A heat pump module for a vehicle, axle assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A heat pump module (10) is provided for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, comprising: at least one driveable component (11), wherein the at least one component (11) is configured to generate vibrations during operation, at least one decoupling element (12) configured to decouple the at least one component (11) so that generated vibrations are not transmitted or at least dampened, in particular to decouple the heat pump module (10) from a vehicle structure of the vehicle in an installed state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat pump module for a vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, an axle assembly with such a heat pump module and a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles, particularly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, require a cooling system to dissipate the power losses that arise in various units, such as an energy storage unit, an electric machine, and other electronic components such as an inverter, a DC / DC converter, a DC / AC converter, and the like, during operation and charging. Vehicle systems typically have multiple cooling circuits to form a controlled thermal management system. Typically, there is a coolant circuit with a water-glycol-based coolant, through which heat from the individual components can be dissipated to the environment. A further cooling circuit includes a heat pump or AC compressor for air conditioning a passenger compartment or for assisting in heat dissipation from the components. A third cooling circuit is provided in some systems to dissipate heat from the transmission's lubrication and cooling oil system.

[0003] Thermal management systems generate noise emissions due to the operation of their components, such as pumps, compressors, and the like. These noise emissions or excitations can only be compensated to a limited extent, leaving airborne and structure-borne noise that can be audible or even felt by passengers. Existing systems are made up of a combination of individual components that are distributed over a wide or even wider area within the vehicle. Components, such as the compressor, are attached to vehicle structures via brackets. Examples from current vehicles show a barely optimized arrangement of components. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is rarely or not at all considered when arranging components, necessitating additional measures, such as insulation or soundproofing shells.Essentially, the focus is on airborne noise emissions, but structure-borne noise is still transmitted into the interior, resulting in noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel, in the pedals, and even through the seats.

[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heat pump module that has improved noise-vibration-harshness properties. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an axle assembly and a vehicle.

[0005] This problem is solved by a cooling system having the features of claim 1, by an axle assembly having the features of claim 9 and by a vehicle having the features of claim 10.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat pump module for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle with a hydrogen-based drive, is provided, comprising: at least one drivable component, wherein the at least one component is designed to generate vibrations during operation, at least one decoupling element which is designed to decouple the at least one component so that generated vibrations are not transmitted or are at least dampened, in particular to decouple the heat pump module from a vehicle structure of the vehicle in an installed state.

[0007] Compared to the known prior art, the present invention provides the advantage of enabling the decoupling element to decouple the vibration-generating drivable components from a vehicle structure, for example, from a passenger compartment of the vehicle. This improves the noise-vibration-harshness properties of the heat pump module. Furthermore, insulation on the vehicle can be reduced.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat pump module is intended for use in a vehicle. More specifically, the heat pump module is intended for use in an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a vehicle with a hydrogen-based drive. It is possible to arrange the heat pump module in the rear or front region of the vehicle (with respect to a main direction of travel).

[0009] The term heat pump module is to be understood as meaning a component or part of a vehicle that generates vibrations and / or noise during operation. This is, for example, an assembly or arrangement with a heat pump that can be handled as a single unit. It is conceivable for the heat pump module to comprise individually drivable components. The heat pump module preferably comprises at least one heat pump. The heat pump module can preferably have further components, for example compressors, pumps, drives, connections and / or valves. The heat pump module can, for example, be installed in a cooling circuit of a vehicle. In particular, the heat pump module can be provided as part of a thermal management system. In other words, the heat pump module according to the present invention can be used in a cooling circuit or a thermal management system of a vehicle.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the drivable component can comprise a work machine and / or a prime mover and / or a combination of the two aforementioned machines. However, the drivable component can also be any other component that generates vibrations and / or noise. A prime mover is characterized in that energy, for example chemical, thermal, or electrical energy, is converted into mechanical energy. A work machine is characterized in that this energy is absorbed in the form of mechanical work. For example, the heat pump module comprises a compressor and / or a pump (work machines) and / or an electric motor (prime machine) for driving the compressor or pump.

[0011] The drivable component is designed to generate vibrations during operation. The drivable component can therefore generate vibrations when performing a primary function. The primary function of the drivable component is a function that is necessary for the operation of the heat pump module. In other words, the generation of vibrations is a side effect of the drivable component. For example, vibrations are generated by pressure surges that occur when a refrigerant is compressed in the compressor. More precisely, vibrations are generated as a byproduct of the compressor's primary function, namely the compression of a refrigerant.

