Pump control module for a hydraulic circuit

Abstract

A controllable pump module for a hydraulic circuit having at least a first inlet connection and at least a first outlet connection and a second outlet connection is described. The pump module comprises a bidirectional pump for delivering fluid between a first pump connection and a second pump connection in a first flow direction when in a first operating state and in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction when in a second operating state, a first fluid conduit with a first check valve arranged between the first pump connection and the first inlet connection, and a second fluid conduit with a second check valve arranged between the second pump connection and the first outlet connection, and a third fluid conduit with a third check valve arranged between the first pump connection and the second outlet connection, and a fourth fluid conduit with a fourth check valve arranged between the second pump connection and the first inlet connection or a second inlet connection.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to hydraulic circuits, and more specifically to hydraulic circuits in vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates primarily to thermal management systems for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs, HEVs). More specifically, the invention relates to a pump module for controlling hydraulic circuits. Background Technology

[0002] In-vehicle thermal management is an important component for optimizing the heat or energy balance of motor vehicles, with the aim of reducing consumption and emissions, cooling or heating various components of the drivetrain, and optimizing interior comfort.

[0003] To meet the diverse needs of the increasingly popular electric or hybrid vehicles, relatively complex thermal management systems are typically required. Especially in electric vehicles, the battery must be cooled or heated as needed to maximize its efficiency and lifespan. Waste heat generated in the battery cannot be dissipated via ambient air and must therefore be cooled via a cooling circuit. To a similar degree, it is known that the battery should be maintained within a predefined temperature range for optimal function / performance. For example, a cooled battery needs to be reheated upon restarting. On the other hand, the internal combustion engine no longer provides any waste heat to the vehicle cabin, necessitating the use of, for example, a heat pump.

[0004] To provide the required temperature (i.e., heating or cooling), the appropriate hydraulic circuits of the thermal management system must interact together in an optimal manner. Pumps and suitable valves are typically arranged to control the circuit in a way that allows the desired switching states to be achieved. In the relatively complex thermal management systems of electric or hybrid vehicles, multiple (different) pumps and multiple actively controllable switching valves are often required, which not only takes up a lot of space but is also very costly and inefficient due to increased energy consumption (e.g., due to pumping). For example, many more complex components require more frequent maintenance and also lead to higher costs when repairs or replacements are needed.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a typical application example of temperature management in an electric vehicle, where a large-capacity battery and proper temperature control play a central role. This example is also applicable to hybrid vehicles with smaller batteries. As already mentioned, especially at low temperatures, additional heating of the battery is required to bring it into the ideal temperature range. In the illustrated example, battery 10 can be integrated into a secondary circuit. This circuit ensures that the ideal operating temperature can be maintained permanently.

[0006] In battery cell 10, a coolant, such as that composed of water and ethylene glycol, then flows through a built-in cooling plate 12 (dashed line). At low temperatures, the coolant can then be rapidly heated to the desired temperature via heater 14. If the temperature in battery cell 10 rises during hybrid operation, heater 14 is turned off. The coolant can then be cooled by airflow through battery cooler 16 or a low-temperature radiator located at the front of the vehicle.

[0007] If the battery cooler 16 is insufficiently cooled under high external temperatures, the coolant will pass through a specific heat exchanger 18. In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant from the vehicle's air conditioning system evaporates. Furthermore, heat can be transferred very compactly and at a high power density from the secondary circuit to the evaporating refrigerant. The coolant is then further cooled. By using the specific heat exchanger 18, the battery 10 can operate within its optimal temperature range to achieve maximum efficiency.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the above-mentioned disadvantages. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to improve a thermal management system with hydraulic circuits in a cost-effective and simple manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pump module via which one or more hydraulic circuits of the thermal management system, as well as the drive system or oil supply system, can be controlled and / or regulated in the simplest manner. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1 according to the invention. Advantageous configurations of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, a controllable pump module according to the invention is provided for a hydraulic circuit having at least a first inlet connection and at least a first outlet connection and a second outlet connection. The pump module particularly includes: a bidirectional pump for conveying fluid between a first pump connection and a second pump connection in a first flow direction when in a first operating state and in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction when in a second operating state; a first fluid conduit having a first check valve disposed between the first pump connection and the first inlet connection; and a second fluid conduit having a second check valve disposed between the second pump connection and the first outlet connection, wherein, when the first fluid conduit and the pump are in the first operating state... The second fluid conduit causes a first fluid flow from the first inlet connection to the first outlet connection; and a third fluid conduit having a third check valve, the third fluid conduit being disposed between the first pump connection and the second outlet connection; and a fourth fluid conduit having a fourth check valve, the fourth fluid conduit being disposed between the second pump connection and the first inlet connection or the second inlet connection, and, when the third fluid conduit and the pump are in the second operating state, the fourth fluid conduit causes a second fluid flow from the first inlet connection or the second inlet connection to the second outlet connection.

