Assembly node and assembly carrier for an assembly node

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly node (1) for a vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store. The assembly node (1) comprises an assembly carrier (2) and at least one functional assembly of a cooling circuit of the vehicle, which can be flowed through by a cooling liquid. An assembly interface (8) for the respective functional assembly (3) is molded on the assembly carrier (2) and the respective functional assembly (3) is detachably fastened to the assembly carrier (1) via the assembly interface (8).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly node for a vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store. The vehicle comprises an assembly carrier and at least one functional assembly which can be flowed through by a cooling liquid. The invention also relates to an assembly carrier for an assembly node. BACKGROUND

[0002] The vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store can be a pure battery electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Here, the cooling circuit of the vehicle can comprise a plurality of functional assemblies through which a cooling liquid, such as coolant and / or refrigerant, can flow. However, the challenge is to arrange the individual assemblies in the vehicle in a space-saving manner. It is known from US 10665908 US, for example, to fasten a functional assembly at an expansion tank. For this purpose, a plurality of interfaces are formed on the expansion tank and the functional assembly is fastened at the expansion tank via the interfaces. Thus, an assembly node is now formed. Disadvantageously, an expansion tank designed in this way is a highly complex and failure-prone assembly. If, for example, the expansion tank is no longer sealed, the entire assembly must be replaced. This is associated with high costs. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose an improved or at least alternative embodiment for an assembly node of the general type, in which the stated disadvantages are overcome.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] An assembly node is provided for a vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store. The vehicle can be, for example, a pure battery electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle. Here, the assembly node comprises an assembly carrier and at least one functional assembly of the cooling circuit of the vehicle which can be flowed through by a cooling liquid. The cooling liquid can be coolant and / or refrigerant. Here, an assembly interface for the respective functional assembly is molded on the assembly carrier and the respective functional assembly is detachably fastened to the assembly carrier via the assembly interface.

[0006] Here, the at least one functional assembly implements an essential or indispensable fluid-technical function in the cooling circuit, such as cooling or collecting or condensing of the cooling liquid. The assembly carrier is not assigned any essential or indispensable fluid function in the cooling circuit of the vehicle. Thus, the assembly carrier has a robust and failure-free design. Furthermore, the at least one functional assembly can be replaced independently of the other functional assemblies and the assembly carrier, if necessary. Overall, with the assembly node according to the invention, a space-saving, robust and cost-effective solution is provided.

[0007] Advantageously, the assembly carrier can be designed specifically for carrying at least one functional component. Alternatively, the assembly carrier can be designed specifically for carrying at least one functional component and for connecting at least one functional component to a cooling circuit of the vehicle. Since the omission of the fluid line does not lead to any change in the fluid-technical function of the cooling circuit, the fluid line does not fulfill any essential or indispensable function in the cooling circuit here.

[0008] Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by an expansion tank which can be connected to the cooling circuit for collecting cooling liquid. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by a pump which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by a cooler which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by a heat exchanger which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by a valve which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by a filter which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be formed by an indirect condenser which can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the at least one functional component can also be formed by another component which can be connected to the cooling circuit.

[0009] Advantageously, the assembly node can comprise a plurality of functional components which can be connected to the cooling circuit of the vehicle and through which cooling liquid flows. Here, an assembly interface for each functional component can be formed on the assembly carrier via which the respective functional component can be detachably fastened to the assembly carrier. Advantageously, the assembly interface can be adapted to accommodate at least one functional component. In particular, the respective assembly interface can be adapted in size and shape to the respective functional component. Advantageously, the assembly interface can form at least one functional component in some areas. It is conceivable, for example, that the at least one functional component is a heat exchanger and the assigned assembly interface represents a coil for the heat exchanger in some areas. It is also conceivable that the at least one functional component is a valve and the associated assembly interface represents a valve space for the valve in some areas.

