Fluid management module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid management module (1) for a motor vehicle (100), having a module housing (2) and a heat exchanger (6) and a filter (7) mounted thereon. A compact design and higher efficiency are achieved by the module housing (2) having a recess (9) for the outer side (105) of the differential housing (104) of the differential gear (103), which outer side (105) is curved outwardly, in order to arrange the outer side (105) in the recess (9). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (100) having such a fluid management module (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid management module for a motor vehicle, which has a module housing and at least two fluid sub-circuits that are fluidically separated from each other. In addition, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a fluid management module. Background Art

[0002] In motor vehicles, different components are supplied with fluid. The fluid supply is particularly used to temper the associated components.

[0003] Generally, a corresponding circuit is provided for each component, and the fluid circulates through this circuit for tempering the component. Generally speaking, such circuits are completely separated from each other.

[0004] It can be considered to provide a common module for at least two circuits, which will also be referred to as a fluid management module hereinafter. Here, the corresponding circuit portions are partially guided through the fluid management module. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least an alternative embodiment for a fluid management module of the above type and for a motor vehicle having such a fluid management module. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved or at least other embodiments for the fluid management module and for the motor vehicle, which are characterized by a compact construction and higher efficiency.

[0006] According to the present invention, this object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention is based on the following general concept: equipping a fluid management module for a motor vehicle with at least two fluid sub-circuits that are separated from each other, wherein one fluid sub-circuit is assigned to the differential drive of the associated motor vehicle, and installing a heat exchanger on the module housing of the fluid management module for the corresponding fluid sub-circuit, wherein the module housing follows the curved contour of the outer side of the housing of the differential drive, such that in the state of being installed on the motor vehicle, the module housing at least partially surrounds the outer side. Thus, the fluid management module is constructed more compactly and arranged closer to the differential drive. In addition to the above compact construction, the arrangement closer to the differential drive also reduces the structural space requirement. Furthermore, in this way, the flow path of the fluid flowing through the fluid sub-circuit in the fluid management system and to the associated components of the motor vehicle, here especially to the differential drive, is shortened, thereby reducing heat loss. This improves efficiency.

[0008] According to the inventive concept, the fluid management module has a module housing and at least two fluid sub-circuits that are fluidically separated from each other. The fluid management module has a respective heat exchanger for the corresponding fluid sub-circuit, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing and thermally regulates the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuit during operation. The fluid management module also has a respective filter for the corresponding fluid sub-circuit, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing and filters the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuit during operation. For at least one of the fluid sub-circuits, the fluid management module has a respective conveying device, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing and conveys fluid through the respective fluid sub-circuit during operation. One of the fluid sub-circuits is assigned to a differential gear, and is hereinafter also referred to as the first fluid sub-circuit. Here, the outer side of the housing in which the differential gear is arranged (hereinafter also referred to as the differential housing) is curved outward along the X direction. The module housing has a recess complementary to this outer side, such that in the state of being mounted on a motor vehicle, the outer side of the differential housing is arranged in this recess.

[0009] The X direction advantageously corresponds to the vehicle coordinate system of the respective motor vehicle. Thus, the X direction advantageously extends parallel to the driving direction of the motor vehicle.

[0010] The outer side advantageously protrudes in the X direction, while the recess is recessed in the X direction, or vice versa.

[0011] Mounting at least one conveying device and filter and heat exchanger on the outside of the housing also includes the following variant: at least one of the at least one conveying device and / or at least one of the filters and / or at least one of the heat exchangers protrudes into the module housing.

[0012] As described above, the fluid sub-circuit assigned to the differential gear is also referred to as the first fluid sub-circuit.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one other fluid sub-circuit is also assigned to at least one component of the respective motor vehicle. Hereinafter, the corresponding other fluid sub-circuit is also referred to as the additional fluid sub-circuit.

[0014] In the state of being mounted on a motor vehicle, the respective fluid sub-circuit forms the respective circuit, and during operation, the respective fluid circulates through this circuit. Here, advantageously, at least one respective component is included in the respective circuit for thermal regulation.

[0015] Here, "thermal regulation" is particularly understood as cooling and / or heating.

[0016] Thus, the first fluid sub-circuit forms a first circuit on the motor vehicle, i.e., is part of the first circuit through which the first fluid circulates, and the differential drive is included therein such that the differential drive is temperature-controlled during operation. Preferably, the first fluid also lubricates the differential drive.

[0017] Preferably, the fluid management module has a dedicated heat exchanger and a dedicated filter for the first fluid sub-circuit.

[0018] The motor vehicle in question has a fluid management module and a differential drive.

