Operating method of thermal management module

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for operating a thermal management module of a motor vehicle, wherein the module comprises: a component carrier; at least two, preferably multiple, electrically controllable functional components for controlling the temperature of at least one vehicle component of the motor vehicle, and detachably or securely connected to the component carrier; at least one electrical control unit having control electronics for electrically controlling at least two, preferably multiple, particularly preferably all, of the functional components, the control electronics being electrically connected to the respective functional components via at least one electrical control circuit path and via a component fieldbus, and disposed in a housing; wherein the control electronics are electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus of the motor vehicle equipped with the thermal management module in a data transmission manner; wherein, according to the method, the control unit is capable of switching between a first operating mode and at least one second operating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a thermal management module of a motor vehicle, and a thermal management module configured / programmed to perform the method. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a thermal management module. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal management module is understood to be a device in a vehicle, particularly one with energy storage and an electric motor, used to transfer heat. These modules typically contain multiple functional components (such as electric pumps and electrically controllable valves). Furthermore, they usually house multiple sensors that generate sensor data, particularly pressure and temperature sensors.

[0003] In certain operating conditions, it is advantageous, for example, to control the individual functional components independently via the vehicle fieldbus of a motor vehicle equipped with a thermal management module. However, in other operating conditions, it proves advantageous if the actuation of the functional components is carried out in a coordinated manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to create an operating method for a thermal management module of the type mentioned in the introduction, which allows for flexible control over the actuation types of various functional components, particularly regarding the self-sufficiency of actuation of the vehicle and its vehicle fieldbus. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to create a thermal management module configured to perform this improved operating method.

[0005] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] Therefore, the basic concept of the method according to the invention is to configure a control unit for controlling the functional components of the thermal management module so as to be able to operate in two different operating modes and to switch between these operating modes. In the first operating mode, control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus are not evaluated by the control unit or its control electronics, but are directly transmitted to the component fieldbus for actuation of the corresponding functional components connected to that component fieldbus. This enables direct actuation of functional components from the vehicle fieldbus. If the vehicle fieldbus uses a different bus system (e.g., CAN bus as the vehicle fieldbus and LIN bus as the component fieldbus), the control unit can "translate" the control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus or the CAN bus so that these commands are further processed on the component fieldbus or the LIN bus. However, in terms of content, the commands received from the vehicle fieldbus remain unchanged when transmitted from the control unit to the component fieldbus in the first operating mode.

[0007] In contrast, in the second operating mode, control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus are not "transmitted" by the control unit and thus transmitted unchanged in content, as in the first operating mode. Instead, they are processed by the control electronics of the control unit. During this processing of higher-level commands received from the vehicle fieldbus, corresponding individual commands can be sent by the control unit to the functional components via the component fieldbus. This allows the thermal management module to operate autonomously to a large extent. In particular, it is no longer necessary to send so-called "low-level" commands directly and unprocessed from the vehicle fieldbus to the functional components as in the first operating mode; instead, it is sufficient to send only higher-level commands to the control unit. These commands enable or change, for example, a specific functional mode of the thermal management module or one or more of its functional components, which particularly refers to the interaction of multiple functional components. In the second operating mode, the control unit individually controls the functional components required to implement this functional mode. This "modular" control of the functional components simplifies the actuation of the thermal management module via the vehicle fieldbus. Furthermore, by providing the two operating states described above, the thermal management module can be actuated in a highly flexible manner.