[0010] Advantageously, it can be provided that the at least one functional component is directly fluidically connected to the hose or pipe or connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or pipe or connection. Advantageously, it can be provided that the component node comprises at least two components. Here, two of these components can be directly fluidically connected to each other via the hose or pipe or connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or pipe or connection. Here, one of the functional components can in particular be an expansion tank. Advantageously, it can be provided that the component node comprises at least three components. Here, at least two of these components can each be directly fluidically connected to one functional component via the hose or pipe or connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or pipe or connection. Here, the one functional component can in particular be an expansion tank. The term "directly" in this context means that there is no other functional component between the two functional components that is fluidically connected into the cooling circuit and / or through which the coolant flows. However, it is not ruled out that auxiliary components, such as temperature sensors or pressure sensors, which cannot be connected into the cooling circuit and / or through which the coolant cannot flow, can be connected between the two functional components.

[0011] Advantageously, it can be provided that the at least one functional component is formed by an expansion tank for collecting coolant, which can be connected into the cooling circuit. Here, the component node can comprise at least one other functional component in addition to the expansion tank, which is directly fluidically connected to the expansion tank.

[0012] Advantageously, it can be provided that the component node comprises at least one auxiliary component that cannot be connected into the cooling circuit and / or through which the coolant cannot flow. For the respective auxiliary component, an auxiliary component interface can be molded on the component carrier and the respective auxiliary component can be detachably fastened to the component carrier via the auxiliary component interface. Advantageously, the at least one auxiliary component can be a fan or a heater or a controller or a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor or a cable or a connector. Advantageously, the component node can also comprise a plurality of auxiliary components, and for the respective auxiliary component, an auxiliary component interface can be respectively molded on the component carrier.

[0013] Advantageously, it can be provided that at least one fluid line is formed in the component carrier, which can be flowed through by coolant and has connection points formed on both sides. In other words, the fluidic connection of the at least one functional component to the cooling circuit can be at least partially realized by the fluid line in the component carrier. Here, the at least one functional component can be directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the connection points via the hose or pipe or connection.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one functional component can be directly fluidically connected to the at least one fluid line and can be connected via the at least one fluid line into the cooling circuit. Advantageously, the component node can comprise at least two functional components, wherein two of these functional components are directly fluidically connected to each other via at least one fluid line. Here, one of the functional components can in particular be an expansion tank. Advantageously, the component node can comprise at least three functional components and at least two fluid lines can be formed in the component carrier. The at least two functional components can here be directly fluidically connected to one functional component via a fluid line and can be connected via a fluid line into the cooling circuit. Here, the one functional component can in particular be an expansion tank.

[0015] Advantageously, it can be provided that a fastening interface is molded on the component carrier for fastening the component carrier and thus the component node to the vehicle body of the vehicle. The component carrier can then be fastened at the vehicle body of the vehicle and carries the at least one functional component. In fact, the component carrier is formed from a material that does not deform under the weight of the at least one functional component. Preferably, the component carrier is formed from plastic.

[0016] Advantageously, it can be provided that the component carrier is formed from a plurality of individual parts. The individual parts can be joined together, preferably welded and / or glued to each other, and / or connected to each other in a form-fit, preferably screwed, and / or connected to each other in a force-fit, preferably clamped together. Thereby, a complex shape of the component carrier can also be realized.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment of the component node, it can be provided that the component node comprises at least one valve that can be connected into the cooling circuit. The valve is then installed into the component carrier of the component node. Here, the at least one valve can be completely surrounded outwardly by the component carrier. The at least one valve can be arranged, for example, in a hollow space formed in the component carrier and be completely surrounded outwardly by the component carrier. The at least one valve can comprise a valve housing, wherein the component carrier completely represents the valve housing for the at least one valve and / or the valve housing is represented by the walls forming the component carrier. Advantageously, the inlet opening into the valve and / or leading out of the valve can also be represented by the component carrier or the walls of the component carrier.

[0018] Here, the at least one valve can be directly fluidically connected to the at least one functional component. In particular, the at least one valve can be fluidically connected to the at least one functional component via a fluid line through which the cooling liquid can flow. Here, the fluid line can be completely formed in the component node. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one valve can be fluidically connected to the at least one functional component by a hose or a pipe or a connection piece.