[0012] In this case, vibrations primarily refer to mechanical oscillations. In particular, vibrations are mechanical oscillations that are audible and / or tangible. These vibrations can also be referred to as structure-borne noise. These vibrations can, for example, be perceived as jolts that are perceived as disturbing by a vehicle driver during operation. It goes without saying that these vibrations are at least partially accompanied by audible acoustic noise, which must also be avoided.

[0013] The decoupling element is designed to decouple the at least one drivable component so that generated vibrations are not transmitted or are at least dampened. For example, in this way the drivable component of the heat pump module can be decoupled from a vehicle structure when installed in a vehicle so that vibrations and noise emissions, in particular into the passenger compartment, are not easily transmitted. In other words, the decoupling element serves to at least dampen vibrations generated by the drivable component or, preferably, to essentially completely prevent transmission of the generated vibration. Decoupling is understood to mean, on the one hand, mechanical decoupling. On the other hand, in addition to mechanical decoupling, the position and orientation of the heat pump module orThe drivable component on the vehicle that generates vibrations is to be understood as a decoupling element. The position and orientation of the drivable component that generates vibrations defines the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibration. It is advantageous for the drivable component that generates the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations to be directed away from a vehicle structure.

[0014] The emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations is understood to be a direction of vibration in which the vibrations can excite further vibrations or oscillations. Furthermore, the emission direction can describe a direction in which the vibrations are emitted by the component. For example, the driven component vibrates or oscillates along a longitudinal axis, in particular back and forth. Consequently, the emission direction or excitation direction can be understood to be a direction along the longitudinal axis, since if a body is coupled to the driven component, the vibrations would also be excited to vibrate or oscillate in this direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the component comprises a compressor unit configured to compress a refrigerant through a compression process, wherein the vibrations result from the compression process. The compressor unit may comprise a scroll compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a screw compressor, or another compressor type.

[0016] In one embodiment, the component comprises a pumping unit configured to stimulate circulation of a refrigerant or coolant through a pumping action, wherein the vibrations result from the pumping action. The pumping unit may comprise a piston pump, a centrifugal pump, a peristaltic pump, a gear pump, or another pump type.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat pump module comprises a drivable component designed as a pump unit and a drivable component designed as a compressor unit, wherein the pump unit and the compressor unit are aligned with each other such that the excitation direction of the vibrations generated by the pump unit and the compressor unit are directed substantially in the same direction.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the vibrations generated by the drivable component, for example the compression unit during a compression process, essentially have a first excitation direction, wherein the compression unit is arranged on the heat pump module such that, in an installed state on a vehicle, the first excitation direction is directed away from a passenger compartment and / or the first vibrations are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the drivable component, for example the compression unit, generates second vibrations during operation, which essentially have a second excitation direction, wherein the drivable component is arranged on the heat pump module in such a way that, in an installed state of the heat pump module, the drivable component is arranged on a vehicle in such a way that the second excitation direction is directed away from a passenger compartment and / or the second vibrations are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment.

[0020] In one embodiment, the heat pump module comprises a support element configured to support the at least one drivable component and to secure the heat pump module to a vehicle. The support element can, for example, comprise a strut, a profile, and / or an axle. The support element has the advantage that several components of the heat pump module can preferably be arranged directly adjacent to one another. This allows vibration to be at least partially avoided or dampened. Furthermore, the heat pump module is easier to handle and install.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the heat pump module comprises a first heat exchanger arranged on the support element and configured to transfer thermal energy to the refrigerant and evaporate it, and a second heat exchanger arranged on the support element and configured to extract energy from the refrigerant and liquefy it. In one embodiment, the heat pump module further comprises an expansion unit, in particular an expansion valve, which is configured to cool the refrigerant by reducing pressure.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one decoupling element is arranged on the support element and configured to connect the heat pump module to a structural element of a vehicle. The arrangement of the decoupling element on the support element makes it possible for vibrations to be indirectly transmitted to the decoupling element. This reduces the risk of natural vibrations. Furthermore, the orientation of the drivable component with respect to the vehicle and the excitation direction of the vibrations can be determined. The orientation of the heat pump module and consequently of the drivable component allows the vibrations to be decoupled, in particular from a passenger compartment.

