Coolant control module

Abstract

The coolant control module of the present application includes: a unitary housing having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, an internal passage, and a pump mounting portion; a control valve disposed within the housing to switch the direction of the coolant; a plurality of coolant pumps coupled to the pump mounting portion of the housing; a drive motor unit mounted on the housing and connected to the control valve to drive the control valve; and a controller mounted on the unitary housing and connected to the plurality of coolant pumps and the drive unit. Accordingly, the coolant control module can reduce the number of components constituting the cooling system and the man-hours, increase the installation convenience by modularization, reduce the load of the coolant pumps, and increase the scalability of the component coupling.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is the national phase application of International Application No. PCT / KR2021 / 012145, filed on September 7, 2021, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0125745, filed on September 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a coolant control module. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, due to energy efficiency and environmental pollution issues, there is a need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles that can largely replace internal combustion engine vehicles.

[0005] Environmentally friendly vehicles are mainly categorized into electric vehicles or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that use batteries or fuel cells as energy sources, and hybrid vehicles that use both engines and batteries. Such environmentally friendly vehicles include not only engine cooling systems that manage engine cooling and heating, but also electrical equipment cooling systems that manage the heat from electrical components, including the motor.

[0006] Electrical equipment cooling systems primarily use coolant to cool power electronic devices, actuators, hybrid starter generators (HSGs), etc., and have a structure that raises the battery temperature in cold seasons by allowing the coolant to bypass the radiator via a bypass circuit and simultaneously allowing the waste heat from the power electronic devices (PEs) to pass through the battery.

[0007] However, in the cooling system of the electrical equipment of environmentally friendly vehicles, the components that control the flow of coolant should meet various purposes from multiple water supply module components, such as heating, cooling, and waste heat recovery. However, the problem is that due to the limited layout space in the vehicle, the difficulty of arranging each component, designing hose routes, and connecting components when installing each component on the vehicle increases. A lot of man-hours are required to install and connect each component and hose individually. Furthermore, due to the complex routes, the flow resistance on the coolant side is high, resulting in a high load on the coolant pump.

[0008] KR 10-1765578B1, published on July 10, 2012, describes information related to embodiments of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention relates to a coolant control module. Specific embodiments relate to a coolant control module capable of integrating and connecting various components used for cooling and heating in environmentally friendly vehicles.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a coolant control module, which has the following advantages: reducing the number of components and labor time by integrally connecting each component constituting the cooling system, increasing installation convenience through modularity, reducing the load on the coolant pump, and increasing the scalability of component combinations.

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a coolant control module, comprising: a housing having at least one coolant inlet for coolant inflow, at least one coolant outlet for coolant discharge, an internal channel connecting the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a pump mounting portion adjacent to the coolant outlet; a control valve disposed within the housing to switch the direction of coolant flow; a plurality of coolant pumps coupled to the pump mounting portion of the housing; a drive motor unit mounted on the housing and connected to the control valve to drive the control valve; and a controller mounted on the housing and connected to the coolant pumps and the drive motor unit to control the operation of the coolant pumps and the drive unit.

[0012] One side of the housing may be provided with a controller mounting part that communicates with its interior, and the controller mounting part may be provided with a controller.

[0013] The housing may be provided with a valve receiving part that communicates internally with the controller mounting part, and the control valve may be inserted into the valve receiving part.

[0014] The coolant control module may further include a drive gear unit, which is mounted on the housing and connected to the drive motor unit and the control valve.

[0015] One side of the housing may be provided with a controller mounting part communicating with its interior and a valve receiving part communicating with the interior of the controller mounting part. The control valve can be inserted into the valve receiving part. The drive gear unit can be installed on the inlet side of the valve receiving part. The controller can be installed on the controller mounting part separated from one side of the drive gear unit. The drive motor unit can be located on one side of the controller and can be installed in the housing.

[0016] The controller may be provided with through holes on both sides, through which the drive shaft of the drive motor unit can pass and be connected to the drive gear unit.

[0017] The coolant control module may further include a cover, on which the drive motor unit is mounted and located on one side of the controller and integrated into the housing.

