Thermal management system

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal management system (10) for a vehicle, having at least one coolant module (100) of a coolant circuit and at least one refrigerant module (200) of a refrigerant circuit, the thermal management system (10) having at least one carrier structure (14) for receiving the coolant module (100) and the refrigerant module (200), wherein the carrier structure (14) is designed to fasten the thermal management system (10) to the vehicle, and wherein the thermal management system (10) has at least one hydraulic connection element (300) for hydraulically connecting the coolant module (100) to the refrigerant module (200). According to the invention, the hydraulic connection element (300) has at least one substantially rigid first hydraulic connection section (302a) and at least one substantially rigid second hydraulic connection section (302b), the first hydraulic connection section (302a) being designed to be movably mounted relative to the second hydraulic connection section (302b) by means of at least one compensating element (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thermal management system and a hydraulic connection element for a thermal management system, according to the class of independent claims. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal management system is known, comprising a coolant module with a coolant circuit and a refrigerant module with a refrigerant circuit. These modules are also known to be hydraulically connected to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0003] advantage:

[0004] This invention relates to a thermal management system for a vehicle, the thermal management system having at least one coolant module of a coolant circuit and at least one refrigerant module of a refrigerant circuit, wherein the thermal management system has at least one support structure for receiving the coolant module and the refrigerant module, wherein the support structure is configured to secure the thermal management system to the vehicle, and wherein the thermal management system has at least one hydraulic connection element for hydraulically connecting the coolant module and the refrigerant module. According to the invention, the hydraulic connection element has at least one substantially rigid first hydraulic connection section, at least one substantially rigid second hydraulic connection section, and at least one compensating element, wherein the first hydraulic connection section is configured to be movably supported relative to the second hydraulic connection section by the compensating element.

[0005] The core of this invention lies in the mechanically fixing of the coolant module and the refrigerant module to each other via substantially rigid hydraulic connecting sections, and simultaneously providing a hydraulic connection of these rigid hydraulic connecting sections via at least one compensating element, which is capable of compensating for relative movement. This relative movement can be caused, in particular, by thermally induced movement of the modules relative to each other. It is also conceivable that the compensating element can compensate for vibrations of sub-assemblies, such as the vibrations of the compressor of the refrigerant module. In particular, vibration decoupling between the electric compressor and the coolant module, which has a large resonant body due to the first fluid distribution element, can advantageously and significantly reduce noise formation. In this way, a particularly sealed, stable, and easily assembled thermal management system can be provided, which can simultaneously compensate for the relative movement between the coolant module and the refrigerant module. Particularly preferably, the proposed solution enables reliable pre-assembly of structural components. Preferably, the hydraulic connection between the coolant module and the refrigerant module is constructed in a manner that is substantially hose-free and / or quick-connector-free.

[0006] Preferably, the coolant module has at least one first fluid distribution element. This fluid distribution element is preferably constructed substantially as a plate and has multiple integrated first fluid channels. According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the coolant module further includes multiple fluid handling elements. Preferably, these fluid handling elements are constructed as fluid pumps and / or fluid valves. According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid handling elements are directly fastened to the fluid distribution element. It is also conceivable that the fluid handling elements are constructed in a manner at least partially integrated into the fluid distribution unit. According to a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, the fluid handling elements are substantially completely embedded in the housing of the fluid distribution element. The coolant module is preferably constructed as a pre-assembled structural component so that it can be processed as a unit in a production line. Preferably, the first fluid distribution element of the coolant module is constructed as a plastic injection molded part.

