Integrated component, tempering system and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated component (24) for a temperature control system (1) of a motor vehicle, by means of which an fluid-technical line is formed, having a prefabricated part (25) for conducting coolant and at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4), the prefabricated part (25) having: an outer housing (26); a cooling channel structure for conducting coolant formed by a network of cavities within the outer housing (26); cooling channel connections (27) for cooling channels of the cooling channel structure, which are formed in one piece with the outer housing (26) and can be coupled to components of the temperature control system (1); at least one receptacle (30) for the at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4), the at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4) being arranged in at least one cooling channel of the cooling channel structure via the receptacle (30) in order to influence the flow of coolant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to integrated components for temperature control systems in motor vehicles. The invention also relates to temperature control systems and motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Current focus is on temperature control systems for motor vehicles, particularly electrically driven motor vehicles, i.e., hybrid or electric vehicles. Electrically driven motor vehicles have an electric powertrain system, which typically includes an electric drive unit comprising at least one drive motor and a traction battery for supplying power to the electric drive unit. Temperature control systems are used here to perform various temperature control tasks in motor vehicles, i.e., to transfer or remove heat from various vehicle components, such as the traction battery and drive motor.

[0003] Here, components of the temperature control system, such as valves and water pumps, are typically positioned according to the available structural space within the vehicle. These components must be partially decoupled and secured to the vehicle using various brackets or retainers and connected via coolant or refrigerant lines in the form of hoses. That is, the temperature control system has multiple retainers and hoses, and varies depending on the vehicle. This results in high assembly complexity and high cost for the temperature control system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to construct a temperature control system for motor vehicles in a particularly simple, low-cost, and space-saving manner.

[0005] This task is solved according to the present invention by integrating components, a temperature control system, and a motor vehicle.

[0006] An integrated component for a motor vehicle temperature control system according to the present invention includes a preform for guiding coolant and at least one fluid element, through which a fluid technology circuit is formed. The preform has an outer housing, a cooling channel structure for guiding coolant formed by a network of cavities within the outer housing, and a cooling channel connector for the cooling channel structure, the cooling channel connector being integrally formed with the outer housing and being coupled to components of the temperature control system. Furthermore, the preform has at least one receiving portion for the at least one fluid element, which is disposed via the receiving portion in at least one cooling channel of the cooling channel structure to influence the flow of coolant.

[0007] Furthermore, this invention pertains to a temperature control system for a motor vehicle, comprising at least two components and at least one integrated component according to the invention, wherein the at least two components are fluidly coupled to the at least one integrated component. The at least two components may be, for example, vehicle components in the form of a traction battery and / or electric drive unit, temperature control elements in the form of ambient cooling equipment and / or heating equipment, and / or other fluid elements in the form of pumps and / or valves. The temperature control system may have multiple temperature control circuits and at least one refrigeration circuit, in which coolant is guided and in which refrigerant is guided. Additionally, the temperature control system has multiple fluid-technical connections or connecting elements through which the components are coupled.

[0008] The integrated component realizes a fluid technology circuit, which is predetermined by a corresponding temperature control system. The fluid technology circuit can fluidly couple multiple components. These components can be arranged in one and / or different temperature control circuits. The fluid technology circuit has a fluid connection for guiding or transporting coolant and has at least one fluid element. The fluid connection is realized by means of a prefabricated component. The prefabricated component is particularly a one-piece or integral component and is particularly configured as a casting, for example, a casting made of plastic by injection molding or a casting made of metal by die casting. The prefabricated component at least partially replaces the hose-shaped coolant piping of the temperature control system, which must be costly laid in the vehicle.

[0009] For this purpose, the prefabricated component has a cooling channel structure within which coolant can be guided. The cooling channel structure is integrated into the outer housing and sealed externally through the outer housing. The cooling channel structure is configured as a network of cavities. In other words, cavities exist inside the outer housing, which are divided into channel-like coolant conduits by intermediate walls. The cooling channels of the cooling channel structure can extend in a straight line and / or arcuate shape and / or have branches, i.e., T-shaped and / or Y-shaped. The cooling channels are coupled to channel connectors formed in the outer housing. The cooling channel connectors can, for example, be configured as nozzles that can be coupled via hoses of the temperature control system and / or directly to corresponding components of the temperature control system.