[0023] In one embodiment, the decoupling element comprises at least two, preferably three, elastic connecting means. The elastic connecting means dampen and thus decouple the vibrations generated by the drivable component. Mechanical springs and / or elastic materials, for example, can be used for the elastic connecting means. The number of connecting means allows for the realization of an at least partially, preferably completely, statically determined system for attaching the heat pump module to a vehicle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the elastic connecting means of the decoupling element have different spring stiffnesses. It is advantageous to provide a non-linear, preferably progressive, spring stiffness for the elastic connecting means. Upon excitation of a mechanical vibration, this can cause a shift in the amplitude and dampen vibrations.

[0025] In one embodiment, the elastic connecting means are preferably arranged asymmetrically in space. The asymmetrical arrangement in space refers, in particular, to different distances between the elastic connecting means. This can improve the damping properties.

[0026] In one embodiment, the support element and / or the decoupling element have / have an irregular geometry, at least in sections. The irregular geometry can also be referred to as asymmetric or stochastic geometry. The irregular geometry of the support element and / or the decoupling element prevents the formation of resonances or mechanical oscillations.

[0027] In one embodiment, the support element comprises at least sections of recesses / through-holes, wherein the recesses / through-holes have different, in particular irregular, geometries. The irregular geometry can also be referred to as asymmetric or stochastic geometry. The recesses / through-holes reduce the generation of acoustic sound from vibration. Furthermore, the irregular geometries of the recesses / through-holes prevent resonance of the vibrations or mechanical oscillations. Furthermore, the recesses minimize the transmission of structure-borne sound. Structure-borne sound is understood to be sound that propagates through a solid body. Vibrating bodies can cause the surrounding air to vibrate, making this sound audible as airborne sound.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an axle assembly with a heat pump module is provided, in particular according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the axle assembly has two wheel heads spaced apart in an axial direction of the axle assembly. The heat pump module is arranged on the axle assembly by means of the decoupling element such that the vibrations generated by the drivable component are emitted in an emission direction, wherein the emission direction runs at least partially along the axial direction and / or orthogonally thereto. The emission direction can also be referred to as the excitation direction.

[0029] The axle assembly may further comprise power electronics, in particular an inverter, an electric motor, a parking lock, and / or a transmission. It is also conceivable for the axle assembly to comprise a cooling system.

[0030] The heat pump module is preferably arranged on the axle assembly by means of the decoupling element in such a way that the vibrations generated by the component are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in particular wherein an emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations extends in a direction that is at least partially orthogonal to an intended direction of travel of the axle assembly.

[0031] The intended direction of travel of the axle assembly is the direction in which the vehicle moves when all wheel ends of the axle assembly or all tires of the vehicle are arranged parallel to each other. In other words, the intended direction of travel is understood to be a linear direction of travel.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle or a vehicle with a hydrogen-based drive, is provided with a heat pump module, in particular according to a preceding embodiment, wherein the heat pump module is arranged by means of the decoupling element so that vibrations generated by the component are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0033] Taking into account the possible emission directions or excitation directions, which depend on the drivable component, it is advantageous to select the installation orientation and / or installation position of the drivable component, for example, a scroll compressor, such that the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations does not extend in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body structure, which represents a direct path into the passenger compartment. It is therefore advantageous to select the position and orientation of the drivable component such that excitations introduced by vibrations act on the body structures along a transverse direction, thus at least reducing direct transmission into a vehicle passenger compartment.

[0034] It is thus possible to decouple the vibrations generated by arranging the drivable component directly or immediately on a body structure extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle in such a way that generated vibrations are not transmitted or are at least dampened in order to decouple the vibrations in particular from a vehicle structure of the vehicle.

[0035] The drivable component of the heat pump module arranged on the vehicle preferably comprises a compressor unit, in particular a scroll compressor, wherein the compressor unit is arranged on the vehicle in such a way that vibrations generated by the drivable component are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment of the vehicle, in particular wherein the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations extends in a direction that is at least partially orthogonal to a direction of travel.

[0036] A direction of travel here means a linear direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the heat pump module is arranged on a body element or a structural element of the vehicle which extends orthogonally to a direction of travel, in particular an axle carrier and / or a cross member and / or a strut.