[0011] A particularly simple, robust, and inexpensive device for controlling one or more hydraulic circuits is provided by means of a bidirectional positive displacement pump and a passive check valve appropriately arranged in the fluid conduit. Various outlets can be optionally controlled simply by changing the direction of the positive displacement pump, thanks to the passive check valve and fluid conduit accordingly arranged between the pump and the inlet / outlet. No additional pumps and / or switchable or controllable valves are required.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first flow direction of the pump causes fluid flow from the first pump connection to the second pump connection, while the second flow direction of the pump causes fluid flow from the second pump connection to the first pump connection.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when the pump is in a first operating state, the first check valve and the second check valve are each arranged in the flow direction of the first fluid flow, and the third check valve and the fourth check valve are each arranged in the opposite direction of the first fluid flow. Therefore, the fluid flow is routed from the first inlet connection (i.e., the fluid inlet) to the first outlet connection (i.e., the first fluid outlet) in the simplest manner through a predetermined first pumping direction and passive valve elements.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, when the pump is in the second operating state, the third and fourth check valves are each arranged in the flow direction of the second fluid flow, and the first and second check valves are each arranged in the opposite direction of the second fluid flow. Therefore, the fluid flow is routed in the simplest manner from the first or second inlet connection (i.e., the fluid inlet) to the second outlet connection (i.e., the first fluid outlet) via predetermined opposite second pumping directions and passive valve elements.

[0015] As an alternative to or supplement to the first embodiment, the pump module of the second embodiment includes a fifth fluid conduit with a fifth check valve, disposed between the second pump connection and the third outlet connection. When the first fluid conduit and the pump are in a first operating state, this fifth fluid conduit causes a third fluid flow from the inlet connection to the third outlet connection, which branches off from the second fluid conduit. Thus, in a predetermined pumping direction, fluid flow is simultaneously routed from the first inlet connection to both outlet connections. The flow rate at each outlet can be adjusted, for example, by hydraulic adjustment, or by adjusting the different inner diameters of the fluid conduits.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the first check valve, second check valve, third check valve, fourth check valve, and fifth check valve are each passive valves. This simplifies the control of the pump module, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0017] Advantageously, one or more (power) parameters of the pump can be controlled and / or adjusted via a suitable interface and a corresponding control system. Preferably, one or more parameters of the pump include at least one flow direction. Preferably, one or more parameters of the pump also include operating conditions and / or flow rate and / or supply pressure. Therefore, the performance parameters of the pump and the ultimate function of the hydraulic circuit can be optimized.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, all components of the pump module are arranged operably and hermetically within a corresponding housing having at least a first inlet connection and at least two outlet connections. This allows the pump module to be easily and cost-effectively integrated into the hydraulic circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate: Figure 1 shows a typical example of a thermal management system, which includes coolant, refrigerant, and heating circuits for optimal temperature control of the battery. Figure 2 A flowchart of a first embodiment of the pump module of the present invention is provided, which includes a bidirectional positive displacement pump and a hydraulic circuit having an inlet and two selectively controllable outlets. Figure 3A flowchart of a first embodiment of the pump module, (a) wherein the pump is in a first operating state, controlling a first outlet, and (b) wherein the pump is in a second operating state, controlling a second outlet. Figure 4 A flowchart of a second alternative embodiment of a pump module, having a controllable third outlet (outlet 1') (which branches from the first outlet (outlet 1)) and a controllable second outlet (outlet 2), (a) wherein the pump is in a first operating state, controlling the first branch outlet and the third branch outlet, and (b) wherein the pump is in a second operating state, controlling the second outlet; Figure 5 A flowchart of a third alternative embodiment of the pump module of the present invention is shown, which includes a bidirectional positive displacement pump and a hydraulic circuit having two inlets and two controllable outlets, and Figure 6 A flowchart of a third embodiment of the pump module, wherein (a) the pump is in a first operating state, controlling the fluid flow from the first inlet (inlet 1) to the first outlet (outlet 1), and (b) the pump is in a second operating state, controlling the fluid flow from the second inlet (inlet 2) to the second outlet (outlet 2). Detailed Implementation

[0020] Unless otherwise expressly stated or obvious from the text, references to singular elements should be understood to include plural elements, and vice versa. Unless otherwise stated or obvious from the context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express all disjunctive and connective combinations of related clauses, sentences, words, etc. Unless otherwise stated herein, the range of values ​​mentioned herein is not intended to be restrictive, but rather refers individually to any value falling within and / or including the endpoints of that range, and any single value within such a range is incorporated into this patent specification as if it were mentioned separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “rear” are used for convenience only and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is arranged adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply a particular order in which the sides are arranged.

