STEPPER MOTOR

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a stepper motor comprising a first stator, a first rotor which is arranged to rotate with respect to the first stator, a second stator, and a second rotor which is arranged to rotate with respect to the second stator. State of the art

[0002] Conventional stepper motors have output shafts for transmitting the drive torque, which are arranged in line with the axis of rotation. This arrangement has the disadvantage of requiring a relatively large axial installation space. Additionally, the torque must be redirected by 90°, necessitating the use of a worm gear. Another disadvantage arises from the fact that the extension of the axis of rotation creates bending moments, requiring the use of additional bearings. Both worm gears and bearings for absorbing bending moments are costly.

[0003] US 6,222,287 B1 describes a stepper motor with the features of the preamble of claim 1. An electromechanical actuator with a similar stepper motor having two stators is known from US 6,198,182 B1. US 2016 / 072362 A1 discloses a pump with an electric motor that also comprises two stators, but only a single rotor arranged between these stators. Description of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a stepper motor belonging to the aforementioned technical field, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to propose an improved concept for a stepper motor. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to propose an improved concept for a fluid handling element. Additionally, the object of the present invention is to propose an improved concept for a thermal management module.

[0005] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. The invention comprises a stepper motor, comprising a first stator, a first rotor which is arranged to rotate with respect to the first stator, a second stator, a second rotor which is arranged to rotate with respect to the second stator, and a connecting element which connects the first rotor and the second rotor to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0006] This results, for example, in the technical advantage that the stepper motor can be designed to be particularly compact and manufactured with a small axial installation space. A further advantage arises from the fact that the first stator and rotor can be identical in construction to the second stator and rotor. This reduces both manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0007] According to the invention, the connecting element is arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that an axial distance between the first and second rotors can be realized by means of the connecting element. The axial distance can be adapted to a specific purpose, for example, by selectively choosing the axial height of the connecting element.

[0008] According to the invention, the connecting element creates an axial distance between the first rotor and the second rotor. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the axial distance between the first and second rotors can be adjusted by selecting a suitable connecting element. Overall, this allows the axial height of the entire stepper motor to be adapted to a specific application.

[0009] According to the invention, the first rotor and the second rotor share a common axis of rotation. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the first rotor and the second rotor synergistically drive the stepper motor. For example, the first stator and the second stator are arranged out of phase with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the first rotor and the second rotor can be arranged out of phase with each other.

[0010] According to an additional embodiment, the connecting element is designed as the output means for the stepper motor. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that a bending-moment-free transmission of torque from the stepper motor to an output arrangement is possible. The output arrangement rolls directly on the connecting element, thus eliminating the need for additional bearings for the output shaft. Overall, very good concentricity of the entire arrangement is achieved, with the output taking place directly at the stepper motor and between the two stators.

[0011] To simplify the design of the connecting element as a drive element, it features external teeth. This offers the technical advantage, for example, that the connecting element can be designed as a simple pinion. The external teeth of the connecting element can be directly meshed with an output arrangement, allowing the output arrangement to be implemented as a spur gear drive. This eliminates the need for torque redirection or a worm gear drive. Overall, this simplifies the manufacturing and assembly costs of the stepper motor, including the associated output arrangement. In another preferred embodiment, the connecting element is designed as a sleeve. This offers the technical advantage, for example, of making the connecting element a particularly cost-effective component.An additional advantage is that the stepper motor can be mounted very easily using a sleeve-like connecting element. The first and second rotors can be inserted axially into this connecting element.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting element has internal teeth. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage of enabling direct torque transmission from the first rotor to the second rotor. The connecting element thus has a dual function. On the one hand, it serves to transmit torque between the first rotor-stator assembly and the second rotor-stator assembly. On the other hand, the connecting element, with its pinion-like external teeth, serves as the output means for the stepper motor to the output assembly. Additionally, this embodiment also offers the advantage of very simple assembly of the stepper motor using the connecting element. The first and second rotors can be inserted axially into the connecting element.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the first stator and / or the second stator each have an inner stator and an outer stator. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage of increasing the magnetic flux density between the rotor and stator, thereby increasing the rotor's alignment torque. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of the available magnetic material on the rotor.

