Cooling device arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling device arrangement (10) comprising a vehicle body element (14) with a hollow profile that provides a receiving space; and a cooling device (12) comprising an inner profile component (16) on the outer surface of which a transport channel (24) is provided through which a heat transfer fluid can flow; wherein the dimensions of the cooling device (12) are adapted to the hollow profile such that the cooling device (12) can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling device assembly in the field of motor vehicles. The cooling device assembly comprises a vehicle body element with a hollow profile that provides a receiving space, and a cooling device comprising an inner profile component on the outer surface of which a transport channel is provided through which a heat transfer fluid can flow.

[0002] Currently, excess heat in motor vehicles is cooled down due to increased cooling demand using fans or air conditioning compressors, which requires a relatively large amount of energy. Furthermore, vehicle cooling systems are typically at capacity and can no longer be cooled down at high cooling capacities, which can reach over 200 kW, particularly during super-fast charging, thereby reducing charging performance. Furthermore, current cooling systems require a lot of space and are permanently installed in the vehicle, particularly glued, making it difficult to replace defective cooling systems.

[0003] A vehicle side support, an electric drive system, a drive train assembly, and a corresponding vehicle are known from CN 116 262 434 A. The vehicle side support comprises a profile body. The profile body further comprises a shell and a guide tube. The guide tube is arranged in the shell. The guide tube is connected to the cooling system by a coolant pump and an electric drive, and transfers coolant between the coolant pump and the electric drive.

[0004] DE 10 2017 103 268 A1 discloses an electrical conductor arrangement comprising at least one conductor profile. The conductor profile is extruded from a rod and consists of a light metal alloy, wherein the conductor profile has at least one circumferentially closed channel. The conductor profile is preferably made of a wrought aluminum alloy. The channel is designed in particular for the passage of a heat transfer medium. Several conductor profiles are coupled together to form a conductor strand, which is used in a motor vehicle. In this case, an electrical conductor arrangement can form the electrical path between a charging socket and the electrical energy storage device.

[0005] DE 10 2015 011 866 A1 discloses a heat transfer arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one heat pipe connected to a heat source via a heat exchanger and to a heat sink via a heat exchanger. A latent heat storage device is associated with the heat exchanger.

[0006] EP 4 098 522 B1 discloses a generic vehicle body structure of an electric vehicle, in which a motor for driving the vehicle is provided, and a battery housing, in which a battery for supplying the motor with electrical energy for driving the vehicle is housed, is arranged beneath a floor panel. Furthermore, a cooling device for cooling the battery can be arranged in a battery storage compartment.

[0007] From DE 10 2012 204 713 A1 a loading floor, in particular for a motor vehicle, is known which comprises a plurality of profile elements which extend longitudinally, are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another, wherein the loading floor has at least one hollow space which is continuous in the longitudinal direction and which has at least one lateral opening to an outside space which is not continuous in the longitudinal direction and is otherwise closed laterally.

[0008] From DE 31 14403 C2 a floor construction for a motor vehicle is known which has profiles forming parts of the floor running through the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and comprising profile sections forming closed cable paths.

[0009] A battery module and a battery pack are known from EP 3 297 059 B1.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a cooling device in a cooling device arrangement which, in particular, requires less space and can be mounted or replaced in an improved manner.

[0011] This object is solved by independent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0012] One aspect of the invention relates to a cooling device arrangement comprising a vehicle body element with a hollow profile that provides a receiving space, and a cooling device comprising an inner profile component on whose outer surface a transport channel is provided through which a heat transfer fluid can flow. The dimensions of the cooling device are adapted to the hollow profile such that the cooling device can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive.

[0013] In other words, a cooling device, in particular a passive cooling device, is provided whose dimensions are adapted to a receiving space of a hollow profile of a vehicle body element such that the cooling device can be inserted into the receiving space and is held at least laterally by the walls of the hollow profile. This eliminates the need for further fastening, in particular adhesive bonding, of the cooling device, making the cooling device recyclable and removable. Furthermore, the available space in the vehicle body element can be optimally utilized.

[0014] For cooling or removing heat from a vehicle system, the cooling device can have an inner profile component and a transport channel for guiding a heat transfer fluid. The inner profile component can have a thermally conductive and / or heat-storable material, which can in particular absorb and temporarily store heat from the heat transfer fluid. For example, the inner profile component can be made of a metal or thermally conductive plastic or at least comprise an outer wall made of these materials. Preferably, the inner profile component can have additional heat storage devices, such as a phase change storage device or latent heat storage device. This design of the cooling device can in particular absorb and compensate for temperature peaks, wherein the heat can be released again after the temperature peak.The shape of the inner profile component and thus of the cooling device is particularly adapted to the shape of the hollow profile, which can be, for example, square or tubular.

