Distribution module for thermal management system, system and vehicle including heat pump having distribution module

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump for a vehicle, comprising a distribution module for a thermal management system, the distribution module comprising at least two coolant modules (111, 112, 113) for conducting a coolant and a coolant pump (130), the coolant modules and the coolant pump being arranged in an arrangement direction (A) of the distribution module; wherein the distribution module is configured such that, on the first side, at least an evaporator (161) and a condenser (162) of the thermal management system are arranged on at least one of one of the coolant modules and one of the refrigerant lines, and, on the first side or the second side, at least the evaporator (161) and the condenser (162) of the thermal management system are arranged on at least one of the coolant modules and one of the refrigerant lines. A compressor (163) of the thermal management system is arranged on at least one of one of the coolant modules and one of the refrigerant lines, the coolant modules each having at least one valve and a plurality of coolant interfaces.

Description

[0001] Specific areas

[0002] The invention relates to a distribution module, a system comprising a heat pump having such a distribution module and a vehicle having such a system and / or such a distribution module. Background Art

[0003] Electric vehicles require cooling systems to dissipate the power losses that accumulate in the machine components (batteries, electric motors; reduction gears; bearings, etc.) and electronic components (inverters, DC / DC converters, DC-AC converters, etc.) during operation and when charging the batteries.

[0004] Vehicles here usually have a plurality of cooling circuits, some of which can be coupled to one another in order to form a thermal management system. Typically, there is a water glycol-based coolant circuit via which the lost heat is dissipated to the environment. Further circuits include heat pumps / air conditioning systems for air conditioning the passenger compartment and / or for assisting in the dissipation of heat from components. In some vehicles, a third circuit is also provided for dissipating heat from the lubrication system and cooling oil system of the vehicle's transmission.

[0005] In order to control the heat flow, devices are needed to divert the fluid flow in different directions or assign it to different circuits.

[0006] Magnet-actuated valves in the form of 2 / 3-way or 2 / 4-way or 3 / 4-way valves are common and are interconnected in different combinations in order to represent the provided coolant circuit.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments are known in the form of rotary slide valves controlled by stepper motors, which allow the circuits to be interconnected.

[0008] Electric drives require intelligent energy distribution in order to efficiently and fully utilize the available battery capacity. For this purpose, a thermal management system is useful, which ensures the required distribution of energy by supplying correspondingly temperature-controlled coolant to the components as required in order to either heat or cool them.

[0009] In order to circulate the coolant, a plurality of centrifugal pumps are usually arranged in the circuit. The circuits can be interconnected by means of a combination of individual valves or by means of a system of rotating slides. Both require a correspondingly large installation space and / or a very high assembly effort in order to connect the line branches. A heat pump is usually provided, which is connected to the coolant circuit in a thermally coupled manner via a water heat exchanger.

[0010] DE 10 2020 113 711 A1 describes a thermal management module for an integrated thermal management system of a vehicle. The thermal management module comprises a first pump to a fourth pump and a first valve to a seventh valve for regulating a coolant flow and a refrigerant flow. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a distribution module, a system and a vehicle for a thermal management system which eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages and / or at least improve them. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a distribution module, a system and a vehicle for a thermal management system which reduce the installation effort of the heat pump and the various associated circuits, allow rapid installation, reduce the required installation space for the heat pump, in particular in the vehicle, reduce the weight of the interface between the heat pump and the coolant circuit, reduce the testing effort for the heat pump and / or increase the safety of the interface.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the task is solved by a distribution module for a thermal management system, the distribution module comprising at least two coolant modules for guiding a coolant and a coolant pump for pumping the coolant through the coolant module, wherein the coolant module and the coolant pump are arranged along an arrangement direction. The coolant module and the coolant pump can have a minimum distance between them along the arrangement direction of the distribution module. The distribution module also includes a plurality of refrigerant lines for guiding the refrigerant. The plurality of refrigerant lines can be arranged on a first side on at least one of the coolant modules or between the coolant modules. The distribution module, in particular the coolant module, extends from the first side to the second side along a coupling direction extending perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The distribution module is configured to be used so that on the first side, at least an evaporator and a condenser of a heat pump of a thermal management system, in particular a heat pump of the thermal management system, can be arranged on at least one of the coolant modules and one of the refrigerant lines, and on the first side or the second side, a compressor of a thermal management system, in particular a heat pump, can be arranged on at least one of the coolant modules and one of the refrigerant lines. The refrigerant line can be connected to the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor to form a refrigerant circuit. The coolant modules each have at least one valve and a plurality of coolant interfaces, which can be connected to the coolant line, the evaporator and the condenser to form a coolant circuit.