[0038] It is advantageous to select the installation orientation and / or installation position of the drivable component such that the excitation direction of the vibrations does not extend in the longitudinal direction of a body structure, which represents a direct path into the passenger compartment.

[0039] According to one possible embodiment, the drivable component comprises a scroll compressor. The scroll compressor has two main sources of vibration. Firstly, the eccentric components of the scroll compressor and the resulting imbalances, which excite vibrations in a radial direction, and secondly, pressure oscillations, which arise as a result of compression fluctuations between two discharge processes. Taking these causes and their direction of excitation into account, it is advantageous to select the installation direction and / or installation position of the drivable component, in this case the scroll compressor, such that the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations does not extend in a longitudinal direction of a body structure, which represents a direct path into the passenger compartment. It is therefore advantageous to select the position of the drivable component such that anyIntroduced radially excited vibrations act perpendicularly on the body structures and thus prevent direct transmission into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0040] It is also alternatively or additionally possible to arrange the heat pump module together with a drive unit, in particular an electric drive unit, on the vehicle. In this embodiment, the heat pump module is mounted, for example, on the axle carrier on which the electric drive unit is also located. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the axle carrier is connected to the body by elastic connecting means. Alternatively, it is possible to connect the heat pump module directly and firmly to the drive unit or to its housing, as a result of which the mass to be excited increases, for example by a factor of between 5 and 15. In particular, the drive unit is generally connected to the body via elastic connecting means in order to decouple the vibrations emanating from the electric machine (drive unit).Vibration excitations, so that additional elastic connection to the body can be dispensed with or the support element can be omitted by firmly connecting it directly to the housing of the drive unit.

[0041] In addition to the type of mechanical connection in the vehicle, the position or orientation of the drivable components of the heat pump that generate vibrations is also to be understood as a decoupling element, as this can reduce vibrations and noise emissions, particularly in the passenger compartment.

[0042] It may also be advantageous to mount the compressor rigidly on the support element, with the support element particularly having a shape with an irregular geometric structure with openings and perforations to prevent resonance formation and the transmission of structure-borne sound by means of varying stiffnesses. Preferably, the other components of the heat pump (heat exchanger, etc.) are also rigidly connected and as close as possible to the compressor and the component support, thus achieving the highest possible excited mass.

[0043] The heat pump module can preferably be connected to the vehicle via elastic connecting means or interfaces. Here, too, a structure is preferable that, similar to the aforementioned support element, does not have geometrically regular or symmetrical connected surfaces. The connecting means have, for example, asymmetrical openings or interruptions to prevent direct transmission of vibrations. Furthermore, the connecting means are preferably designed as minimally spaced webs.

[0044] Furthermore, the heat pump module is connected to the vehicle via at least two, preferably exactly three, elastic connecting elements with defined spring rates and damping, point-like connections. The geometric arrangement of the elastic connecting elements is designed to avoid symmetry in all spatial directions. Depending on the boundary conditions, the stiffnesses of the elastic connecting elements are selected to be the same or different to influence the vibration behavior. It is advisable to design the spring rate to be non-linear, preferably progressive, in order to achieve an amplitude shift upon vibration initiation.

[0045] Stimuli introduced into the vehicle body via the decoupling element transmit vibrations into the passenger compartment, which can excite flat components and result in airborne noise. The transmission path and / or vibration nodes play a significant role here. Therefore, the module is designed to be positioned as far away from the passenger compartment, particularly the driver's seat, as possible. The preferred installation position is suggested to be in the front of the vehicle, on the right, as low as possible (towards the roadway), e.g., on the subframe / axle carrier, or in the rear of the vehicle. A direct connection to the body should be avoided, for example, by using subframes, etc.

[0046] A further aspect of the present invention is a use of a compressor, in particular a scroll compressor, or a pump in a heat pump module according to a preceding embodiment, or in an axle assembly according to the above-mentioned embodiment

[0047] Individual features or embodiments of the present invention can be combined with other features or other embodiments to form new embodiments. Advantages and developments mentioned for the features or embodiments also apply analogously to the new embodiments. Developments and advantages mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0048] In the following, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the attached figures: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a vehicle with a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a vehicle having a heat pump module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a heat pump module 10. The heat pump module 10 comprises a drivable component 11. In the present embodiment, the drivable component 11 is a compressor unit, in particular a scroll compressor.