[0015] The heat transfer fluid, which is conveyed through the transport channel and has been heated, for example, by a vehicle component, in particular a vehicle battery or computing unit, can be in a liquid, gaseous, or mixed state. For example, water, a water-glycol mixture, or an oil can be used as the heat transfer fluid.

[0016] The vehicle body element with the hollow profile can be, for example, a vehicle sill or a battery profile. In particular, heat from a vehicle battery can be absorbed and temporarily stored by the advertising fluid of the cooling device. The invention offers the advantage of providing a recyclable cooling device that can be installed or removed quickly.

[0017] The invention offers the advantage of improved absorption and temporary storage of heat peaks. Furthermore, the installation space required is reduced and the cooling device is optimally adapted to existing mounting spaces. Since no additional fastenings, especially adhesives, are required for the cooling device, it can also be easily removed or replaced.

[0018] The invention also includes embodiments which provide additional advantages.

[0019] One embodiment provides that the cooling device further comprises a guide structure which is arranged on the outer surface of the inner profile component, wherein the dimensions of the guide structure are adapted to the hollow profile such that the inner profile component with the guide structure can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. When the inner profile component with the guide structure is inserted, an intermediate space is formed between the hollow profile and the inner profile component, which forms the transport channel for the heat transfer fluid. This means that a guide structure which corresponds to the dimensions of the hollow profile can be arranged around an outer surface of the inner profile component. The inner profile component can in this case, for example, be inserted into the guide structure, wherein the inner profile component with the guide structure can then be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile.The guide structure can be provided in the form of fluid guide ribs that define the transport channel, wherein the transport channel is formed by an intermediate space that is defined on one side by the outer surface of the inner profile component and on the other by the surface of the hollow profile. The guide structure can be provided as a metal or plastic structure, for example manufactured by 3D printing, into which the inner profile component can be inserted. In this case, it is preferably provided that the guide structure and the inner profile component represent seamlessly joined components. This design has the advantage that material can be saved and that the dimensions of the guide structure facilitate adaptation to the hollow profile.

[0020] A further embodiment provides that the cooling device further comprises an outer profile component into which the inner profile component can be inserted such that the outer profile component surrounds the outer surface of the inner profile component and the transport channel is formed in a space between the outer profile component and the inner profile component, wherein the outer profile component has a phase change storage device, and wherein the outer profile component is adapted to the hollow profile such that the latter can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. In other words, it can be provided that the cooling device has an outer profile component into which the inner profile component can be inserted, so that an intermediate space is created between the inner profile component and the outer profile component, which forms the transport channel for the heat transfer fluid.A phase change storage device can be provided in the outer profile component, for example in a wall of the outer profile component, which can additionally absorb and temporarily store heat. The phase change storage device can, for example, already be present in the outer profile component or can be added subsequently. A phase change storage device or latent heat storage device can absorb thermal energy in the form of conversion enthalpy by causing a phase change, in particular between solid and liquid. In this variant, the outer profile component can be adapted to the dimensions of the hollow profile so that the outer profile component, into which the inner profile part is inserted, can be seamlessly inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile. Walls of the outer profile component are preferably made of a thermally conductive material, for example a metal.In a simplified variant, the outer profile component can be viewed as an outer tube into which the inner profile component is inserted.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment provides for a guide structure for guiding the heat transfer fluid to be arranged in the space between the outer profile component and the inner profile component, through which the transport channel is formed. This means that, for example, fluid guide ribs can be arranged in the space so that the heat transfer fluid can be guided around the inner profile component. This results in the advantage of achieving better heat distribution.

[0022] A further embodiment provides that the inner profile component has a phase change accumulator, which is designed and arranged to absorb heat from the heat transfer fluid by changing its phase state. In other words, a phase change accumulator can be arranged in the inner profile component for intermediate heat storage, which allows for improved absorption of heat peaks. In particular, the phase change accumulator of the inner profile component can be combined with the phase change accumulator of the outer profile component.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, an inner core of the inner profile component is designed as a phase change memory. This means that the phase change memory can be integrated into the inner profile component. Alternatively or additionally, the phase change memory can be arranged in an outer structure of the inner profile component. For this purpose, for example, an additional profile can be provided that has the phase change memory, wherein the inner profile component can be seamlessly inserted into the additional profile with the phase change memory. This can facilitate the production of the inner profile component with the phase change memory.