[0013] Therefore, the distribution module is configured to enable a coolant circuit, in particular a coolant circuit of a vehicle, to be connected to the coolant module via a coolant interface. The coolant circuit can guide the coolant from the unit of the vehicle to be supplied with coolant to the distribution module and / or from the distribution module to these units. The coolant module can also be connected to the condenser and the evaporator by means of the coolant interface so that the coolant circuit can be realized in a simple manner and method. In addition, a refrigerant circuit can be provided in a simple manner and method by arranging the condenser, the evaporator and the compressor on the distribution module, in particular on the coolant module. For this purpose, the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor can be connected to the provided refrigerant circuit on the first or second side. The refrigerant circuit can be constructed in a pressure-resistant manner. The refrigerant circuit can be provided by a metal and / or a mixture comprising at least one metal, so that these refrigerant circuits have a longer service life than flexible circuits. The coolant circuit can be switched and / or adjusted by the valve provided. By arranging the evaporator (as a heat exchanger) and the condenser (as a further heat exchanger) of a thermal management system, in particular a heat pump, on the first side of the coolant module, thermal energy can be exchanged between the refrigerant and the coolant.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous that the refrigerant circuit can be designed to be relatively short, since the evaporator, condenser and compressor are all arranged on the first side, or the compressor is arranged on the second side. As a result, due to the spatial proximity and compact design of the distribution module, less refrigerant needs to be guided into the refrigerant circuit. The shorter refrigerant circuit further results in a reduced weight of the distribution module due to the lower weight of the refrigerant circuit and the smaller filling volume.

[0015] The distribution module may comprise two, three or more coolant modules, but in particular three coolant modules.

[0016] The thermal management system may include or be a heat pump.The thermal management system may be a thermal management mechanism of the vehicle.

[0017] The coolant pump can have a plurality of coolant pump connections which are designed to enable the coolant pump to be connected to the coolant circuit.

[0018] The distribution module can have a coolant module housing configured to accommodate the coolant module. Here, a plurality of coolant connections can protrude through the coolant module housing in order to enable the connection of the coolant lines to the coolant connections.

[0019] The coolant interface can be configured to allow coolant to flow into, especially be pumped into, and out of, the respective cooling modules through the coolant interfaces of the respective coolant modules. The coolant flow can be controlled through the respective coolant modules by means of valves.

[0020] The plurality of coolant interfaces may include a plurality of internal coolant interfaces and a plurality of external coolant interfaces. The plurality of external coolant interfaces are configured to be connected to a coolant line that guides the coolant to a unit and / or component of the vehicle, such as an engine and a passenger compartment heat exchanger, and guides the coolant out of these units and / or components. The plurality of internal coolant interfaces are configured to provide a coolant connection and / or a connection interface between a coolant module, in particular an axial slide valve of the coolant module, so as to be able to realize the required functions and / or interconnections in particular. Depending on the application and / or requirements, the plurality of internal and / or external coolant interfaces may be connected to a pipe and / or a hose, be useless, closed and / or can be eliminated.

[0021] The coolant pump can be configured to pump two, three or more coolant circuits. The coolant pump can include one, two, three or more coolant pumps, which are particularly configured to pump two, three or more coolant circuits. The coolant pump can include one or more electric drives.

[0022] The coolant modules and / or the coolant pumps can be arranged in the arrangement direction in such a way that they are arranged one behind the other, in particular with a similar or even identical spatial orientation.

[0023] The minimum distance can exist between each coolant module and / or coolant pump. The coolant module and / or the coolant pump can have a predetermined outer diameter along the arrangement direction, and the outer diameter is particularly greater than the minimum distance. The minimum distance can be determined based on at least one of the outer diameter, net weight, operating weight and the height along the extension direction of the coolant module and / or the coolant pump and the refrigerant line. If the coolant module does not include coolant, the net weight can be the weight of the coolant module. If the coolant module is at least partially, especially completely filled with coolant, the operating weight can be the weight of the coolant module. The extension direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the coupling direction. If the refrigerant line is arranged on the first side, the minimum distance can be smaller than the minimum distance when the refrigerant line is arranged between the coolant modules, so as to further reduce the required structural space.

[0024] The minimum distance can be 3 mm to 95 mm, in particular 5 mm to 25 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the minimum distance between the coolant modules, in particular two adjacent coolant modules and / or coolant pumps can be the same or different. For example, a predetermined first minimum distance can be present between two adjacent coolant modules, and a predetermined second minimum distance can be present between one of the coolant modules and the coolant pump. Wherein, the first and second minimum distances are different from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the minimum distances between the individual coolant modules can be different, and are particularly located in the above-mentioned range. The minimum distance can be selected so that the coolant modules and / or coolant pumps are at least partially adjacent to each other. Therefore, the outer surfaces of the coolant modules and / or coolant pumps can be adjacent to each other and / or contact each other at least in sections.

[0025] The refrigerant line and / or the coolant connection may be cylindrical. The refrigerant line and / or the coolant connection may be designed so that an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor or a coolant line can be connected via a flange.

[0026] The distribution module, in particular the coolant module or a carrier plate of the distribution module, can have a connection interface which is designed to enable the evaporator, the condenser and / or the compressor to be removably arranged thereon.

[0027] The coolant module may be designed to control at least one coolant flow through a plurality of coolant connections as a function of a valve position of a respective valve.