[0050] The compressor unit 11 is arranged on a support element 13. The compressor unit is connected to the support element 13 by means of decoupling elements 12.

[0051] The support element 13 has an irregular geometry, at least in sections. The support element 13 has a plurality of recesses 15. The recesses 15 have irregular geometries. More precisely, the geometry in the support element 13 is preferably asymmetric and / or stochastic. This means that at least the geometries of the directly adjacent recesses 15 differ from one another.

[0052] The compressor unit 11 is connected by means of two decoupling elements 12. The decoupling elements 12 are arranged asymmetrically on the compressor unit 11. More precisely, the elastic connecting means 14 of the decoupling element 12 are arranged spatially offset from one another on the compressor unit 11.

[0053] The support element 13 is connected to a structural element 16 via further decoupling elements 12 designed as elastic connecting means 14. The structural element 16 can form a further part of the support element 13. In a further conceivable embodiment, the structural element 16 can be part of a vehicle structure, for example a vehicle body. Alternatively, the structural element 16 can be part of an axle assembly. In the present case, the structural elements 16 are designed as profile elements. The structural elements 16 have a plurality of recesses 15. The recesses 15 extend at least through one surface of the profile elements. The recesses 15 have irregular geometries. More precisely, the geometry in the structural elements 16 is preferably asymmetrical and / or stochastic. This means that at least the individual geometries of the directly adjacent recesses 15 differ from one another.

[0054] The recesses 15 of the support element 13 reduce the surface of the heat pump module 10 that can be excited by vibrations emanating or generated by the drivable component 11. The recesses 15 arranged on the structural element 16 fulfill the same function.

[0055] The decoupling elements 12 comprise elastic connecting means 14. The elastic connecting means 14 preferably comprise a mechanical spring and / or an elastic material. It is advantageous if the elastic connecting means have defined, preferably different, spring tensions. This makes it possible to avoid excitation of the heat pump module 10 with a natural frequency.

[0056] The Fig. The heat pump module 10 shown in Figure 1 further comprises an evaporator unit 17 and a condenser unit 18. The evaporator unit 17 and the condenser unit 18 are fluidly connected to the compressor unit 11. The evaporator unit 17 and the condenser unit 18 are arranged directly next to the compressor unit 11 on the support element 13. More specifically, it is advantageous if the distance between the evaporator unit 17 and the condenser unit 18 is as small as possible. As a result, the heat pump module 10 has the greatest possible mass, which reduces vibrations.

[0057] Fig. Figure 2 shows a possible installation position of the heat pump module 10 in a vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the heat pump module 10 is arranged on a transverse axis 19 of the vehicle. The transverse axis extends orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The compressor unit 11 in Fig. 2 is a scroll compressor. The scroll compressor comprises a spiral head eccentrically connected to a shaft. The spiral head performs an orbiting motion during the compression process. This creates vibrations that have an emission or excitation direction emanating from the spiral head in a radial direction. The scroll compressor in Fig. 2 is arranged on the transverse axis 19 in such a way that the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations along the transverse axis 19 extends orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0058] The Fig. 3-11 show further possible orientations and positions in which the heat pump module 10 can be positioned or arranged in a vehicle. Fig. Figures 3-11 each show a schematic view of a vehicle from above. The figures schematically show the arrangement and position of the heat pump module 10, front and rear tires, and a passenger compartment 20.

[0059] In Fig. 3, the heat pump module 10 is arranged in a front area of ​​the vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged on a right-hand side of the vehicle. More specifically, the heat pump module 10 is arranged on the passenger side of the vehicle. The compressor unit 11 extends orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in the front area of ​​a vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged centrally on the vehicle in the transverse direction. The compressor unit 11 extends orthogonally to a direction of travel of the vehicle when all tires are aligned parallel to each other.