[0021] When the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., are used in conjunction with numerical values, they should be understood as indicating deviations that would be considered by a person skilled in the art to satisfy the intended purpose. The ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. All examples or illustrative expressions provided herein (“e.g.,” “such as,” etc.) are used for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the disclosed examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “e.g.,” “for example,” and “for instance” introduce one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Nothing in the patent specification should be construed as making unclaimed elements essential for the practice of reducing the disclosed embodiments.

[0022] The term "and / or" refers to one or more elements in a list connected by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or both of x, y, and z".

[0023] The specific terms interface and controller / control unit are interpreted as synonyms. Furthermore, the terms "inlet / fluid inlet / inlet connection" and "outlet / fluid outlet / outlet connection" are used interchangeably and are accordingly interchangeable.

[0024] In principle, a check valve or one-way valve is understood by those skilled in the art to be a mechanical device that allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow in only one direction. The valve opens automatically, for example, by pressure of the medium (fluid) in the forward direction, and closes automatically once fluid flow stops or reverses, thereby preventing reverse flow. The following examples describe known embodiments of check valves or one-way valves that can be controlled passively or actively.

[0025] In a ball check valve, a ball is lifted from a seat by fluid pressure (gas or liquid), allowing fluid to enter through the inlet. In the absence of fluid flow, the ball is pushed into the seat, and backflow is prevented.

[0026] A check valve includes a movable disc attached to a hinge, which, for example, moves the baffle to an open position during forward fluid flow and to a closed position during fluid backflow. The baffle can be moved to the closed position, for example, by its own weight or fluid pressure. Alternatively, an elastic element or spring can be used, but levers and corresponding counterweights can also be employed to hold the baffle in the closed position until a predetermined fluid pressure (in the forward direction) is reached.

[0027] In a lift check valve, the flat plate (i.e., the lift valve) is axially displaced by fluid pressure. For example, the lift valve can be biased toward the closed position by means of a spring. The lift valve can also be replaced by a piston, etc.

[0028] An umbrella valve is a resilient valve made of rubber or silicone. The valve is configured to "flip" like an umbrella under specific fluid pressure, allowing fluid to flow through the inlet in the forward direction. In the event of fluid backflow, the umbrella folds back to the sealing position.

[0029] In another embodiment, the check valve is implemented by a flexible diaphragm similar to a baffle valve. The flexible diaphragm is attached to the inlet opening, such that fluid pressure can push the diaphragm open in the forward direction and close it against the inlet opening in the opposite direction.

[0030] The exemplary applications described herein relate to thermal management systems configured for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or hybrid vehicles that dynamically, selectively, and independently regulate drive system components and battery system components (e.g., heating or cooling drive system components and battery system components). The systems described in the examples utilize positive displacement pumps, such as screw pumps, with passive check valves (i.e., one-way valves), thereby simplifying the architecture and improving efficiency. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a pump module for controlling hydraulic circuits in electric or hybrid vehicles to optimize heating and cooling, and thus optimize battery temperature control. This architecture utilizes the bidirectional capability of positive displacement pumps, such as screw pumps in flow reversal zones, and inexpensive passive check valves. This configuration eliminates or reduces the number of electronically actuated switching valves, simplifies the control mechanism, and improves the overall efficiency and reliability of the temperature control system. Alternatively, a second pump can be omitted if these circuits are each operated with their own pumps instead of using reversible positive displacement pumps.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 (b) and Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) A schematic flowchart of the hydraulic circuit is used to describe the pump module 100 according to the invention. For example... Figure 2As shown, pump module 100 includes a bidirectional positive displacement pump 102 (e.g., a screw pump) having a first pump connection 104 and a second pump connection 106. Each pump connection serves as an inlet (suction port) and an outlet (discharge port) in a first operating state (first direction) of pump 102, and as an outlet (discharge port) and an inlet (suction port) in a second operating state (second direction) of pump 102. In the example described herein, when pump 102 is in the first operating state, fluid flows from the first pump connection 104 to the second pump connection 106, and when pump 102 is in the second operating state, fluid flows from the second pump connection 106 to the first pump connection 104 (see [link to example]). Figure 3 (a) and (b)).

