second section, and wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation.

[0009] The pipe device according to the present invention comprises a base body made by blow molding. Blow molding enables the manufacture of a base body with a complex shape. The channels are preferably integrally formed from a single material of the base body. Preferably, plastics such as thermoplastic polymers and thermoplastic elastomers are used as the material for the pipe device. Depending on the pressure conditions in the medium conveyed in the pipe device, the pipe device can be formed as a single layer, but can also be formed as a multi-layer.

[0010] The base body can comprise a plurality of channels, which can be shaped in the shape required for the installation position, for example bent. In addition, there is a great degree of freedom in the selection of the cross-sectional shape of the channels.

[0011] Furthermore, in the pipe device according to the present invention, the channel layout is carried out such that the channels have a first orientation relative to each other in a first section and a second orientation relative to each other in a second section, and wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation. In this regard, it is particularly conceivable that the channels in the first section extend relative to each other in a first plane, for example in a vertical plane, and the channels in the second section extend relative to each other in a second plane, for example in a horizontal plane. Thus, the pipe device can have a shape suitable for the available installation space, and the channels can change their orientation relative to each other at narrow locations and the like.

[0012] If the cross-section of the channels is adapted to the available installation space, a further improvement in the utilization rate of the installation space is achieved. For example, the channels can have a circular cross-section in the first section and be formed as an ellipse or a rectangle in the second section.

[0013] The orientation of the channels can be changed in a third section and / or a fourth section. For this purpose, the channels in the third section and / or the fourth section can be formed as bows. The bow layout results in a particularly low pressure loss. However, if the installation space is very limited, the channels in the third and / or fourth section can also have an angular deflection.

[0014] Another pipe device for conveying a temperature-controlled medium according to the present invention comprises a base body made by blow molding, at least a first channel and a second channel being formed by the base body, wherein the first channel passes through the second channel at least in part of the section.

[0015] In particular, it is also conceivable that the channels in the pipeline device have a first orientation relative to each other in the first section and a second orientation relative to each other in the second section, where the first orientation is different from the second orientation. For this purpose, the first channel can be arranged at least partially within the second channel.

[0016] On the one hand, "through" enables more installation space to be saved and it is possible to pass through installation space sections with a particularly small installation space. In addition, it is advantageous that the pipeline device is particularly compact and space-saving in the area where the channels are arranged within the second channel and has a robust outer surface. In addition, it is conceivable that the channels interact and, for example, perform heat exchange.

[0017] It is also conceivable that the first channel and the second channel cross each other at least in one section. Such a cross-section generally requires a particularly large installation space. In addition, if the cross-section is formed by individual pipes, the assembly labor is particularly high. In an embodiment according to the invention, the section with the intersecting channels is formed from a matrix by a blow molding process. Thereby, the pipeline device can be manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner. In addition, the cross-section can have a space-saving geometry.

[0018] The first channel and the second channel can extend at an angle to each other. In this embodiment, the pipeline device can form a cross member. For example, it is conceivable that the channels extend at a 90° angle to each other and intersect at the intersection point.

[0019] It is also conceivable that the first channel and the second channel extend parallel to each other in at least one section. In this area, the pipeline device has a particularly small installation space requirement.

[0020] At least one channel section of at least one channel can be formed as an insert. One or more inserts can be provided. The insert is a component designed separately from the matrix. The insert is placed in the blow molding die before the blow molding process and is molded onto the matrix during the blow molding process. This enables a cross-section to be realized within the matrix, where the channels are kept separate from each other so that no fluid mixing occurs.

[0021] In principle, it is conceivable to provide several channels that intersect each other. For example, two channels extending parallel to each other can cross a third channel or two other channels extending parallel to each other.

[0022] Preferably, the first channel and the second channel are arranged in an arcuate manner in this section. This can avoid sudden changes in direction, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the medium guided in the channel.

