Device for treating a fluid of a vehicle driven at least partially electrically

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling fluids in at least partially electrically driven vehicles, comprising: a substantially plate-shaped base element (110) defining a base plane separating a first subspace (210) from a second subspace (220); at least a first fluid flow channel segment (115) primarily located in the first subspace; and at least a second fluid flow channel segment (125) primarily located in the second subspace, the base element including at least one first flow opening (130) fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel segment to the second fluid flow channel segment. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the apparatus (100), comprising the steps of: providing a base element having at least a first fluid flow channel segment and a first flow opening; and placing the second fluid flow channel segment in the second subspace on the base element, thereby fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel segment to the second fluid flow channel segment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing fluids in at least partially electrically driven vehicles, the apparatus comprising: a generally plate-shaped base element defining a base plane that separates a first subspace from a second subspace; at least one first fluid flow channel section located primarily in the first subspace; and at least one second fluid flow channel section located primarily in the second subspace, the base element including at least one first flow opening fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel section and the second fluid flow channel section.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base element having at least a first fluid flow channel section and a first flow opening; and arranging a second fluid flow channel section in a second subspace onto the base element, thereby fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel section to the second fluid flow channel section. Background Technology

[0003] Many devices for handling fluids in electric vehicles are known in the prior art. For example, such fluid devices are used to switch or redirect cooling fluids within a so-called thermal management module of an electric vehicle.

[0004] In most cases, fluid equipment consists of a variety of components, making its design extremely complex and therefore its cost very high. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a fluid device belonging to the technical field described at the beginning, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages known in the prior art. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive method for manufacturing the fluid device.

[0006] The solution to this objective is defined by the features of claim 1. The invention includes an apparatus for handling fluids in at least partially electrically powered vehicles. The apparatus includes a substantially plate-shaped base element defining a base plane that separates a first subspace from a second subspace. Furthermore, the apparatus includes at least a first fluid flow channel segment primarily located in the first subspace and at least a second fluid flow channel segment primarily located in the second subspace. The base element includes at least one first flow opening fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel segment and the second fluid flow channel segment.

[0007] For example, this achieves the technological advantage of having very few components and therefore being very easy to manufacture. Regardless of the number of fluid flow channels, only a single plate-shaped base element is needed. The base element has the necessary strength to support all components. Another advantage is that the fluid flow channels can be modified in subspace as needed. In other words, the fluid flow channels can be kept in a first subspace below the plate-shaped base element, or guided between a second subspace on the top side and a first subspace on the bottom side of the plate-shaped base element. For example, the center of gravity of the device may therefore play a decisive role in the operation of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the device carries multiple flow channels. For example, the device includes three or more flow channels, especially five or more flow channels, and even more than nine flow channels.

[0008] Unlike base elements that describe a specific plate-like body, a base plane defines the geometric position. Ideally, the base plane and the base body are arranged parallel to each other. However, plate-like base elements can also deviate from the ideal plate shape and deform in space, whereby the base plane represents the plane of symmetry of the base element located within the base element.

[0009] A fluid flow channel section is understood as a component or segment of a flow channel. Here, a fluid flow channel section may refer to a segment of the flow channel with a partial opening.

[0010] The fluid flow channel section, primarily located in the first or second subspace, includes a fluid flow cross-section primarily located in the first subspace below the base plane or primarily located in the second subspace above the base plane. Here, "primarily" means that at least 70% of the fluid flow cross-section of the fluid flow channel section is located in the first subspace below the base plane or in the second subspace above the base plane.

[0011] A preferred embodiment includes a third fluid flow channel section primarily located in the first subspace, wherein the base element includes a second flow opening that fluidly connects the second fluid flow channel section to the third fluid flow channel section. This provides the technical advantage of allowing for highly flexible definition of the flow channel. For example, spatial conditions or constraints can be considered because the flow channel can enter and exit the second subspace multiple times from the first subspace.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the device includes a third fluid flow channel section disposed only within the first subspace and allowing fluid to flow away from the base element. For example, the fluid flow away from the base element is substantially orthogonal to the base plane. This provides, for example, the technical advantage of enabling flow optimization into nozzles connected to coolant above or below the base element. Flow optimization reduces pressure differentials and improves device functionality.