[0014] To simplify the assembly of the stepper motor, according to the invention an axial passage extends from the first rotor and the first stator, through the connecting element, and through the second rotor and the second stator, wherein the axial passage is designed for mounting the stepper motor on a fixed pin. This offers the technical advantage, for example, that the entire stepper motor can be easily mounted on the fixed pin. For instance, the fixed pin is an integral part of a housing or surface, making both the mounting and removal of the stepper motor very easy.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the first rotor is arranged on a first magnet carrier and the second rotor is arranged on a second magnet carrier, with the first and second magnet carriers each being rotationally fixed to the connecting element. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the torque of the rotors is transmitted directly to the connecting element. Thus, no additional components or joints are required for torque transmission. This reduces the number of components and the weight. This further reduces assembly effort and therefore manufacturing costs.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first stator, including the associated inner stator, outer stator, and first rotor, is identical in construction to the second stator, including the associated inner stator, outer stator, and second rotor. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage of significantly simplifying the manufacturing of the stepper motor. The first rotor is identical to the second rotor, thus enabling interchangeability. The first stator is identical to the second stator, also ensuring interchangeability.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first stator and the second stator and / or the first rotor and the second rotor are arranged with a phase shift relative to each other. This offers, for example, the technical advantage of allowing the stepper motor design to remain as flexible as possible. As described in one of the preceding embodiments, the first stator and the first rotor can be identical in construction to the second stator and the second rotor. This allows the phase shift necessary for the stepper motor's function to be implemented only during assembly. In other words, the stepper motor can be assembled from identical components, with a phase shift between the first and second rotors being implemented depending on the requirements of the stepper motor. Alternatively or additionally, the phase shift can be implemented between the first and second stators.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid handling element with a stepper motor according to one of the preceding embodiments. This allows for comparable technical advantages to those achievable by independent claim 1. For example, the stepper motor can be designed to be particularly compact and manufactured with a small axial installation space. As a result, a fluid handling element driven by a stepper motor according to the invention can also be designed to be very compact. Due to the additional advantage that the first stator and the first rotor can be identical in construction to the second stator and the second rotor, significant efficiency gains can also be achieved with regard to the manufacturing and assembly costs of the fluid handling element.

[0019] A fluid handling element is understood to be a device for handling fluid within a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. The device can be designed, for example, as a valve or a fluid pump.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a thermal management module for a motor vehicle that is at least partially powered, with a stepper motor or with a fluid handling element according to one of the preceding embodiments. This allows for comparable technical advantages to those achievable by independent claim 1 or a fluid handling element according to the invention.

[0021] Such devices are also known in the prior art as energy optimization modules or thermal management devices. Essentially, the thermal management device fulfills the task of optimizing the thermal balance in motor vehicles with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, ensuring engine cooling at every operating point, and optimizing interior comfort. The goal is to optimally manage heat flows, such as heat input and heat output, in the engine (e.g., internal combustion engine, electric motor), as well as in batteries or the power electronics of battery-powered vehicles, transmissions, or in the passenger compartment, in order to reduce energy consumption and increase interior comfort. Heat is transported from one body to another by means of a heat transfer medium, such as coolant or air, usually through forced convection.Heat is transferred from one fluid to another via heat exchangers, such as radiators, charge air coolers, EGR coolers, or air conditioning condensers. The flow of these fluids is maintained primarily by pumps. Sufficient cooling airflow is often provided by the airflow generated by the vehicle, so many vehicles are equipped with electrically driven radiator fans if the airflow from driving is insufficient.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a stepper motor according to a first embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 an exploded view of a stepper motor according to a further embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a stepper motor according to the invention in conjunction with a spur gear transmission in an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a stepper motor in conjunction with a spur gear transmission in an alternative configuration compared to the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a rotor arrangement for a stepper motor according to an alternative configuration compared to the invention; Fig. 6 a further sectional view of a stepper motor in an alternative configuration compared to the invention; Fig. 7 a yet another sectional view of a stepper motor in an alternative configuration compared to the invention; and Fig.8A perspective view of an outer rotor of a stepper motor according to the invention.

[0024] Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols. Ways to implement the invention

[0025] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a stepper motor 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The stepper motor 100 has a first stator 110 and a second stator 210. Additionally, the stepper motor 100 has a first rotor 120, which is arranged to rotate relative to the first stator 110, and a second rotor 220, which is arranged to rotate relative to the second stator 210. The first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 are arranged coaxially with each other and have a common axis of rotation 10. The first stator 110 comprises an inner stator 112 and an outer stator 114, with the first rotor 120 being located between the inner stator 112 and the outer stator 114.

[0026] Identical in construction to the first stator 110, the second stator 210 comprises an inner stator 212 and an outer stator 214, with the second rotor 220 located between the inner stator 212 and the outer stator 214. Overall, the first stator 110, including the inner stator 112, the outer stator 114, and the first rotor 120, is identical in construction to the second stator 210, including the associated inner stator 212, the outer stator 214, and the second rotor 220.