[0023] The first channel and the second channel can be arranged in a serpentine bend in this section. This embodiment results in a particularly low flow resistance. The cross-sections of the first channel and the second channel in the section can be different from the other cross-sections of the pipe device. For example, the cross-sections of the channels in the section can be selected such that a particularly space-saving geometry of the two channels is produced in this area. However, it is also conceivable that the design of the channels in the section is flow-optimized such that the channels in this area have a particularly low flow resistance.

[0024] Preferably, the first channel and the second channel are flattened in the section. In this case, the first channel and the second channel can be flattened on opposite sides of each other. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the two channels in the section are substantially rectangular when viewed in cross-section. This enables the pipe device to also be designed in a particularly space-saving manner in the section, and thus overall a pipe device with channels crossing each other that saves installation space or has no impact on the installation space can be formed. In addition to circular, flattened or rectangular designs, oval shapes are also conceivable. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the channels are concave or convex in sections. In this regard, the first channel and the second channel can be formed identically in the facing wall sections. For this purpose, for example, the shape of the first channel in the facing wall section can be concave, while the shape of the second channel in the corresponding wall section can be convex. Similarly, it is conceivable that the first channel and the second channel each have a different cross-section from each other.

[0025] The first channel and the second channel can be connected to each other at least in part of the section. This connection can be formed integrally from a single material and can be achieved, for example, by webs formed on the channels. The webs can be continuous or segmented. Alternatively, the channels can also be in contact with each other in part of the section and be connected to each other in the contact section by material engagement. In both of these embodiments, the pipe device is particularly compact, and the channels are connected to each other in a constrained manner. According to a further embodiment, the first channel and the second channel can also be connected to each other in a form-fitting manner. The form-fitting connection can be achieved by form-fitting locking elements formed by the channels or by a clip connection device, where the clip connection device can be formed particularly by the channels. It is also conceivable that the first channel and the second channel are connected to each other via a fastening device, where the fastening device is simultaneously used to fasten the pipe device to the vehicle body or the like.

[0026] In the channel section, openings can be formed between the channels, through which one or more channels pass. This enables the arrangement of the channels and the design of the crossing area to be particularly flexible, and it is particularly easy to implement a change in the channel orientation.

[0027] The first channel and the second channel can be connected to each other in a fluid-guiding manner. In this embodiment, the medium can overflow from one channel into the other channel. In this regard, it is particularly conceivable to arrange a valve, in particular a switchable valve, in the connection between the first channel and the second channel. In addition, it is conceivable to arrange a choke in the connection. The connection can be designed as a further channel. The further channel can be formed separately or can be made of a single material integrally with the first channel and / or the second channel.

[0028] At least one functional element can be arranged in the base body. The functional element is preferably assigned to at least one channel. In this way, the functional element is in direct contact with the temperature-control medium, and thus can directly affect the volume flow rate of the temperature-control medium and can also directly record the state data of the temperature-control medium, such as temperature, volume flow rate or pressure. The functional element can also be designed as a cooler, which is in contact with the temperature-control medium and affects the temperature of the temperature-control medium. Alternatively, the functional element can also be designed as a heating element.

[0029] The functional element can be formed by the base body. In particular, it is conceivable that the functional element is a passive functional element and does not have any movable parts. For example, the functional element can form a throttle valve. The throttle valve or expansion valve reduces the pressure of the flowing temperature-control medium by locally narrowing the flow cross-section and simultaneously expands the temperature-control medium. The throttle valve is designed as a non-adjustable throttle valve and forms a constriction of the channel. The fact that the throttle valve is directly formed by the base body makes the pipeline device particularly inexpensive and easy to manufacture. In addition, it is conceivable that the functional element forms a fastening device for fastening the pipeline device to a component. For this purpose, the functional element can be designed as, for example, an eyelet, a clip, etc.

[0030] The functional element can also be designed as a fluid distribution element. In addition, it is conceivable that the functional element is formed as a connecting element or a connector. Thus, the pipeline device can be configured to be connected to other components of the temperature control circuit. In this regard, the pipeline device can be integrated into a system having a plurality of pipelines, where at least two pipelines cross each other. In this case, the fluid distribution element can form a junction or a Y-piece.