[0010] Furthermore, the integrated component has at least one fluid element. The at least one fluid element is a fluid component that acts on the flow of coolant within the cooling channel structure. The at least one fluid element is particularly configured as a valve (e.g., a shut-off valve, a three-way valve, a switching valve, and / or a check valve) and / or a pump. The at least one fluid element is disposed in at least one receiving portion of the prefabricated component. The at least one receiving portion is also configured in an outer housing and fluidly coupled to at least one cooling channel of the cooling channel structure, so that the fluid element disposed in the receiving portion is disposed in the at least one cooling channel and can act on the flow of coolant in that cooling channel. That is, in the case of a valve, the fluid element can allow or block flow, for example, flow only in one direction. In the case of a pump, the fluid element can deliver coolant.

[0011] By integrating the at least one fluid element and the fluid connection into an integrated structure, the number of hoses and retainers can be advantageously reduced. This means that a temperature control system can be constructed at a particularly low cost.

[0012] In an advantageous further embodiment of the invention, the integrated component has two temperature-regulating elements disposed on and fastened to the preform in opposing lateral regions, and the two temperature-regulating elements are fluidly coupled via at least one cooling channel of a cooling channel structure. In particular, the two temperature-regulating elements each have a coolant side and a refrigerant side, wherein the coolant sides of the two temperature-regulating elements are fluidly coupled via a cooling channel structure. Preferably, the two temperature-regulating elements are configured as a water-cooled condenser and a refrigerator or chiller.

[0013] That is, the prefabricated component is positioned between the two temperature-regulating elements, wherein the prefabricated component not only serves as a holder for the two temperature-regulating elements but also is fluidly coupled to the temperature-regulating elements, especially to their coolant side. On the refrigerant side, the two temperature-regulating elements can be coupled to the refrigeration circuit and thereby thermally coupled to each other. For example, the refrigeration unit and the condenser can be coupled to form a heat pump, so that during heat pump operation, heat can be transferred from the temperature-regulating circuit of the refrigeration unit to the temperature-regulating circuit of the condenser. By placing the two temperature-regulating elements on the prefabricated component, the two temperature-regulating elements and their refrigerant side are positioned spatially very close to each other. This allows for an advantageous connection to the refrigeration circuit via a shortened refrigerant hose. Furthermore, by fastening the refrigeration unit and the condenser to the prefabricated component, multiple components of the temperature-regulating system can be assembled into the motor vehicle in a single working step.

[0014] It can be specified here that a first cooling channel connector, capable of being coupled to a component of a temperature control system in the form of a vehicle component and / or other temperature control elements and / or other fluid elements, is provided on the front and rear sides of the preform, and a second cooling channel connector coupled to the temperature control element is provided on the lateral regions of the preform. That is, the preform can be traversed not only in the longitudinal direction extending between the lateral regions, but also in the transverse direction extending between the front and rear sides. In other words, the cooling channels can be oriented within the outer housing in the longitudinal direction, the transverse direction, and / or in the vertical direction extending between the upper and lower sides. The at least one receiving portion for the at least one fluid element can, for example, be formed on the upper and / or front and / or rear sides of the preform.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a temperature control system according to the invention. The motor vehicle is particularly configured as an electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0016] The embodiments and advantages described regarding the integrated components according to the invention are applicable to the temperature control system according to the invention and the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0017] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as those mentioned subsequently in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the combinations given separately, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be further explained with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a temperature control system for motor vehicles is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the integrated components of the temperature control system is shown from a first-person perspective; and