[0013] To achieve continuous fluid flow, a first flow channel is formed by a first fluid flow channel segment, a second fluid flow channel segment, and a third fluid flow channel segment. This allows for the technical advantage of several different fluid flow components forming a single flow channel. The flow channel is flexibly assembled from the fluid flow channel segments, and the complete flow channel can extend multiple times from the first subspace to the second subspace and back.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the device includes a second flow channel that includes at least a fourth fluid flow channel section disposed between the first and second flow openings and primarily located within the first subspace, wherein the first and second fluid flow channels intersect each other. This provides the technical advantage of allowing the two flow channels to intersect, thus offering additional flexibility to the device. Therefore, there is no need to define a long bypass channel to connect the two ports. Thus, allowing the two flow channels to intersect enables a more compact device design, thereby reducing material usage, weight, and manufacturing costs.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the device includes at least one additional flow channel, which is primarily arranged in the first or second subspace. This, for example, achieves the technical advantage of enabling particularly simple standard flow channels without altering the subspace.

[0016] To allow flow through the flow channels, the at least one additional flow channel is configured to be closed by a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is arranged substantially parallel to the base element. For example, a sealing element may be configured to cover several flow channels simultaneously. Here, flow channel closures may be associated with each flow channel, wherein multiple flow channel closures are part of a common sealing element. Preferably, the sealing element is arranged on the base element by laser welding. For example, the sealing element is curved, which allows the center of gravity of the device to approach the base plane during operation.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the base element includes at least one reservoir for a fluid handling element. This provides the technical advantage that, for example, the fluid handling elements required for the function and operation of the device can be directly assigned to the corresponding flow channels.

[0018] Fluid flow handling elements are devices used to operate and handle fluids within equipment, such as rotary vane assemblies, pumps, or valves. However, fluid flow handling elements are not limited to these.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the container includes at least a first flow opening and a second flow opening, both of which connect one flow channel to the other. This provides the technical advantage that specific flow openings for connecting fluid handling devices to flow channels are predetermined. For example, the container may include more than two flow openings. For example, the container may include three, four, or even more flow openings.

[0020] In order to absorb the loads that may occur, the base element includes at least one support element for mounting the equipment on the vehicle body. For example, the loads may be caused by the equipment's own weight, fluid flowing through the equipment during operation, or vehicle-specific forces.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the base element includes at least one fluid port for allowing fluid to flow into the device. Preferably, the fluid port is formed as an integral part of the base element.

[0022] According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the base element, including the first fluid flow channel section and the third fluid flow channel section, is formed as a one-piece integral component manufactured by injection molding. This, for example, achieves the technical advantage of making the device very easy to manufacture. The injection molding process allows for inexpensive and reproducible quality, thus requiring very few additional parts and assembly steps to manufacture the device.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, a second fluid flow channel segment is arranged in the second subspace onto the base element. This, for example, achieves the technical advantage that the flow channel can be closed by means of the second fluid flow channel segment instead of a closing element. Thus, on the one hand, the flow channel is closed, and on the other hand, the flow channel changes from the first subspace to the second subspace. Preferably, the second fluid flow channel segment is arranged on the base element by laser welding. An additional advantage here is that only one additional component needs to be arranged on the base element, which reduces the total number of components and simplifies manufacturing.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the plate-shaped base element comprises a material thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 2 mm and 5 mm, and especially between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. This, for example, enables the substrate to absorb loads (such as the weight of the equipment itself or fluids flowing through it) that occur during equipment operation. A substrate material thickness of approximately 3 mm is particularly advantageous.

[0025] To make manufacturing particularly advantageous, the closure element comprises a material thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 2 mm. Specifically, a material thickness between 1 mm and 2 mm is advantageous for the closure element due to its arrangement via laser welding. For example, those fluid flow channel sections arranged on the base element in the first or second subspace can all comprise a material thickness between 1 mm and 2 mm. This means that all fluid flow channel sections can be laser welded to the base element particularly well.