[0007] Preferably, the refrigerant module has at least one second fluid distribution element. Preferably, the second fluid distribution element is substantially plate-shaped. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger, particularly a coolant-refrigerant-heat exchanger, is fastened to and fluidly connected to the second fluid distribution element. Preferably, the second fluid distribution element has a plurality of at least partially integrated second fluid guides. Preferably, the second fluid guides are configured as coolant guides. According to a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, the refrigerant module also has a second heat exchanger, particularly a coolant-refrigerant-heat exchanger, which is also configured to be fastened to and fluidly connected to the second fluid distribution element. According to an advantageous improvement, the refrigerant module also has a compressor. Preferably, the compressor is fastened to the second fluid distribution element. The refrigerant module having the heat exchanger and at least the compressor is preferably configured as a pre-assembled structural component so that it can be processed as a unit in a production line. According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the refrigerant module also has at least one expansion valve. The refrigerant can be, in particular, propane (R290), CO2 (R744), R-1234yf, or preferably a mixture of refrigerants including propane. The refrigerant is preferably a propane-containing refrigerant, which, for example, consists of at least 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% propane.

[0008] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the first hydraulic connection section has at least one, preferably multiple, first hydraulic connection guides, particularly hydraulic connection pipes. Preferably, the second hydraulic connection section has at least one, preferably multiple, second hydraulic connection guides, particularly hydraulic connection pipes, wherein preferably, a compensating element fluidly connects the first and second hydraulic connection guides respectively. According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the hydraulic connection section has the main portion of the hydraulic guide of the hydraulic connection element. Because the main portion of the hydraulic connection element is mechanically rigidly constructed, the coolant module and the refrigerant module can be mechanically and stably connected to each other in this way. The compensating element can simultaneously absorb the corresponding relative motion.

[0009] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one compensating element is configured as a flexible tube segment, particularly a folding rod element, particularly a folding rod bending element, between a first hydraulic connection guide and a second hydraulic connection guide. Preferably, the flexible tube segment is fixedly, particularly non-removably, connected to the hydraulic connection guide and is therefore a fixed component of the hydraulic connection segment. Such a compensating element allows modules to be fixedly connected to each other, while simultaneously advantageously reducing stress and force in the fluid joint. The fixedly connected flexible tube segment allows for particularly easy assembly and exhibits, in particular, a process-reliable, sealed solution. Preferably, the flexible tube segment is constructed integrally. Preferably, the flexible tube segment is constructed by joining, particularly welding, the hydraulic guide.

[0010] Particularly flexible, sealed connections can be provided, in particular, by having a folding rod element comprising multiple substantially cylindrical folding rod segments articulated together. Preferably, the articulated folding rod segments allow for compensation of relative movement between modules in all spatial directions. Preferably, the folding rod segments are configured to withstand torque via the articulated connections. Preferably, the folding rod segments are made of flexible plastic.

[0011] A particularly stable hydraulic connection can be provided, especially by means of a hydraulic connection segment, preferably a first hydraulic connection segment and a second hydraulic connection segment, configured as a hydraulic distribution plate. It is conceivable that the hydraulic distribution plate is at least partially curved. Preferably, the hydraulic connection guides of the hydraulic connection segments are connected to each other by guide support structures. Particularly preferably, the hydraulic connection guides are configured to be at least partially, preferably completely, integrated into the hydraulic distribution plate. Preferably, the hydraulic connection segments are each integrally constructed. Preferably, the hydraulic connection segments are constructed as injection-molded parts.

[0012] It is also conceivable that the hydraulic connection element having at least one compensating element is constructed as part of the coolant module and / or refrigerant module. It is also conceivable that the guide support structure of the load-bearing structure is provided at least partially through the coolant module and / or refrigerant module. It is conceivable that the coolant module and refrigerant module are directly connected to each other, wherein compensating elements are arranged between the modules.

[0013] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the compensation element is configured to absorb relative motion in at least one, preferably two, and particularly preferably three spatial directions. It is also conceivable that the compensation element can withstand torque.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred improvement, the load-bearing structure has additional damping and / or decoupling elements configured to advantageously reduce vibrations from the vehicle to the thermal management system and from the thermal management system to the vehicle.