[0028] At least one of the valves may be a slide valve, in particular an axial slide valve. Axial slide valves offer the advantage over rotary slide valves that they can control the switching state of the coolant connection regardless of the valve position and thus offer greater flexibility.

[0029] The plurality of coolant interfaces of at least one coolant module may have two, three, four, five or more coolant interfaces. In particular, the plurality of coolant interfaces of at least one coolant module may be four or five. The coolant modules may have different and / or identical plurality of coolant interfaces. The first coolant module of the coolant module may have four coolant interfaces, and the second coolant module of the coolant module may have five coolant interfaces. If the distribution module has three coolant modules, then in the arrangement direction, the first coolant module in the coolant module may have five coolant interfaces, the second coolant module has four coolant interfaces, and the third coolant module has five coolant interfaces.

[0030] The coolant module and / or the refrigerant pump can be cylindrically configured, extending in the extension direction, and having a cylindrical base configured perpendicular to the extension direction. The cylindrical base can be configured parallel to a plane spanned by the arrangement direction and the coupling direction. The coolant module can have a module length along the coupling direction. The module length can correspond to an outer diameter along the coupling direction.

[0031] The refrigerant line arranged between the coolant modules can be arranged and configured to guide the refrigerant from the first side to the second side and / or from the second side to the first side, wherein the refrigerant line arranged between the refrigerant modules in particular extends substantially along the coupling direction. This arrangement of the refrigerant line is particularly advantageous when the compressor is arranged on the second side. It is therefore possible to provide a refrigerant line that is as short as possible from the compressor on the second side to the evaporator and condenser on the first side.

[0032] The refrigerant lines arranged between the coolant modules can have a predetermined line width along the arrangement direction, which is less than or equal to or less than the minimum distance between the coolant modules. In the case of a cylindrical configuration of the coolant module, the predetermined module width can correspond to its outer diameter.

[0033] At least the coolant module, the coolant connections and / or the refrigerant line may be designed as a single piece.

[0034] The coolant modules and / or coolant pumps spaced apart from each other by a minimum distance can be connected by a connecting wall, which extends substantially along the arrangement direction and the extension direction. The connecting wall can have a wall length (wall thickness) extending in the coupling direction. The wall length can be less than the module length of the coolant module and / or the pump length of the coolant pump, wherein the module length and the pump length extend in the coupling direction. The pump length can correspond to the outer diameter of the coolant pump in the coupling direction. In the case of a cylindrical structure of the coolant pump and / or the coolant module, the pump length or the module length can correspond to the outer diameter. Therefore, the material requirements for connecting the coolant module and / or the coolant pump can be reduced.

[0035] The coolant modules can have a module length extending in the coupling direction, wherein the refrigerant lines arranged between the coolant modules have a predetermined line length extending in the coupling direction, wherein the line length is equal to, equal to or greater than the module length. In particular, the line length can be selected such that the refrigerant lines protrude on the first and / or second side when the refrigerant lines are arranged between the coolant modules. The refrigerant lines can have a line width, which is in particular smaller than the line length.

[0036] The coolant module can extend along the extension direction from a lower end section to an upper end section, wherein the valve actuation of the respective valve is constructed in the upper end section and / or forms the upper end section. The valve actuation can include an actuator, wherein the actuator can be an electric and / or magnetic actuator in particular.

[0037] At least one of the valves with a valve operating part may include a closure cover, which is configured to accommodate the valve operating part. The closure cover can be configured to have a length in the arrangement direction and / or a width in the coupling direction, which width corresponds to the module length and / or the module width. In the case of a cylindrical configuration of the coolant module, the closure cover can be configured in a cylindrical manner. The outer diameter of the coolant module can be greater than, equal to, or greater than the outer diameter of the closure cover.

[0038] The distribution module may include a carrier plate having an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side, which extends substantially in a plane arranged perpendicular to the extension direction. The upper side and the lower side may be constructed parallel to the plane stretched apart by the arrangement direction and the coupling direction. The lower end section of the coolant module may be arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate, in particular so that the valve operating part can be touched on the opposite side. The carrier plate may be configured in particular to support at least one of the evaporator, the condenser and the compressor when arranged on the distribution module. The carrier plate may be configured in particular to support the distribution module, in particular the coolant module housing described below of the distribution module and / or the pump housing described below, together with the carrier plate. Therefore, the coolant module and / or the coolant pump can be integrated into the carrier plate 170 of the one-piece structure. The carrier plate may be configured to decouple vibration. The vibration may be generated by the vehicle when the distribution module is assembled in the vehicle, for example, by the drive device of the vehicle. The carrier plate may be configured to provide noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures. For this purpose, the carrier plate can have an elastic layer at least on the bottom side, which is designed to damp vibrations. The elastic layer can cover the bottom side at least in sections, in particular completely.