[0026] To further simplify the manufacturing of the equipment, the glass fiber content of the base element is greater than that of the sealing element. For example, the glass fiber content of the base element is approximately 30%, while the glass fiber content of the sealing element or the fluid flow channel section to be added is approximately 10 to 15%. In particular, this provides a technical advantage in optimizing the laser weldability of the sealing element or the fluid flow channel section to be added to the base element.

[0027] For example, the substrate, enclosing elements, and fluid flow channel sections to be added all incorporate polyphenylene oxide (PPE). PPE is a high-temperature thermoplastic that also exhibits high hydrolysis resistance, good water / glycol compatibility, low water absorption, and good laser weldability. Another advantage arises from its low density, as it reduces the support load, particularly in fluid handling components (e.g., in the form of pumps), thus increasing equipment lifespan.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the base element and the third fluid flow channel segment are formed as an integral component manufactured by injection molding. According to another preferred embodiment, the first fluid flow channel segment and the third fluid flow channel segment are arranged on the base element in a first subspace.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the solution to this problem is defined by the features of claim 17. The present invention includes a method of manufacturing a device according to any one of the foregoing embodiments. The method includes the steps of: providing a base element having at least a first fluid flow channel section and a first flow opening; and arranging a second fluid flow channel section in a second subspace onto the base element and thereby fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel section to the second fluid flow channel section.

[0030] The advantages of this embodiment are similar to those of claim 1. In particular, for example, it achieves the technical advantage of having a very small number of components and therefore being very simple to manufacture in a few steps. This is possible regardless of the number of fluid flow channels, as only a single plate-shaped base element is required. Although manufacturing it requires several steps, the base element has the necessary strength to support all components, and the fluid flow channels can be modified in subspace as needed. In other words, the fluid flow channels can always remain in the first subspace below the plate-shaped base element, or can be guided between the top second subspace and the bottom first subspace of the plate-shaped base element as needed.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the base element is provided by injection molding. Injection molding is an inexpensive process that enables reproducible quality, while requiring only a few additional parts and assembly steps to manufacture the device.

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the second fluid flow channel segment is arranged in the second subspace on the base element by laser welding. This has the technical advantage of being particularly easy to arrange. Laser welding does not cause any material damage due to the high temperature affecting the parts to be joined.

[0033] Accordingly, according to another advantageous embodiment, the first fluid flow channel section is closed by a sealing element, wherein the arrangement of the sealing element on the base element is achieved by laser welding. The advantages are comparable to those of the foregoing embodiments.

[0034] Another variation relates to a fluid device for a fluid system in a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically operated, the fluid device comprising a fluid valve and an actuator connected to the fluid valve for actuation. The actuator thereby includes an electric motor having a motor output shaft and gears for transmitting torque from the motor output shaft to an actuator output gear designed for actuating the fluid valve, wherein the fluid valve includes: at least three connection openings for fluid inflow and / or outflow; and a valve body rotatable about an axial rotation axis, the valve body having an arcuate connection channel for connecting two of the connection openings. Further, the actuator output gear is shaped-fitted to the drive shaft of the valve body. The fluid device can be manufactured in a particularly compact and cost-effective manner.

[0035] According to an advantageous variation of the fluid device, the valve body is arranged within a manifold plate, wherein the connection opening and continuous passage are integrally formed within the manifold plate. In this case, the fluid valve is closed by a cover, which is connected to the distribution plate via a fit and / or form fit. The connection opening and continuous passage can be directly integrated into the distribution plate and closed by a fluid passage cover, which is also connected to the distribution plate via a fit and / or form fit. This variation particularly optimizes space and reduces the number of components by fully integrating the fluid valve into the distribution plate. Because the fluid valve is located on the horizontal plane of the passage, pressure loss due to less deflection is reduced.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the fluid valve includes a valve housing having at least three port openings for fluid inflow and / or outflow, and a valve body is disposed within the valve housing. Further advantageous variations and combinations of features can be derived from the following detailed description and throughout the patent claims.

