Coolant Module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coolant module applied to a vehicle, and more specifically, to a coolant module that achieves miniaturization and weight reduction by integrating the coolant manifold and components, and can reduce the number of parts and assembly time.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coolant module applied to a vehicle, and more specifically, to a coolant module that achieves miniaturization and weight reduction by integrating the coolant manifold and components, and can reduce the number of parts and assembly time. Background Technology

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles are equipped with Power Electronics (PE) components, including motors, inverters, and on-board chargers (OBCs), and are also equipped with batteries to provide power to these PE components.

[0003] Since PE components and batteries generate heat during operation, they must be cooled to protect the components and ensure durability. To this end, electric or hybrid vehicles are equipped with a water-cooled PE cooling system for cooling PE components and a water-cooled battery cooling system for cooling batteries.

[0004] Since the PE components and the battery have different temperature ranges in their main operating regions—specifically, because the PE components operate at relatively higher temperatures compared to the battery—the PE components and the battery require separate cooling systems. Accordingly, a PE cooling circuit for cooling the PE components by circulating cooling water and a battery cooling circuit for cooling the battery by circulating cooling water are each provided.

[0005] Figure 1 shows a cooling structure system of a conventional electric vehicle. As illustrated, separate reservoir tanks (R1, R2) are configured for each cooling circuit to operate a separate cooling circuit. As such, the conventional electric vehicle is equipped with two reservoir tanks (R1, R2) used for each cooling circuit. However, this presents problems such as difficulty in mounting them inside a narrow engine compartment and increased manufacturing costs due to the increase in components. Furthermore, the increase in components leads to increased weight, reduced productivity due to the increased installation time for each reservoir tank, and inconvenience in that maintenance must be performed separately for each cooling circuit. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2020-0031907 (Published on March 25, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a cooling water module that achieves miniaturization and weight reduction by integrating the cooling water manifold and components, and can reduce the number of parts and assembly time. means of solving the problem

[0008] A cooling water module according to one example of the present invention is a cooling water module comprising a cooling water manifold that provides a mounting space in which cooling water flows and in which a component is mounted, wherein the cooling water manifold comprises a manifold plate and a cover plate coupled to one surface of the manifold plate, a cooling water channel through which cooling water flows is formed between the manifold plate and the cover plate, a partition wall forming a boundary wall of the cooling water channel is installed on the manifold plate, and a through hole penetrating the manifold plate is formed on the outer side of the area through which cooling water flows surrounded by the partition wall.

[0009] The above through hole prevents the space between the manifold plate and the cover plate, excluding the cooling water channel, from being sealed.

[0010] The above cover plate is brazed to the above manifold plate, and foreign substances or moisture generated during the brazing can be discharged to the outside through the above through hole.

[0011] If coolant leaks from the above coolant channel, the leaked coolant is discharged to the outside through the above through hole.

[0012] When the air in the space between the manifold plate and the cover plate, excluding the cooling water channel, expands as the temperature of the cooling water rises, the expanded air is discharged to the outside through the through hole.

[0013] The above manifold plate is positioned in the direction of gravity, and the bulkhead of the manifold plate is positioned in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. If the portion of the bulkhead located above the direction of gravity is referred to as the upper bulkhead, the through hole is positioned above the upper bulkhead with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0014] The above through hole is positioned to abut the outer wall of the upper bulkhead.

[0015] When the upper bulkhead is formed with a structure that is bent or inclined along the longitudinal direction and is divided into an upper bulkhead portion located at a relatively lower position and an upper bulkhead portion located at a relatively higher position with respect to the direction of gravity, the through hole is positioned on the upper part of the upper bulkhead portion located at the relatively lower position with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0016] The above cooling water channels are formed in multiple numbers, and the partitions for forming each of the multiple cooling water channels are installed in multiple numbers, and at least one through hole is formed on the outer side of each of the multiple partitions.

[0017] In the cover plate, a cover bulkhead is formed protruding so as to be in contact with the bulkhead of the manifold plate, and the cover bulkhead of the cover plate and the bulkhead of the manifold plate are closely attached to each other and brazed together.

[0018] The portions where the bulkhead of the manifold plate and the cover bulkhead of the cover plate come into contact with each other are each formed with male and female structures, so that the bulkhead of the manifold plate and the cover bulkhead are configured to be fastened to each other.