[0039] The support plate can be designed so that it has a support surface on the upper side. The support surface can be arranged on the upper side of the support plate with reference to the coolant module on the first and / or second side. The support surface can be designed so that the support surface at least in sections follows the outer contour of the compressor so that the compressor is supported when arranged on the distribution module. The support surface can be designed to support the compressor.

[0040] At least one coolant module in the coolant module can have several coolant interfaces in a plurality of coolant interfaces on the first and / or second side, wherein these coolant interfaces on the first and / or second side have at least one predetermined distance between two adjacent coolant interfaces of the coolant interface along the extension direction. Two adjacent coolant interfaces on the first and / or second side of the coolant module can have a first predetermined distance from each other along the extension direction. Alternatively or additionally, two adjacent coolant interfaces can have a second predetermined distance from each other along the extension direction. For example, when the coolant module has four coolant interfaces, from the upper end section to the lower end section, the two adjacent coolant interfaces above can first be arranged so that there is a first distance between them. Towards the direction of the lower end section, the third coolant interface can be spaced apart from the second coolant interface at a second distance. The third coolant interface can be spaced apart from the fourth coolant interface at a first distance.

[0041] If the valve is configured in the form of a slide valve, the coolant connection can be controlled, opened and / or closed in a particularly advantageous manner. In addition, different arrangements of the coolant connection can provide a connection to coolant lines of different configurations and / or a corresponding guide to the coolant lines.

[0042] Therefore, a row of coolant interfaces can be configured on at least one of the coolant modules along the extension direction. In particular, a first coolant interface of the plurality of coolant interfaces that can be connected to the evaporator and the condenser can be arranged on the first side. A second coolant interface of the plurality of coolant interfaces that can be connected to a coolant line, in particular a coolant line of a vehicle, can be arranged on the second side. Therefore, a connection for the coolant circuit can be realized particularly simply.

[0043] Not all coolant connections must be connected to the coolant line to enable the operation of the distribution module. Predetermined unconnected or unused coolant connections can be kept closed by means of valves.

[0044] A plurality of coolant interfaces can be configured to enable a plurality of coolant circuits. In the case of two coolant interfaces on the first side of the coolant module, a single coolant circuit can be realized. In the case of four coolant interfaces, two coolant interfaces can be assigned to a coolant circuit respectively, so that two coolant circuits can be realized.

[0045] The distribution module may also include a pump housing with a removable pump housing cover, wherein the pump housing is configured to accommodate a coolant pump. The pump housing may be arranged before or after the coolant module or the coolant housing in the arrangement direction. Additionally or alternatively, the distribution module may include a compressor housing with a removable compressor housing cover, wherein the compressor housing is configured to accommodate a compressor, wherein the compressor housing is particularly arranged on the first side of at least one of the coolant modules. The pump housing, the coolant housing and / or the compressor housing may be constructed in one piece. The pump housing cover, the compressor housing cover and / or the closure cover may be constructed in one piece.

[0046] The distribution module may further comprise at least one additional module, the additional module comprising a coolant storage, a dryer, a refrigerant storage and / or an oil separator, the additional module being coupleable to the refrigerant circuit, wherein at least one additional module is arranged in particular before or after the coolant module in the arrangement direction. Advantageously, the additional module is arranged on the opposite side of the coolant pump as seen in the arrangement direction. The distribution module may comprise an additional module housing, which is configured to accommodate the additional module.

[0047] The distribution module may be configured so that the evaporator and the condenser can be arranged in sequence along the extension direction along the arrangement direction, and / or can be arranged in a stacked manner along the extension direction. In the stackable arrangement, the distribution module may be configured so that a predetermined distance is formed between the evaporator and the condenser. The predetermined distance may be determined based on the line length of the refrigerant line between the evaporator and the condenser.

[0048] The distribution module can also be designed for arrangement in a vehicle. The distribution module can in particular be designed so that the distribution module can be suspended, for example, in an engine compartment of a vehicle.

[0049] The distribution module may also include an expansion valve, which is configured to regulate the pressure of one or more refrigerant circuits through the evaporator, condenser and compressor. Alternatively or additionally, the distribution module may be configured so that the expansion valve can be arranged on the distribution module. The expansion valve can be arranged or can be arranged so that it is arranged between the evaporator and the condenser in the arranged state. The expansion valve can be pressure-resistant and in particular configured so that its parameters are variable. This can preferably be achieved by means of an electric drive control.

[0050] The coolant module, coolant pump, pump housing, compressor housing and / or additional module can have a maximum height along the extension direction, in particular so that this maximum height corresponds to the height of condensers and / or evaporators that can be arranged side by side, or to the total height of stackable condensers and evaporators.

[0051] The distribution module may further comprise a control unit which is configured to control the coolant pump, at least one of the valves of the coolant module, the expansion valve, the compressor, the evaporator, the condenser and at least one of the additional modules, wherein the control unit is in particular arranged in the pump housing.

[0052] The coolant pump may be arranged before, after or between the coolant modules in the arrangement direction.

