Coolant system

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, a coolant system is provided comprising one or more fittings and a plurality of inserted devices. The one or more fittings are each configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid within the coolant system, and each comprises a base and a plurality of ports. The base defines fluid passages within it. The plurality of ports are coupled to the fluid passages and configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid through them. Each of the ports includes a rotatable head and a plurality of stops.The multitude of devices used each have corresponding counterparts and are each inserted within a corresponding of the connections at an angle that is determined based on an engagement of the corresponding counterparts with one or more of the multitude of stops of the rotatable head of the corresponding connection.

Description

[0001] The technical field generally refers to the area of ​​coolant systems for platforms, including mobile platforms such as vehicles.

[0002] Various vehicles and other platforms now feature cooling units to supply coolant to one or more systems, such as rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS), engines or machinery, control units, and / or other components. However, existing cooling units may not always offer an optimal configuration, for example, in terms of functionality, compactness, and versatility.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and devices for coolant units, such as for vehicles or other platforms. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background information.

[0004] DE 44 29 498 C1 describes a plug-in coupling for connecting a fluid line to a pipe having a retaining rib, wherein the plug-in coupling has an angled pipe section, one end section of which can be connected to the fluid line and the other end section of which can be plugged together with the pipe and connected to the pipe in only one relative angular position by means of retaining arms which can be engaged with the retaining rib when the pipe and pipe section are plugged together, due to an anti-rotation device.

[0005] The objective can be considered to be to provide an alternative coolant system that offers greater flexibility with regard to the interchangeability and positioning of components, while requiring less mass and installation space. This objective is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0006] The coolant system according to the invention comprises one or more connecting pieces and a plurality of inserted devices. The one or more connecting pieces are each configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid in the coolant system, and each comprises a base and three ports. The base defines fluid passages therein. The ports are coupled to the fluid passages and configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid through them and to connect to other connecting pieces or components. Each of the ports comprises a rotatable head and a plurality of stops.The numerous devices used each have corresponding counterparts and are inserted within a corresponding connection at an angle determined by the engagement of the corresponding counterparts with one or more of the numerous stops of the rotatable head of the corresponding connection. Three inserted devices are connected to each other at a single connector and point in three spatial directions.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the one or more connecting pieces are configured for modular use, removal and angular positioning and repositioning of the devices used via the rotatable heads.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the one or more connecting pieces comprise at least two connecting pieces, namely a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the multitude of devices used includes a reservoir for the coolant fluid.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the plurality of devices used also includes a first pump and a second pump for the circulation of the coolant fluid.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the multitude of devices used also includes a valve for controlling the coolant fluid.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the reservoir and the first pump are coupled to the first connector; the second pump is coupled to the second connector; and the valve is coupled to both the first connector and the second connector, between the first and the second connector.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second connecting piece is also configured to be coupled with an additional component of a mobile platform.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the second connecting piece is also configured to be coupled to a device of a vehicle.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the device includes a rechargeable energy storage system for the vehicle.

[0016] As an example, a connector for a coolant system is also provided, comprising: a base defining fluid passages therein; and a plurality of ports coupled to the fluid passages, the plurality of ports being configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid through them, each of the ports comprising a rotatable head and a plurality of stops, and each of the plurality of ports being configured for the use of a corresponding one from a plurality of inserted devices, each having corresponding counterparts and each being inserted within a corresponding one of the ports at an angle determined based on an engagement of the corresponding counterparts with one or more of the plurality of stops of the rotatable head of the corresponding port.