[0019] The above-described coolant manifold further includes an orthogonal plate extending in a vertical direction from one corner of the manifold plate, and a mounting plate coupled to one surface of the orthogonal plate.

[0020] A cooling water channel through which cooling water flows is formed between the above-mentioned orthogonal plate and the mounting plate, and the cooling water channel formed between the above-mentioned manifold plate and the cover plate is called the first cooling water channel, and the cooling water channel formed between the above-mentioned orthogonal plate and the mounting plate is called the second cooling water channel, wherein a partition wall forming the perimeter wall of the second cooling water channel is installed on the above-mentioned orthogonal plate.

[0021] The first cooling water channel and the second cooling water channel are each formed in multiple numbers, and at least one of the multiple first cooling water channels and at least one of the multiple second cooling water channels are connected to each other.

[0022] A component mounting structure is formed on the above-mentioned mounting plate so that a component can be mounted thereon.

[0023] It further includes a coolant valve and a water pump as components, and the coolant valve and the water pump are each mounted in the component mounting structure of the mounting plate.

[0024] It further includes a reservoir tank for storing coolant as a component, said reservoir tank is positioned between the manifold plate and the orthogonal plate. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present invention, by consolidating the cooling water manifold and components, miniaturization and weight reduction can be achieved, and the number of parts and assembly steps can be reduced.

[0026] In addition, by forming through holes in the coolant manifold so that the empty space excluding the coolant channels is not sealed, it is possible to discharge foreign substances or moisture through the through holes, prevent damage caused by thermal expansion, and check for coolant leakage. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a cooling structure system of a conventional electric vehicle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling water module according to an example of the present invention, viewed from the front. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooling water manifold according to an example of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the coolant manifold of Figure 4 viewed from the opposite direction. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coolant manifold of Fig. 4. Figure 7 is a drawing showing one side of a manifold plate. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the area around the through hole of FIG. 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of a cooling water module according to an example of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. As shown, the cooling water module (10) of the present invention mainly comprises a cooling water manifold (100) and a component (200).

[0030] First, the component (200) refers to various parts applied in a vehicle cooling system, and the component of the present invention may include a coolant valve (211), a water pump (212), and a reservoir tank (220).

[0031] The cooling water valve (211) is configured as a multi-way switching valve to switch the direction of transfer of the cooling water. The water pump (212) pumps the cooling water. The water pump may be configured with two or more water pumps (212-1, 212-2).

[0032] Meanwhile, the cooling water module (10) may be equipped with a controller (213) for controlling a cooling water valve (211) and a water pump (212), and may be equipped with a connector (214) for supplying power to the cooling water valve, the water pump, and the controller. The controller is made of a PCB board equipped with electronic components and can control the operation of the cooling water valve and the water pump.

[0033] Next, the coolant manifold (100) is configured to provide a mounting space in which coolant flows inside and a component (200) is mounted, and simultaneously provides a support structure in which a coolant channel is formed inside and the above-described component (200) can be mounted and combined.

[0034] In other words, the coolant module (10) of the present invention integrates and consolidates into a single module through a coolant manifold the conventional cooling system in which each component, such as a reservoir tank, water pump, and coolant valve, is individually mounted on the vehicle and connected via hoses to form a cooling circuit.

[0035] Hereinafter, the cooling water manifold of the present invention will be examined in detail.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coolant manifold according to an example of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the coolant manifold of FIG. 4 viewed from the opposite direction, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coolant manifold of FIG. 4. As shown, the coolant manifold includes a manifold plate (110) and a cover plate (120) coupled to one side of the manifold plate (110).

[0037] The manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120) are each injection molded and can be brazed together to form a single unit. The cover plate (120) closes the open side of the manifold plate (110), and a cooling water channel (not otherwise shown) through which cooling water flows is formed between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120).

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing one side of a manifold plate, wherein a partition wall (111) forming a boundary wall of a cooling water channel is installed on the manifold plate (110). That is, a partition wall (111) is formed protruding vertically from one side of the manifold plate (110), and the part surrounded by the partition wall (111) functions as a cooling water channel.

[0039] At this time, as illustrated, a through hole (112) penetrating the manifold plate (110) is formed on the outer side of the area where cooling water flows (i.e., the area where cooling water flows) surrounded by a partition wall (111). FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the area around the through hole of FIG. 7, illustrating that the through hole (112) is formed on the outer side of the partition wall (111), i.e., on the outer side of the area where cooling water flows. One or more through holes (112) may be formed, and as described below, one or more through holes (112) may be formed for each cooling water channel.