[0018] The pump mounting section of the housing may be provided with a first connector that connects to the pump terminal of the coolant pump, and the controller mounting section may be provided with a second connector that connects to the controller, and the first connector and the second connector may be connected to each other.

[0019] The coolant pump may include: a motor housing; a stator disposed inside the motor housing; a rotor that rotates separately from the interior of the stator; an impeller housing that is coupled to the motor housing; and an impeller that is inserted into and disposed in the impeller housing, coupled to the rotor and rotating together, and one side of the impeller housing may be provided with a pump connector connected to a three-phase terminal of the stator, and the other side of the impeller housing may be provided with a pump terminal connected to a first connector of the housing.

[0020] The control valve can be a three-way control valve that controls the flow of coolant in three directions, and the housing can be provided with one coolant inlet and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the three-way control valve.

[0021] The control valve can be a three-way control valve that controls the flow of coolant in three directions, and a pair of three-way control valves can be provided. The housing can be provided with four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the pair of three-way control valves.

[0022] The control valve can be a four-way control valve that controls the flow of coolant in four directions, and the housing can be provided with two coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the four-way control valve.

[0023] The housing can be connected to an internal channel on the coolant outlet side and is provided with branch channels through which the coolant flows.

[0024] The control valve can be a six-way control valve that controls the flow of coolant in six directions, and the housing can be provided with four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the six-way control valve.

[0025] The coolant control module may further include a reservoir containing coolant, wherein the housing may be coupled to the reservoir, and the coolant inlet of the housing may be connected to the reservoir.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coolant control module can reduce the size and weight of the cooling system by removing hoses or pipes or by shortening the length of pipes through integration of components constituting the cooling system.

[0027] In addition, it can reduce the number of components in the cooling system and assembly time, increase installation convenience, and improve the performance and durability of the cooling system.

[0028] In addition, it can reduce the flow resistance on the coolant side of the cooling system, thereby reducing the load applied to the coolant pump. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are assembled perspective views and exploded perspective views of a coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front sectional view of the assembled state.

[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b This illustrates the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Front sectional view.

[0032] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a coolant pump in a coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the arrangement and connection structure of the three-phase terminals of the stator and the pump connector of the impeller housing.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the assembly of a coolant control module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 9a to 9d This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10a and Figure 10b This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an assembly perspective view showing the coolant control module according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figures 12a to 12c This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a front view showing a coolant control module according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 14a and Figure 14b This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coolant control module further comprising a reservoir tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram showing the connection structure of the components that make up a conventional electrical equipment cooling system.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram showing the structure of the coolant control module electrically connected to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, a cooling module having the above-described structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front sectional view of the assembled state. Figure 4a and Figure 4b This illustrates the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Front sectional view.

[0046] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured to mainly include a housing 100, a three-way control valve 200a, a first coolant pump 301, a second coolant pump 302, a drive motor unit 600, and a controller 500, and may further include a drive gear unit 400 connecting the three-way control valve 200a and the drive motor unit 600, and a cover 700.

[0047] The housing 100 may have a coolant inlet 110 through which coolant flows in and a first coolant outlet 121 and a second coolant outlet 122 through which coolant is discharged. The interior of the housing 100 may be provided with an internal channel connecting the coolant inlet 110, the first coolant outlet 121 and the second coolant outlet 122.

[0048] Furthermore, in the housing 100, the first pump mounting portion 101 is recessed adjacent to the first coolant outlet 121, and the second pump mounting portion 102 is recessed adjacent to the second coolant outlet 122. For example, the first coolant outlet 121 and the second pump mounting portion 102 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the housing 100.

[0049] In addition, see Figures 2 to 4b The housing 100 has a controller mounting portion 130 recessed on the upper side to communicate with the interior, and a valve receiving portion 140 recessed downward from the bottom surface of the controller mounting portion 130, and the valve receiving portion 140 can be connected to the internal channel.

[0050] Furthermore, the gear unit mounting groove 150 can be formed as a recessed stepped shape between the controller mounting portion 130 and the valve receiving portion 140, which is the upper end of the valve receiving portion 140.