[0037] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features are derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, used to illustrate the embodiments, show:

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a fluid device including actuators and fluid valves;

[0040] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 A side view of the fluid equipment;

[0041] Figure 3 According to Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the fluid equipment;

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the X portion;

[0043] Figure 5 According to Figure 1 Exploded view of the actuator of the fluid equipment;

[0044] Figure 6 According to Figure 5 A perspective view of the actuator cover of the actuator;

[0045] Figure 7 According to Figure 5 A perspective view of the actuator housing of the actuator;

[0046] Figure 8 According to Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the valve body of a fluid valve in a fluid device;

[0047] Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the actuator output gear of the actuator;

[0048] Figure 10 An exploded view of the valve body and the actuator output gear;

[0049] Figure 11 A side view of the valve body and actuator output gear, with the valve body cut open;

[0050] Figure 12 According to Figure 2 Another partial sectional side view of the fluid equipment;

[0051] Figure 13 According to Figure 2 A top view of the fluid equipment;

[0052] Figure 14 According to Figure 12 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the Y section of the fluid equipment;

[0053] Figure 15 According to Figure 13 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the DD section of the fluid equipment;

[0054] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the base component;

[0055] Figure 17 Another perspective view of the base element;

[0056] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention;

[0057] Figure 19 Another cross-sectional view of the device according to the invention; and

[0058] Figure 20 This is another cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention.

[0059] Basically, the same parts are given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 A perspective view of a drive unit 1 is shown, which includes at least one fluid valve 2 and an actuator 3 connected to the fluid valve 2 to actuate the fluid valve 2, and the drive unit 1 is configured for a fluid system of a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically operated.

[0061] Actuator 3 has in Figure 3The electric motor 4, schematically shown, is in the form of a brushless stepper motor. The electric motor 4 is placed flat within a fluid-sealed actuator housing 5 and arranged in a space-saving manner near a gearbox 6, which transmits the torque (not shown) from the motor output shaft to the actuator output gear 7. The motor output shaft is connected to the gearbox 6, for example, via a gearbox input shaft in the form of a worm gear drive.

[0062] The actuator output gear 7 is preferably oriented orthogonal to the motor output shaft, thereby allowing for a particularly flat design of the actuator 3.

[0063] A magnet 8 is centrally positioned at one end region of the actuator output gear 7 so that the rotational position of the magnet 8, and thus the rotational position of the actuator output gear 7, can be detected by means of a sensor unit (not shown). The sensor unit is axially spaced from the front end of the actuator output gear 7 to enable accurate measurement. For this purpose, the sensor unit is positioned directly above the magnet 8 at the end region of the actuator output gear 7.

[0064] In addition to the gearbox input shaft and actuator output gear 7, the gearbox 6 preferably has two additional gears whose axes are parallel to the axis of the actuator output gear 7. The motor output shaft is connected to a third gear via the gearbox input shaft. The torque of the electric motor 4 is transmitted to the third gear via a worm gear drive, and the axis of the third gear is orthogonal to the motor output shaft 112.

[0065] On one side of the actuator housing 5 connected to the actuator cover 9, there is a plug-in connector 10, which includes an interface (not shown) for connecting to an external control unit.

[0066] Above the gearbox 6 is a control unit in the form of a printed circuit board, which is not shown, and this control unit carries the sensor unit located directly above the magnet 8. The recess in the control unit provides space optimization and a compact design, as the control unit and the electric motor 4 can be arranged closer to each other, and the distance between the control unit and the front end of the gear can be further reduced.

[0067] The actuator cover 9 includes a housing-side support 11 for holding the actuator output gear 7. The housing-side support 11 is formed as a tongue or a partially cylindrical wall. The tongue-shaped design of the housing-side support 11 accommodates asymmetrical support loads during the operation of the two meshing gears. The asymmetrical support load is caused by the characteristic that the two meshing gears generate radially distancing forces during operation. The tongue-shaped design of the support is used only on the load-bearing side. This means that the actuator output gear 7 is supported only on one side, which makes the assembly of the actuator 3 easier.

