Thermal management module for electric vehicle
By integrating the particle settlement device in the distribution unit and the fluid compensation container of the electric vehicle thermal management module, the component wear problem caused by fluid pollution is solved, efficient removal of particle pollution is achieved, and the service life of the fluid control device is extended.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380075544.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-10-27
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing electric vehicle thermal management modules are difficult to effectively remove particle pollution in the event of fluid pollution, resulting in wear and damage to components.
The particle settlement device is integrated in the distribution unit and the fluid compensation container of the thermal management module, and the particles in the fluid are captured through the settlement principle, reducing the particle concentration in the entire thermal management module.
Effectively remove particle contamination in the fluid circuit, improve the service life and reliability of the fluid control device, and protect all components connected by fluid technology from contamination.
Smart Images
Figure CN120129614A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] A thermal management module for fluid-technical coupling of components for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, has been proposed, which has at least one distribution unit and a plurality of components arranged at the distribution unit, such as pumps and valves. Summary of the Invention
[0002] The present invention provides a thermal management module for an electric vehicle, which has at least one distribution unit and a plurality of components fluidly connected to the distribution unit, wherein the thermal management module has at least one fluid compensation container fluidly connected to the distribution unit.
[0003] It is proposed that the distribution unit and, as an alternative or in addition thereto, the fluid compensation container have particle reduction means.
[0004] The thermal management module of the type mentioned here is a highly integrated component and generally includes at least one fluid distribution unit and a plurality of fluid control elements connected to the fluid distribution unit, such as coolant pumps, coolant valves together with actuators and preferably sensors, such as temperature sensors or filling level sensors. The thermal management module should achieve the required service life and not be functionally impaired even in the case of fluid contamination, since this can in particular lead to abrasive wear of the components and to jamming of movable components, such as pump impellers or valve disks.
[0005] The thermal management module with an integrated particle sedimentation device has the advantage that dirt contained in the coolant and / or refrigerant, in particular dust particles, metal particles or plastic particles, can be efficiently removed from the fluid circuit. In this way, the service life and reliability of the integrated fluid control devices in the fluid circuit, in particular pumps and valves, are advantageously increased. Integrating the particle sedimentation device into the thermal management module has the advantage that particle reduction is achieved not dispersedly in the individual components but centrally in the thermal management module, thereby protecting all fluid control elements fluid-technically connected to the distribution unit from these contaminations.
[0006] The thermal management module is preferably constructed as a centralized assembly unit, wherein preferably a plurality of fluid control elements are arranged at the distribution unit. Fluid control elements of the type mentioned here can for example be at least one pump, at least one valve, in particular a shut-off valve or an expansion valve, and / or at least one sensor, in particular at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one filling level sensor.
[0007] Particularly preferably, the thermal management module is configured as a flexible thermal unit (FTU). The distribution unit preferably includes at least one, preferably a plurality of fluid channels, which can be configured to branch or have only one inlet and only one outlet. The distribution unit is preferably made of a thermoplastic, such as made of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (PE-HD), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), polyketone (PK), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), or made of plastics, especially mixtures of the above plastics. Preferably, the distribution unit has an integrated fluid channel.
[0008] The distribution unit preferably includes a plurality of interfaces for fluid control elements. Each of the interfaces preferably includes at least one fluid connection port of one of the fluid channels of the distribution unit. The fluid connection ports of the corresponding interfaces can be arranged to allow the fluid to be conveyed by the fluid control element, especially a refrigerant or a coolant, to enter and / or exit the fluid control element.
[0009] According to the present invention, the particle sedimentation device is directly integrated as an integrated particle sedimentation device in the distribution unit and / or the compensation container, wherein the fluid control element is configured to be fluid-technologically connected to the distribution unit and the compensation container. In this way, the particle concentration in the entire thermal management module can be reduced centrally and integrally.
[0010] A particularly space-saving, simple-structured and easy-to-manufacture distribution unit can be provided especially by the following means: the distribution unit is configured as a hydraulic distribution plate and preferably has fluid control elements, especially fluid channels, especially fluid channels integrated in the housing of the distribution unit. Here, the distribution unit can be configured integrally or in multiple parts.
[0011] The distribution unit preferably has at least one, preferably a plurality of component interfaces. Components of the thermal management module are fastened at the component interfaces. Preferably, a plurality of components are arranged at the distribution unit and are fluid-connected thereto. Preferably, at least one first component, such as a pump, and at least one second component, such as a valve, are fastened to the distribution unit. Preferably, a plurality of pumps and a plurality of valves are arranged at the distribution unit and are fluid-connected to the distribution unit.