[0040] These through holes (112) prevent the space between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120), excluding the cooling water channel (hereinafter also referred to as the 'empty space'), from being sealed. That is, according to the present invention, the empty space between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120) can be prevented from being sealed by the through holes (112).

[0041] Accordingly, foreign substances or moisture generated during brazing between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120) can be discharged to the outside through the through hole (112), thereby having the advantage of preventing the manifold from being damaged by moisture or foreign substances.

[0042] In addition, quality inspection is possible through the through hole (112). Specifically, if a gap is created due to poor fusion between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120), or if a crack occurs due to damage or manufacturing defects in the bulkhead (111) of the manifold plate (110), the coolant leaks through the gap or crack, and as the leaked coolant is discharged to the outside through the through hole (112), there is an advantage in being able to check for manufacturing defects or damage caused by use of the coolant module by monitoring this.

[0043] In addition, the manifold plate (110) can be prevented from being damaged as the air expanded by the temperature rise of the cooling water is discharged to the outside through the through hole (112). Specifically, when the temperature of the cooling water flowing in the internal space defined by the partition (111) of the manifold plate (110) rises, the air inside the empty space located outside the partition (111) can be heated and expanded. At this time, if the empty space is sealed, the expanded air pressurizes the partition (111), which may cause problems such as bending or damage to the partition (111). However, according to the present invention, such problems can be solved as the expanded air is discharged to the outside through the through hole (112).

[0044] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the manifold plate (110) is positioned in the direction of gravity, and the bulkhead (111) of the manifold plate (110) is positioned in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Here, if the bulkhead portion located above the direction of gravity among the bulkheads (111) is called the upper bulkhead and the bulkhead portion located below the direction of gravity is called the lower bulkhead, the cooling water channel is formed between the upper bulkhead and the lower bulkhead, and the through hole (112) is positioned above the upper bulkhead with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of cooling water channels are formed, and a plurality of partitions (111) of the manifold plate (110) for forming each of the plurality of cooling water channels are also installed (111-1, 111-2, 111-3, etc.). If the partition (111) forming one of the plurality of cooling water channels is called the first partition (111-1), the upper portion in the direction of gravity of the first partition (111) corresponds to the upper partition (111-1T) of the first partition (111-1), and the lower portion in the direction of gravity of the first partition (111-1) corresponds to the lower partition (111-1B) of the first partition (111-1). At this time, the through hole (112) is positioned on the upper portion of the upper partition (111-1T) of the first partition (111-1) as illustrated. The upper portion of the upper bulkhead (111-1T) of the first bulkhead (111-1) corresponds to the aforementioned empty space. Additionally, the through hole (112) is positioned to be in contact with the outer wall of the upper bulkhead (111-1T).

[0046] As the through hole (112) is arranged in this manner, foreign substances, moisture, and cooling water that have moved downward in the direction of gravity due to gravity can be discharged to the outside through the through hole (112) without accumulating inside the empty space.

[0047] Furthermore, the through hole (112) may be positioned at a relatively lower position relative to the direction of gravity. Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, when the first bulkhead (111-1), more specifically the upper bulkhead (111-1T) of the first bulkhead (111-1), is formed in a structure that is bent or inclined along the length direction and is divided into an upper bulkhead portion (111U) of the first bulkhead located at a relatively lower position relative to the direction of gravity and an upper bulkhead portion (111D) located at a relatively higher position, the through hole (112) is positioned on the upper bulkhead portion (111D) of the first bulkhead located at a relatively lower position relative to the direction of gravity. This is to ensure that foreign substances, moisture, cooling water, etc., are effectively discharged to the outside when they move down along the upper bulkhead (111) of the bulkhead (111) due to gravity.

[0048] Additionally, referring to FIG. 7, a through hole (112) may be formed on the upper part of each of the multiple partitions (111). By providing a through hole (112) in each of the partitions (111) in this manner, the discharge of foreign substances and the detection of leaked cooling water can be improved. Although the drawing shows that one through hole (112) is formed in each partition (111), the design may be modified so that one or more through holes (112) are formed in each partition (111).