[0051] A three-way control valve 200a is disposed in a valve receiving portion 140 within the housing 100 and is used to switch the direction of coolant delivery.

[0052] That is, the channel is formed in the three-way control valve 200a, and depending on the rotation position of the three-way control valve 200a, the coolant inlet 110 and the first coolant outlet 121 can be connected, or the coolant inlet 110 and the second coolant outlet 122 can be connected.

[0053] The first coolant pump 301 is mounted on the first pump mounting portion 101 of the housing 100, and the first coolant pump 301 is connected to the three-way control valve 200a for pressurizing the coolant flowing from the coolant inlet 110 toward the first coolant outlet 121.

[0054] The second coolant pump 302 is mounted on the second pump mounting portion 102 of the housing 100, and the second coolant pump 302 is connected to the three-way control valve 200a for pressurizing the coolant flowing from the coolant inlet 110 toward the second coolant outlet 122.

[0055] The drive gear unit 400 is inserted into and installed in the gear unit mounting slot 150 of the housing 100, and can be positioned above the three-way control valve 200a.

[0056] In addition, the drive gear unit 400 is provided with gears connected to transmit torque to the three-way control valve 200a, and any one of the gears can be engaged with the rotating shaft of the three-way control valve 200a.

[0057] The controller 500 may be, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board) on which electronic components are mounted. The controller 500 may be inserted into and mounted on the controller mounting part 130 of the housing 100, and the controller 500 may be configured to be spaced apart from the upper side of the drive gear unit 400.

[0058] Furthermore, the controller 500 can be connected to the first coolant pump 301, the second coolant pump 302, and the drive motor unit 600 respectively to control their operation. Additionally, the controller 500 may be provided with a through-hole 510 passing through the upper and lower surfaces of the central portion, so that the drive shaft of the drive motor unit 600 passes through the through-hole 510 of the controller 500 to connect to the drive gear unit 400.

[0059] The drive motor unit 600 may be configured to include a motor and a drive gear coupled to a drive shaft of the motor. The drive motor unit 600 may be coupled to the cover 700, and the drive shaft protrudes downward so that the drive gear can be coupled to the drive shaft.

[0060] The drive gear of the drive motor unit 600 can be connected to another gear in the drive gear unit 400, and the three-way control valve 200a can be rotated according to the operation of the drive motor unit 600.

[0061] The cover 700 can be attached to the upper end of the controller mounting portion 130 of the housing 100, and the upper side of the opening of the controller mounting portion 130 can be covered by the cover 700. The drive motor unit 600 can be connected to the cover 700.

[0062] Therefore, depending on the rotational position of the three-way control valve 200a, such as Figure 4a The coolant flowing into the coolant inlet 110 shown can sequentially pass through the three-way control valve 200a and the interior of the second pump mounting section 102, and then be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122.

[0063] like Figure 4b As shown, the coolant flowing into the coolant inlet 110 can sequentially pass through the three-way control valve 200a and the interior of the first pump mounting part 101, and then be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121.

[0064] Furthermore, the first pump mounting portion 101 of the housing 100 may be provided with a first connector 161 connected to the pump terminal 342 of the first coolant pump 301, and the controller mounting portion 130 of the housing 100 may be provided with a second connector 162 connected to the controller 500.

[0065] Furthermore, the first connector 161 and the second connector 162 can be connected to each other. Similarly, the second pump mounting portion 102 may be provided with a first connector 161 connected to the pump terminal 342 of the second coolant pump 302, and the controller mounting portion 130 may be provided with a second connector 162 connected to the controller 500. Furthermore, the first connector 161 and the second connector 162 can be connected to each other.

[0066] Therefore, the first coolant pump 301 and the second coolant pump 302 can be electrically connected to the controller 500.

[0067] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the coolant pump in the coolant control module according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the arrangement and connection structure of the three-phase terminals of the stator and the pump connector of the impeller housing.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the first coolant pump 301 and the second coolant pump 302 can be configured to include a motor housing 310, a stator 320, a rotor 330, an impeller housing 340, and an impeller 350, respectively.