[0008] In the method according to the invention, a thermal management module according to the invention is actuated. This includes a component carrier and at least two, preferably multiple, electrically controllable functional components for controlling the temperature of at least one vehicle component of a motor vehicle, and preferably detachably or securely connected to the component carrier. The module also includes at least one electrical control unit having control electronics for electrically controlling at least two, preferably multiple, particularly preferably all, of the functional components. The control electronics are electrically connected to the respective functional components via at least one electrical control wiring path and via a component fieldbus, and are housed within the housing of the control unit. The control electronics are electrically connected here to the vehicle fieldbus of the motor vehicle equipped with the thermal management module in a data transmission manner. According to the invention, the control unit of the module is capable of switching between a first operating mode and at least one second operating mode. In the first operating mode, control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus are transmitted by the control electronics to the component fieldbus for actuating the corresponding functional components, at least in terms of content, unchanged. In contrast, in the second operating mode, control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus are first processed by the control electronics as so-called superior control commands, meaning that individual control of the respective functional components is performed by the control unit.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of this method, in at least one second operating mode, the control unit controls at least one functional component, preferably multiple functional components, in response to at least one superior control command received from the vehicle fieldbus. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit multiple separate commands to each functional component. More precisely, detailed actuation of each functional component can be performed via or by the control unit. Superior control commands that enable, change, or disable the superior functional mode of the thermal management module can thus be transmitted from the vehicle fieldbus to the control unit, wherein these superior control commands are processed for individual control of individual functional components. Depending on the model series of the thermal management module, the individual control of the functional components installed in the thermal management module can be individually adjusted. In contrast, superior commands transmitted to the control unit via the vehicle fieldbus can also be uniformly applied to various model series. This simplifies the actuation of different model series of thermal management modules, which may differ from each other, particularly in terms of the composition or individual control of individual functional components, because the individual composition of the thermal management modules for different functional components can remain unconsidered during the generation of superior control commands and their transmission to the control unit.

[0010] Particularly preferably, in at least one second operating mode, commands provided by the vehicle fieldbus are not processed by the functional components. This facilitates the multi-level approach described above, where functional components do not require direct communicative connection to the vehicle fieldbus.

[0011] Of particular advantage, in the first operating mode, the control unit also actuates functional components not connected to the component fieldbus. This avoids the situation where the actuation of functional components not connected to the component fieldbus must remain unconsidered in the first operating mode.

[0012] According to a further advantageous improvement, in at least one second operating state, the control unit is configured / programmed to execute at least one functional mode, preferably two or more, of the thermal management module. In this further improvement, in at least one functional mode, the actuation of at least one, preferably multiple, functional components is performed independently of the vehicle fieldbus. Actuation can preferably be performed according to a predetermined control or regulation strategy associated with the corresponding functional mode. According to such a control or regulation strategy, two or more functional components can also be actuated. Of course, two or more such control strategies or corresponding regulation strategies can also be associated with the corresponding functional modes.

[0013] According to a further advantageous improvement, in at least one functional mode, the control unit is capable of executing at least one control loop having at least one control variable and at least one actuation variable, which can be adjusted within a functional component. Furthermore, in this further improvement, a target value for at least one control variable can be provided to the control unit as a higher-level control command from the vehicle fieldbus and actuated by the control unit to set the actuation variable of the corresponding functional component. Thus, the adjustment of the one or more functional components can be autonomously executed by the control unit, and the corresponding control algorithm can be integrated into the control unit via software. In particular, it is not necessary to monitor the control algorithm via the vehicle fieldbus. On the other hand, higher-level commands related to the implementation of the control loop can be received via the vehicle fieldbus in a more general manner. Changes in the specific control variables already mentioned should also be included.

[0014] According to a further advantageous improvement, the control unit can switch to a third operating state. In this further improvement, in the second operating mode, at least one functional mode is set, particularly switching from one set functional mode to another, by means of a higher-level control command received by the control unit from the vehicle fieldbus. In the third operating mode, particularly in the absence of a corresponding higher-level control command received from the vehicle fieldbus, the control unit automatically sets at least one specific functional mode, particularly switching from one set functional mode to another. Therefore, compared to the second operating mode, the third operating mode enables the thermal management module to operate with greater self-sufficiency.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, in at least one second operating mode, particularly in the second or third operating mode, the actuation of the functional component includes receiving and evaluating sensor signals of at least one of the functional components via a control unit.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a thermal management module configured / programmed to perform the methods described above. Therefore, the advantages of the methods described above according to the present invention are also transferred to the thermal management module according to the present invention.

[0017] Therefore, the basic concept of the thermal management module according to the invention is to implement the electrical wiring and associated electrical control of the thermal management module described above in a modular manner. To this end, it is proposed to implement the electrical wiring, in particular, that the various functional components of the module are electrically connected to the vehicle's power supply and fieldbus via a common electrical control unit having control electronics, as explained above. This means that the control and power supply of all functional components included in the thermal management module are performed via this control unit. According to the invention, such a control unit has control electronics with electronic and / or electrical components that can be connected to the vehicle's fieldbus via the module and, in turn, connected to at least one, preferably two or more, functional components of the thermal management module via their own component fieldbus for data transmission. Therefore, the control of the functional components can be performed substantially self-sufficiently by the control unit. Actuation of the control unit can, in turn, be performed via the vehicle fieldbus connected to the control unit.