[0068] The control unit is positioned between the end face of the actuator output gear 7 and the actuator cover 9. The housing-side support 11 is guided through the contour of the control unit so that it can hold the actuator output gear 7.

[0069] Fluid valve 2 is also known as a rotary spool valve and is especially... Figure 3 As seen in the longitudinal sectional view of the fluid device 1 shown, the fluid valve 2 includes: a valve housing 12 having at least three, particularly four, connection openings 13, 14, 15, and 17 for fluid inflow and / or outflow; and a valve body 16 disposed inside the valve housing 12 and rotatable about an axial axis of rotation R, the valve body having at least one arcuate connection channel 37 for connecting two connection openings. The connection openings 13, 14, 15, and 17 are arranged radially, but other designs with axially arranged connection openings are also conceivable.

[0070] In addition to the connecting channel 37, an auxiliary inlet 19 is provided near the inlet and / or outlet of the connecting channel 37. The auxiliary inlet 19 is used to avoid pressure loss and allow constant volume flow.

[0071] The valve body 16 is spherical in shape and includes a drive shaft 18 integrally disposed therewith. The drive shaft 18 is coupled to the actuator output gear 7 to drive the valve body 16, and is connected to the actuator output gear 7 in a shape-fitting manner after assembly.

[0072] The drive shaft 18 includes star-shaped external teeth 20 on its outer side, which engage corresponding star-shaped internal teeth 21 of the actuator output gear 7 for torque transmission. The internal teeth 21 are formed in a cylindrical protrusion 22, in which a raised intermediate shaft 23 is disposed, and the intermediate shaft 23 extends beyond one end face of the protrusion 22.

[0073] To mount the actuator output gear 7 and valve body 16 in angular positions defined relative to each other, the intermediate shaft 23 and bore 24 include corresponding mirror surfaces 25 and 26. This ensures that an assembly with a misaligned gear can be eliminated according to the Poka Yoke principle.

[0074] The end chamfer 27 on the intermediate shaft 23 allows for concentric alignment in the internal spline 21.

[0075] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4As can be seen, a static seal 28, particularly an annular seal, is also provided for sealing between the actuator housing 5 and the valve housing 12. The static seal 28 is arranged in a circumferential groove 29 of the actuator housing 5 and sealably abuts against the valve housing 12 after assembly. Compared with known rotary shaft seals, the static seal can reduce torque loss due to friction on the parts moving relative to each other, and can also save costs.

[0076] For example, Figure 12 The fluid valve 2 is shown connected to the actuator 3 via a screw connection. For this purpose, a screw assembly 30 is provided, extending from the valve housing 12 through the valve housing 12 or valve housing connection section 31 and the actuator housing 5 or actuator connection section 32, and engaging with a threaded insert 33 inserted into the actuator housing 5. In each case, the screw preload is absorbed by a pressure limiter 34, which is supported on the screw head support and the threaded insert 33.

[0077] Each threaded insert 33 includes a collar 35, which additionally provides a form fit and prevents the threaded insert 33 from being pulled out of the actuator housing 5.

[0078] Figure 15 It shows the way Figure 13 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the DD section shows that, compared to other threaded inserts 33, this threaded insert 33 is inserted into the actuator housing 5 from below, i.e., from the direction of the fluid valve 2. This is because the screw area is not located in the connecting sections 31 and 32, but rather in the section between the actuator housing 5 and the valve housing 12. This ensures the sealing of the fluid device 1. The threaded insert 33 is longitudinally slotted and unfolds when the screw device 30 is tightened, and engages in the actuator housing 5 in conjunction with the knurled outer diameter, so that it also supports torque during tightening and therefore does not need to be counterheld for this purpose.

[0079] Furthermore, the actuator cover 9 and the actuator housing 5 include alignment geometry to achieve form-fit positioning of the actuator cover 9 on the actuator housing 5, thereby locking two degrees of freedom. (See from...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the inner side of the actuator cover 9 includes two protruding alignment geometries 38 and 39 arranged at an angle of 90° to each other. When installed in the valve housing 12, the two protruding alignment geometries 38 and 39 engage with the recessed alignment geometries 40 and 41 of the valve housing 12. Thus, two degrees of freedom are locked. A third degree of freedom is then achieved by appropriately welding or joining the two housing portions 5 and 9 together (friction connection).