[0015] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the coolant module has at least one first fluid distribution element having at least partially integrated first fluid guides. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coolant module also has at least one second fluid distribution element having at least partially integrated second fluid guides. By designing the corresponding fluid connections as highly integrated, compact fluid distribution elements, particularly fluid distribution plates, a particularly compact and easily connectable thermal management system can be provided. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first fluid distribution element is constructed as a plastic injection molded part.

[0016] Preferably, the fluid distribution element has a plate-like shape. Preferably, the fluid channel is constructed in a fully integrated manner. Preferably, the fluid channel is constructed by injection molding.

[0017] A particularly easy-to-connect, or assemble, fluid connection between the coolant module and the refrigerant module can be provided, in particular, by means of: a first hydraulic connection section having at least one connecting flange with a first hydraulic connection guide for fastening at the first fluid distribution element, and a second hydraulic connection section having a second connecting flange with a second hydraulic connection guide for fastening at the second fluid distribution element. The integrated connecting flanges can particularly advantageously enable direct connection to the module.

[0018] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the compensating element is configured as a sleeve connection between a first hydraulic connection guide and a second hydraulic connection guide, wherein preferably, the sleeve connection has at least one hydraulic connection guide that guides within another hydraulic connection guide configured as a sliding sleeve. The hydraulic connection guides to be connected are inserted into each other as sliding tubes to form corresponding sleeve connections. Preferably, the sleeve connection allows for rotational twisting of the fluid inlet and fluid outlet.

[0019] A particularly stable and simultaneously sealing connection can be provided, in particular, by constructing at least one seal, preferably at least two seals, especially radial seals, between the first hydraulic connection guide and the second hydraulic connection guide in the region of the sleeve connection.

[0020] According to a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, a plurality of coolant handling components, in particular coolant pumps and / or coolant valves, are arranged at the first fluid distribution element, particularly constructed in a manner that is at least partially integrated into the first fluid distribution element.

[0021] Preferably, the coolant module is configured as a pre-assembled structural component. Preferably, the coolant module is configured to be processed as a unit in the production line. Preferably, the pump and valve are configured to be fixedly connected to the first fluid distribution element. Preferably, all components are arranged on one side of the first fluid distribution element. Preferably, the coolant module is particularly compact and / or flat. Preferably, the coolant module is substantially hose-free. Preferably, the fluid connection of the coolant assembly is achieved through the first fluid distribution element.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous improvement of the invention, the refrigerant module has at least one compressor and at least one, preferably at least two, coolant-refrigerant-heat exchangers. Preferably, the compressor and / or at least one, preferably all, coolant-refrigerant-heat exchangers are at least partially fastened to the second fluid distribution element. Preferably, the refrigerant module is configured as a pre-assembled structural assembly. Preferably, the refrigerant module also has at least one, preferably multiple, expansion valves. Preferably, the refrigerant module is configured to be processed as a unit in a production line. Preferably, the components of the refrigerant module, such as the compressor, heat exchangers, and corresponding expansion valves, are configured to be fixedly connected to the second fluid distribution element. Preferably, the refrigerant module is constructed in a particularly compact and / or flat manner. Preferably, the fluid connection between the coolant module and the refrigerant module is constructed without hoses via a hydraulic connection section. Attached Figure Description

[0023] An embodiment of the thermal management system is shown in the accompanying drawings and is described in detail below. Wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of the thermal management system according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A perspective view of the hydraulic connection element according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A perspective view of the thermal management system according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 A hydraulic connection guide portion of a hydraulic connection element according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the coolant module is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the refrigerant module is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In different variant implementations, the same components are given the same reference numerals.

[0031] Figure 1 A thermal management system 10 is shown. The thermal management system 10 has at least one coolant module 100 and at least one refrigerant module 200. Figure 5 The coolant module 100 is described exemplarily in the example. Figure 6 The refrigerant module 200 is described exemplarily in the diagram. The coolant module 100 and refrigerant module 200 are preferably assembled as separate structural components. The modules are then assembled into a common structural component, namely the thermal management system 10. The thermal management system 10 is then fastened as a unit in the vehicle. For fastening in the vehicle, the thermal management system 10 has a load-bearing structure 14. Preferably, both the coolant module 100 and the refrigerant module 200 are load-bearingly fastened to the load-bearing structure 14.