[0024] A further embodiment provides that the inner profile component further comprises a cable feedthrough channel. In particular, cavities in the vehicle body of a motor vehicle may already contain cables that can be routed through the cable feedthrough channel. For example, in addition to cables, cable connectors or a bracing device, in particular a threaded rod or a cable, can be routed through the cable feedthrough channel, for example, to brace the cooling device in the hollow profile.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the inner profile component is made of plastic or metal. The conductive structure, for example, can also be made of plastic or metal. A plastic material offers the advantage that it can be quickly produced using 3D printing, which saves costs. The plastic material can preferably be made of a thermally conductive plastic, thus further improving cooling performance. Using metal offers the advantage that it can absorb additional heat.

[0026] A further embodiment provides for a fluid inlet for the heat transfer fluid to be provided laterally to the transport channel or parallel to the transport channel. This means that, for example, the fluid inlet can be provided transversely to the transport channel to introduce and / or discharge the heat transfer fluid. Alternatively, the fluid inlet can be provided at one end of the inner profile component, so that the heat transfer fluid can be introduced toward the transport channel.

[0027] The cooling device arrangement according to the invention can preferably be used for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car or truck, or passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0028] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each have a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 shows a cooling device arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a cross section through a cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 a cross section through a cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 a cross section through a cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 a cross section through a cooling device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0030] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0031] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote elements with the same function.

[0032] In Fig. 1 shows a schematically illustrated cooling device arrangement 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cooling device arrangement 10 can be provided for a vehicle body 11 comprising vehicle body elements 14. In this example, a vehicle body element 14 can be, for example, a vehicle sill having a hollow profile that provides a receiving space for a cooling device 12. In addition to a vehicle sill, however, other vehicle body elements that provide a receiving space through a hollow profile can also be used to receive the cooling device 12. In particular, a battery profile of a vehicle battery (not shown) can provide a suitable receiving space.

[0033] The cooling device 12, which can be designed to cool vehicle components, in particular to absorb temperature peaks, can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile. For this purpose, the cooling device 12 can have an inner profile component 16, which can be a profile through which a heat transfer fluid flows, which can absorb and temporarily store heat. In particular, materials of the inner profile component 16 can be selected so that they can better absorb the heat of the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid can, for example, be a gas, a liquid, or a gas-liquid mixture that is conducted from a vehicle component to the cooling device.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, a guide structure 18 can be arranged around the inner profile component 16, the dimensions of which are adapted to the hollow profile such that the cooling device 12 can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and can be held there, at least on the sides, in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. A transport channel for the heat transfer fluid can be formed by an intermediate space created between the inner profile component 16 and the vehicle body element 14, wherein the guide structure can have fluid guide ribs through which the heat transfer fluid is guided around the inner profile component 16 and thus flows around it.

[0035] Furthermore, end caps 20 or covers can be provided which seal the cooling device 12 towards the end sides, wherein the cooling device 12 can be clamped in a position, for example by means of the end caps 20.

[0036] Several embodiments of structures for the cooling device 12 are described below, which can also be implemented as combinations. In particular, the following figures show cross sections through a longitudinal direction of the cooling device 12, with the cooling device 12 being depicted as tubular in these embodiments. It is noted that the cooling device 12 can have other shapes, which can be adapted in particular to the hollow profile of the vehicle body element 14.

[0037] In Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a cooling device 12 according to an exemplary embodiment. Here, the inner profile component 16, which has a guide structure 18, is inserted into the hollow profile of the vehicle body element 14. The guide structure 18 can have fluid guide ribs arranged circumferentially around the inner profile component 16 and defining a distance from the vehicle body element 14, thereby creating an intermediate space between the vehicle body element 14 and the inner profile component 16, through which a transport channel 24 for the heat transfer fluid is provided. In addition to the fluid guide ribs, the guide structure 18 can also have stiffening ribs 19, which increase stability.

[0038] For introducing the heat transfer fluid, one or more fluid inlets 28 may be provided, which may be provided, for example, laterally or parallel to the transport channel 24.

[0039] For improved heat absorption and heat storage, the inner profile component 16 may have a phase change storage device 26, which is provided, for example, as the inner core of the inner profile component 16.