[0032] A first fluid conduit 108, having a passive first check valve 110 that is open for the first pump connection 104, connects the first inlet connection 112 of module 100 to the first pump connection 104. A second fluid conduit 114, having a passive second check valve 116 that is closed for the second pump connection 106, connects the first outlet connection 118 of module 100 to the second pump connection 106. A third fluid conduit 120, having a passive third check valve 122 that is closed for the first pump connection 104, connects the second outlet connection 124 of module 100 to the first pump connection 104. A fourth fluid conduit 126, having a passive fourth check valve 128 that is open for the second pump connection 106, connects the first inlet connection 112 of module 100 to the second pump connection 106.

[0033] Check valves 110, 116, 122, and 128 (also known as one-way valves) are mechanical devices that allow fluid to flow in only one direction. That is, check valves 110, 116, 122, and 128 are designed to prevent backflow into the corresponding fluid conduits 108, 114, 120, and 126, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first inlet connection 112 to the desired outlet connections 118 and 124, depending on the operating state of pump 102. Unlike controllable control valves, passive check valves 110, 116, 122, and 128 are automatically triggered by fluid pressure acting in the opening direction, thus requiring no control or manual actuation. Therefore, pump module 100 is configured particularly robustly and efficiently, where the desired outlets 118 and 124 can be controlled in the simplest manner solely via the pump direction.

[0034] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3(b) illustrates various flow states, wherein in a first operating state of pump 102 there is fluid flow from the first inlet connection 112 to the first outlet connection 118, because only the first check valve 110 and the second check valve 116 are open for the fluid flow (generated by pump 102). In a second operating state of pump 102, a fluid flow opposite to that in the first operating state is generated from the first inlet connection 112 to the second outlet connection 124, because only the fourth check valve 128 and the third check valve 122 are open for the fluid flow.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, pump modules 100, 100', and 100" include a housing 130 that encloses a positive displacement pump 102, fluid conduits 108, 114, 120, and 126, and check valves 110, 116, 122, and 128, such that only the first inlet connection 112 (and the second inlet connection 138 as described later), the corresponding outlet connections 118 and 124 (and the third outlet connection 134 as described later), and the interface / controller for controlling pump 102 (interacting with a control unit, or potentially wirelessly controllable) are user-operable. Therefore, pump modules 100, 100', and 100" can be readily and operably integrated as stand-alone (stand-alone) modules in various hydraulic circuits. The pump modules 100, 100', and 100" of the present invention are primarily intended for thermal management in electric or hybrid vehicles, but can also be used in drivetrains and fuel supply circuits, etc.

[0036] The interface / controller (not shown) for controlling pump 102 may be configured accordingly to be manually actuated by a user. Alternatively (and preferably), the control unit (controller) may also be activated and / or controlled via an interface with a corresponding configuration having an electrical (e.g., wired) or wireless connection. The control unit (i.e., controller) of pump 102 may be configured to control various performance parameters of pump 102, such as pump direction, flow rate, or fluid flow rate. Furthermore, the control unit (controller) may also be configured to, for example, measure the power consumption of the pump. The control unit may also include various sensors arranged on and / or in the housing and / or on the check valve, which are adapted to measure, for example, temperature, fluid flow rate, or pressure, wherein the measured data can then be retrieved by the user or another control system as needed. The control unit may also be configured to actuate a switching valve to selectively connect the second inlet connection 138 (described later) to the fourth fluid conduit 126.

[0037] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) illustrates various flow states of a first alternative embodiment of pump module 100', which are similar in construction and basic function to Figure 3 (a) Figure 3The preferred embodiment described in (b) is substantially the same, wherein a passive fifth check valve 136 is provided at the third outlet connection 134 via an additional fifth fluid conduit 132 branching from the second fluid conduit 114, which is open for the third outlet connection 134. Therefore, in the first operating state of the pump 102, fluid flow is now generated not only from the first inlet connection 112 to the first outlet connection 118, but also from the first inlet connection to the branched third outlet connection 134, because only the first check valve 110, the second check valve 116, and the fifth check valve 136 are open for fluid flow (generated by the pump 102). In the first operating state, for example, a hydraulic adjustment between the first outlet connection 118 and the third outlet connection 134 may be required, which can be controlled via the volumetric flow rate generated by the pump.