[0027] Additionally, the first stator 110 comprises a first pole tube 116, which is arranged within a first coil 118. The first pole tube 116 is connected at one upper end to the outer stator 114. At one lower end, the first pole tube 116 is connected to the inner stator 112. The first coil 118 is arranged coaxially with the first pole tube 116. The second stator 210 comprises a second pole tube 216, which is arranged within a second coil 218. The second pole tube 216 is connected at one upper end to the inner stator 212. At one lower end, the second pole tube 216 is connected to the outer stator 214. The second coil 218 is arranged coaxially with the second pole tube 216.

[0028] The first rotor 120 is arranged on a first magnet carrier 130. Similarly, the second rotor 220 is arranged on a second magnet carrier 230. The torque of the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 is thus directly transmitted to the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230.

[0029] Due to a connecting element 300, which is arranged between the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230, the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230 are rotationally fixed to each other. This allows a torque to be transmitted from the first rotor-stator assembly to the second rotor-stator assembly and vice versa. For this purpose, the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 are arranged out of phase with each other. Additionally or alternatively, the first stator 110 and the second stator 210 can also be arranged out of phase with each other. In any case, the rotationally fixed connection of the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230 ensures the function of the stepper motor 100.

[0030] The connecting element 300 creates an axial distance between the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 by connecting the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230 to the connecting element 300 in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, the connecting element 300 has internal teeth, which enables a simple form of torque transmission between the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220. Additionally, the connecting element 300 has external teeth 302. The external teeth 302 allow the connecting element 300 to be used as a drive element for the stepper motor 100. This enables the drive torque of the stepper motor 100 to be transmitted to an output assembly without bending torque. The concentricity of the entire assembly is thus improved by the central output on the connecting element 300 between the two stators 110 and 120.The external toothing 302 of the connecting element 300 can be directly meshed with a spur gear-driven output arrangement, thus eliminating the need for a 90° redirection of the torque.

[0031] The entire stepper motor 100 has an axial passage 102, which extends from the first rotor 120 and first stator 110, through the connecting element 300, and through the second rotor 220 and the second stator 210. The axial passage 102 runs through the first pole tube 116, the connecting element 300, and the second pole tube 216. This continuous axial passage 102 allows the entire stepper motor 100 to be mounted on a fixed pin 400 (not shown). The fixed pin 400 can, for example, be permanently attached to a housing or wall. The stepper motor 100, on the other hand, can simply be slid onto or off the pin 400.

[0032] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a stepper motor 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The stepper motor 100 comprises the components first stator 110, which also simultaneously represents the outer stator 114, first pole tube 116, which is inserted into a pole tube receptacle 117 in the form of an upper opening of the outer stator 114, and first coil 118, which is to be mounted coaxially to the first pole tube 116. The inner stator 112 encloses the first coil 118 from below. The first rotor 120, which is designed as a magnetic ring, is arranged precisely between the outer fingers 115 of the outer stator 114 and the inner fingers 113 of the inner stator 112. The first rotor 120, in the form of the magnetic ring, is supported by the first magnet carrier 130, which is, for example, designed as a plastic component.Between the first magnet carrier 130, which carries the first rotor 120, and the second magnet carrier 230, which carries the second rotor 220, there is a connecting element 300 with an external toothing 302.

[0033] The connecting element 300 establishes a rotationally fixed connection between the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230. Immediately below the second magnet carrier 230 is the second stator 210 with inner stator 212, second pole tube 216 (not shown), second coil 218, and outer stator 214. In the assembled state, the second rotor 220, which is also designed as a magnet ring, is positioned precisely between the outer fingers 215 of the outer stator 214 and the inner fingers 213 (not shown) of the inner stator 212.

[0034] The Figure 3Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stepper motor 100 according to the invention in conjunction with a spur gear unit 450 in an exemplary embodiment. The stepper motor 100 comprises the first stator 110 and the second stator 210. Additionally, the stepper motor 100 has the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220. The first axis of rotation 30 of the first rotor 120 and the second axis of rotation 40 of the second rotor 220 lie on a common axis of rotation 10.

[0035] The connecting element 300 (not shown) is arranged between the first magnet carrier 130 (not shown) and the second magnet carrier 230. The connecting element 300 connects the first magnet carrier 130 and the second magnet carrier 230 in a rotationally fixed manner, thereby transmitting torque from the first rotor-stator assembly to the second rotor-stator assembly and vice versa. The connecting element 300 creates an axial gap between the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220. An external toothing 302 (not shown) on the connecting element 300 allows a first output element 452 to directly transmit the torque of the stepper motor 100 to a spur gear unit 450. In this process, the torque is transmitted from the first output element 452 via a second output element 454 to a third output element.