[0032] The objective of this invention is to achieve a mechanically fixed connection and simultaneously a hydraulic connection between a refrigerant structural assembly and a coolant structural assembly, such that relative movement caused by thermal expansion, for example, does not create stress at the fluid connection points. A hydraulic connection element 300 is provided for fluidly connecting the coolant module 100 and the refrigerant module 200. The hydraulic connection element 300 can be configured as part of or integral to the coolant module 100.

[0033] According to the present invention Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the hydraulic connection element 300 is constructed as a separate element.

[0034] According to the present invention Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic connection element 300 has a first hydraulic connection section 302a and a second hydraulic connection section 302b. The first hydraulic connection section 302a is fixedly connected to the first fluid distribution element 102 of the coolant module 100 at a fastening portion 40a. The second hydraulic connection section 302b is fixedly connected to the second fluid distribution element 202 of the refrigerant module 200 at another fastening portion 40b.

[0035] According to the present invention Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first hydraulic connection section 302a has a first connecting flange 105 for easy and preferably direct fastening to the first fluid distribution element 102. Furthermore, the second hydraulic connection section 302a has a second connecting flange 205 for easy and preferably direct fastening to the second fluid distribution element 202. Compensation for relative movement between the coolant module 100 and the refrigerant module 200 is preferably achieved substantially by at least one compensation element 303. According to the invention... Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, each hydraulic connection guide in the hydraulic connection guide has compensation elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d.

[0036] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, the coolant module 202 has a first fluid distribution element 102, and the refrigerant module 202 has a second fluid distribution element 202. The fluid distribution elements 102 and 202 are hydraulically connected to each other via a hydraulic connection element 300. The support structure 14 has fastening portions 19a and 19b for securing the thermal management system to the vehicle.

[0037] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b and compensating element 303 form the hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d of the hydraulic connection element 300, wherein hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b constitute the main portion of the hydraulic connection guide 301 of the hydraulic connection element 300. Correspondingly, compensating element 303 only bridges a small section of the fluid guide between the coolant module 100 and the refrigerant module 200.

[0038] According to the present invention Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the coolant module 100 has a first fluid distribution element 102 having a first fluid guide 104 that is at least partially integrated. The coolant module 200 has at least one second fluid distribution element 202 having a second fluid guide 204 that is at least partially integrated.

[0039] exist Figure 2 The text shows the following: Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the hydraulic connection element 300. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As can be seen, the hydraulic connecting element 300 has two hydraulic connecting sections 302a and 302b. The hydraulic connecting sections 302a and 302b are preferably constructed as two separate components. Preferably, the hydraulic connecting sections 302a and 302b are each integrally constructed. Preferably, the hydraulic connecting sections 302a and 302b are substantially rigidly constructed. Preferably, the hydraulic connecting sections 302a and 302b are constructed as injection molded parts.

[0040] Preferably, the hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b each have at least partially hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h. Preferably, the hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h are constructed as hydraulic connection pipes. Preferably, the hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h of the hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b are constructed in a manner that allows them to be mechanically connected to each other via guide support structures 17a and 17b. Preferably, the guide support structures 17a and 17b have reinforcing ribs 19a and 19b. Preferably, each pair of hydraulic connecting pipes is constructed as an integrated double pipe, wherein the corresponding double pipes are mechanically connected to each other by a corresponding guide support structure.

[0041] According to the present invention Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first hydraulic connection section 302a has first hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d, and the second hydraulic connection section has second hydraulic connection guides 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h. Preferably, the first and second hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h have substantially the same flow cross-section, thereby advantageously reducing flow losses. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the compensation elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d respectively connect the first hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d to the associated second hydraulic connection guides 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h.