[0038] In the second operating state of pump 102, as already shown in the first embodiment (see... Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 (b) generates fluid flow from the first inlet connection 112 to the second outlet connection 124 in the opposite direction to the first operating state, because only the fourth check valve 128 and the third check valve 122 are in the open direction for fluid flow.

[0039] Figure 5 A second alternative embodiment of the pump module 100 of the present invention is illustrated, and Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) illustrates the possible flow conditions through the bidirectional positive displacement pump 102. A second alternative embodiment of the pump module 100” substantially corresponds in its construction and basic function to… Figure 2 In the embodiment described, the fourth fluid conduit 126 leads to the second inlet connection 138, rather than to the first inlet connection via the fourth check valve 128. Therefore, a second alternative embodiment of the pump module 100” has a first inlet connection 112 and a second inlet connection 138, as well as a first outlet connection 118 and a second outlet connection 124, each controllable via the direction of the bidirectional positive displacement pump 102. The second inlet connection 138 may be formed in a separate embodiment of the pump module 100”, or may simply be added subsequently as an optionally controllable second inlet connection 138 in an embodiment of the pump module 100 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 In other words, the second inlet connection 138 may optionally be added via, for example, a switching valve (not shown) in a fourth fluid conduit 128 operably integrated between the fourth check valve 128 and the first inlet connection 122.

[0040] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6(b) illustrates two different flow states, wherein in the first operating state of pump 102 there is fluid flow from the first inlet connection 112 to the first outlet connection 118, because only the first check valve 110 and the second check valve 116 are open for the fluid flow (generated by pump 102). In the second operating state of pump 102, a fluid flow opposite to that in the first operating state is generated from the second inlet connection 138 to the second outlet connection 124, because only the fourth check valve 128 and the third check valve 122 are open for the fluid flow.

[0041] While this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to the teachings of this disclosure to suit particular situations or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, components of the disclosed examples may be combined, shared, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments of the particular disclosure. Rather, this method and / or system includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0042] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A controllable pump module for a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit having at least a first inlet connector and at least a first outlet connector and a second outlet connector, the controllable pump module comprising: A bidirectional pump is used to deliver fluid between a first pump connection and a second pump connection in a first flow direction when in a first operating state and in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction when in a second operating state. A first fluid conduit having a first check valve, the first fluid conduit being disposed between the first pump connection and the first inlet connection, and a second fluid conduit having a second check valve, the second fluid conduit being disposed between the second pump connection and the first outlet connection, and wherein, when the first fluid conduit and the pump are in the first operating state, the second fluid conduit causes a first fluid flow from the first inlet connection to the first outlet connection; A third fluid conduit with a third check valve is arranged between the first pump connection and the second outlet connection, and a fourth fluid conduit with a fourth check valve is arranged between the second pump connection and the first inlet connection or the second inlet connection, and when the third fluid conduit and the pump are in the second operating state, the fourth fluid conduit causes a second fluid flow from the first inlet connection or the second inlet connection to the second outlet connection.

2. The controllable pump module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow direction of the pump causes fluid flow from the first pump connection to the second pump connection, and the second flow direction of the pump causes fluid flow from the second pump connection to the first pump connection.

3. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the pump is in the first operating state, the first check valve and the second check valve are each arranged in the flow direction of the first fluid flow, and the third check valve and the fourth check valve are each arranged in the opposite direction of the first fluid flow.

4. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the pump is in the second operating state, the third check valve and the fourth check valve are each arranged in the flow direction of the second fluid flow, and the first check valve and the second check valve are each arranged in the opposite direction of the second fluid flow.

5. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The pump module includes a fifth fluid conduit with a fifth check valve, the fifth fluid conduit being arranged between the second pump connection and the third outlet connection, and, when the first fluid conduit and the pump are in the first operating state, the fifth fluid conduit causes a third fluid flow from the first inlet connection to the third outlet connection, which branches off from the second fluid conduit.

6. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first check valve, the second check valve, the third check valve, the fourth check valve, and the fifth check valve are each passive valves.

7. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One or more (power) parameters of the pump can be controlled and / or adjusted and / or monitored via a suitable interface and corresponding control system.

8. The controllable pump module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pump's parameters include at least one flow direction.

9. The controllable pump module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pump's parameters also include operating status and / or flow rate and / or supply pressure.

10. The controllable pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, All components of the pump module are arranged in an operable and sealed manner in their respective housings, the housings having at least a first inlet connection and at least two outlet connections.

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