[0018] As described above in the context of the second operating mode of the method according to the invention, especially via the vehicle fieldbus, superior commands corresponding to the specific operating state of the module can therefore be sent to the control unit.

[0019] The functional components required to achieve the second operating state can then be individually controlled via the control electronics of the control unit without needing to communicate with the vehicle fieldbus. However, the first operating mode described above can also be implemented using the thermal management module according to the invention.

[0020] The thermal management module according to the invention includes a component carrier and at least two, preferably multiple, electrically controllable functional components for temperature control of at least one vehicle component of a motor vehicle, wherein the functional components are detachably or securely connected to the component carrier. The module also includes at least one electrical control unit having control electronics for electrically controlling at least two, preferably multiple, and particularly preferably all of the functional components.

[0021] According to the present invention, the control electronics are electrically connected to corresponding functional components via a component fieldbus. Furthermore, the control electronics are electrically connected to, or capable of being electrically connected to, the vehicle fieldbus of a motor vehicle equipped with a thermal management module via data transmission. Additionally, the control electronics are housed within the housing of the control unit.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing of the control unit is detachably or non-detachably fastened to at least one of the functional components and / or a component carrier.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable fastening of the housing is achieved by means of at least one threaded connection and / or clamping connection and / or locking connection. Alternatively or additionally, the non-removable fastening of the housing can be achieved by means of at least one riveted connection and / or solder connection and / or welded connection. These measures facilitate the mounting of the control unit on the component carrier.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, an electrical input connector is provided on the housing. By means of the electrical input connector, control electronics can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus and the vehicle's power supply in a data transmission manner. In this embodiment, the input connector can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus and the vehicle's power supply via an input plug-in connector provided on the housing. This facilitates electrical wiring, including the securing of electrical connections from the control unit to the vehicle fieldbus or its power supply.

[0025] According to a further advantageous improvement, the input connector has an input socket mounted on the housing. An input connector, configured in a complementary manner to the input socket, is inserted into or can be inserted into said socket, and has electrical connections to a power source or to the vehicle fieldbus. This feature also facilitates the assembly of functional component modules, control units, and component carriers.

[0026] According to an advantageous further improvement, the control unit includes at least one power supply line electrically connected to control electronics for supplying power to the control electronics. In this further improvement, the at least one power supply line is electrically connected to an input connector disposed on the housing for electrical connection to a power source located in the vehicle, and electrically connected to a power output connector also disposed on the housing for electrical connection and power supply to at least one functional component, preferably two or more functional components. Thus, the vehicle's power source can be used to supply power to both the control unit and the functional components controlled by the control unit. Therefore, this eliminates the need for complex wiring that directly connects the individual functional components to the vehicle's power source.

[0027] Particularly preferably, an electrical control output connector can be provided on the housing. With the aid of this control output connector, at least one, preferably multiple, and particularly preferably all, of the component fieldbus and electrical control wiring paths can be electrically connected to the control electronics. This measure also keeps the electrical wiring paths between the control unit and the functional components controlled by the control unit shorter, thereby further reducing the required installation space and saving material costs.

[0028] Advantageously, the electrical control output connector and the power supply output connector are electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to functional components via a common output connector disposed on the control housing, which has an output socket and an output connector complementary to the output socket. This simplifies module assembly and facilitates its electrical wiring. Furthermore, using a common connector to transmit power supply and commands or signals reduces the installation space required on the housing for connecting the corresponding control lines or signal lines and / or sensor lines.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, in this variant, it is conceivable that the electronic control output connector and the power supply output connector are connected or can be connected via two output plug connectors separately formed and disposed on the control housing, wherein each of these two output plug connectors has a separate plug socket and a separate output plug complementary to the plug socket. Thus, the control unit can be particularly flexibly adapted to different structural forms of the thermal management system when using different plug connectors or corresponding plug sockets and complementary plug sockets.