[0019] The motor vehicle preferably has a front axle and at least one rear axle. Here, the differential drive is assigned to one of the axles.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the differential drive is assigned to one of the at least one rear axles, and the fluid management module is arranged on the side of the rear axle facing away from the front axle. Thus, the fluid management module is better protected against objects accelerating backward (such as stones, etc.) during driving. Thereby, durability is increased.

[0021] The outer side of the differential housing is advantageously thin-walled, for example made of sheet metal or plastic. Thus, the module housing is cost-effective.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the module housing has an upper housing part and a lower housing part fixed to the upper housing part, wherein the lower housing part has a recess.

[0023] Preferably, at least one heat exchanger, preferably the corresponding heat exchanger, is mounted on the outside of the upper housing part. This makes the fluid management module compact and / or reduces the structural space requirement.

[0024] In principle, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be made of the same material.

[0025] A preferred embodiment is that the upper housing part and the lower housing part are made of different materials. Thus, corresponding housing components can be provided according to requirements in particular. In particular, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be adapted to different thermal and / or mechanical requirements.

[0026] Advantageously, the upper housing part is made of aluminum, especially by die-casting of aluminum.

[0027] Advantageously, the lower housing part is made of plastic, especially by injection molding.

[0028] In principle, the fluid sub-circuit can extend outside the module housing.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid sub-circuit extends at least partially, preferably completely, within the module housing. This enables a compact and simple construction of the fluid management module. In addition, heat losses can be reduced in this way, thereby increasing efficiency.

[0030] Here, preferably, at least one fluid sub-circuit in the fluid sub-circuits, preferably the respective fluid sub-circuit, is at least partially, preferably completely, constructed within the module housing. For this purpose, the module housing can have corresponding moldings. In particular, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can have the respective moldings with respect to each other in order to form channels.

[0031] The motor vehicle advantageously has at least one traction motor, preferably at least one electric traction motor, for an axle assigned to the differential drive.

[0032] Preferably, at least one further fluid sub-circuit in the further fluid sub-circuits is assigned to at least one of the at least one traction motor. That is to say, the fluid management module has at least one further fluid sub-circuit for the respective at least one assigned traction motor of the motor vehicle, which at least one further fluid sub-circuit has the assigned heat exchanger and the assigned filter and the assigned conveying means, such that the fluid flowing through the respective further fluid sub-circuit during operation thermoregulates the at least one assigned traction motor.

[0033] Thus, advantageously, in the motor vehicle, at least one of the at least one traction motor, preferably the respective traction motor, is fluidically connected to at least one of the further fluid sub-circuits, such that the respective further fluid sub-circuit forms a further circuit and such that the further fluid circulating through the respective further circuit during operation thermoregulates at least one assigned traction motor.

[0034] As a preferably applicable embodiment, the module housing has at least three fixing openings for fixing the fluid management module to the differential housing.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one mounting frame is mounted on the differential housing, in particular on the outer side, and the fluid management module is fixed to at least one mounting frame, preferably by means of the fixing openings. Thus, reliable and stable fixing of the fluid management module to the differential housing can be achieved despite a thin-walled and / or cost-effective manufacture of the outer side of the differential housing.

[0036] Preferably, on the differential housing, in particular on the outer side, the respective mounting frame is mounted for the respective fixing opening, and the fluid management module is fixed to the respective mounting frame, in particular by means of bolts.

[0037] Other important features and advantages of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the associated description of the drawings based thereon.

[0038] It is to be understood that the features described above and those explained below can be used not only in the combinations separately stated, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and further explained in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals denote identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0040] The drawings schematically show respectively:

[0041] Figure 1 A highly simplified side view of a motor vehicle having a fluid management module,

[0042] Figure 2 An isometric view of the fluid management module;

[0043] Figure 3 Another isometric view of the fluid management module with a flow path shown;

[0044] Figure 4 Yet another isometric view of the fluid management module shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] As Figures 1 to 4 exemplarily shown in Figure 1 the fluid management module 1 is applied to the motor vehicle 100 exemplarily and highly simplified shown in Figure 1 The motor vehicle 100 has a front axle 101 and at least one rear axle 102. In