[0042] As in Figure 2As can be seen from the diagram, the compensation elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are constructed as folding rod bending elements. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, compensation elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are respectively arranged outside the direct force flow between the coolant module and the refrigerant module. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the compensation elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d each have a radius of curvature α greater than 90°, preferably between 90° and 180°. Preferably, the folding rod bending elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the folding rod bending elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are constructed to be substantially identical in structure.

[0043] Preferably, the corresponding hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h of the two hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b extend substantially within a discharge plane to be connected to the fluid openings of the folding rod bending elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d. This enables a reliable and easy connection between the hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h and the folding rod bending elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d.

[0044] According to the present invention Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first hydraulic connection section 302a has a first connecting flange 105 for connecting and / or securing to the first fluid distribution element 102. Furthermore, the second hydraulic connection section 302a has a second connecting flange 105 for connecting and / or securing to the second fluid distribution element 202. Preferably, the connecting flanges 105 and 205 are substantially flat. Preferably, hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h are arranged in a line within the connecting flanges 105 and 205. Preferably, the connecting flanges 105 and 205 each have fastening portions 18a and 18b for connecting to the corresponding fluid distribution elements 102 and 202. Preferably, the hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b are substantially plate-shaped.

[0045] exist Figure 3 Another embodiment of the thermal management system 10 is shown. For simplicity, only the differences are described in detail. According to the invention... Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h of the corresponding hydraulic connection sections 302a and 302b are each constructed as separate components and are not integrated into a common distribution plate. According to the present invention... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the compensating elements 303a, 303b, 303c, and 303d are configured as sleeve connection portions 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d between the first hydraulic connection guide portions 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d and the second hydraulic connection guide portions 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h. Preferably, the sleeve connection portions 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d have at least one hydraulic connection guide that guides within another hydraulic connection guide configured as a sliding sleeve. Preferably, the free end of the hydraulic connection guide is pushed into and guided within the free end of the second hydraulic guide to be connected.

[0046] According to the present invention Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second hydraulic connection guides 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h are configured to connect to the second fluid distribution element 202. Preferably, the second hydraulic connection guides are configured to be integrally connected to the second fluid distribution element 202. According to the invention... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding first hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d are pushed onto the free ends of the second hydraulic connection guides 301e, 301f, 301g, and 301h, thereby forming sleeve connection portions 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. According to the invention... Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the first hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d are connected to the first fluid distribution element 102.

[0047] exist Figure 4 The hydraulic connection portion 350 of the hydraulic connection element 300 is shown in a perspective view. Preferably, the sleeve connection portion has at least one seal. Preferably, the seal is arranged in the region of the sleeve connection portion between the first hydraulic connection guide and the second hydraulic connection guides 301a, 301d (not visible here). Preferably, the seal is constructed as an O-ring. Preferably, the two seals are arranged in series with each other.

[0048] According to the present invention Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic connection 350 has a substantially S-shaped profile. Preferably, the hydraulic connection guides 301a and 301d have reinforcing elements, particularly reinforcing triangular members 222. According to the invention... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second hydraulic connection guide 301e has a reinforcing element 222. The compensating element 303a advantageously enables the twisting of the connector as indicated by the movement arrow, thereby facilitating connection with the corresponding fluid distribution element. Furthermore, the compensating element 303a enables axial movement along or parallel to the sliding tube, thereby advantageously compensating for movement between the coolant module 100 and the refrigerant module 200.

[0049] Figure 5 An exemplary coolant module 100 for a thermal management system 10 is shown. A first fluid distribution unit 102 has a plurality of hydraulic connections 8a that can be connected to cooling lines. A plurality of coolant pumps 110 and coolant valves 112 are fastened to the first fluid distribution unit 102. It is conceivable that the coolant pumps 110 and / or coolant valves 112 are constructed in a manner that is at least partially integrated into the housing of the first fluid distribution unit 102. The fluid distribution unit 102 may, for example, have chambers for receiving sub-assemblies of the coolant pumps 110 and / or coolant valves 112.