[0030] According to a favorable further improvement, at least one power supply line can include a first power supply line and a second power supply line, which are designed to transmit different electrical outputs. For example, it is conceivable to design the first power supply line to transmit a maximum electrical output of 1kW, making it suitable for powering a functional carrier formed by a pump. On the other hand, the electrical output required for regulating an electric valve is much less. Therefore, it is conceivable to design the second power supply line to transmit a maximum output of 10W.

[0031] In the solution proposed here, the power supply line can be guided from the functional components through the housing of the control unit and connected to the vehicle's power source via the control unit's input connector. It is conceivable that the electrical and electronic components of the control electronics are also connected to the power supply line so that they can be powered in this manner.

[0032] According to an advantageous further improvement, the module can have at least one functional component of a cooling circuit through which a cooling fluid can flow. The cooling fluid can be a coolant and / or a refrigerant. At least one functional component here performs a necessary or correspondingly essential fluid technology function in the cooling circuit, such as cooling, collecting, or condensing the cooling fluid. Alternatively, preferably, no necessary or correspondingly essential fluid technology function is assigned to the vehicle's cooling circuit. The component carrier is thus designed in a robust and trouble-free manner. Furthermore, if needed, at least one functional component can be replaced independently of other functional components and component carriers. Overall, the component node according to the invention provides a space-saving, robust, and economical solution.

[0033] Advantageously, the module can have multiple functional components that can be integrated into the cooling circuit of a motor vehicle and through which cooling fluid flows. Here, a component interface can be formed on the component carrier for each functional component, via which the corresponding functional component is detachably fastened to the component carrier. Advantageously, the component interface can be adapted to receive at least one functional component.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a compensation container that can be connected to the cooling circuit for collecting cooling fluid. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a pump that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a cooler that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a heat exchanger that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a valve that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from a filter that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can be formed from an indirect condenser that can be connected to the cooling circuit. Advantageously, at least one functional component can also be formed from different components that can be connected to the cooling circuit.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive unit. Therefore, the motor vehicle can be a vehicle driven solely by an internal combustion engine. However, the motor vehicle can also be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The motor vehicle according to the invention further includes a temperature control circuit for controlling the temperature of at least one component of the motor vehicle, particularly the temperature of the vehicle's battery and / or battery-electric drive unit, wherein the temperature control circuit has the thermal management module according to the invention described above. Therefore, the advantages of the thermal management module according to the invention described above, or the method according to the invention, are also transferred to the motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the accompanying description of the drawings.

[0037] It should be understood that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the features mentioned above and described below can be used not only in their respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, which are described in detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0039] The following are schematically illustrated:

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a thermal management module for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 It is shown in a diagram similar to a circuit diagram. Figure 1 Possible electrical wiring of the module,

[0042] Figure 3 A diagram similar to a graph is shown, illustrating different possible operating modes of the thermal management module. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A thermal management module 1 for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is illustrated by way of perspective view, particularly a thermal management module 1 having an electric drive motor and an energy storage device. The vehicle may be, for example, a battery-powered vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle. Figure 2 It is shown in a diagram similar to a circuit diagram. Figure 1 Possible electrical wiring for module 1.

[0044] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Module 1 has a component carrier 2 and several electrically controllable functional components 3. In this example embodiment, the functional components 3 are a cooler 24, a compensation container 25, three valves 26a, 26b, and 26c (where valves 26a and 26b are solenoid valves and valve 26c is an expansion valve), and two pumps 27a and 27b. The functional components 3 of module 1, if applicable, may also have additional components fluidly connected to each other as part of a cooling circuit (not further shown). The additional functional components 3 could be a temperature sensor 29, for example, for measuring the temperature of another functional component 3, wherein, for clarity... Figure 1 Only two temperature sensors 29 are shown in the image.

[0045] The component carrier 2 is designed to support the functional component 3 and has a mechanical component interface suitable for the corresponding functional component 3. The corresponding component interface is adaptable to the corresponding shape, size, and function of the corresponding functional component 3. The corresponding functional component 3 is then detachably fastened to the component carrier 2 via the corresponding component interface. However, a fixed, and therefore non-detachable, fastening is also conceivable. Furthermore, a fastening interface can be formed on the component carrier 2, through which the component carrier 2 and therefore the module 1 can be fastened to the vehicle body. In an example embodiment, the fastening interface is formed by two openings 30a and 30b.