[0031] The pipeline device can form an internal heat exchanger, for example as part of an air-conditioning unit. The internal heat exchange achieved by the pipeline device is particularly compact and easy to integrate into the air-conditioning circuit.

[0032] The efficiency of an air-conditioning system can be increased by an internal heat exchanger integrated into the coolant circuit of the air-conditioning system, which transfers the heat of the coolant from its high-pressure side to its low-pressure side. In this case, the coolant is liquid on the high-pressure side and gaseous on the low-pressure side, wherein the coolant on the high-pressure side is guided through a first flow channel and the coolant on the low-pressure side is guided through a second flow channel. The air-conditioning circuit of a mobile air-conditioning system, for example of a vehicle, comprises a closed circuit in which the coolant circulates. The coolant is compressed by a compressor and then enters a condenser, where the coolant is liquefied. The liquefied coolant is fed to the internal heat exchanger, in which the coolant leaving the condenser transfers heat to the gaseous coolant leaving the evaporator. Then, the liquid coolant flows into an expansion valve, in which the pressure of the coolant is reduced. In the evaporator, the coolant absorbs heat, whereupon the coolant evaporates and turns into a gas.

[0033] A vehicle according to the invention comprises a pipeline device according to the invention according to one of the foregoing embodiments. The pipeline device according to the invention is particularly compact and is therefore also particularly suitable for electric vehicles, which often have particularly limited installation space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Some embodiments of the pipeline device according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These drawings schematically show respectively:

[0035] Figure 1 a perspective view of a pipeline device with cross channels;

[0036] Figure 2 is a top view of the pipeline device according to Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 a perspective view of a pipeline device in which the channels change orientation;

[0038] Figure 4 is a top view and a side view of the pipeline device according to Figure 3 ;

[0039] Figure 5 a perspective view of a pipeline device with several cross channels;

[0040] Figure 6 is a sectional top view of the pipeline device according to Figure 5 ;

[0041] Figure 7 a perspective view of a pipeline device in a cross form;

[0042] Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view of the pipeline device according to Figure 7 ;

[0043] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional top view of a pipeline device according to Figure 7 ;

[0044] Figure 10 is a three-dimensional view of a pipeline device with intersecting channels;

[0045] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional three-dimensional view of a pipeline device according to Figure 10 ;

[0046] Figure 12 is a three-dimensional view of a pipeline device in which one channel extends in a partial section within another channel;

[0047] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional three-dimensional view of a pipeline device according to Figure 12 ; Detailed implementation mode

[0048] The accompanying drawings show a pipeline device 1 for transporting a temperature-controlled medium. The pipeline device 1 is formed by a matrix 2 of polymeric material made by blow molding. A first channel 3 and a second channel 4 are formed by the matrix 2, and the temperature-controlled medium is received in the first channel 3 and the second channel 4. According to this embodiment, additional channels 9 can also be provided. The pipeline device 1 generally forms a distribution structure and is therefore also referred to as a manifold.

[0049] The matrix 2 is integrally made of a single material as a blow-molded part and is made of a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or polyamide. In most cases, the channels 3, 4, 9 are interconnected by material fitting, and the boundary walls of the channels 3, 4, 9 are in contact with each other or a web is formed between the channels 3, 4, 9.

[0050] In the present case, the pipeline device 1 is a component of a temperature control device configured to regulate the temperature of components of a drive unit of an electric vehicle. In addition to the battery, this also includes power electronics and an electric motor. Furthermore, the temperature control device is configured to cool a charging electronic device and an associated plug connection device and a line, which is particularly advantageous for a fast charging process. In addition, the temperature control device can be configured to regulate the temperature of components of the remaining vehicle electronics, particularly for cooling. These components include sensors and computers for autonomous driving and an on-board computer.

[0051] Alternatively, the pipeline device 1 can form a component of an air-conditioning circuit of an air-conditioning system, where the air-conditioning system is in the form of a mobile air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

[0052] In accordance with Figure 1 and Figure 2In an embodiment, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 are arranged in the substrate 2 in such a way that the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 cross in the crossing section 5. In the crossing section 5, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 are arranged in an S-bent form in a bow shape.