[0069] The motor housing 310 can be formed into a container shape that is closed on one side and open on the other, and the stator 320 can be inserted into and attached to the motor housing 310. In addition, the three-phase terminals 321 can protrude from the other side of the stator 320.

[0070] The impeller housing 340 can be formed in such a way that the rotor receiving portion protrudes to one side of the rotor 330 which can be received in the flange-shaped mounting portion, and the rotor receiving portion can be inserted into the stator 320.

[0071] Furthermore, the rotor 330 is disposed within the rotor housing, and the rotor 330 can be disposed in a state separated from the inner circumferential surface of the rotor housing. Additionally, a portion of the impeller 350 can be inserted into and disposed in a recess of the impeller housing 340, and the impeller 350 can be coupled to the rotor 330 and rotate together.

[0072] Here, a pump connector 341 connected to the three-phase terminal 321 of the stator 320 can be provided on one side of the impeller housing 340, and a pump connected to the first connector 161 of the housing 100 can be provided on the other side of the impeller housing.

[0073] Therefore, when the stator 320 is inserted into the motor housing 310 and the impeller housing 340 is attached to the motor housing 310, the three-phase terminals 321 of the stator 320 and the pump connector 341 of the impeller housing 340 can be attached and connected simultaneously.

[0074] Furthermore, when the first coolant pump 301 and the second coolant pump 302 are respectively mounted on the first pump mounting portion 101 and the second pump mounting portion 102 of the housing 100, the first pump mounting portion 101 and the second pump mounting portion 102 can be immediately electrically connected to the controller 500 after being connected.

[0075] In addition, for example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the pump connector 341 of the impeller housing 340 can be formed as a socket shape with a through hole, so that a pin-shaped three-phase terminal 321 can be inserted, and the pump connector 341 can be formed in such a structure that the portion adjacent to the through hole is formed in the form of a plate bend, so that the three-phase terminal 321 is in close elastic contact with the plate and is fixed by the elasticity of the plate.

[0076] Furthermore, the first connector 161 of the housing 100 can also be formed in a socket shape, so that the pump terminals 342 of the coolant pumps 301 and 302 can be inserted, engaged, and electrically connected as described above. The second connector 162 of the housing 100 can be formed in a pin shape, and the controller connector 520 of the controller 500 can also be formed in a socket shape.

[0077] Furthermore, the controller connector 520 of the controller 500 can be formed as a hole that runs vertically through both of its surfaces, so that a pin-shaped second connector 162 can be inserted, and then connected by welding or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, the first pump mounting portion 101 of the housing 100 may be provided with a first connector 161 connected to the pump terminal 342 of the first coolant pump 301, and the controller mounting portion 130 of the housing 100 may be provided with a second connector 162 connected to the controller 500.

[0079] Furthermore, the first connector 161 and the second connector 162 can be connected to each other. Similarly, the second pump mounting part 102 may be provided with a first connector 161 connected to the pump terminal 342 of the second coolant pump 302, and the controller mounting part 130 may be provided with a second connector 162 connected to the controller 500.

[0080] Furthermore, the first connector 161 and the second connector 162 can be connected to each other. Therefore, the first coolant pump 301 and the second coolant pump 302 can be electrically connected to the controller 500.

[0081] Figure 8 This is an assembly perspective view showing the coolant control module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9a to 9d This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a housing 100, a pair of three-way control valves 200a, a first coolant pump 301, a second coolant pump 302, a pair of drive motor units 600, a controller and a cover 700, and although not shown, may also be configured to include a drive gear unit.

[0083] The housing 100 may be equipped with a pair of three-way control valves 200a, and has four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the pair of three-way control valves 200a.

[0084] That is, in the housing 100, a first coolant inlet 111 and a second coolant inlet 112 can be formed, which are two coolant inlets connected to the port of a three-way control valve 200a, and a first coolant outlet 121 can be formed, which is a coolant outlet.

[0085] In the housing 100, a third coolant inlet 113 and a fourth coolant inlet 114 may be formed, which are two coolant inlets connected to the port of another three-way control valve 200a, and a second coolant outlet 122 may be formed, which is a coolant outlet.