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the integrated components of the temperature control system is shown from a second perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, identical and functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0023] Figure 1A temperature control system 1 for a motor vehicle, particularly an electrically driven motor vehicle, is shown. A main temperature control circuit 2 of the temperature control system 1 is shown here, which guides the coolant and can be thermally coupled to a refrigeration circuit (not shown) of the temperature control system 1 that guides the refrigerant. The main temperature control circuit 2 here has multiple temperature control circuits 3, 4, and 5 in the form of an ambient cooling circuit 3, an HVS circuit 4, and a heating circuit 5. The HVS circuit 4 has a first vehicle component K1 in the form of a traction battery 6 of the motor vehicle and a first temperature control element T1 for cooling the traction battery 6 in the form of a refrigeration unit 7 or a chiller. The chiller 7 is connected in particular to a refrigeration circuit (not shown). Furthermore, the HVS circuit 4 here has a first fluid element F1 in the form of a pump 8 for circulating the coolant, a second fluid element F2 in the form of a shut-off valve 9 upstream of the traction battery 6, and a third fluid element F3 in the form of a check valve 10 downstream of the traction battery 6. The shut-off valve 9 and the check valve 10 fluidly isolate the traction battery 6. In addition, HVS circuit 4 has a fourth fluid element F4 in the form of a three-way valve 11, through which HVS circuit 4 can be connected to ambient cooling circuit 3.

[0024] The heating circuit 5, constituting an air conditioning system for the interior space of a motor vehicle, has a second temperature-regulating element T2 in the form of a heating device 12 for heating the air inside the motor vehicle. The heating device 12 includes a heating heat exchanger 13 and a heater 14. The heating heat exchanger 13 can also remove heat from the interior space to cool it. The heater 14 can be configured, for example, as an electric continuous heater (EDH). Furthermore, the heating circuit 5 has a fifth fluid element F5 in the form of a pump 15 and a third temperature-regulating element T3 in the form of a condenser (WCC) 16, such as a water-cooled condenser. The condenser 16 is thermally coupled to the refrigeration unit 7 of the HVS circuit 4 via a refrigeration circuit and together with the refrigeration unit 7 constitutes a heat pump. During heat pump operation, the heat pump is configured to transfer heat from the HVS circuit 4 to the heating circuit 5. Additionally, the heating circuit 5 has a sixth fluid element F6 in the form of a check valve 17. The heating circuit 5 can be fluidly coupled to the ambient cooling circuit 3 via a seventh fluid element F7 in the form of a shut-off valve 18.

[0025] The ambient cooling circuit 3 has a second vehicle component K2 in the form of an electric drive unit 19. The electric drive unit 19 has, for example, at least one electric motor and power electronics. Furthermore, the ambient cooling circuit 3 has a fourth temperature regulating element T4 in the form of an ambient cooling device 20 for heat exchange with the vehicle's environment. The ambient cooling device 20 can cool the electric drive unit 19. Additionally, the ambient cooling circuit 3 has an eighth fluid element F8 in the form of a three-way valve 21, through which coolant can be fed from the ambient cooling circuit 3 into the HVS circuit 4. This coolant then flows back from the electric drive unit 19 to the ambient cooling circuit 3 via the refrigeration unit 7 and a ninth fluid element F9 in the form of a check valve 22, and from there to the ambient cooling device 20. Furthermore, the ambient cooling circuit 3 has a tenth fluid element F10 in the form of a pump 23 for delivering coolant within the ambient cooling circuit 3.

[0026] That is, the temperature control system 1 has multiple components, such as vehicle components K1 and K2, temperature control elements T1, T2, T3, and T4, and fluid elements F1 to F10, which must be fluidly connected to each other. To reduce the number and length of fluid connections in the form of hoses, the temperature control system 1 has an integrated component 24, which in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram is shown from different perspectives. In the integrated component 24, fluid elements F1 to F10, temperature control elements T1 to T4, and fluid connections are at least partially combined. That is, the integrated component 24 realizes the fluid technology circuitry. Here, the integrated component 24 combines temperature control elements T1 and T3 in the form of a chiller 7 and a condenser 16, and fluid elements F1, F2, and F4 in the form of a pump 8, a shut-off valve 9, and a three-way valve 11.

[0027] The integrated component 24 has a preform 25, which is configured, for example, as a casting. The casting may be made of plastic by injection molding or of metal, such as aluminum, by die casting. The preform 25 has an outer housing 26, within which a cooling channel structure is formed. The cooling channel structure forms fluid connection elements and is constructed through a network of cavities within the outer housing 26. Cooling channel connectors 27 are integrally formed with the outer housing 26, and are located here on the front side 28 and rear side 29 of the outer housing 26. Cooling channel connectors 27 are configured here as pipe connections. The cooling channel connectors 27 on the front side 28 may be coupled, for example, to the drive unit 19 and the ambient cooling device 20, and the cooling channel connectors 27 on the rear side 29 may be coupled, for example, to the traction battery 6. The cooling channels of the cooling channel network branch within the outer housing 26 in such a way that... Figure 1 The temperature control elements T1 and T3 of the temperature control system 1 are interconnected with the fluid elements F1, F2 and F4.