[0080] Another variant, not shown, provides a valve body directly disposed within the distribution plate, wherein the connection opening and continuous passage are integrated into the distribution plate. In this case, the fluid valve is closed by a cover that is connected to the distribution plate via a material fit and / or form fit.

[0081] The connection opening and continuous channel can be directly integrated into the dispensing plate and closed by a fluid channel cover, which is also connected to the dispensing plate by material fit and / or shape fit.

[0082] The channel intersections can be configured in a simple manner. For example, one channel can be directly integrated into the distribution plate. A second channel intersecting the first channel can be formed in the fluid channel cover.

[0083] Similarly, temperature sensors can be integrated into the fluid channel cover.

[0084] This design is specifically optimized for installation space, and the fact that the fluid valve is fully integrated into the distribution plate means fewer components can be reduced. Because the fluid valve is located on the horizontal plane of the channel, pressure loss is minimized due to less deflection.

[0085] Figure 16 A perspective view of the base element 110 as seen from one side of the first subspace 210 is shown. The base element 110 is planar and is an integral part of the device 100 for handling fluids of an electric vehicle. The base element 110 defines a base plane that forms the partition between the upper first subspace 210 and the lower second subspace 220.

[0086] A fluid flow channel section 115 and another flow channel 410 are arranged in the first subspace 210, both connected to a fluid port 460 to allow fluid to flow into the device 100. The fluid flow channel section 115 and the other flow channel 410 are primarily located in the first subspace 210, specifically above the base element 110. The base element 110 has a nozzle 462 that allows fluid to flow out of the device 100. Furthermore, the base element 110 includes a support element 450 for connecting the base element 110 to the vehicle body.

[0087] Some flow channels 410 are connected to a reservoir 430 for a fluid handling element 440 (not shown), which is used to operate or control fluid in the device 100. The fluid handling element 440 (not shown) is inserted into the reservoir 430 from the second subspace 220.

[0088] Figure 17Another perspective view of the base element 110, seen from one side of the second subspace 220, is shown. The fluid flow channel segment 115, already described above, and additional flow channels 410, primarily located in the first subspace 210, open into the second subspace 220. In subsequent manufacturing steps, the fluid flow channel segment 115 and additional flow channels 410 are connected to the fluid flow channel segment 125 in the second subspace 220 (not shown) or closed by a closing element 420 (not shown) to form a complete flow channel.

[0089] The additional flow channel 410 shown here is arranged only in the first subspace 210 and is not intended to transfer from the first subspace 210 to the second subspace 220. In other words, fluid flows into the device 100 through the additional flow channel 410 in the first subspace 210 and flows out of the first subspace 210 of the device 100 without flowing through the flow opening.

[0090] The reservoir 430 for inserting the fluid processing element 440 includes flow openings 432 and 434 for connecting flow channels 300, 400, and 410. Here, fluid flow can be controlled according to a specific fluid processing element 440 inserted into the reservoir 430.

[0091] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to the present invention is shown. (Already...) Figure 17 The fluid flow channel section 115 and the additional flow channel 410 described herein are mainly located in the first subspace 210 and are designed to lead to the second subspace 220, and are configured to be closed by the closing element 420 or by the second fluid flow channel section 125.

[0092] This cross-sectional view shows a fluid flow channel 300 starting at fluid port 460. Fluid port 460 merges into a first fluid flow channel segment 115. The first fluid flow channel segment 115 is located in a first subspace 210, i.e., below the base plane 110, and is closed from one side of the second subspace 220 by a closing element 420. The first fluid flow channel segment 115 is fluidly connected to the second fluid flow channel segment 125 via a first flow opening 130. The flow opening 130 is located in the base plane and thus allows flowing fluid to flow into the second subspace 220.