[0086] Furthermore, a pair of drive motor units 600 can be provided to control the actuation of a pair of three-way control valves 200a. Additionally, other components of the housing 100, namely the first coolant pump 301, the second coolant pump 302, the controller, the drive gear unit, and the cover 700, can be formed in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment described above.

[0087] Therefore, as Figure 9a As shown, coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the third coolant inlet 113 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0088] Alternatively, such as Figure 9b As shown, coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the fourth coolant inlet 114 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0089] Alternatively, such as Figure 9c As shown, coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the third coolant inlet 113 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0090] Alternatively, such as Figure 9d As shown, coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the fourth coolant inlet 114 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0091] In this way, by controlling a pair of three-way control valves 200a respectively, the flow rate of coolant through the first coolant pump 301 and the flow rate of coolant through the second coolant pump 302 can be easily controlled respectively.

[0092] Figure 10a and 10b This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a housing 100, a four-way control valve 200b, a first coolant pump 301 and a second coolant pump 302, and although not shown, may also include a controller, a cover and a drive gear unit.

[0094] The housing 100 may be equipped with a four-way control valve 200b, and has two coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the four-way control valve 200b.

[0095] That is, the housing may be provided with a first coolant inlet 111 and a second coolant inlet 112 as two coolant inlets, and a first coolant outlet 121 and a second coolant outlet 122 as two coolant outlets.

[0096] Furthermore, other components of the housing 100, namely the first coolant pump 301, the second coolant pump 302, the controller, the drive gear unit, and the cover, may be formed in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment described above.

[0097] Furthermore, the housing 100 can be connected to an internal channel on the coolant outlet side and is provided with a branch channel through which coolant flows. Therefore, a third coolant inlet 113 connected to the branch channel can be formed.

[0098] Therefore, as Figure 10a As shown, the coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 and the coolant flowing in through the third coolant inlet 113 can merge with each other and be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0099] In this case, the coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301.

[0100] Alternatively, such as Figure 10b As shown, the coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 and the coolant flowing in through the third coolant inlet 113 can merge with each other and be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0101] In this case, the coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301.

[0102] Figure 11 This is an assembly perspective view showing the coolant control module according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12a to 12c This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a housing 100, a six-way control valve 200c, a first coolant pump 301, a second coolant pump 302, a drive motor unit 600 and a cover 700, and although not shown, may also include a controller and a drive gear unit.

[0104] The housing 100 may be equipped with a six-way control valve 200c, and has four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the six-way control valve 200c.

[0105] That is, the housing 100 may be provided with a first coolant inlet 111, a second coolant inlet 112, a third coolant inlet 113 and a fourth coolant inlet 114, and a first coolant outlet 121 and a second coolant outlet 122 as two coolant outlets.

[0106] Furthermore, other components of the housing 100, namely the first coolant pump 301, the second coolant pump 302, the controller, the drive gear unit, and the cover, may be formed in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment described above.

[0107] Therefore, as Figure 12a As shown, coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the fourth coolant inlet 114 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0108] Alternatively, such as Figure 12bAs shown, coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the third coolant inlet 113 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0109] Alternatively, such as Figure 12c As shown, coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet 121 via the first coolant pump 301, and coolant flowing in through the fourth coolant inlet 114 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet 122 via the second coolant pump 302.

[0110] Figure 13 This is a front view showing a coolant control module according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14a and 14b This is a front sectional view showing the flow of coolant under the control of a control valve in a coolant control module according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a housing 100, a three-way control valve 200a, a first coolant pump 301 as a coolant pump, a drive motor unit and a cover 700, and although not shown, may also be configured to include a controller and a drive gear unit.

[0112] The housing 100 may be equipped with a three-way control valve 200a, and may have two coolant inlets and one coolant outlet corresponding to the port of the three-way control valve 200a.

[0113] That is, the housing may be provided with a first coolant inlet 111 and a second coolant inlet 112 as two coolant inlets, and a first coolant outlet 121 as a coolant outlet.