[0017] As an application example of the cooling system according to the invention, a mobile platform is also provided, comprising a body, a drive system, one or more components that need to be cooled, and a cooling system for cooling the one or more components.The coolant system comprises one or more connecting pieces configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid in the coolant system, wherein the one or more connecting pieces comprise: a base defining fluid passages therein; and a plurality of ports coupled to the fluid passages, the plurality of ports being configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid through them, each of the ports comprising a rotatable head and a plurality of stops; and a plurality of inserted devices, each having corresponding counterparts and each being inserted within a corresponding port at an angle determined based on an engagement of the corresponding counterparts with one or more of the plurality of stops of the rotatable head of the corresponding port.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the one or more connecting pieces are configured for modular insertion, removal, and angular positioning and repositioning of the inserted devices via the rotatable heads.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the one or more connecting pieces comprise at least two connecting pieces, namely a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the multitude of devices used includes a reservoir for the coolant fluid.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the plurality of devices used also includes a first pump and a second pump for the circulation of the coolant fluid.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the multitude of devices used also includes a valve for controlling the coolant fluid.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the reservoir and the first pump are coupled to the first connector; the second pump is coupled to the second connector; and the valve is coupled to both the first connector and the second connector, between the first and the second connector.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the mobile platform comprises a vehicle; the one or more components that need to be cooled comprise a device of the vehicle; and the second connecting piece is further configured to be coupled to the device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the device includes a rechargeable energy storage system for the vehicle.

[0026] The present disclosure is described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where identical numbers denote identical elements, and wherein: Fig. 1 a functional block diagram of a platform, e.g. of a vehicle, with a coolant system having multiple connecting pieces for providing coolant to one or more systems and / or other components of the platform according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a coolant system with multiple connecting pieces, which is used in conjunction with the platform of Fig. 1 can be implemented according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D images show corresponding close-up views of a connecting piece of the coolant system. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, each in different directions, according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. Figure 4 shows another view of the connecting piece of the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D with a close-up view of one of its heads according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the disclosure or its application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or in the following detailed description.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a platform 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in more detail below, the platform 100 according to an exemplary embodiment comprises a coolant system 102 with multiple connecting pieces 105 for supplying coolant to one or more systems and / or other components of the platform.

[0029] In certain embodiments, Platform 100 comprises a vehicle, e.g., an automobile. In various embodiments, Platform 100 can be any one of a range of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), sports car convertible, or coupe, and so on, and can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, Platform 100 can also include a motorcycle and / or one or more other types of vehicles.Additionally, it will also be recognized that the Platform 100, in various embodiments, can include any number of other vehicle types and / or any number of different types of mobile platforms and / or other platforms.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 100 comprises a body 101 that essentially encloses other components of the platform 100. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the platform 100 comprises one or more wheels 104. In various embodiments, the wheels 104 are each rotatably coupled to one or more of the axles (not shown) near a respective corner of the body 101 to allow movement of the platform 100. In one embodiment, the platform 100 comprises four wheels 104, although this may vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles).

[0031] In various embodiments, the platform 100 also includes a drive system 108, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 110, one or more control systems 112 and one or more other systems 114.

[0032] In various embodiments, the drive system 108 comprises one or more motors 109, e.g. one or more electric motors, gas turbine motors, hybrid motors or the like.

[0033] In various embodiments, the RESS 110 also includes one or more batteries and / or another rechargeable storage system to power the motor 109 and / or one or more vehicle systems.

[0034] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the control systems 112 control the operation of the drive system 108 (e.g., its motor, 109), the RESS 110, the coolant system 102 and / or other systems of the platform 100 (e.g., via one or more processors, sensors and / or other components of the control systems 112).

[0035] Likewise, in various embodiments, the platform 100 can also include any number of other systems 114, e.g., including one or more heating systems, steering systems, braking systems, radiators, communication systems, climate control systems, infotainment systems, and so on.

[0036] In various embodiments, the coolant system 102 supplies coolant fluid to various components of the platform 100, such as the engine 109, the RESS 110, the control systems 112, and other systems 114 of the platform 100. Likewise, in various embodiments, the configuration of the connecting pieces 105 of the coolant system 102 provides a modular structure and configuration for the coolant system 102, which offers potentially improved functionality, compactness, versatility, and simplicity with respect to the coolant system 102 and the platform 100.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the coolant system 102 of platform 100. Fig. 1, including the connecting pieces 105 and other components thereof. In particular, the coolant system 102 comprises the in Fig. 2 in the exemplary embodiment shown two connecting pieces 105, namely a first connecting piece 105(1) and a second connecting piece 105(2).