[0053] A plurality of refrigerant circuits may include high-pressure circuits and low-pressure circuits, wherein the high-pressure circuit is configured to guide the refrigerant flow from the compressor to the condenser, in particular to the expansion valve (or expansion throttling piece), and the low-pressure circuit is configured to guide the refrigerant flow, in particular from the expansion valve (or expansion throttling piece) to the evaporator and the compressor. The high-pressure circuit may be configured to guide the refrigerant or refrigerant flow with high pressure relative to the low-pressure circuit, and the low-pressure circuit may be configured to guide the refrigerant or refrigerant flow with low pressure relative to the high-pressure circuit. At least one of the low-pressure circuits may be configured to provide a refrigerant connection between the evaporator and the compressor. At least one of the high-pressure circuits may be configured to provide a refrigerant connection between the compressor and the condenser. Alternatively or additionally, a single high-pressure line can be configured to conduct the refrigerant flow from the compressor to the condenser, in particular to the expansion valve, a single low-pressure line can be configured to conduct the refrigerant flow, in particular from the expansion valve to the evaporator and the compressor, and the refrigerant line can be configured to conduct the refrigerant flow from the evaporator to the condenser.

[0054] According to a second aspect, the object is achieved by a system comprising a heat pump having at least one of an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor and a distribution module according to the first aspect, wherein the heat pump is arranged on the distribution module. The system may comprise or is a thermal management system, wherein the thermal management means comprises or is a heat pump.

[0055] The compressor of the heat pump may be electrically operable and may be operable at a high voltage of more than 350 V, in particular more than 600 V.

[0056] The refrigerant may be or include a natural refrigerant, in particular propane (R-290), propylene (R-1270), carbon dioxide (R-744) or butane (R-600, R-600a).

[0057] Features described with respect to the dispensing module according to the first aspect may be implemented as features of the system according to the second aspect.

[0058] According to a third aspect, the object is also achieved by a vehicle comprising a distribution module according to the first aspect and / or a heat pump according to the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a distribution module and a heat pump is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A second embodiment of a distribution module and a heat pump is shown;

[0062] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A third embodiment of a distribution module and a heat pump is shown; and

[0063] Figure 6 A vehicle with a distribution module and a heat pump is shown.

[0064] In the figures, identical or substantially identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a distribution module 100 is shown, which has three coolant modules 111 to 113 and is connected by means of a connecting wall 180 (see Figure 2 ) of the coolant pump 130. The coolant modules 111 to 113 and the coolant pump 130 are arranged along the arrangement direction A. Here, the coolant modules 111 to 113 and the coolant pump 130 have a minimum distance M along the arrangement direction A between two adjacent units 111 to 113. The coolant modules 111 to 113 and the coolant pump 130 are both cylindrically formed with a cylinder base and a cylinder height. The cylinder base is parallel to a plane formed by the arrangement direction A and a coupling direction K extending perpendicularly to the arrangement direction A. The cylinder height extends along an extension direction E perpendicular to the cylinder base.

[0066] The distribution module 100 further comprises a carrier plate 170, which has an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side, wherein the two upper sides and the lower side are also parallel to the aforementioned plane spanned by the arrangement direction A and the coupling direction K. The coolant modules 111 to 113 have a lower end section and an upper end section, wherein the lower end section is arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate 170. The upper end section of each coolant module 111 to 113 is formed by a closure cover 121 to 123, wherein the valve actuation part for the valve of the respective coolant module 111 to 113 is accommodated in the closure cover 121 to 123. The valve can be a slide valve, in particular an axial slide valve. The coolant pump 130 can be arranged on the carrier plate 170 with the lower end section. The upper end section opposite to the lower end section is formed by a pump cover 141, which has a radius substantially the same as that of the coolant pump 130. The carrier plate 170 can be configured in particular to enable the distribution module 100, in particular a coolant module housing to be described below and / or a pump housing to be described below of the distribution module 100, to be configured integrally with the carrier plate 170. Thus, the coolant modules 111 to 113 and / or the coolant pump 130 can be integrated into the integrally configured carrier plate 170.

[0067] The distribution module 100 , in particular the coolant modules 111 to 113 , has a first side I and an opposite second side II, wherein the distribution module 100 or the coolant modules 111 to 113 extends along a coupling direction K from the first side I to the second side II.

[0068] according to Figure 1 The distribution module 100 is configured to enable the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 of the heat pump to be arranged on the distribution module 100, especially on the first side I of the coolant modules 111 to 113. Here, the distribution module 100 is configured to enable the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 to be arranged in sequence along the arrangement direction. The distribution module 100 is configured to enable the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 to be arranged on the distribution module 100 with the shortest distance along the coupling direction. In particular, the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 can be arranged adjacent to the coolant modules 111 to 113 at least in sections. The carrier plate 170 is configured to support the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162. The distribution module 100 is configured to determine the distance between the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 based on the line length of at least one refrigerant line 150 of the distribution module that connects the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 to each other.