[0012] According to a particularly simple embodiment of the present invention, the particle reduction device is based on the sedimentation principle. For this purpose, the particle reduction device preferably has at least one sedimentation chamber in which the sedimented particles are captured. Preferably, the sedimentation chamber is arranged in the fluid channel of the distribution unit. Preferably, the sedimentation chamber is constructed in the region of the wall of the fluid channel. Preferably, the sedimentation chamber is an integral part of the fluid channel.
[0013] In particular, a particularly efficient particle reduction device can be provided in such a way that the particle reduction device, in particular a sedimentation chamber, is arranged in a region where the flow velocity is reduced, in particular in a fluid compensation container, in particular in the region of the fluid outlet within the fluid compensation container.
[0014] The flow velocity can be particularly easily locally reduced in such a way that the particle reduction device has at least one, preferably a plurality of, particle capture walls, in particular particle capture ribs. Preferably, the particle capture walls are arranged substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction.
[0015] By arranging the particle capture walls in an alternating (wechselseitig) and opposite manner, a labyrinth structure can preferably be formed, whereby particles can be captured particularly efficiently.
[0016] It is also conceivable that the particle reduction device is configured as a bypass channel of one of the fluid control elements for receiving particles. A part of the fluid is diverted from the main flow path through the bypass channel. Preferably, a particle interception device is arranged within the bypass channel. The particle interception device is preferably configured as a particle filter. The particle interception device can also be configured as a particle capture wall. In order to locally reduce the flow velocity in the bypass channel, according to a particularly preferred modification of the invention, a diffuser is arranged at the fluid inlet of the bypass channel.
[0017] A particularly simple particle reduction device can be provided in particular in such a way that the particle capture device is configured as a particle capture stage within a distribution unit, in particular within a fluid channel or a fluid pipeline. Preferably, the particle capture stage has a covering element and is thus configured as a particle capture box, such that particles are particularly advantageously retained in the particle capture box. According to a particularly preferred modification of the invention, the particle capture device has a plurality of particle capture stages arranged successively in the flow direction. The resulting substantially stepped structure enables particles to be captured in the manner of a gold panning trough.
[0018] It is also conceivable that the particle reduction device is configured as a cyclone separator. Such a cyclone separator can be integrated, for example, in a fluid compensation container or a distribution plate and utilizes centrifugal force, whereby the particles in the medium are deposited at the bottom of the fluid compensation container or the distribution plate. Description of the Drawings
[0019] The present invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be elaborated in detail in the following description. Among them:
[0020] Figure 1 A vehicle according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;
[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the thermal management module is shown;
[0022] Figure 3 , 4a -4c respectively show schematic diagrams of embodiments of the particle reduction device. Specific embodiments
[0023] In different variant embodiments, the same components are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0024] Figure 1 Vehicle 10 is shown. Vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle and has one electric motor 16 or multiple electric motors for driving vehicle 10. In addition, vehicle 10 has a battery unit 14, also referred to as a "battery pack". The battery unit 14 can consist of one or more enclosed units. In addition, vehicle 10 has a cooling circuit 11. The cooling circuit 11 has a thermal management module 12. In addition, the cooling circuit 11 preferably has a heat exchanger 18, also referred to as a "cooler", which is arranged to release heat from the cooling circuit 11 to the ambient air. The cooling circuit 11 preferably has an additional heat exchanger 19, which is arranged to conduct heat to the passenger compartment of vehicle 10 in at least one operating state. The cooling circuit 11 is preferably arranged to cool at least one electric motor 16. The cooling circuit 11 is preferably arranged to cool or heat the battery unit 14.
[0025] The thermal management module 12, also referred to as a "temperature management unit", is arranged to interconnect the components of the cooling circuit 11. The cooling circuit 11 respectively has fluid lines connecting the thermal management module 12 to the electric motor 16, the battery unit 14, the heat exchangers 18, 19 and / or other components. According to an alternative design, as an alternative or supplement to the electric motor, the vehicle has at least one internal combustion engine as part of the cooling circuit.
[0026] The central connection device 12 has a distribution unit 22, also referred to as a "manifold", and is arranged to divide the fluid flow into at least two fluid channels (not shown in detail). The distribution unit 22 is arranged to distribute the coolant flow from the heat exchanger 18 to other cooling circuit components, such as in particular the electric motor 16, the battery unit 14 or another heat exchanger 19. Preferably, the thermal management module 12 has a fluid compensation container 40 or a fluid compensation tank. The fluid compensation container 40 can be fastened at the distribution unit 22. Preferably, the fluid compensation container 40 has at least one fluid outlet 101.