[0038] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the coolant system 102 further comprises an expansion tank 201, a plurality of pumps 202, 203 (including a first pump 202 and a second pump 203), and a valve 204. In various embodiments, the expansion tank 201 serves as a reservoir for the coolant fluid. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the pumps 202, 203 circulate the coolant fluid through the coolant system 102 and other devices of the platform, such as the RESS 110. Fig. 1 and / or in certain embodiments one or more of the drive systems 108 (such as its motor 109), control systems 112 and / or other systems 114 of the platform 100 of Fig. 1 (e.g., one or more heaters and / or other systems and / or devices). In various embodiments, the valve 204 also includes a six-way valve that directs the flow of coolant fluid to the various components.

[0039] As in Fig. Figure 2 shows that, in various embodiments, each of the connecting pieces 105 comprises corresponding ports 206 through which the coolant fluid flows and which connect to other connecting pieces or components. In particular, in the embodiment shown: (i) the first connecting piece 105(1) comprises a first port 206(a), a second port 206(b) and a third port 206(c); and (ii) the second connecting piece 105(2) comprises a corresponding first port 206(d), a second port 206(e) and a third port 206(f).

[0040] In various embodiments, with respect to the first connecting piece 105(1): (i) the first port 206(a) is connected and coupled to the expansion tank 201; (ii) the second port 206(b) is connected and coupled to the valve 204; and (iii) the third port 206(c) is connected and coupled to the first pump 202.

[0041] Also in various embodiments, with regard to the second connecting piece 105(2): (i) the first port 206(d) is connected and coupled to the valve 204 (i.e., so that the valve 204 is coupled to both the first and the second connecting piece 105(1), 105(2), in between); (ii) the second port 206(e) is connected and coupled to the second pump 203; and (iii) the third port 206(f) is connected to one or more other components 207 of the platform 100 of Fig. 1 (such as the RESS 110 and / or in certain embodiments with one or more heating devices and / or other components) connected and coupled.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D close-up views of a connecting piece 105 of the coolant system 102 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 provided, which, according to an exemplary embodiment, point in different directions. As in the Fig. As shown in 3A-3D, in an exemplary embodiment each connecting piece 105 comprises a base 302 together with three terminals 206.

[0043] In various embodiments, the base 302 and the ports 206 each form passages therein for the flow of coolant fluid. Likewise, in various embodiments, each of the ports 206 comprises a corresponding rotatable head 304, which defines and surrounds an opening 306 for the flow of coolant fluid through it. As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3A-3D, in various embodiments each head 304 is rotatable by any number of degrees “X” 307. In certain embodiments, each head 304 is rotatable. In various embodiments, the number of degrees X 307 of rotation can be any number of degrees up to three hundred sixty (360) degrees, as permitted by the configuration of the connection.

[0044] Additionally, as in the Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3C, in various embodiments each head 304 comprises or is coupled to a plurality of stops 308 for the corresponding port 206. In various embodiments, each stop 308 is configured to engage with a corresponding counterpart of a device configured to be inserted into the corresponding port 206 to which the respective head 304 belongs.

[0045] For example, in various embodiments and depending on the respective connection 206, the respective counterpart can be part of one of the devices used, including the expansion tank 201. Fig. 2, one of the pumps 202, 203 of Fig. 2, of valve 204 of Fig. 2 and / or the RESS 110 and / or one or more other components of the Platform 100 from Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the stops 308 of the terminal 206 (i.e., which are part of or coupled to the corresponding head 304 of the terminal 206) comprise projections configured to engage with corresponding counterparts of the device inserted into the corresponding terminal 206, thereby preventing further engagement of the head 304 and locking the inserted device at a certain desired angle in the terminal 206.

[0046] Likewise, in an exemplary embodiment as described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3A-3D, each head 304 (or the corresponding port 206 to which the head 304 belongs) also includes a plurality of inspection cavities 310. In various embodiments, each inspection cavity 310 is configured to make visible, for inspection purposes, a barcode and / or other identifier of the device inserted into the respective port 206. In particular, in various embodiments, the barcode of the inserted device is not visible until the component is fully inserted into the port 206, at which point the barcode of the inserted device is then visible via the inspection cavities 310. In various embodiments, the inspection cavities 310 can then be used to determine the model and type of the inserted device, e.g., for quality control purposes, for any maintenance or replacement that may be necessary, etc.In certain embodiments, the inspection cavities 310 can be used for inspection regardless of whether the connecting pieces 105 have QR codes. In certain embodiments, the inspection cavities 310 may also be entirely unnecessary.