[0046] it is exemplarily assumed that the motor vehicle 100 has a rear axle 102. A differential gearing 103 is assigned to one of the axles 101, 102. The differential gearing 103 is arranged in a housing 104, which housing will also be referred to below as the differential housing 104. The differential housing 104 has an outer side 105, which is curved outward in the X direction X of the motor vehicle 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer side 105 is thin-walled and is made, for example, of sheet metal or plastic. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the differential gearing 103 is assigned to the rear axle 102. Figure 3As shown by the respective flow paths, the fluid management module 1 also has at least two fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 that are fluidically separated from each other. The respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 form the respective, not-shown circuits in the motor vehicle, through which the respective fluid circulates during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 are guided through the module housing 2 and are formed in the module housing 2. The fluid management module 1 has a respective heat exchanger 6 for the respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing 2. The respective heat exchanger 6 tempers the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 during operation. In addition, the fluid management module 1 has a respective filter 7 for the respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing 2 and filters the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 during operation. The fluid management module 1 has a respective conveying device 8 for at least one of the fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5, which is mounted on the outside of the module housing 2 and conveys the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5 during operation and thus conveys the fluid circulating through the respective circuit. One of the fluid sub-circuits 3 is assigned to the differential drive 103, such that the fluid flowing through the fluid sub-circuit 3 during operation tempers the differential drive 103 and preferably also lubricates it. This fluid sub-circuit 3 is also referred to below as the first fluid sub-circuit 3. As Figure 2 can be seen in particular, the module housing 2 has a recess 9 that is complementary to the outer side 105, such that in the state of being mounted on the motor vehicle 100, the outer side 105 of the differential housing 104 is arranged in the recess 9, as Figure 1 shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer side 105 is shaped to protrude in the X direction X, while the recess 9 is shaped to be recessed. Here, in Figure 1 the region of the outer side 105 arranged in the recess 9 is not visible and is therefore represented by a dashed line in the non-visible region. In the illustrated embodiment, the module housing 2 has a housing upper part 10 and a housing lower part 11 fixed to the housing upper part 10, where the housing lower part 11 has the recess 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 is mounted on the housing upper part 10 on the side of the module housing 2 facing away from the drive 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing upper part 10 and the housing lower part 11 are made of different materials, in particular the housing upper part 10 is made of aluminum and the housing lower part 11 is made of plastic.

[0047] As Figure 1 can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the differential drive 103 is assigned to the rear axle 102 and the fluid management module 1 is arranged on the side of the rear axle 102 facing away from the front axle 101.

[0048] As Figure 3In particular, it can be seen that the fluid management module 1 of the illustrated embodiment exemplarily has three fluid sub-circuits 3, 4, 5, which respectively form the associated, not-shown circuits in the motor vehicle 100. Thus, in addition to the first fluid sub-circuit 3, the fluid management module 1 also has two additional fluid sub-circuits 4, 5, which will also be referred to hereinafter as the second fluid sub-circuit 4 and the third fluid sub-circuit 5.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid management module 1 has a heat exchanger 6 for the first fluid sub-circuit 3 and thus for the differential drive 103, which will also be referred to hereinafter as the first heat exchangers 6, 6a. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid management module 1 has a filter 7 for the first fluid sub-circuit 3 and thus for the differential drive 103, which will also be referred to hereinafter as the first filters 7, 7a. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid management module 1 does not have a conveying device 8 for the first fluid sub-circuit 3. That is to say, in the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid flowing through the first fluid sub-circuit 3 during operation is conveyed by a conveying device, not shown, which is independent of the fluid management module 1.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid management module 1 has a heat exchanger 6, a filter 7 and a conveying device 8 for the second fluid sub-circuit 4 and the third fluid sub-circuit 5 respectively. That is to say, the fluid management module 1 has a second heat exchanger 6, 6b for the second fluid sub-circuit 4 and a third heat exchanger 6, 6c for the third fluid sub-circuit 5. Furthermore, the fluid management module 1 has a second filter 7, 7b for the second fluid sub-circuit 4 and a third filter 7, 7c for the third fluid sub-circuit 5. The fluid management module 1 has a first conveying device 8, 8a for the second fluid sub-circuit 4 and a second conveying device 8, 8b for the third fluid sub-circuit 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid management module 1 thus includes three heat exchangers 6, three filters 7 and two conveying devices 8. Here, during operation, the second fluid flows through the second fluid sub-circuit 4, while the third fluid flows through the third fluid sub-circuit 5.

[0051] As Figure 1As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle 100 has at least one traction motor 106, preferably an electric traction motor, wherein at least one additional fluid sub-circuit 4, 5 is assigned to at least one of the at least one traction motor 106. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one traction motor 106 is drivingly connected to a differential gearing 103 and is thus assigned to the rear axle 102. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor vehicle 100 has two such traction motors 106 for the rear axle 102. In addition, a respective additional fluid circuit 4, 5 is assigned to the respective traction motor among the traction motors 106. Thus, the motor vehicle 100 has a first traction motor 106, 106a, to which the second fluid sub-circuit 4 is assigned, such that the second fluid thermally regulates the first traction motor 106, 106a during operation. In addition, the motor vehicle 100 has a second traction motor 106, 106b, to which the third fluid sub-circuit 5 is assigned, such that the third fluid thermally regulates the second traction motor 106, 106b during operation.