[0053] In the crossing section 5, the cross-sections of the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 are different from the other cross-sections of the channels 3, 4 in the region of the pipeline device 1. In the crossing section 5, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 are flattened. When observed in cross-section, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 in the crossing section 5 are formed into a rectangular shape, wherein the corner regions of the rectangular channel cross-section are rounded. The flattening of the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 is carried out in such a way that the height of the crossing channels 3, 4 in the region of the crossing section 5 corresponds to the height of the channels 3, 4 when arranged side by side and having a circular cross-section in the region outside the crossing section 5. Therefore, the pipeline device 1 has little influence on the installation space in terms of the total height.

[0054] Outside the crossing section 5, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 are joined to each other in a material-fitting manner, wherein the channel walls of the channels 3, 4 are adjacent to and in contact with each other. Alternatively, the channels 3, 4 can also be connected to each other in a bound manner by fastening means, or they can be connected to each other by webs.

[0055] In the crossing section 5, an opening 6 is formed between the channels 3, 4. Alternatively, a boundary wall can also be arranged between the channels.

[0056] The functional element 7 is arranged in the substrate 2. The functional element 7 is integrally formed with the substrate 2 from a single material. In the present case, the functional element 7 forms a throttle valve.

[0057] In Figure 3 In the shown embodiment, the first channel 3 and the second channel 4 have a first orientation relative to each other in the first section 11 and a second orientation relative to each other in the second section 12, wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation. Specifically, in this embodiment, the channels 3, 4 extend parallel to each other in a first plane in the first section 11 and extend parallel to each other in a second plane in the second section 12. In the first section 11, the channels 3, 4 extend in a vertical plane and are arranged one above the other, while in the second section 12, the channels 3, 4 extend in a horizontal plane and are arranged side by side. Therefore, the channels 3, 4 extend parallel to each other in sections.

[0058] In the transition portion between the first section 11 and the second section 12, the channels are in a bow shape in the third section 13 and the fourth section 14, wherein the orientation of the channels 3, 4 changes in the third section 13 and the fourth section 14. The bow-shaped sections 13, 14 are formed such that the pipeline device 1 is U-shaped as a whole.

[0059] Figure 4 shown with a top view in the upper region and a side view in the lower region Figure 3 of the pipe arrangement 1 shown in

[0060] Figure 5 The pipe arrangement 1 having three channels 3, 4, 9 is shown, wherein one channel 9 intersects the other two channels 3, 4 in the intersection section 5. For this purpose, the channel 9 passes through the other two channels 3, 4. In the intersection section 5, the channel 9 is arranged within the other channels 3, 4. In order to keep the fluid flows in the channels 3, 4, 9 separated, the channel section 16 of the channel 9 is formed as an insert 17. The insert 17 is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel 9 is conveyed through the intersection section 5. The insert 17 can be seen in Figure 6 the sectional view of

[0061] Figure 7 The pipe arrangement 1 having two channels 3, 4 is shown, wherein one channel 4 intersects the other channel 3 in the intersection section 5. The two channels 3, 4 extend at an angle to each other, in this embodiment at right angles, such that the pipe arrangement 1 forms an intersection.

[0062] In the intersection section 5, the channel 4 passes through the other channel 3, wherein the channel 4 is arranged within the other channel 3 in the intersection section 5. In order to keep the fluid flows in the channels 3, 4 separated, the channel section 16 of the channel 4 is formed as an insert 17. The insert 17 is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel 4 is transmitted through the intersection section 5. The insert 17 is inserted into the pipe arrangement 1 in a fluid-tight manner such that no medium spillage occurs between the channels 3, 4. The insert 17 can be seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9 the sectional views of

[0063] Figure 10 shown is Figure 7 、 8 and a further development of the pipe arrangement 1 shown in 9. In the present embodiment, the arcuate third section 13 and fourth section 14 adjoin the intersection section 5. The arcuate sections 13, 14 are formed in such a way that the channels 3, 4 extend parallel to each other in the section 15. Figure 11 shown is Figure 10 a sectional view of the pipe arrangement 1 shown in