[0069] Furthermore, the dispensing module 100 is designed to enable the compressor 163 to be arranged on the second side I of the dispensing module 100 . Figure 1, the distribution module 100 has at least two refrigerant lines 150, which extend from the second side II to the first side I and provide a refrigerant connection between the condenser 162, the evaporator 161 and the compressor 163. To this end, the refrigerant line 150 can be configured to be connected to the condenser 162, the evaporator 161 and the compressor 163. For example, the refrigerant line 150 can be configured to enable the condenser 162, the evaporator 161 and / or the compressor 163 to be connected via a flange. The refrigerant line 150 is configured according to Figure 1 It extends substantially along the coupling direction K and is cylindrically configured so that the base surface of the cylinder is located in a plane spanned by the extension direction E and the arrangement direction A. Therefore, the refrigerant line 150 provides the shortest connection between the compressor 163 arranged on the second side II and the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 arranged on the first side I.

[0070] One of the refrigerant lines 150 connects the compressor 163 with the condenser 162 and is constructed in the form of a high-pressure line. Another refrigerant line 150 connects the evaporator 161 with the compressor 161 and is constructed in the form of a low-pressure line. The compressor 163 compresses the refrigerant and causes the compressed refrigerant to be guided to the condenser 162 via the high-pressure line, so that the compressed refrigerant discharges heat energy to the coolant there. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant are increased due to the compression of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant line 150 is constructed in the form of a high-pressure line in order to guide the refrigerant under high pressure. The heat energy is transferred from the coolant to the refrigerant by means of the evaporator 161, and then is guided to the compressor 163 via the low-pressure line. Compared with the high-pressure line, the low-pressure line guides the refrigerant at a relatively low pressure.

[0071] High voltage line and low voltage line 150 according to Figure 1 It extends substantially parallel to the coupling direction K and therefore represents the shortest connection between the first side I and the second side II.

[0072] The carrier plate 170 has a support surface 171 arranged on the upper side on the second side II. The support surface 171 is designed to support the compressor 171. For this purpose, the support surface 171 is designed to follow the outer contour of the compressor 171 at least in sections.

[0073] according to Figure 1 The minimum distance M corresponds to the outer diameter of the refrigerant lines 150 , so that these refrigerant lines are arranged between the coolant modules 111 to 113 , but the required installation space in the arrangement direction A is kept to a minimum.

[0074] Thus, a distribution module 100 for a heat pump having at least an evaporator 161, a condenser 162 and a compressor 163 is provided, wherein these units of the heat pump can be arranged in a simple manner on the distribution module 100. In addition, the required installation space is kept to a minimum, and the required refrigerant lines 150 are already present and only need to be connected.

[0075] Each of the coolant modules 111 to 113 has a plurality of coolant interfaces 190, 191, wherein the coolant interfaces 190, 191 can be connected to, for example, a coolant line of a vehicle. Thus, a simplified modular interface is provided for the arrangement of a heat pump and the heat energy exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant.

[0076] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A second exemplary embodiment of a dispensing module 100 is shown, in which, in contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, a compressor 163 can also be arranged on the first side I. Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The second embodiment of the distribution module 100 has fewer reference numerals to enable a better overview. In addition, the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 can be arranged in sequence or stacked on the distribution module 100 along the extension direction. Figure 2 It is not visible in the figure and is arranged on the first side I.

[0077] for Figures 1 to 5 In common to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the evaporator 161 and the condenser 162 can be arranged on the distribution module 100 in such a way that the distance to the compressor 163 is kept as short as possible in order to achieve a short refrigerant line 150. This can be achieved in such a way that the evaporator 161, the condenser 162 and / or the compressor 163 can be arranged adjacent to the coolant modules 111 to 113. Alternatively or additionally, the evaporator 161, the condenser 162 and / or the compressor 163 can be connected to the refrigerant lines 150 and can be arranged on these refrigerant lines.

[0078] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The distribution module 100 has an internal coolant interface 190 and an external coolant interface 191, wherein Figure 2 and 3The external coolant interface 190 is clearly shown compared to the internal coolant interface 190. The external coolant interface is configured to be connected to a coolant line that guides the coolant to a unit and / or component of the vehicle, such as an engine and a passenger compartment heat exchanger, or guides out of these units or components. The internal coolant interface 190 is configured to provide a coolant connection and / or a coolant interface between the coolant modules 111 to 113, especially the axial slide valves of the coolant modules 111 to 113, so as to achieve the required functions and / or interconnections. Depending on the application and / or requirements, these coolant interfaces can be connected to pipes and / or hoses, be useless, closed and / or can be eliminated.

[0079] Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a further coolant pump connection 131 of the coolant pump 130 is shown, which is configured to be connected to the coolant circuits of the coolant modules 111 to 113 in order to pump the coolant through the coolant modules 111 to 113 and the coolant circuits accordingly. Depending on the number of coolant circuits, a number of coolant pump connections 131 may be provided accordingly.