[0061] Fig. Figure 5 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in a front area of ​​the vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged on the left side of the vehicle, or the driver's side. The compressor unit 11 extends orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0062] Fig. 6 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 that the embodiment according to Fig. 3. In contrast to the embodiment according to above 3, the heat pump module 10 in Fig. 6 arranged parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0063] Fig. Figure 7 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in a front area of ​​the vehicle, wherein the heat pump module 10 is arranged on the passenger side of the vehicle. The compressor unit 11 of the heat pump module 10 extends in Fig. 7 in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged closer to the passenger compartment 20 than, for example, the heat pump module 10 according to Fig. 3.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 8 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in a rear area of ​​the vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged on the passenger side. The heat pump module 10 extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0065] Fig. Figure 9 shows an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in the rear area of ​​a vehicle. The heat pump module 10 is arranged on the driver's side of the vehicle. The drivable component 11 extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0066] The Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 each show an arrangement of the heat pump module 10 in a rear area of ​​the vehicle, wherein the heat pump module 10 extends parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. In Fig. 10, the heat pump module 10 is arranged closer to the passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle than the heat pump module 10 in Fig. 11.

[0067] Taking into account the possible emission directions or excitation directions that depend on the drivable component 11, it is advantageous to select the installation orientation and / or installation position of the drivable component 11, for example a scroll compressor, such that the emission direction or excitation direction of the vibrations does not extend in the longitudinal direction of a body structure of the vehicle, which represents a direct path into the passenger compartment 20. It is therefore advantageous to select the position and orientation of the drivable component 11 such that excitations introduced by vibrations act perpendicularly on the body structures, thus avoiding direct transmission into a passenger compartment 20 of the vehicle.

[0068] The heat pump module 10 can be arranged in different positions of a vehicle (see Fig. 3 to 11). The position and orientation of the heat pump module can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Furthermore, the heat pump module 10 can be arranged, for example, on a body element of the vehicle. It is particularly advantageous if the body element extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle. For example, the heat pump module 10 can be arranged on a cross member or axle carrier of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the heat pump module to be provided together with an axle assembly for the vehicle, in particular to be installed in the vehicle together with the axle assembly. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the heat pump module 10 to be arranged on a strut, in particular a strut brace.

[0069] It is also possible to arrange the drivable component 11 directly on a vehicle, so that the vibrations generated by the drivable component 11 are not transmitted or at least dampened, and in particular are decoupled from a vehicle structure of the vehicle.

[0070] Other embodiments of the present invention are possible and can be understood and carried out by those skilled in the art when applying the claimed subject matter from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In particular, the respective parts / functions of the respective embodiment described above can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, various steps of the method can be carried out in a different order than disclosed here. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. Reference symbol 10 heat pump module 11 drivable components 12 Decoupling element 13 Support element 14 elastic connecting element 15 recess 16 structural element 17 Evaporator unit 18 Condenser unit 19 Transverse axis 20 passenger compartment

Claims

[1] Heat pump module (10) for a vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, comprising: - at least one drivable component (11), wherein the at least one component (11) is designed to generate vibrations during operation, - at least one decoupling element (12) which is designed to decouple the at least one component (11) so that vibrations generated are not transmitted or are at least dampened, in particular in an installed state of the heat pump module (10) from a vehicle structure of the vehicle. [2] Heat pump module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump module (10) comprises a support element (13) configured to support the at least one drivable component (11) and to attach the heat pump module (10) to a vehicle. [3] Heat pump module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one decoupling element (12) is arranged on the carrier element (13) and is configured to connect the heat pump module (10) to a structural element of a vehicle. [4] Heat pump module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decoupling element (13) comprises at least two, preferably three, elastic connecting means (14). [5] Heat pump module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic connecting means (14) of the decoupling element (13) have different spring stiffnesses. [6] Heat pump module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic connecting means (14) are preferably arranged asymmetrically in space. [7] Heat pump module (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the support element (13) and / or the decoupling element (12) has / has an irregular geometry at least in sections. [8] Heat pump module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element (13) comprises at least partially recesses (15), wherein the recesses (15) have different, in particular irregular, geometries from one another. [9] Axle assembly with a heat pump module (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axle assembly has two wheel heads spaced apart in an axial direction of the axle assembly, wherein the heat pump module (10) is arranged on the axle assembly by means of the decoupling element (12) such that the vibrations that can be generated by the drivable component (11) are emitted in an emission direction, wherein the emission direction runs at least partially along the axial direction and / or orthogonally thereto. [10] Vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle with a heat pump module (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat pump module (10) is arranged by means of the decoupling element (12) so that vibrations generated by the component (11) are mechanically decoupled from a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

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