[0046] according to Figure 1 Module 1 also includes a control unit 4 (shown schematically), which has control electronics 5 for electrically controlling the functional components 3 (in... Figure 1 (Shown only roughly schematically in the diagram), the control electronics have electrical and electronic components and are housed within the housing 8 of the control unit 4. The housing 8 of the control unit 4 can also be detachably or non-detachably fastened to the component carrier 2. Detachable fastening of the housing 8 can be achieved, for example, by threaded connection, clamping connection, or stop connection. Non-detachable fastening of the housing 8 can be achieved, for example, by means of riveting connection, solder connection, or welding connection.

[0047] In the following text, refer to Figure 2 A similar circuit diagram is shown. Therefore, the control electronics 5 can be mounted on a circuit board 22 located within the housing 8, or can include such a circuit board 22. The control electronics 5 can also be electrically connected to the corresponding functional component 3 via an electrical control line path 6 and a component fieldbus 7 (preferably via a LIN bus). The control line path 6 can be an electrical control line 6a, used to control the corresponding functional component 3. Control signals can be transmitted to the corresponding functional component 3 via the control line 6a. However, the control line path 6 can also be a sensor line or signal line 6b, via which electrical sensor signals can be transmitted from the corresponding functional component 3 (e.g., from the temperature sensor 29) to the control unit 4 or control electronics 5. Control of the functional component 3 can also be performed via the component fieldbus 7 through unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission between the corresponding functional component 3 and the control unit 4 or control electronics 5.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the example scenario, two valves 26a and 26b are actuated via control line 6a, while expansion valve 26c is connected to component fieldbus 7 and thus actuated by control unit 4 via component fieldbus 7. In this example, two pumps 27a and 27b are also connected to component fieldbus 7 and thus actuated by control unit 4 via component fieldbus 7.

[0049] according to Figure 2 In an example scenario, an electrical input connector 9 is provided on the housing 8 of the control unit 4. The control electronics 5 can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus 10 (preferably a CAN bus) of the vehicle using module 1 and to the vehicle's power supply 11 via this electrical input interface for data transmission. The input connector 9 can also be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus 10 and the vehicle's power supply 11 via an input plug connector 12 provided on the housing 8. The input plug connector 12 may include an input plug socket 13 mounted on the housing 8, into which an input plug 14, complementary to the input plug socket 13, can be inserted. This input plug has an electrical connection line 15 leading to the power supply 11 or to the vehicle fieldbus 10.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 4 may include a power supply line 16 electrically connected to the control electronics 5 for supplying power to the control electronics 5 and the functional components 3. For this purpose, the power supply line 16 is electrically connected to the input connector 9 and a power output connector 17 also disposed on the housing 8, by means of which the power supply line 16 can be electrically connected to at least one functional component 3 for power supply.

[0051] In this example scenario, the power supply line 16 includes a first power supply line 16a and a second power supply line 16b, which are designed to transmit different electrical outputs.

[0052] For example, the first power supply line 16a can be designed to transmit a maximum electrical output of up to 1 kW, while the second power supply line 16b can be designed to transmit only a few watts of maximum electrical output. Alternatively, low voltage (especially 5 volts or 12 volts) can be supplied directly from the control electronics 5 or separately from the circuit board 22 to different component carriers 3 with very low electrical output consumption—in this example scenario, these are temperature sensors 29. For this purpose, low voltage lines 23 can be supplied from the control electronics 5 or separately from the circuit board 22 to the corresponding functional components 3.

[0053] In addition, an electrical control output connector 18 is provided on the housing 8, by means of which the component fieldbus 7 and all electrical control circuit paths 6 can be electrically connected to the control electronics 5.

[0054] according to Figure 2 The electrical control output connector 18 and the power supply output connector 17 are electrically connected to the functional component 3 via a common output connector 19 provided on the housing 8, which has an output socket 20 and an output connector 21 complementary to the socket.