[0080] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is shown that the coolant modules 111 and 113 each have five coolant interfaces 190, 191, in particular two internal coolant interfaces 190 and three external coolant interfaces 191, and the coolant module 112 has four coolant interfaces 190, 191, in particular three internal coolant interfaces 190 and one external coolant interface 191. The coolant interfaces 190, 191 of the coolant modules 111 and 113 are arranged on the respective coolant modules 111, 113 at a predetermined distance along the extension direction E. The coolant interface 190 is configured to be connected to, for example, a coolant line of a vehicle. The coolant interfaces 190, 191 are cylindrically configured and have a cylindrical surface extending parallel to a plane spanned by the extension direction and the arrangement direction. Here, the coolant interfaces 190, 191 are arranged along the arrangement direction so that the connecting straight line passing through the center points of the cylindrical surfaces of the coolant interfaces of each coolant module 111 to 113 is configured parallel to the extension axis.

[0081] Therefore, the coolant circuit can be adjusted in an advantageous manner by connecting the coolant interface 190, 191 of the distribution module 100 through the coolant line on the second side II. The heat exchanger (evaporator 162 and condenser 161) and the compressor 163 of the heat pump can be arranged on the first side I in a space-saving manner. Through the modular structure, the lines for the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit are kept as short as possible. In addition, the distribution module 100 can be pre-verified for reliability, so that the installation and further reliability verification can also be shortened when assembled with the heat pump and the coolant line.

[0082] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A connecting wall 180 is shown, which connects the coolant modules 111 to 113 and the coolant pump 130 to one another. The connecting wall 180 is interrupted in sections by an internal coolant connection 190. The coolant modules 111 to 113, the coolant pump 130, the connecting wall 180, the coolant connection 190 and / or the external coolant connection 191 may be constructed in one piece.

[0083] The coolant modules 111 to 113 and / or the coolant pump 130 may include a coolant module housing or a pump housing, wherein they may also be designed in one piece.

[0084] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Another embodiment of the distribution module 100 is shown, wherein Figure 2 Compared with the embodiment, Figure 4 The distribution module in FIG. 1 shows the pump housing and the additional module housing. Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Further exemplary embodiments of a dispensing module 100 are provided with fewer reference numerals for the sake of a better overview.

[0085] The pump housing is designed to accommodate a coolant pump 130. Regardless of the exemplary embodiment shown, the coolant pump 130 may include two or more coolant pumps for pumping coolant, wherein in particular one coolant pump may be associated with one coolant circuit.

[0086] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown, the pump housing and the coolant modules 111 to 113 are covered by corresponding covers, including the pump housing cover 210 , wherein the covers for the coolant modules 111 to 113 and the pump housing 210 are designed in one piece.

[0087] The additional module housing includes an additional module 220 , wherein the additional module 220 includes any one of a dryer, a refrigerant storage, a reheater, or an oil separator and can be coupled to the refrigerant circuit.

[0088] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The additional module or the additional module housing is also arranged on the opposite side of the coolant pump 130 behind the coolant modules 111 to 113 in the arrangement direction A. The additional module 220 or the additional module housing can be arranged on the coolant module 111 and / or connected to the coolant module by means of the connecting wall 180 .

[0089] Figures 1 to 5 The dispensing module 100 may also include a control section, for example within a pump housing, configured to control the dispenser 100 and / or various elements of the heat pump.

[0090] The minimum distance M is selected such that the minimum distance is greater than, equal to, or greater than the outer diameter of the refrigerant line 150. If no refrigerant line 150 extends from the first side I to the second side II between two coolant modules 111 to 113, the minimum distance M may be smaller. In particular, the minimum distance M may be selected such that the outer surfaces, in particular the peripheral side surfaces, of the coolant modules 111 to 113 are adjacent to each other at least in sections, so as to provide a structure that is as compact as possible.

[0091] Figure 6 A vehicle 300 is shown having a distribution module 100 , wherein a heat pump and coolant lines of the vehicle 300 are also coupled to the distribution module 100 and / or are arranged on the distribution module.