[0028] Fluid elements F1, F2, and F4 are disposed here in receiving portions 30 of the preform 25, which are integrated into the outer housing 26. The receiving portion 30 may be, for example, an opening in the outer housing 25 and / or a recess in the outer housing 25, the recess opening on the cooling channel structure side, so that the corresponding fluid elements F1, F2, and F4 can act on the coolant flow in the respective cooling channels of the cooling channel network. Fluid elements F1, F2, and F4 are inserted into the receiving portion 30 and secured therein.

[0029] Temperature regulating elements T1 and T3 are disposed on opposing lateral regions 31 of the prefabricated component 25. The coolant side of the temperature regulating elements T1 and T3 is fluidly coupled to a cooling channel structure within the outer housing 26. For example, the refrigeration unit 7 may be coupled to a cooling channel structure in which fluid elements F1 and F2, i.e., pump 8 and shut-off valve 9 are disposed, and this cooling channel is connected to a cooling channel connector 27 for coupling with the traction battery 6. The temperature regulating elements T1 and T3 are fastened to the prefabricated component 25, thereby enabling the integrated component 24 to be assembled into the motor vehicle in a single working step.

Claims

1. An integrated component (24) for a tempering system (1) of a motor vehicle, by means of which an fluid-technical line is formed, the integrated component having a prefabricated piece (25) for conducting coolant and having at least one fluid element (Fl, F2, F4), wherein The preform (25) has: an outer housing (26), a cooling channel structure for guiding a coolant formed by a network of cavities within the outer housing (26), a cooling channel connection (27) for a cooling channel of the cooling channel structure, which is formed in one piece with the outer housing (26) and which can be coupled to components of the temperature control system (1), at least one receptacle (30) for the at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4), which is arranged in at least one cooling channel of the cooling channel structure via the receptacle (30) in order to influence the flow of coolant, The integrated component (24) has two temperature control elements (T1, T3), which are arranged on opposite lateral regions (31) of the preform (25) and are fastened to the preform (25) and which are fluidically coupled via at least one cooling channel of the cooling channel structure, the two temperature control elements (T1, T3) each having a coolant side and a refrigerant side, the coolant sides of the two temperature control elements (T1, T3) being fluidically coupled via the cooling channel structure, and the two temperature control elements (T1, T3) being configured as one water-cooled condenser (16) and one refrigeration machine (7).

2. The integrated component (24) according to claim 1, characterized in that The preform (25) is configured as a casting.

3. The integrated component (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4) is configured as a valve and / or a pump.

4. The integrated component (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one receptacle (30) for the at least one fluid element (F1, F2, F4) is configured on the front side (28) and / or the rear side (29) of the preform (25).

5. The integrated component (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first cooling channel connection, which can be coupled to components of the temperature control system (1) in the form of vehicle components (K1, K2) and / or other temperature control elements and / or other fluid elements (F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10), is arranged on the front side (28) and the rear side (29) of the preform (25), and the second cooling channel connection, which is coupled to temperature control elements, is arranged on the lateral regions (31) of the preform (25).

6. The integrated component (24) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first cooling channel connection, which can be coupled to components of the temperature control system (1) in the form of vehicle components (K1, K2) and / or other temperature control elements and / or other fluid elements (F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10), is arranged on the front side (28) and the rear side (29) of the preform (25), and the second cooling channel connection, which is coupled to temperature control elements, is arranged on the lateral regions (31) of the preform (25).

7. A climate-control system (1) for a motor vehicle, having at least two components and at least one integrated component (24) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The at least two components are fluidically coupled to the at least one integrated component (24).

8. A tempering system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least two components include at least two of the following components: vehicle components (K1, K2) in the form of a traction battery (6) and / or an electric drive unit (19), temperature control elements in the form of an environmental cooling device (20) and / or a heating device (12), other fluid elements (F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10) in the form of a pump and / or a valve.

9. Motor vehicle having a tempering system (1) according to claim 7 or 8.

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