[0055] In a variant not shown, the electrical control output connector 18 and the power supply output connector 17 can be electrically connected to the functional component 3 via two separately configured output connectors 19a and 19b, each having a separate socket 20a and 20b and a separate output connector 21a and 21b complementary to the socket, respectively, provided on the housing 8. The aforementioned low-voltage line 23 can also be integrated into the power supply output connector 17.

[0056] In the following text, refer to Figure 3 A simplified diagram. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 5 can switch between a first operating mode B1, a second operating mode B2, and a third operating mode B3. In the first operating mode B1, the control command SB received from the vehicle fieldbus 10 (CAN bus 10 in this example) is not modified by the control electronics 5, but is directly transmitted to the component fieldbus 7 (LIN bus in this example) to actuate the corresponding functional component 3. On the other hand, in the second operating mode B2, the control command SB received from the vehicle fieldbus 10 is used by the control electronics 5 as a superior control command. Processing. This means that control unit 5 actuates functional component 3 in a self-sufficient manner relative to vehicle fieldbus 10. When vehicle fieldbus 10 uses a different bus system (e.g., CAN bus as vehicle fieldbus and LIN bus as component fieldbus), control unit 5 can "translate" control commands received from vehicle fieldbus 10 or CAN bus, so that these commands are further processed on component fieldbus 7 or LIN bus. However, in terms of content, in the first operating mode, commands received from vehicle fieldbus 10 remain unchanged when transmitted by control unit 5 to component fieldbus 7.

[0057] In contrast, in the second operating mode B2 (and also in the third operating mode B3), any control commands provided by the vehicle fieldbus 10 are not directly processed by the functional unit 3. More specifically, in the second operating mode B2 and also in the third operating mode B3, the control unit 4 responds to higher-level control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus 10. The actuation function 3 is activated. To this end, the corresponding control command SB is transmitted from the control unit 4 to the function 3 via the component fieldbus 7.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 4, which is in the second operating state B2 and also in the third operating state b3, can be set or programmed to execute two or more functional modes F1, F2 of the thermal management module 1. In each functional mode F1, F2, the actuation of the functional component 3 is performed according to a predetermined control strategy associated with at least one functional mode F1, F2.

[0059] For example, in functional mode F1, control unit 4 can execute a control loop with control variables and actuation variables, which can be set in functional unit 3. Here, the target value of the control variable can serve as a higher-level control command. The fieldbus 10 provides control unit 4 with the information so that functional component 3 can be actuated by control unit 4 using the corresponding control command SB to set actuation variables.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In the example, control unit 4 can also switch to a third operating state B3. In the second operating mode B2, the setting of specific function modes F1, F2 or the switching from the currently set function modes F1, F2 to another function mode 3 is in response to a higher-level control command superimposed by control unit 4 from the vehicle fieldbus 10. In contrast, in the third operating mode B3, control unit 4 not only sets specific functional modes F1 and F2, but also handles the switching between the two functional modes F1 and F2 automatically, without needing to receive corresponding upper-level control commands from the vehicle fieldbus 10. Conversely, the additional information ZI provided to the control unit 4 via the vehicle fieldbus 10 can be processed by the control unit 4.

[0061] In both the second operating mode B2 and the third operating mode B3, the actuation of the functional component 3 can include receiving and evaluating sensor signals from at least one of the functional components 3 via the control unit 4, provided that these sensor signals reach the control unit 4 only via the control line path 6, not via the component fieldbus 7.

Claims

1. A method for operating a thermal management module (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the module (1) comprises: - Component carrier (2); - At least two electrically controllable functional components (3) for controlling the temperature of at least one vehicle component of a motor vehicle, said electrically controllable functional components being detachably or securely connected to the component carrier (2). - At least one electrical control unit (4) having control electronics (5) for electrically controlling at least two of the electrically controllable functional components (3), the control electronics being electrically connected to the respective electrically controllable functional component (3) via at least one electrical control line path (6) and via a component fieldbus (7), and the control electronics being disposed in a housing (8); - Wherein, the control electronics (5) are electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus (10) of the motor vehicle equipped with the thermal management module (1) in the manner of data transmission. - Wherein, according to the method: - The electrical control unit (4) is capable of switching between a first operating mode (B1) and at least one second operating mode (B2, B3). - In the first operating mode (B1), the control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus (10) are transmitted by the control electronics (5) to the component fieldbus (7) for actuating the corresponding electrically controllable functional components (3). - In the at least one second operating mode (B2, B3), the control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus (10) are processed by the control electronics (5) so that the actuation of the electrically controllable functional component (3) is executed by the electric control unit (4).