[0036] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stepper motor 100 in conjunction with a spur gear unit 450. The stepper motor 100 comprises a first stator 110 and a first rotor 120, which is arranged to rotate relative to the first stator 110. Additionally, the stepper motor 100 has a second stator 210 and a second rotor 220, the second rotor 220 being arranged to rotate relative to the second stator 210.

[0037] The first stator 110 comprises an inner stator 112 and an outer stator 114, with the first rotor 120 located between the inner stator 112 and the outer stator 114. Similarly, the second stator 210 comprises an inner stator 212 and an outer stator 214, with the second rotor 220 located between the inner stator 212 and the outer stator 214. Overall, the first stator 110, including the inner stator 112, the outer stator 114, and the first rotor 120, is identical in construction to the second stator 210, including the associated inner stator 212, the outer stator 214, and the second rotor 220.

[0038] Furthermore, the stepper motor 100 comprises a connecting element 300 for establishing a torque transmission between the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220, wherein the connecting element 300 has a rotation axis 20 which is arranged parallel to a first rotation axis 30 of the first rotor 120 and parallel to a second rotation axis 40 of the second rotor 220.

[0039] In other words, the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 are arranged parallel to each other and are coupled via the connecting element 300. The first stator 110 and the second stator 210 are arranged out of phase with each other and are functionally connected via the connecting element 300. Alternatively or additionally, the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 are arranged out of phase with each other. The connecting element 300 also has external teeth 302, which allows the connecting element 300 to be used as a drive element for the stepper motor 100. Thus, the connecting element 300 has a dual function. This dual function relates, on the one hand, to the torque transmission from the first rotor 120 to the second rotor 220, which, in conjunction with the phase shift, realizes the function of the stepper motor 100. For this purpose, the connecting element 300 includes a first section 310 with external teeth.On the other hand, the connecting element 300 is used to drive a spur gear unit 450. For this purpose, the connecting element 300 has a second section 320 with external teeth 302, which allows the engagement of a first output element 452 of the spur gear unit 450. Additionally, the torque can be transmitted to a second output element 454.

[0040] The Figure 5Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rotor arrangement for a stepper motor 100 that differs from the invention. The rotor arrangement comprises a carrier disk 140 with a first rotor 120 and a second rotor 220 arranged axially to the carrier disk 140 in the form of permanent magnet hollow cylinders. The carrier disk 140 is made, for example, of plastic or aluminum, which allows for a very lightweight design. The first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 are, for example, bonded to the carrier disk 140 from a top and a bottom surface. Alternatively, instead of bonding, the rotors 120, 220 and the carrier disk 140 can also be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. The rotor arrangement has the advantage that very precise coaxiality can be achieved during assembly.Furthermore, expensive permanent magnet material only needs to be placed where it is required for the function of the stepper motor 100. For example, the first rotor 120 and the second rotor 220 can be arranged with a suitable axial distance from each other to prevent parasitic magnetic flux between the opposing stator prongs. In particular, the angular position of the two radially polarized rotors 120, 220 relative to each other can be freely selected to achieve design advantages in the angular orientation of the stator arrangements. The rotor arrangement is supported by an axial shaft 150.

[0041] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows another sectional view of a stepper motor 100 that differs from the invention. The stepper motor 100 comprises a first stator assembly 160 and a second stator assembly 260. Both stator assemblies 160 and 260 are mounted separately on the shaft 150. The first stator assembly 160 comprises an outer bearing 322 arranged at the axial end of the stepper motor 100 and an inner bearing 324 adjacent to the carrier disk 140. Similarly, the second stator assembly 260 comprises an outer bearing 322 arranged at the axial end of the stepper motor 100 and an inner bearing 324 adjacent to the carrier disk 140. The bearings can be designed, for example, as rolling or sliding bearings. Thus, a high coaxiality of each stator assembly 160, 260 towards the shaft 150 and a uniform radial distance to the respective rotor 120, 220 is achieved.In another embodiment, instead of two separate outer bearings 322 and inner bearings 324 for each stator assembly 160, 260, an axially extended bearing point can be used to achieve high coaxiality. Here, the axial length of the extended bearing point is at least three times the diameter of the shaft 150. The first stator assembly 160 comprises a first housing element 162, and the second stator assembly 260 comprises a second housing element 262. The first housing element 162 and the second housing element 262 are designed separately from one another, with no component for connecting the two housing elements 162, 262 extending beyond the outer diameter of either housing element 162, 262. The alignment and fixing of the first stator assembly 160 and the second stator assembly 260 is carried out via the winding carrier 164 of the first coil 118 made of plastic and the winding carrier 264 of the second coil 218.In this process, a fixed connection is established between the winding carrier 164 of the first coil 118 and the first pole tube 116, as well as between the winding carrier 264 of the second coil 218 and the second pole tube 216.