[0040] Furthermore, this figure shows a cable feedthrough channel 30 which runs through a center of the inner profile component 16 and through which, for example, cables or cable connectors which can run through hollow profiles of the vehicle body 11 can be passed.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a further schematic cross-section through a cooling device 12 according to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the inner profile component 16, which is enclosed by the guide structure 18, is again inserted into the cavity of the vehicle body element 14, so that it is held there in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. The transport channel 24 can again be formed by the intermediate space that exists between the inner profile component 16 and the vehicle body element 14.

[0042] In this embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to the phase change memory 26 (not shown in this figure), which is provided as the inner core of the inner profile component 16, a further or alternative phase change memory 32 may be provided, which is arranged in an outer structure of the inner profile component 16. For example, an inner core 34 of the inner profile component 16 may be inserted into an additional profile that has the further or alternative phase change memory 32.

[0043] In Fig. 4 shows a further cross-section of a cooling device 12 according to another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the inner profile component 16 is inserted into an outer profile component 36, such that the transport channel 24 is formed by a gap between the inner profile component 16 and the outer profile component 36. The outer profile component can be adapted to the hollow profile of the vehicle body element 14 in such a way that the cooling device 12 can be seamlessly inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held there in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. The outer profile component can have an outer phase change accumulator 38, which is therefore arranged between the vehicle body element 14 and the transport channel 24. This means that the phase change accumulator 38 is located on the outside here.The inner profile component 16 can, for example, also have the phase change memories 26, 32 described in the previous embodiments.

[0044] In the Fig. 4, it can be provided, for example, that the cooling device 12 has no guide structure and the transport channel 24 is formed only by the space between the outer profile component 36 and the inner profile component 16.

[0045] In Fig. 5 shows a further cross section through a cooling device 12 according to another exemplary embodiment. This embodiment can be based on the previously shown embodiment of Fig.4, wherein a guide structure 18 is additionally inserted in the space between the outer profile component 36 and the inner profile component 16. Here, too, the outer phase change storage device 38 is arranged in the outer profile component 36, so that it is arranged between the vehicle body element 14 and the transport channel 24. As in the previous embodiment, an additional phase change storage device 26, 32 of the inner profile component 16 may or may not be provided.

[0046] Overall, the examples show how a movable, passive cooling system including heat storage can be provided.

Claims

[1] Cooling device arrangement (10) comprising: - a vehicle body element (14) with a hollow profile providing a receiving space; - a cooling device (12) comprising an inner profile component (16) on the outer surface of which a transport channel (24) is provided through which a heat transfer fluid can flow; characterized by , that - Dimensions of the cooling device (12) are adapted to the hollow profile in such a way that the cooling device (12) can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. [2] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cooling device (12) further comprises a guide structure (18) which is arranged on the outer surface of the inner profile component (16), - wherein dimensions of the guide structure (18) are adapted to the hollow profile in such a way that the inner profile component (16) with the guide structure (18) can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive bonding; - wherein, when the inner profile component (16) with guide structure (18) is inserted, an intermediate space is formed between the hollow profile and the inner profile component (16), which forms the transport channel (24) for the heat transfer fluid. [3] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cooling device (12) further comprises an outer profile component (36) into which the inner profile component (16) can be inserted such that the outer profile component (36) surrounds the outer surface of the inner profile component (16) and the transport channel (24) is formed in an intermediate space between the outer profile component (36) and the inner profile component (16), - wherein the outer profile component (36) has a phase change memory (38), and - wherein the outer profile component (36) is adapted to the hollow profile in such a way that it can be inserted into the receiving space of the hollow profile and is held in the receiving space in a form-fitting manner and without adhesive. [4] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that a guide structure (18) for guiding the heat transfer fluid is arranged in the intermediate space forming the transport channel (24). [5] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner profile component (16) has a phase change storage device (26, 32) which is designed and arranged to absorb heat of the heat transfer fluid by changing a phase state. [6] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that an inner core of the inner profile component (16) is designed as a phase change memory (26). [7] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the phase change memory (32) is arranged in an outer structure of the inner profile component (16). [8] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner profile component (16) further comprises a cable feed-through channel (30). [9] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner profile component (16) is made of plastic or metal. [10] Cooling device arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a fluid inlet (28) for the heat transfer fluid is provided laterally to the transport channel (24) or parallel to the transport channel (24).

Images