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, In at least one second operating mode (B2, B3), the electronic control unit (4) actuates at least one electrically controllable functional component (3) via the component fieldbus (7) or via the electronic control line path (6) in response to at least one superior control command received from the vehicle fieldbus (10). The electrically controllable functional component (3) is connected to the electronic control unit (4) via the component fieldbus or via the electronic control line path.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, In at least one second operating mode (B2, B3), commands provided by the vehicle fieldbus (10) are not directly transmitted from the controllable functional component (3) to the controllable functional component (3) via the component fieldbus (7).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, In the first operating mode (B1), the electrical control unit (4) directly actuates the electrically controllable functional components (3) that are not connected to the electrical control unit (4) via the component fieldbus.

5. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The electrical control unit (4) in the at least one second operating mode (B2, B3) is set / programmed to perform at least one functional mode (F1, F2) of the thermal management module (1), wherein, in the at least one functional mode (F1, F2), the actuation of at least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is performed independently of the vehicle fieldbus (10).

6. The method according to claim 5, Its features are, - In the at least one functional mode (F1, F2), the electronic control unit (4) executes at least one control loop having at least one control variable and at least one actuation variable, the at least one control loop being set in the electrically controllable functional component (3); and - The target value of the at least one control variable is provided to the electric control unit (4) from the vehicle fieldbus (10) as a superior control command, and the electrically controllable functional component (3) is actuated by the electric control unit (4) to set the actuation variable.

7. The method according to claim 5, Its features are, - The electrical control unit (4) can switch to the third operating mode (B3). - In the second operating mode (B2), the at least one functional mode is set by means of the superior control command received by the electronic control unit (4) from the vehicle fieldbus (10); - In the third operating mode (B3), at least one functional mode is set automatically by the electrical control unit (4).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, In the at least one second operating mode (B2), the actuation of the electrically controllable functional component (3) includes receiving and evaluating sensor signals of at least one electrically controllable functional component (3) by the electronic control unit (4).

9. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The at least two electrically controllable functional components (3) are multiple electrically controllable functional components (3).

10. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The at least one electrical control unit (4) has the control electronics (5) for electrically controlling a plurality of electrically controllable functional components (3).

11. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The at least one electrical control unit (4) has the control electronics (5) for electrically controlling all the electrically controllable functional components (3).

12. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, Control commands received from the vehicle fieldbus (10) are transmitted by the control electronics (5) to the component fieldbus (7) with at least no change in content for actuating the corresponding electrically controllable functional components (3).

13. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, In at least one second operating mode (B2, B3), the electronic control unit (4) actuates a plurality of electrically controllable functional components (3) via the component fieldbus (7) or via the electronic control line path (6) in response to at least one superior control command received from the vehicle fieldbus (10). The electrically controllable functional components (3) are connected to the electronic control unit (4) via the component fieldbus or via the electronic control line path.

14. The method according to claim 9, Its features are, The electrical control unit (4) in the at least one second operating mode (B2, B3) is set / programmed to perform at least one functional mode (F1, F2) of the thermal management module (1), wherein, in the at least one functional mode (F1, F2), the actuation of a plurality of electrically controllable functional components (3) is performed independently of the vehicle fieldbus (10).

15. The method according to claim 5 or 14, Its features are, The at least one functional mode (F1, F2) is two or more functional modes (F1, F2).

16. The method according to claim 5 or 14, Its features are, The actuation of the electrically controllable functional component (3) is performed according to a predetermined control strategy associated with the at least one functional mode (F1, F2).

17. The method according to claim 7, Its features are, In the second operating mode (B2), the switching from one set function mode (F1, F2) to another function mode is performed by means of the upper-level control command received by the electronic control unit (4) from the vehicle fieldbus (10).

18. The method according to claim 7, Its features are, In the third operating mode (B3), the switching from one set function mode to another function mode (F1, F2) is performed automatically by the electrical control unit (4).

19. The method according to claim 7, Its features are, In the third operating mode (B3), if no corresponding upper-level control command is received from the vehicle fieldbus (10), the setting of at least one function mode is automatically performed by the electronic control unit (4).