[0052] Preferably, at least the first fluid is oil, such that in addition to thermal regulation, the differential gearing 100 is lubricated by means of the first fluid.

[0053] As Figure 2 can be seen in particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the module housing 2 has at least three fixing openings 12 for fixing the fluid management module 1 to the differential housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the module housing 2 has three such fixing openings 12. As Figure 1 is only schematically shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the differential housing 104 has a respective mounting frame 107 for the respective fixing opening 12, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, three mounting frames 107, on which the fluid management module 1 is fixed, in particular by means of bolts (not shown). In Figure 1 the view, only two mounting frames 107 are visible.

Claims

1. A fluid management module (1) for a motor vehicle (100), The fluid management module has a module housing (2), The fluid management module has at least two fluid sub - circuits (3, 4, 5) that are fluidly separated from each other, wherein, The fluid management module (1) has a respective heat exchanger (6) for the corresponding fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5), which is mounted on the outside of the module housing (2) and in operation thermoregulates the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5). Wherein, the fluid management module (1) has a respective filter (7) for the corresponding fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5), which is mounted on the outside of the module housing (2) and in operation filters the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5). Wherein, the fluid management module (1) has a respective conveying device (8) for at least one of the fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5), which is mounted on the outside of the module housing (2) and in operation conveys the fluid flowing through the respective fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5). Wherein, the first fluid sub-circuit (3) of the fluid sub-circuits belongs to the differential drive (103) of the respective motor vehicle (100), the differential drive is arranged in a differential housing (104), and the differential housing has an outer side (105) that is curved outward along the X direction (X). The module housing (2) has a recess (9) that is complementary to the outer side (105), such that in the state of being mounted on the motor vehicle (100), the outer side (105) of the differential housing (104) is arranged in the recess (9).

2. The fluid management module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The module housing (2) has an upper housing part (10) and a lower housing part (11) fixed to the upper housing part (10), wherein the lower housing part (11) has the recess (9).

3. The fluid management module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper housing part (10) and the lower housing part (11) are made of different materials, in particular the upper housing part (10) is made of aluminum and the lower housing part (11) is made of plastic.

4. The fluid management module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid sub-circuits (3, 4, 5) extend in the module housing (2), in particular are constructed in the module housing.

5. The fluid management module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first fluid sub-circuit (3) has a respective first heat exchanger (6, 6a) and a respective first filter (7, 7a) for the differential drive (103), such that in operation the first fluid flowing through the first fluid sub-circuit (3) thermoregulates the differential drive (103) and preferably also lubricates the differential drive.

6. The fluid management module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fluid management module (1) has at least one additional fluid sub-circuit (4, 5) for the respective traction motor (106) of the motor vehicle (100), the additional fluid sub-circuit having a respective heat exchanger (6, 6b, 6c), a respective filter (7, 7b, 7c) and a respective conveying device (8, 8a, 8b), such that in operation the fluid flowing through the respective additional fluid sub-circuit (4, 5) thermoregulates the respective traction motor (106).

7. The fluid management module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The module housing (2) has at least three fixing openings (12) for fixing the fluid management module (1) to the differential housing (104).

8. A motor vehicle (100) having a front axle (101) and at least one rear axle (102), The motor vehicle has a differential drive (103) assigned to one of the axles (101, 102), the differential drive having a differential housing (104), the differential housing having an outer side (105) that curves outward along the X - direction (X), The motor vehicle has a fluid management module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer side (105) is arranged in the recess (9). A first fluid sub-circuit (3) is assigned to the differential gearing (103) and thus forms a first circuit such that, during operation, a first fluid circulating through the first circuit thermoregulates the differential gearing (103) and preferably also lubricates the differential gearing.

9. The motor vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The differential gearing (103) is assigned to one of the at least one rear axle (102), and the fluid management module (1) is arranged on the side of this rear axle (102) facing away from the front axle (101).

10. The motor vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The motor vehicle (100) has at least one traction motor (106) for the axle (101, 102) assigned to the differential gearing (103), and at least one further fluid sub-circuit (4, 5) of the fluid sub-circuits is fluid-connected to the traction motor and forms a further circuit such that, during operation, a further fluid circulating through the respective further circuit thermoregulates the assigned traction motor (106).

11. The motor vehicle according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, At least one mounting frame (107) is fixed to the outer side (105), and the fluid management module (1) is fixed to the at least one mounting frame (107).

12. The motor vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fluid management module (1) is constructed according to claim 7. The respective mounting frame (107) is mounted on the differential housing (103) for the corresponding fixing opening (12), and the fluid management module (1) is fixed to the respective mounting frame, in particular by means of bolts.

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