[0019] The application also relates to an assembly carrier for the above-mentioned assembly node. Here, the assembly carrier comprises at least one assembly interface for detachably fastening at least one functional assembly of a cooling circuit of a vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store. The vehicle can be, for example, a pure battery electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Advantageously, the assembly carrier can be designed exclusively for carrying at least one functional assembly. Alternatively, the assembly carrier can be designed exclusively for carrying at least one functional assembly and connecting it into the cooling circuit of the vehicle. In order to avoid repetitions, reference is made here to the explanations above.

[0020] Further important features and advantages of the application can be gathered from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the drawings.

[0021] It should be understood that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0022] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the application are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below, in which the same reference designations denote identical or similar or functionally identical parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] which respectively show schematically:

[0024] Figures 1 to 3 are different views of an assembly node according to the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figures 1-3 Different views of an assembly node 1 for a vehicle having an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store according to the application are shown. The vehicle can be, for example, a pure battery electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Here, the assembly node 1 comprises an assembly carrier 2 and a plurality of functional assemblies 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of functional assemblies 3 is a cooler 4, an expansion tank 5, two valves 6a and 6b and two pumps 7a and 7b. The functional assemblies 3 and other components of the assembly node 1, if applicable, are fluidically connected to one another in a cooling circuit. In Figure 1 In Fig. 1, the assembly node 1 is shown in the perspective of the cooler 4; in Figure 2 In Fig. 2, the assembly node 1 is shown in the perspective of the expansion tank 5; and in Figure 3 In Fig. 3, the assembly node 1 is shown in the perspective of the pumps 7a and 7b. With reference to Figure 2 The expansion tank 5 is formed by two tank halves 5a and 5b which are flange-connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner.

[0026] The component carrier 2 is designed to carry the functional components 3 and comprises a component interface 8 for each respective functional component 3. Here, the respective component interface 8 is adapted to the shape and size of the respective functional component 3 and to the function. Thus, the individual component interfaces 8 differ from each other. The respective functional components 3 are then detachably fastened to the component carrier 2 by means of the respective component interface 8. Furthermore, a fastening interface 9 is molded on the component carrier 2, by means of which the component carrier 2 and thus the component node 1 can be fixed to the body of the vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastening interface 9 is formed by two openings 12a and 12b.

[0027] Furthermore, the component carrier 2 is designed to connect at least some of the functional components 3 to a cooling circuit of the vehicle. For this purpose, two fluid lines 10a and 10b are molded in the component carrier 2. By means of one fluid line 10a and a pipe 11a, the pump 7a is fluidically connected to the expansion tank 5. By means of the fluid line 10b and the pipe 11b, the pump 7 is fluidically connected to the cooler 4. Furthermore, the pumps 7a and 7b, the pipes 11a and 11b, the valves 6a and 6b comprise a plurality of connectors 13, which are provided for connecting the functional components 3 of the component node 1 to each other and to further components of the cooling circuit. For this purpose, for example, hoses or pipes or connections can be used.

[0028] It can be seen from Figures 1-3 that the component carrier 2 has a robust and failure-free design. If necessary, the functional components 3 can be replaced individually and independently of each other. Overall, the component node 1 has a space-saving, robust and cost-effective design.

Claims

1. Assembly node (1) for a vehicle with an electric drive motor and an electrical energy store, - wherein, the assembly node (1) comprising an assembly carrier (2) and at least one functional assembly (3) of a cooling circuit of the vehicle, which can be flowed through by a cooling liquid, and - the assembly node (1) comprises at least one valve which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and wherein the valve is mounted in the assembly carrier (2) of the assembly node (1); - wherein on the assembly carrier (2) an assembly interface (8) for the respective functional assembly (3) is molded and the respective functional assembly (3) is detachably fastened to the assembly carrier (2) via the assembly interface (8); - the at least one valve comprises a valve housing, wherein the assembly carrier (2) completely represents the valve housing for the at least one valve; and / or the valve housing is formed by the walls forming the assembly carrier (2).