[0050] According to the present invention Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid distribution element 102 is constructed substantially in a plate-like shape. The first fluid distribution element 102 has a first fluid guide 104. Preferably, the fluid guide is constructed as a fluid channel. Preferably, the fluid guide 104 is constructed in a manner integrated into the housing of the fluid distribution element 102.

[0051] According to the present invention Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first fluid distribution element 102 is constructed as a plastic injection molded part. Preferably, the first fluid distribution element 102 has multiple components.

[0052] It should be clearly emphasized here that the features of the first fluid distribution element 102 or the coolant module 100 described above can be used not only in the combinations set forth herein, but also in other combinations and, if necessary, individually. Therefore, the combinations described herein should be understood only as examples for a better understanding of the invention, and should not be construed as further limiting the scope of the invention beyond the limitations set forth in the claims.

[0053] Figure 6An exemplary refrigerant module 200 for a thermal management system 10 is shown. The refrigerant module 200 includes a second fluid distribution element 202, a compressor 210 for compressing a refrigerant, particularly propane-containing refrigerant, a first heat exchanger 220, a second heat exchanger 221, one or more sensors, and an expansion valve. These sensors are designed, for example, as temperature and / or pressure sensors and are used to provide data for the control of the refrigerant circuit. Here, the compressor 210, the first heat exchanger 220, and the second heat exchanger 221 are carried by and rigidly mechanically connected to the second fluid distribution element 202.

[0054] The compressor 210 is fluidly connected on the pressure side to the refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger 220 and on the suction side to the refrigerant outlet (not visible) of the second heat exchanger 221. The first heat exchanger can also be called a liquid cooled condenser (LCC), while the second heat exchanger is also called a chiller.

[0055] According to the present invention Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the second fluid distribution element 202 is implemented as an integral component, for example, as a material block (e.g., a metal block) with functional holes. The material block constitutes the base of the second fluid distribution element 202. The material block can be made wholly or partially of a metal or metal alloy (e.g., copper, iron, or aluminum) or an alloy of one or more of these metals (e.g., aluminum alloy, brass, bronze, steel, etc.). It is also conceivable that the second fluid distribution element 202 is constructed via plates of at least one heat exchanger 220, 221.

[0056] As already mentioned, the compressor 210, the first heat exchanger 220, and the second heat exchanger 221 are supported by the second fluid distribution element 202. Accordingly, according to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the second fluid distribution element 202 has a compressor fastening portion and a heat exchanger fastening portion, which are provided for fastening the compressor 210 or the first and second heat exchangers 220, 221 to the second fluid distribution element 202.

[0057] According to an advantageous improvement of the invention, the second fluid distribution element 202 is constructed in a plate-like shape. Preferably, the second fluid distribution element 202 is arranged between the compressor 210 and the heat exchanger unit, such that the second fluid distribution element 202 is arranged at least close to the center of mass of the refrigerant circuit 200. For example, in Figure 6As can be seen, the second fluid distribution element 202 has a second fluid guide 204. This second fluid guide 204 is preferably integrated into the second fluid distribution element 202. Preferably, the second fluid guide 204 is configured as a hole in the material block. According to the invention... Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the second fluid distribution element 202 has a second connecting flange 205.

[0058] The refrigerant can be, in particular, propane (R290), CO2 (R744), R-1234yf, or preferably a mixture of refrigerants including propane. The refrigerant is preferably a propane-containing refrigerant, which, for example, consists of at least 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% propane.