[0114] Furthermore, the housing 100 may only have a first pump mounting part 101, on which a first coolant pump 301, which is a coolant pump, is mounted, and since there is no second coolant pump, a second pump mounting part may not be provided.

[0115] Furthermore, other components of the housing 100, namely the first coolant pump 301, the controller, the drive gear unit, and the cover, may be formed in the same manner as in the first exemplary embodiment described above.

[0116] Therefore, as Figure 14a As shown, the coolant flowing in through the first coolant inlet 111 can be discharged through the first coolant outlet via the first coolant pump 301. Alternatively, as Figure 14bAs shown, the coolant flowing in through the second coolant inlet 112 can be discharged through the second coolant outlet via the first coolant pump 301.

[0117] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coolant control module further comprising a reservoir tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] As shown in the figure, the coolant control module of this embodiment of the invention further includes a liquid storage tank 800 containing coolant, and the housing 100 can be connected to the liquid storage tank 800, and the coolant in the housing 100 can be connected to the liquid storage tank 800.

[0119] The reservoir 800 may be provided with a module mounting portion recessed on the side that is coupled with the housing 100, and may be provided with a coolant outlet. The housing 100 of the coolant control module may be coupled to the module mounting portion of the reservoir 800, and the coolant inlet 110 of the housing 100 may be configured to be immediately connected to the coolant outlet of the reservoir 800 after coupling.

[0120] Furthermore, the internal space of the reservoir 800 is divided so that coolants with different temperatures can be stored and flowed in a non-mixed manner, and the reservoir 800 may be provided with an outlet through which each type of coolant is discharged.

[0121] Therefore, when the housing 100 has multiple coolant inlets, the coolant outlet of the reservoir 800 can be connected to different coolant inlets respectively.

[0122] Here, the coolant control module of this embodiment of the invention may be configured to further include a heat exchanger 900 in which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the coolant, and the heat exchanger 900 may be coupled to the opposite side of the reservoir 800 to the housing 100 of the coolant control module.

[0123] In this case, the reservoir 800 may be provided with a through channel that runs through both surfaces of the reservoir 800 but is isolated from the interior containing the coolant, and the coolant inlet of the housing 100 and the coolant outlet of the heat exchanger may be connected by the through channel formed in the reservoir 800.

[0124] In addition, conventionally, such as Figure 16 As shown, since the directional control valve 10 and the coolant pumps 20 and 30 are installed separately on the vehicle, and each component is connected by hoses, etc., each component needs to be controlled by the controller 40 to control its operation, and the wiring 60 needs to be manufactured even on the vehicle 50 to connect the components separately, the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase, and the convenience of installing the components decreases.

[0125] On the other hand, in the coolant control module of this embodiment of the invention, such as Figure 17 As shown, the control valves and coolant pumps 301 and 302 are all connected to the controller 500, which is integrally mounted on the housing 100, and the number of connectors and wiring used for electrical connections can be reduced when only the main connector formed in the controller 500 is connected to the vehicle 1000.

[0126] Furthermore, the controller 500 can be located separately from the motors M of the coolant pumps 301 and 302, which are the largest heat sources. This prevents damage to the electronic equipment mounted on the controller due to the heat generated by the motors and also helps to cool the controller.

[0127] Furthermore, this arrangement eliminates the need for separate components such as heat sinks for cooling controllers, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0128] According to the coolant control module of the present invention, the size and weight of the cooling system can be reduced by eliminating hoses or pipes or by shortening the length of pipes by integrating the components constituting the cooling system.

[0129] Furthermore, it can reduce the number of components and assembly time in the cooling system, increase installation convenience, and improve the performance and durability of the cooling system. Additionally, it can reduce the flow resistance on the coolant side of the cooling system, thereby reducing the load applied to the coolant pump.