2. Assembly node according to claim 1, characterized in that - the assembly carrier (2) is exclusively designed for carrying the at least one functional assembly (3), or - the assembly carrier (2) is exclusively designed for carrying the at least one functional assembly (3) and for connecting the at least one functional assembly (3) to the cooling circuit of the vehicle.

3. Assembly node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by an expansion tank (5) which can be connected into the cooling circuit for collecting cooling liquid, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by a pump (7a, 7b) which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by a cooler (4) which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by a heat exchanger which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by a valve (6a, 6b) which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by a filter which can be connected into the cooling circuit, and / or - the at least one functional assembly (3) is formed by an indirect condenser which can be connected into the cooling circuit.

4. Assembly node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the assembly interface (8) is suitable for accommodating the at least one functional assembly (3), and / or - the assembly interface (8) forms the at least one functional assembly (3) in some regions.

5. Assembly node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the at least one functional assembly (3) is directly fluidically connected to a hose or a pipe or a connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or the pipe or the connection, and / or - the assembly node (1) comprises at least two functional assemblies (3), wherein two of these functional assemblies (3) are directly fluidically connected to each other via a hose or a pipe or a connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or the pipe or the connection, and / or - the component node (1) comprises at least three functional components (3), wherein at least two of these functional components (3) are directly fluidically connected to one functional component (3) via a hose or a pipe or a connection and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the hose or the pipe or the connection.

6. Component node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the at least one functional component (3) is formed by an expansion tank (5) which can be connected into the cooling circuit for collecting cooling liquid, and - the component node (1) comprises at least one functional component (3) in addition to the expansion tank (5), which is directly fluidically connected to the expansion tank (5).

7. Component node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the component node (1) comprises at least one auxiliary component which cannot be connected into the cooling circuit, - an auxiliary component interface for the respective auxiliary component is molded on the component carrier (2), and - the respective auxiliary component is detachably fastened to the component carrier (2) via the auxiliary component interface.

8. Component node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one fluid line (10a, 10b) is molded in the component carrier (2), which can be flowed through by cooling liquid and has connection points molded on both sides.

9. Component node according to claim 8, characterized in that - the at least one functional component (3) is directly fluidically connected to at least one fluid line (10a, 10b) and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the at least one fluid line (10a, 10b), and / or - the component node (1) comprises at least two functional components (3), wherein two of these functional components are directly fluidically connected to each other via at least one fluid line (10a, 10b) and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the at least one fluid line (10a, 10b), and / or - the component node (1) comprises at least three functional components (3) and at least two fluid lines (10a, 10b) are formed in the component carrier (2), wherein at least two of these functional components (3) are directly fluidically connected to one functional component (3) via a fluid line (10a, 10b) and can be connected into the cooling circuit via the fluid line (10a, 10b).

10. Component node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a fastening interface (9) is molded on the component carrier (2) for fastening the component carrier (2) and thus the component node (1) to the body of the vehicle.

11. Component node according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the component carrier (2) is formed from a plurality of individual parts which are connected to each other in an integral bond.

12. Component node according to claim 1, characterized in that - the at least one valve is completely surrounded outwardly by the component carrier (2), and / or - the at least one valve is completely surrounded outwardly by the component carrier (2), and / or - said at least one valve is arranged in a hollow space formed in said assembly carrier (2) and is outwardly surrounded by said assembly carrier (2).

13. Assembly node according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that said at least one valve is fluidically connected to at least one functional assembly (3).

14. Assembly node according to claim 11, characterized in that said plurality of individual components are welded and / or glued and / or form-fittingly connected to each other.

15. Assembly node according to claim 11, characterized in that said plurality of individual components are screwed and / or clamped together.

16. Assembly carrier (2) for an assembly node (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein, said assembly carrier (2) comprises at least one assembly interface (8) for fastening at least one functional assembly (3) of a cooling circuit of a vehicle having an electrically driven motor and an electrical energy store.

Images