[0093] The second fluid flow channel section 125 is arranged in the second subspace 220 and fluidly connected to the third fluid flow channel section 135, which in turn is arranged in the first subspace 210. Fluid thus flows through the second fluid flow channel section 125 and through the second flow opening 132 to enter the third fluid flow channel section 135. The second flow opening 132 is also located in the base plane 110, thus allowing the flowing fluid to return to the first subspace 210.

[0094] The transitions from the first fluid flow channel section 115 to the second fluid flow channel section 125, and from the second fluid flow channel section 125 to the third fluid flow channel section 135, all feature flow optimization designs. In this case, the fluid flow cross-section at the transition point corresponds at least to the fluid flow cross-section of the fluid port 460. Furthermore, the transition includes a beveled end member, thereby allowing turbulent-free inflow from the fluid flow channel section to subsequent fluid flow channel sections or to the nozzle 462 at the coolant port. Flow optimization reduces pressure differentials and improves the operation of the device 100. The third fluid flow channel section 135 is formed away from the base element 110 and merges with the nozzle 462. The first fluid flow channel section 115, the second fluid flow channel section 125, and the third fluid flow channel section 135 together form a complete flow channel 300.

[0095] Figure 19 Another cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to the invention is shown. This cross-sectional view shows a flow channel 300 having a first fluid flow channel section 115 located in a first subspace 210, i.e., below the base element 110. The first fluid flow channel section 115 is fluidly connected to a second fluid flow channel section 125 in a second subspace 220 via a first flow opening 130 located in the base plane. The second fluid flow channel section 125 is completely disposed within the second subspace 220. The second fluid flow channel section 125 is then fluidly connected to a third fluid flow channel section 135 in the first subspace 210 via a second flow opening 132 also located in the base plane. The third fluid flow channel section 135 is completely disposed within the first subspace 210.

[0096] Furthermore, the third fluid flow channel segment 135 is fluidly connected to the fourth fluid flow channel segment 145 in the second subspace 220 via a third flow opening 133, which is also located in the base plane. The third fluid flow channel segment 135 is completely disposed in the first subspace 210, and the fourth fluid flow channel segment 145 is completely disposed in the second subspace 220. Subsequently, the fourth fluid flow channel segment 145 is transferred to the fifth fluid flow channel segment 155 in the first subspace 210 via a fourth flow opening 136, which is also located in the base plane. The fifth fluid flow channel segment 155 is formed away from the base element 110 and merges with the nozzle 462.

[0097] The fluid thus flows through the flow channel 300, which begins in the first fluid flow channel section 115 below the base plane 110, and flows into the second fluid flow channel section 125 in the second subspace 220 through the first flow opening 130, and then into the third fluid flow channel section 135 in the first subspace 210 through the second flow opening 132. The fluid then flows from the third fluid flow channel section 135 in the first subspace 210 into the fourth fluid flow channel section 145 in the second subspace 220 through the third flow opening 133, and then into the fifth fluid flow channel section 155 in the first subspace 210, which includes the nozzle 462, through the fourth flow opening 136. In other words, the fluid alternates repeatedly between the first subspace 210 and the second subspace 220.

[0098] also, Figure 19 A second flow channel 400 with a fourth fluid flow channel segment 415 is shown. The second flow channel 400 and the fourth fluid flow channel segment 415 are arranged in the second subspace 220, that is, above the base element 110. The second flow channel 400 intersects with the first flow channel 300.

[0099] Here, fluid in the first flow channel 300 flows through the second fluid flow channel section 125, then through the second flow opening 132 through the base element 110 from the second subspace 220 into the first subspace 210, into the third fluid flow channel section 135, and then back into the second subspace 220 through the third flow opening 133. Conversely, the second flow channel 400, having a fourth fluid flow channel section 415, continues to flow in the second subspace 220 and passes through the first flow channel 300 between the second flow opening 132 and the third flow opening 133. Therefore, the base element 110 serves as a partition wall between the second flow channel 400 and the first flow channel 300.