[0047] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 shows another view of the connecting piece 105 of the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D with a close-up view of a head 304 thereof provided according to an exemplary embodiment. In particular Fig. Figure 4 shows a close-up of one of the heads 304, including the opening 306 formed by it, together with an exemplary stop 308 and an inspection cavity 310 of the connection 206 to which the head 304 belongs, as described above. As also shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the head 304 is configured in certain embodiments to be rotated by each “Y” degree 402.

[0048] Accordingly, coolant systems are provided for platforms such as vehicles. In various embodiments, the coolant system has a modular design with multiple connecting pieces. In different embodiments, each of the connecting pieces includes a variety of ports for coupling to various components of the coolant system and / or one or more platform components (e.g., of the vehicle) that require cooling by the flow of coolant fluid.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, in various embodiments each connection includes a rotatable head along with stops configured to align with the respective components of the devices inserted within the connections. This provides a potentially compact design for the coolant system and the platform (e.g., the vehicle) as a whole, along with flexibility for inserting and removing the devices and adjusting their angular position. This, in turn, provides flexibility for the interchangeability of the various components and their positioning, and also allows for subsequent changes to the components and their positioning (e.g., for modification, replacement, and / or maintenance), while maintaining a compact, modular environment.In various embodiments, the disclosed coolant systems also eliminate or reduce the need for hoses, brackets and other components of conventional coolant systems (e.g., of vehicles), while at the same time significantly reducing the required mass and installation space (e.g., by up to ten times) compared to conventional coolant systems for vehicles.

[0050] It becomes clear that the systems, platforms, applications, and implementations may differ from those depicted in the figures and described here. For example, in different embodiments, the platform 100, the coolant system 102, its components, and / or other components may differ from those shown in the figures. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown and / or described above in connection therewith. It is also acknowledged that the configuration and implementation of the connectors 105 and their components and / or the components coupled to them may differ from those shown in the Fig. 3A-3D and Fig. 4 are shown and / or described above.

Claims

[1] Coolant system (102) comprising: one or more connecting pieces (105), configured to allow a flow of coolant fluid of the coolant system, each comprising one or more connecting pieces (105): a basis (302) that defines fluid passages therein; and three ports (206) coupled to the fluid passages, the ports (206) being configured to allow the flow of coolant fluid through them, each of the ports (206) comprising a rotatable head (304) and a plurality of stops (308); and a plurality of inserted devices, each having corresponding counterparts and each inserted within a corresponding of the connections (206) at an angle which is determined on the basis of an engagement of the corresponding counterparts with one or more of the plurality of stops (308) of the rotatable head of the corresponding connection (206), wherein three inserted devices are connected to each other at a connecting piece (105) and point in three spatial directions. [2] Coolant system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more connecting pieces (105) are configured for modular use, removal and angular positioning and repositioning of the devices used via the rotatable heads (304). [3] Coolant system (102) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more connecting pieces (105) comprise at least two connecting pieces, namely a first connecting piece (105-1) and a second connecting piece (105-2). [4] Coolant system (102) according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of devices used includes a reservoir for the coolant fluid. [5] Coolant system (102) according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of devices used further comprises a first pump (202) and a second pump (203) for the circulation of the coolant fluid. [6] Coolant system (102) according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of devices used further comprises a valve (204) for controlling the coolant fluid. [7] Coolant system (102) according to claim 6, wherein: the reservoir and the first pump (202) are coupled to the first connecting piece (105-1); the second pump (203) is coupled to the second connecting piece (105-2); and the valve (204) is coupled to both the first connecting piece (105-1) and the second connecting piece (105-2), between the first (105-1) and the second connecting piece (105-2). [8] Coolant system (102) according to claim 7, wherein the second connecting piece (105-2) is further configured to be coupled with an additional component of a mobile platform (100). [9] Coolant system (102) according to claim 8, wherein the second connecting piece (105-2) is further configured to be coupled to a device of a vehicle. [10] Coolant system (102) according to claim 9, wherein the device comprises a rechargeable energy storage system of the vehicle.

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