[0042] The Figure 7Figure 1 shows a further sectional view of a stepper motor 100, which differs from the invention. To support axial forces, such as those generated by the use of worm gears on or with the shaft 150, an axial bearing element 326, for example in the form of a ball, a cone, or a butt joint, is used. For example, the axial bearing element 326 can be arranged on a side of the stepper motor 100 facing away from the worm gear 152. Preferably, the axial bearing element 326 is at least partially integrated into the second stator assembly 260. For example, the axial bearing element 326 can be at least partially integrated into the second pole tube 216. Alternatively or additionally, a spring element can be integrated into the axial bearing element 326 to improve the axial support.

[0043] The free end of the shaft 150 can be axially concave or convex, allowing the worm gear 152 to be supported by an additional axial bearing element. This additional axial bearing element can have an additional spring element and be integrated into a plastic component. This allows the axial force to be supported, with the spring element ensuring tolerance compensation. To facilitate the simplest and most precise assembly of the stepper motor 100, the winding carrier 164 of the first coil 118 and / or the winding carrier 264 of the second coil 218 has a contour 270. The contour 270 is designed to be inserted between two adjacent outer fingers 115 of the respective outer stator 114, 214, resulting in precise alignment. In this aligned arrangement, the winding carrier 164 of the first coil 118 or the winding carrier 264 of the second coil 218 can be welded or glued to the outer stator 114, 214.

[0044] The Figure 8 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an outer stator 114, 214 of a stepper motor 100 according to the invention. The outer stator 114, 214 comprises a total of six outer fingers 115, which are arranged at equal intervals around the outer stator 214 in a circumferential direction. The outer stator 114, 214 also has a pole tube receptacle 117 for receiving a pole tube 116, 216. The outer stator 114, 214 can be manufactured, for example, by deep drawing and radial stamping. Alternatively, the outer stator 214 can be manufactured by longitudinal or transverse pressing, whereby material-bonded connections can be produced by gluing or laser joining.

Claims

1. Stepper motor (100) comprising: - a first stator (110), - a first rotor (120) which is rotatably arranged with respect to the first stator (110), - a second stator (210), - a second rotor (220) which is rotatably arranged with respect to the second stator (210), - a connecting element (300) which connects the first rotor (120) and the second rotor (220) to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, characterized in that an axial passage (102) extends from the first rotor (120) and the first stator (110), through the connecting element (300), and through the second rotor (220) and the second stator (210), wherein the axial passage (102) is configured for arranging the stepper motor (100) on a fixed pin (400).

2. Stepper motor (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (300) is arranged between the first rotor (120) and the second rotor (220).

3. Stepper motor (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (300) forms an axial distance between the first rotor (120) and the second rotor (220).

4. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rotor (120) and the second rotor (220) comprise a common axis of rotation (10).

5. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (300) is configured as an output means of the stepper motor (100).

6. Stepper motor (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting element (300) comprises outer gear teeth (302).

7. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (300) is configured in a sleeve-like manner.

8. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (300) comprises inner gear teeth.

9. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stator (110) and / or the second stator (210) each comprise an internal stator (112, 212) and an external stator (114, 214).

10. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first rotor (120) is arranged on a first magnet carrier (130) and the second rotor (220) is arranged on a second magnet carrier (230), wherein the first magnet carrier (130) and the second magnet carrier (230) are each connected to the connecting element (300) in a rotationally fixed manner.

11. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stator (110) including the associated internal stator (112), the external stator (114) and the first rotor (120), is configured in a structurally identical manner to the second stator (210) including the associated internal stator (212), the external stator (214) and the second rotor (220).

12. Stepper motor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first stator (110) and the second stator (210) and / or the first rotor (120) and the second rotor (220) are arranged in a phase-shifted manner with respect to one another.

13. Fluid handling element (500) comprising a stepper motor (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Thermal management module (800) for an at least partially operated motor vehicle, wherein the thermal management module comprises a stepper motor (100) or a fluid handling element (500) according to one of the preceding claims.