[0100] Figure 20 Another cross-sectional view of the device 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 20A fluid handling element 440 is shown, which is inserted into a reservoir 430 of a base element 110. The fluid handling element 440 includes a valve body 16 rotatably disposed within the reservoir 430 and an electric motor 4 disposed within an actuator housing 5. The valve body 16 is clamped between flow openings 432, 434 by means of a sealing device 464, and two additional flow channels 410 can be interconnected depending on the switching position.

[0101] The entire fluid handling element 440, including the valve body 16, is inserted into the reservoir 430 from the second subspace 220. Here, the valve body 16 is located below the base element 110, i.e., in the first subspace 210.

[0102] Above the valve body 16 is a valve body cover 466, which is arranged in the base plane and welded (e.g., laser welded) to the base element 100. Two additional flow channels 410 are closed by a sealing element 420, which is also arranged in the base plane and welded to the base element 110.

[0103] All features explained and illustrated in connection with the various embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations within the subject matter of the invention in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously. The scope of protection of the invention is given by the claims and is not limited to the features described in the specification or shown in the drawings.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for handling fluids in at least partially electric vehicles, the apparatus comprising: The base element (110) is essentially plate-shaped, defining a base plane that separates the first subspace (210) from the second subspace (220); and At least a first fluid flow channel segment (115) mainly located in the first subspace (210), and at least a second fluid flow channel segment (125) mainly located in the second subspace (220). The base element (110) includes at least a first flow opening (130) that fluidly connects the first fluid flow channel section (115) and the second fluid flow channel section (125); and At least one additional flow channel (410) is mainly arranged in the first subspace (210) or the second subspace (220). The at least one additional flow channel (410) is configured to be closed by a closing element (420), wherein the closing element (420) is arranged substantially parallel to the base element (110), and the glass fiber content of the base element (110) is greater than that of the closing element (420).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a third fluid flow channel section (135) located primarily within the first subspace (210), wherein the base element (110) includes a second flow opening (132) that fluidly connects the second fluid flow channel section (125) to the third fluid flow channel section (135).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a third fluid flow channel section (135) arranged only in the first subspace (210) and allowing fluid to flow away from the base element (110).

4. The device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first fluid flow channel (300) is formed by the first fluid flow channel section (115), the second fluid flow channel section (125) and the third fluid flow channel section (135).

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, the device having a second fluid flow channel (400) including at least a fourth fluid flow channel segment (415) arranged between the first flow opening (130) and the second flow opening (132) and mainly located in the first subspace (210), wherein the first fluid flow channel (300) and the second fluid flow channel (400) intersect.

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The base element (110) includes at least one reservoir (430) for the fluid handling element (440).

7. The device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The container (430) includes at least a first flow port (432) and a second flow port (434), both of which connect one of the flow channels (300, 400, 410) to the other of the flow channels (300, 400, 410).

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The base element (110) includes at least one support element (450) for arranging the device (100) onto the vehicle body.

9. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The base element (110) includes at least one fluid port (460) for allowing fluid to flow into the device (100).

10. The device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The base element (110), including the first fluid flow channel section (115) and the third fluid flow channel section (135), is formed as an integral component manufactured by injection molding.

11. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second fluid flow channel section (125) is arranged in the second subspace (220) to the base element (110).

12. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plate-shaped base element (110) has a material thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm.

13. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plate-shaped base element (110) has a material thickness between 2 mm and 5 mm.

14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The plate-shaped base element (110) includes a material thickness between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

15. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The closure element (420) includes a material thickness between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

16. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The enclosing element (420) includes a material thickness between 1 mm and 2 mm.

17. A method for manufacturing the device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising the following steps: - Provide a base element (110) having at least a first fluid flow passage section (115) and a first flow opening (130). - Arrange the second fluid flow channel segment (125) in the second subspace (220) to the base element (110), thereby fluidly connecting the first fluid flow channel segment (115) and the second fluid flow channel segment (125).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The base element (110) is provided by injection molding.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The second fluid flow channel segment (125) in the second subspace (220) is arranged to the base element (110) by laser welding.

20. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first fluid flow channel section (115) is closed by a sealing element (420), and the arrangement of the sealing element (420) on the base element (110) is performed by laser welding.

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