[0064] In Figure 12In the pipe device 1 shown, one channel 4 passes through another channel 3 such that one channel 4 is disposed within the other channel 3 in a partial section. In this case, the pipe device 1 forms an internal heat exchanger of an air conditioning unit of a vehicle. In order to keep the fluid flows in the channels 3 and 4 separated, a channel section of the channel 4 is formed as an insert 17. The insert 17 is a tubular element through which the fluid flowing through the channel 4 is transported through the area located within the other channel 3. The insert 17 can be seen in Figure 13 in the sectional view.

Claims

1. A pipe device (1) for conveying a temperature-controlled medium, comprising a base body (2), the base body (2) being manufactured by blow molding and forming at least a first channel (3) and a second channel (4) by the base body (2), wherein the first channel and the second channel are formed as closed tubular members defined by boundary walls. Wherein, the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) have a first orientation relative to each other in a first section (11) and a second orientation relative to each other in a second section (12), wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation, wherein the first channel and the second channel are connected along the lengths of the first channel and the second channel by material bonding or a web, the material bonding being formed by the contact of the boundary walls, the web being formed between the first channel and the second channel and extending along the lengths of the first channel and the second channel, wherein a third section (13) and / or a fourth section (14) are provided between the first section (11) and the second section (12), and wherein the first orientation is that the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) extend parallel to each other in the first section, and the second orientation is that the first channel (3) passes through and crosses the second channel (4) at least in the second section.

2. The pipe device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the orientations of the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) are changed in the third section (13) and / or the fourth section (14).

3. The pipe device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, a third channel (9) is formed by the base body (2), wherein the third channel (9) intersects with the first channel (3) and / or the second channel (4).

4. A pipe device for conveying a temperature-controlled medium, comprising a base body (2), the base body (2) being manufactured by blow molding and forming at least a first channel (3) and a second channel (4) by the base body (2), the first channel and the second channel being formed as closed tubular members defined by boundary walls. Wherein, The first channel (3) and the second channel (4) have a first orientation relative to each other in the segment (15) and a second orientation relative to each other in at least one section (5), wherein the first orientation is different from the second orientation, and a third section (13) and / or a fourth section (14) are provided between the segment (15) and the section (5), and wherein the first channel and the second channel are connected along the lengths of the first channel and the second channel between the segment (15) and the section (5) by a material bond or a web, the material bond being formed by contact of the boundary walls, the web being formed between the first channel and the second channel and extending along the lengths of the first channel and the second channel, wherein the first orientation is that the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) extend parallel to each other in the segment (15), and the second orientation is that the first channel (3) passes through and crosses the second channel (4) at least in the section (5).

5. The pipeline device according to claim 4, characterized in that, the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) are arranged in an S-bend form in the section (5).

6. The pipeline device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, the cross-sections of the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) are different from the remaining cross-sections at least in the section (5).

7. The pipeline device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) are flattened in the section (5).

8. The pipeline device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, at least one functional element (7) is arranged in the base body (2).

9. The pipeline device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, at least one functional element (7) is formed by the base body (2).

10. The pipeline device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first channel (3), the second channel (4) and the third channel (9) are integrally formed of a single material from the base body (2).

11. The pipeline device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) extend parallel to each other in at least two first sections (11).

12. The pipeline device according to claim 3, characterized in that, at least one channel section (16) of at least one of the first channel (3) and the third channel (9) is formed as an insert (17).

13. The pipeline device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the first channel (3), the second channel (4) and the third channel (9) are connected to each other at least in part of the section.

14. The pipeline device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4 to 5, characterized in that, the first channel (3) and / or the second channel (4) are formed in an arcuate manner in the third section (13) and / or the fourth section (14).

15. The pipeline device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, 4 to 5, wherein, the pipeline device forms an internal heat exchanger for a temperature-controlled medium.

16. A vehicle comprising the pipeline device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The pipeline device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first channel (3) and the second channel (4) extend in parallel in at least two segments (15).

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