[0059] It should be clearly emphasized here that the features of the second fluid distribution element 202 or the refrigerant circuit 200 described above can be used not only in the combinations set forth herein, but also in other combinations and, if necessary, individually. Therefore, the combinations described herein should be understood only as examples for a better understanding of the invention, and should not be construed as further limiting the scope of the invention beyond the limitations set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system (10) for a vehicle, the thermal management system having at least one coolant module (100) for a coolant circuit and at least one refrigerant module (200) for a refrigerant circuit, wherein, The thermal management system (10) has at least one support structure (14) for receiving the coolant module (100) and the refrigerant module (200), wherein the support structure (14) is configured to fasten the thermal management system (10) to the vehicle, and wherein the thermal management system (10) has at least one hydraulic connection element (300) for hydraulically connecting the coolant module (100) and the refrigerant module (200), characterized in that the hydraulic connection element (300) has at least one substantially rigid first hydraulic connection section (302a) and at least one substantially rigid second hydraulic connection section (302b), wherein the first hydraulic connection section (302a) is movably supported relative to the second hydraulic connection section (302b) by at least one compensating element (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d).

2. The thermal management system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hydraulic connection section (302a) has at least one, preferably multiple, first hydraulic connection guides (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d), in particular hydraulic connection pipes, and the second hydraulic connection section (302b) has at least one, preferably multiple, second hydraulic connection guides (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h), in particular hydraulic connection pipes, wherein preferably, compensating elements (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d) fluidly connect the first hydraulic connection guides (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) and the second hydraulic connection guides (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h).

3. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one compensating element (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d) is configured as a flexible tube segment between a first hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) and a second hydraulic connection guide (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h), particularly a folding rod element, particularly a folding rod bending element.

4. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The folding rod elements (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d) have multiple generally columnar folding rod segments that are connected to each other in a hinged manner.

5. The thermal management system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one hydraulic connection segment (302a, 302b), preferably the first hydraulic connection segment and the second hydraulic connection segment, is configured as a hydraulic distribution plate, wherein preferably, the hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, 301h) is configured to be at least partially, preferably completely integrated into the hydraulic distribution plate.

6. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The hydraulic connecting sections (302a, 302b) are respectively constructed as an integral part, or preferably as injection molded parts.

7. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The coolant module (100) includes at least one first fluid distribution element (102) having at least partially integrated first fluid guide (104), and the coolant module (200) includes at least one second fluid distribution element (202) having at least partially integrated second fluid guide (204), wherein the hydraulic connection element (300) fluidly connects the first fluid guide (104) and the second fluid guide (204) respectively using the hydraulic connection guides (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, 301h).

8. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first hydraulic connection section (302a) has at least one first connection flange (105) having a first hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) for fastening to the first fluid distribution element (102), and the second hydraulic connection section (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h) has a second connection flange (205) having a second hydraulic connection guide (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h) for fastening to the second fluid distribution element (202).

9. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The compensating elements (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d) are configured as sleeve connections (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) between a first hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) and a second hydraulic connection guide (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h). Preferably, the sleeve connections (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) have at least one hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, 301h) that is configured as a sliding sleeve and guided within another hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d, 301e, 301f, 301g, 301h).

10. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one seal, preferably at least two seals, particularly a radial seal, is constructed between the first hydraulic connection guide (301a, 301b, 301c, 301d) and the second hydraulic connection guide (301e, 301f, 301g, 301h) in the region of the sleeve connection (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d).

11. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The compensation elements (303a, 303b, 303c, 303d) are configured to absorb relative motion in at least one, preferably two, particularly preferably three spatial directions.

12. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Multiple coolant handling components, particularly a coolant pump (110) and / or a coolant valve (112), are arranged at the first fluid distribution element (102), and are configured to be at least partially integrated into the first fluid distribution element (102).

13. The thermal management system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The refrigerant module (200) has at least one compressor (210) and at least one, preferably at least two, coolant-refrigerant-heat exchangers (220, 221), wherein the compressor (210) and / or at least one coolant-refrigerant-heat exchanger (220, 221) is fastened to the second fluid distribution element (202).

14. A hydraulic connection element (300) for a thermal management system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images