[0027] Figure 2Such a thermal management module 12 for fluidic coupling of components of a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, is shown. The thermal management module 12 comprises at least one distribution unit 22. The thermal management module 12 comprises at least one component interface 26, which is arranged at the distribution unit 22 for fastening a component 30. Each distribution unit 22 preferably has a plurality of component interfaces 26 for receiving a plurality of components 30, 32, in particular for receiving at least one first component 30 and at least one second component 32. Preferably, at least one first component is designed as a fluid pump 30 and at least one second component is designed as a valve 32. Preferably, a plurality of pumps 30 and a plurality of valves 32 are arranged at the distribution unit 22 and are fluidically connected to the distribution unit.
[0028] The component interface 24 is provided for fluidically connecting one or more components, for example one or more fluid pumps 30 and / or one or more valves 32 , to the dispensing unit 22 .
[0029] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the distribution unit 22 is designed as a hydraulic distribution plate. Preferably, the fluid compensation container 40 is configured to be fluidically connected to the distribution unit 22. Preferably, the fluid compensation container 40 is fastened to the distribution unit 22. Preferably, the distribution unit has a plurality of fluid control elements 36, in particular fluid channels or hydraulic lines. Preferably, the distribution unit has integrated fluid channels 24, which are arranged in the housing 50 of the distribution unit 22.
[0030] According to the invention, it is now provided that the dispensing unit 22 and / or the fluid compensation container 40 has a particle reduction device 40 .
[0031] Figure 3 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c A possible design of such a particle reduction device 44 is shown in FIG.
[0032] according to Figure 3 The particle reduction device 44 of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 is based on the sedimentation principle. The particle reduction device 44 has a sedimentation chamber 55 with an opening 56 for particles to pass through.
[0033] The settling chamber 56 can have a cover element with a particle passage opening 56. Preferably, the settling chamber 55 is configured as a substantially sealed chamber except for the particle passage opening. Particles 60 present in the liquid can flow into the settling chamber 55 through the particle passage opening 56 and be retained there. In this way, the particles 60 can be separated from the liquid particularly efficiently.
[0034] Figure 3The settling chamber 55 shown in [Fig.] is constructed in two parts. It has a base section 70 and a covering section 72. Here, the covering section 72 is arranged on the base section 70 such that a substantially enclosed settling chamber 50 is produced, which has an internal space 64 for receiving the particles 60. The covering section 72 is preferably constructed from a separate covering element 71.
[0035] According to an advantageous modification of the invention, the settling chamber 55 is arranged within the fluid control element 36, in particular within the fluid passage of the distribution unit 22. Preferably, when the components 30, 32 are at rest, the particles 60 sink due to gravity and thus enter the settling chamber 55.
[0036] Figure 4a Another embodiment of the invention is shown. According to Figure 4a the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.], at least one, preferably a plurality of fluid control elements of the fluid control element 36 of the thermal management module 12 have a particle capture stage 80. Preferably, the particle capture stage 80 is arranged in the wall of the fluid control element 36. Preferably, the particle capture stage 80 has a sloped first section 82 and a capture wall 84. Preferably, the first section 82 is constructed in a downwardly inclined manner along the flow direction 100. Preferably, the capture wall 84 is constructed substantially perpendicular to the flow direction 100. Preferably, the particle capture stage 80 is located outside the main flow direction of the fluid. Preferably, the particle capture stage 80 of the particle reduction device 44 has a covering element 85 and thus forms a particle capture box (Partikelauffangtasche). Preferably, the covering element 85 is constructed as an extension of the channel wall of the fluid passage. Preferably, the particle capture stage or the particle capture box is molded onto the fluid control element 36 along the shear force direction. Due to the relatively large mass of the particles 60, they can be deposited in the particle capture box at a relatively slow flow rate and are thus particularly advantageously removed from the fluid circuit. Preferably, the particle capture box is constructed as a settling chamber.
[0037] Figure 4b Another embodiment of the invention is shown, according to which the particle reduction device 34 is arranged within at least one fluid control element 36. According to Figure 4b the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.], the particle reduction device 44 is constructed as a bypass channel 90 of one of the fluid control elements 36. According to Figure 4b the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig.], the bypass channel 90 has an integrated particle filter 92. Here, the particle filter 92 intercepts the particles 60 from the fluid flowing through the bypass channel. The bypass channel can in particular be constructed as a settling channel.