[0092] Reference numerals list

[0093] 100 distribution modules

[0094] 111, 112, 113 Coolant Module

[0095] 121, 122, 123 closed cap

[0096] 130 Coolant Pump

[0097] 131 Coolant pump interface

[0098] 141 Pump cover

[0099] 150 Refrigerant Line

[0100] 161 Evaporator

[0101] 162 Condenser

[0102] 163 compressor

[0103] 170 load plate

[0104] 171 Placement surface

[0105] 180 connection wall

[0106] 190 Internal coolant connection

[0107] 191 External coolant interface

[0108] 210 one-piece cover

[0109] 220 additional module housing

[0110] 300 vehicles

[0111] M minimum distance

[0112] IFirst side

[0113] II Side 2

Claims

1. A distribution module (100) for a thermal management system, the distribution module comprising: At least two coolant modules (111, 112, 113) for guiding coolant and a coolant pump (130) for pumping coolant through the coolant modules (111, 112, 113), wherein the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) and the coolant pump (130) are arranged along an arrangement direction (A) of the distribution module (100); A plurality of refrigerant lines (150) for guiding the refrigerant, wherein the distribution module (100) extends from a first side (I) to a second side (II) along a coupling direction (K) extending perpendicularly to the arrangement direction (A), The distribution module (100) is configured such that, on the first side (I), at least the evaporator (161) and the condenser (162) of the thermal management system can be arranged on at least one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) and one of the refrigerant lines (150), and, on the first side (I) or the second side (II), the compressor (163) of the thermal management system can be arranged on at least one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) and one of the refrigerant lines (150), The refrigerant line (150) can be connected to the evaporator (161), the condenser (162) and the compressor (163) to form a refrigerant circuit. The coolant modules (111, 112, 113) respectively have at least one valve and a plurality of coolant interfaces (190, 191), which can be connected to the coolant line, the evaporator (161) and the condenser (162) to form a coolant circuit.

2. The distribution module (100) according to claim 1, in, The coolant module (111, 112, 113) and / or the refrigerant pump (130) are cylindrically configured, extend along an extension direction (E), and have a cylindrical base surface configured perpendicularly to the extension direction (E), wherein the extension direction (E) is perpendicular to the arrangement direction and the coupling direction (A, K).

3. The distribution module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The plurality of refrigerant lines (150) are arranged on at least one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) on the first side (I) or between the coolant modules (111, 112, 113), and / or wherein a refrigerant line (150) arranged between the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) is arranged and configured to guide the refrigerant from the first side (I) to the second side (II) and / or from the second side (II) to the first side (I), Therein, the refrigerant line (150) arranged between the refrigerant modules (111, 112, 113) extends in particular substantially along the coupling direction (K).

4. The dispensing module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, A refrigerant line (150) arranged between the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) has an outer diameter that is less than, equal to, or less than a minimum distance (M) between the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) and / or between one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) and the coolant pump (130) along an arrangement direction (A).

5. The dispensing module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coolant modules (111, 112, 113) have a predetermined module length, which extends along a coupling direction (K), wherein a refrigerant line (150) arranged between the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) has a predetermined line length, which extends along the coupling direction (K), wherein the line length is equal to, greater than, equal to, or greater than the module length.

6. The dispensing module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coolant modules (111, 112, 113) extend in an extension direction from a lower end section to an upper end section, wherein a valve actuation (121, 122, 123) of the respective valve is formed in the upper end section and / or as the upper end section.

7. The distribution module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A carrier plate (170) having an upper side and a lower side opposite to the upper side, the carrier plate extending substantially in a plane arranged perpendicular to an extension direction (E), wherein lower end sections of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) are arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate (170), wherein the carrier plate (170) is particularly configured to support at least one of the evaporator (161), the condenser (162) and the compressor (163) when arranged on the distribution module (100).

8. The distribution module (100) according to claim 7, in, The carrier plate (170) has a support surface (171) for supporting the compressor (163), which follows the outer contour of the compressor (163) at least in sections and is designed to enable the compressor (163) to be arranged on the support surface (171).

9. The dispensing module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113) has several coolant interfaces (190, 191) among a plurality of coolant interfaces (190, 191) on the first side (I) and / or the second side (II), wherein the coolant interfaces (190, 191) on the first side (I) and / or the second side (II) have a predetermined distance between two adjacent coolant positions (190, 191) of the coolant interfaces (190, 191) along an extension direction (E).

10. The distribution module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A pump housing having a removable pump housing cover, wherein the pump housing is designed to accommodate the coolant pump (130), and / or A compressor housing having a removable compressor housing cover, wherein the compressor housing is designed to accommodate the compressor (163), The compressor housing is arranged in particular on a first side (I) of at least one of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113).

11. The distribution module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one additional module (220), the additional module having one of a refrigerant storage, a dryer or an oil separator that can be coupled to the refrigerant circuit, The at least one additional module (220) is arranged, in particular, before or after the coolant module in the arrangement direction.

12. The dispensing module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coolant modules (111, 112, 113), the coolant pump (130), the pump housing, the compressor housing and / or the additional module (220) have a maximum height along the extension direction, in particular, the maximum height corresponds to the height of a condenser (162) and / or an evaporator (161) that can be arranged side by side, or corresponds to the total height of a stackable condenser (162) and an evaporator (161).

13. The distribution module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A control unit is configured to control the coolant pump (130), at least one valve of the coolant modules (111, 112, 113), an expansion valve, the compressor (163), the evaporator (161), the condenser (162) and at least one of the additional modules, wherein the control unit is particularly arranged in the pump housing.

14. System comprising a heat pump having at least one of an evaporator (161), a condenser (162) and a compressor (163) and a distribution module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heat pump is arranged on the distribution module (100).

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The refrigerant circuit is operated with natural refrigerants, in particular propane R-290, propylene R-1270, carbon dioxide R-744 or butane R-600, R-600a.

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The heat pump comprises an electric compressor motor for the compressor, which is designed to be operable at a high voltage, wherein the high voltage is greater than 350V, in particular at least 600V.

17. A vehicle (300) comprising a distribution module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and / or a system according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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