20. A thermal management module (1) configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the thermal management module comprising: - Component carrier (2); - At least two electrically controllable functional components (3) for controlling the temperature of at least one vehicle component of a motor vehicle, said electrically controllable functional components being detachably or securely connected to the component carrier (2). - At least one electrical control unit (4) having control electronics (5) for electrically controlling at least two of the electrically controllable functional components (3), the control electronics being electrically connected to the respective electrically controllable functional component (3) via at least one electrical control line path (6) and via a component fieldbus (7), and the control electronics being disposed in a housing (8); - Wherein, the control electronics (5) are electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus (10) of a motor vehicle equipped with a thermal management module (1) in a data transmission manner.

21. The module according to claim 20, Its features are, - An electrical input connector (9) is provided on the housing (8), by means of which the control electronics (5) can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus (10) and the power supply (11) of the motor vehicle in the manner of data transmission. - The input connector (9) can be electrically connected to the vehicle fieldbus (10) and the power supply (11) of the motor vehicle via the input plug connector (12) provided on the housing (8).

22. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, - The electrical control unit (4) includes at least one power supply line (16) which is electrically connected to the control electronics (5) for supplying power to the control electronics (5); - The at least one power supply line (16) is electrically connected to the input connector (9) disposed on the housing (8) for electrical connection to the power source (11) located on the motor vehicle, and electrically connected to the power output connector (17) also disposed on the housing (8) for electrical connection and power supply of at least one electrically controllable functional component (3).

23. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, An electrical control output connector (18) is provided on the housing (8), by means of which at least one of the component fieldbus (7) and the electrical control line path (6) can be electrically connected to the control electronics (5).

24. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, The module (1) has a component carrier (2) and at least one electrically controllable functional component (3) of the vehicle's cooling circuit, through which cooling fluid flows or is able to flow through the at least one electrically controllable functional component.

25. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed of a compensation container that can be connected to the cooling circuit for collecting cooling fluid, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by a pump (7a, 7b) capable of being connected to a cooling circuit, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by a cooler that can be connected to the cooling circuit, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by a heat exchanger that can be connected to the cooling circuit, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by a valve (6a, 6b) that can be connected to the cooling circuit, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by a filter that can be connected to the cooling circuit, and / or - At least one electrically controllable functional component (3) is formed by an indirect condenser that can be connected to the cooling circuit.

26. The module according to claim 20, Its features are, The at least two electrically controllable functional components (3) are multiple electrically controllable functional components (3).

27. The module according to claim 20, Its features are, The at least one electrical control unit (4) is two electrical control units (4).

28. The module according to claim 20, Its features are, The at least one electrical control unit (4) has the control electronics (5) for electrically controlling a plurality of electrically controllable functional components (3).

29. The module according to claim 20, Its features are, The at least one electrical control unit (4) has the control electronics (5) for electrically controlling all the electrically controllable functional components (3).

30. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, - The electrical control unit (4) includes at least one power supply line (16) which is electrically connected to the control electronics (5) for supplying power to the control electronics (5); - The at least one power supply line (16) is electrically connected to the input connector (9) disposed on the housing (8) for electrical connection to the power source (11) located on the motor vehicle, and electrically connected to the power output connector (17) also disposed on the housing (8) for electrical connection and power supply of two or more of the electrically controllable functional components (3).

31. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, An electrical control output connector (18) is provided on the housing (8), by means of which the component fieldbus (7) and multiple electrical control circuit paths in the electrical control circuit path (6) can be electrically connected to the control electronics (5).

32. The module according to claim 20 or 21, Its features are, An electrical control output connector (18) is provided on the housing (8), by means of which the component fieldbus (7) and all electrical control circuit paths in the electrical control circuit path (6) can be electrically connected to the control electronics (5).

33. A motor vehicle, - It has an internal combustion engine and / or an electric drive unit; - It has a temperature control circuit for controlling the temperature of at least one component of the motor vehicle, wherein, The temperature control circuit has a thermal management module (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 32.

34. The motor vehicle according to claim 33, Its features are, At least one component of the motor vehicle is the vehicle's battery and / or battery-powered drive unit.

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