[0038] Figure 4cAnother embodiment of the particulate reduction device 44 configured as a bypass channel 90 is shown. A particulate capture wall 94 is arranged within the bypass channel 90. The particulate capture wall 94 is configured as a particulate capture rib, wherein the particulate capture wall 94 is preferably oriented at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the flow direction. In accordance with Figure 4c the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4c , the particulate capture walls 94 are arranged alternately opposite on the walls of the bypass channel 90 and thus preferably form a labyrinth structure for the particulates 60. The flow of the fluid is redirected multiple times by the particulate capture walls 94. Local regions with very low flow velocities are formed in the redirection regions. The particulates 90 preferably deposit here. The bypass channel 90 can be configured as a settling channel.
[0039] It is conceivable that the bypass channel 90 has a diffuser 99 in the inflow region 98 for reducing the flow velocity of the fluid flowing into the bypass channel 90.
[0040] Another embodiment of the invention not shown here can be achieved by arranging the particulate reduction device 44 within the fluid compensation container 40. Thus, for example, it is conceivable to arrange the particulate reduction device 44 in a region of the thermal management module 12 with a particularly low flow velocity. Preferably, the particulate reduction device 44 is arranged at the fluid outlet 101 of the fluid compensation container 40. Preferably, the fluid compensation container 40 has a plurality of particulate capture walls 94. Preferably, the particulate capture walls 94 extend substantially vertically into the interior space of the fluid compensation container 40. Preferably, the particulate capture walls 94 are arranged in the region of the fluid outlet 101 of the fluid compensation container 40. Preferably, the capture chamber formed by the particulate capture walls 94 is configured as a settling chamber.
Claims
1. A thermal management module (12) for an electric vehicle, the thermal management module having at least one distribution unit (22) and a plurality of components (30, 32) fluidly connected to the distribution unit (20), wherein, the thermal management module (12) has at least one fluid compensation container (40) fluidly connected to the distribution unit (22), characterized in that the distribution unit (22) and / or the fluid compensation container (40) has a particle reduction device (44).
2. The thermal management module (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, the distribution unit (22) is configured as a hydraulic distribution plate and preferably has fluid control elements (36), in particular fluid channels, in particular fluid channels integrated in the housing (50) of the distribution unit (22).
3. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the distribution unit (22) is connected to at least one first component (30) and at least one second component (32), wherein the first component (30) is preferably a pump, in particular a coolant pump, and wherein the second component (32) is a valve, in particular a coolant valve, and wherein the first component and the second component (30, 32) are configured to control the same fluid.
4. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particle reduction device (44) has a settling chamber (55), the settling chamber having at least one particle passage opening (56).
5. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the settling chamber (55) is arranged in at least one fluid control element (36).
6. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particle reduction device (44) is arranged in a region of reduced flow velocity, in particular in the region of the fluid outlet of the fluid compensation container (40).
7. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particle reduction device (44) has at least one, preferably a plurality of particle capture walls (94), in particular particle capture ribs, wherein the particle capture walls (94) are preferably oriented at an angle of about 45° with respect to the flow direction.
8. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particle capture walls (94) are arranged opposite each other, in particular arranged alternately opposite each other, preferably arranged in a way that forms a labyrinth structure.
9. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particle reduction device (44) is configured as a bypass channel (90) of one of the fluid control elements (36) for receiving the particles (60).
10. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, a diffuser (99) is arranged at the fluid inlet of the bypass channel (90), the diffuser being used to locally reduce the flow velocity in the particle reduction device (44).
11. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, a particulate filter (92) is arranged in the bypass channel (90).
12. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particulate reduction device (44) has a particulate capture stage (80), in particular a particulate capture cartridge, arranged in the distribution unit (22) and / or in one of the fluid control elements (36).
13. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particulate reduction device (44) has a plurality of particulate capture stages (80), preferably particulate capture cartridges arranged successively in the flow direction, particularly preferably particulate capture cartridges arranged successively in the flow direction, arranged in the distribution unit (22) and / or in at least one of the fluid control elements (36).
14. The thermal management module (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the particulate reduction device (44) is configured as a cyclone separator.
15. A distribution unit (22) for a thermal management module (12), characterized in that, the distribution plate (22) has a particulate reduction device (44) according to any one of the preceding claims.
16. A fluid compensation container (40) for a thermal management module (12), characterized in that, the fluid compensation container (40) has a particulate reduction device (44) according to any one of the preceding claims.