[0130] This invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can be applied in various ways. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A coolant control module, comprising: The housing includes a coolant inlet configured to receive coolant, a coolant outlet configured to discharge coolant, an internal passage connecting the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a pump mounting portion adjacent to the coolant outlet; A control valve, which is disposed within the housing and configured to change the direction of the coolant; A coolant pump, wherein the coolant pump is coupled to the pump mounting portion of the housing; A drive motor unit is mounted on the housing, connected to the control valve, and configured to drive the control valve; as well as A controller, mounted on the housing, connected to the coolant pump and the drive motor unit, and configured to control the operation of the coolant pump and the drive motor unit, wherein: The first side of the housing is provided with a controller mounting part that communicates with its interior; The controller is installed in the controller mounting section; The pump mounting portion of the housing includes a first connector that connects to the pump terminal of the coolant pump; The controller mounting section includes a second connector connected to the controller; and The first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

2. The coolant control module according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a valve housing, which is located within the controller mounting portion and communicates with the interior. The control valve is inserted into the valve housing.

3. The coolant control module according to claim 1, wherein: The control valve includes a three-way control valve configured to control the flow of coolant in three directions; and The housing is provided with one coolant inlet and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the three-way control valve.

4. The coolant control module according to claim 1, wherein: The control valves include a pair of three-way control valves, each configured to control the flow of coolant in three directions, and The housing is provided with four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the pair of three-way control valves.

5. The coolant control module according to claim 1, wherein: The control valve includes a four-way control valve configured to control the flow of coolant in four directions; and The housing is provided with two coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the four-way control valve.

6. The coolant control module according to claim 5, wherein the housing is connected to an internal channel on the coolant outlet side and is provided with a branch channel through which the coolant flows.

7. The coolant control module according to claim 1, wherein: The control valve includes a six-way control valve configured to control the flow of coolant in six directions; and The housing is provided with four coolant inlets and two coolant outlets corresponding to the ports of the six-way control valve.

8. The coolant control module according to claim 1 further includes a reservoir, the reservoir being configured to contain coolant, wherein the housing is attached to the reservoir.

9. The coolant control module according to claim 8, wherein the coolant inlet of the housing is connected to the reservoir.

10. A coolant control module, comprising: The housing includes a coolant inlet configured to receive coolant, a coolant outlet configured to discharge coolant, an internal passage connecting the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a pump mounting portion adjacent to the coolant outlet; A control valve, which is disposed within the housing and configured to change the direction of the coolant; A coolant pump, wherein the coolant pump is coupled to the pump mounting portion of the housing; A drive motor unit is mounted on the housing, connected to the control valve, and configured to drive the control valve; A drive gear unit, which is mounted on the housing and connected to the drive motor unit and the control valve; as well as A controller, mounted on the housing, connected to the coolant pump and the drive motor unit, and configured to control the operation of the coolant pump and the drive motor unit, wherein: The first side of the housing includes a controller mounting section and a valve receiving section communicating with the interior therein, the valve receiving section being in the controller mounting section and communicating with the interior; The pump mounting portion of the housing includes a first connector that connects to the pump terminal of the coolant pump; The controller mounting section includes a second connector connected to the controller; and The first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

11. The coolant control module according to claim 10, wherein the control valve is inserted into the valve receiving portion, the drive gear unit is mounted on the inlet side of the valve receiving portion, the controller is mounted on the controller mounting portion spaced apart from the first side of the drive gear unit, and the drive motor unit is disposed on the first side of the controller and mounted in the housing.

12. The coolant control module according to claim 11, wherein: The controller includes through-holes on both sides; and The drive shaft of the drive motor unit passes through the through hole of the controller and is connected to the drive gear unit.

13. The coolant control module of claim 11 further includes a cover disposed on one side of the controller and coupled to the housing, wherein the drive motor unit is mounted on the cover.

14. The coolant control module of claim 10, wherein the coolant pump comprises: Motor housing; Stator, which is disposed inside the motor housing; The rotor is separated from the interior of the stator; An impeller housing, which is attached to the motor housing; as well as An impeller is inserted into and disposed in the impeller housing, coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate together with the rotor, wherein a first side of the impeller housing is provided with a pump connector connected to a three-phase terminal of the stator, and a second side of the impeller housing is provided with a pump terminal connected to a first connector of the housing.

Images