[0049] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 6, a cover bulkhead (121) is formed protrudingly on the cover plate (120) so as to come into contact with the bulkhead (111) of the manifold plate (110). Then, the cover bulkhead (121) of the cover plate (120) and the bulkhead (111) of the manifold plate (110) can be brazed together in close contact. At this time, the cover bulkhead (121) of the cover plate (120) and the bulkhead (111) of the manifold plate (110) can be fastened together by forming a male and female structure in the contact portion.

[0050] For example, referring to FIG. 8, a coupling groove (111g) with a center indented inward is formed on the upper part of the partition wall (111) of the manifold plate (110) (i.e., the part in contact with the cover partition wall (121)), and the upper part of the cover partition wall (121) of the cover plate (120) (i.e., the part in contact with the partition wall (111) of the manifold plate (110)) can be inserted into this coupling groove (111g) to be fastened together. Alternatively, although not separately illustrated, a coupling projection corresponding to the coupling groove (111g) can be formed on the upper part of the cover partition wall (121) of the cover plate (120), and the corresponding coupling projection can be inserted into the coupling groove to be fastened together. Furthermore, the male and female coupling grooves and the coupling structure can be designed in reverse. This has an advantage in that the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120) can be fastened and temporarily fixed before brazing.

[0051] Next, we will examine the orthogonal plate (130) and mounting plate (140) of the coolant manifold. Referring again to FIG. 6, the coolant manifold (100) further includes an orthogonal plate (130) that extends vertically from one corner of the manifold plate (110) and a mounting plate (140) that is coupled to one side of the orthogonal plate (130). The orthogonal plate (130) may be formed integrally by simultaneous injection molding with the manifold plate (110), and the mounting plate (140) may be injection molded separately and brazed to the orthogonal plate (130).

[0052] A cooling water channel (not otherwise indicated) through which cooling water flows is formed between the orthogonal plate (130) and the mounting plate (140), and, similar to the manifold plate (110) described above, a partition (131) forming a boundary wall of the cooling water channel is installed on the orthogonal plate (130).

[0053] Here, the cooling water channel formed between the manifold plate (110) and the cover plate (120) is referred to as the first cooling water channel, and the cooling water channel formed between the orthogonal plate (130) and the mounting plate (140) is referred to as the second cooling water channel. The first cooling water channel and the second cooling water channel are each formed in multiple numbers, and at least one of the multiple first cooling water channels and at least one of the multiple second cooling water channels are configured to communicate with each other. As the first cooling water channel and the second cooling water channel communicate with each other in this manner, cooling water can be circulated inside the cooling water manifold (100).

[0054] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, at least one cooling water pipe (190) through which cooling water flows in or is discharged may be formed in the cooling water manifold (100), and such cooling water pipe (190) may be configured to communicate with either the first cooling water channel or the second cooling water channel described above, so that cooling water may flow into the cooling water manifold (100) from the outside or cooling water inside the cooling water manifold (100) may be discharged to the outside.

[0055] Meanwhile, a component mounting structure (141) is formed on the mounting plate (140) so that the above-described component (200) can be mounted thereon, and the component (200) can be mounted thereon to form a cooling water module (10).

[0056] More specifically, referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooling water module (10) further includes a cooling water valve (211) and a water pump (212) as components (200), and the cooling water valve (211) and the water pump (212) can each be mounted on the component mounting structure (141) of the mounting plate (140), and the water pump (212) can be formed in multiple units (212-1, 212-2) corresponding to multiple cooling circuits. These water pumps (212) and cooling water valves (211) are structured to communicate with a second cooling water channel and can be configured to pressurize or change the direction of transfer of cooling water flowing through the second cooling water channel. Meanwhile, as shown, a controller (213) is mounted on one side of the cooling water valve (211), and a connector (214) for supplying power to the controller and the water pump may be further provided.

[0057] Furthermore, the coolant module (10) further includes a reservoir tank (220) for storing coolant as a component (200), and the reservoir tank (220) can be positioned between the manifold plate (110) and the orthogonal plate (130). This arrangement structure helps to improve the overall packaging of the coolant module (10).

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols

[0059] 10: Coolant Module 100: Coolant manifold 110: Manifold plate 111: Bulkhead 112: Through hole 120: Cover plate 121: Cover bulkhead 130: Orthogonal plate 140: Mounting plate 200: Component 211: Coolant valve 212: Water pump

Claims

Claim 1 A cooling module comprising a cooling manifold that provides a mounting space for a component to be mounted and through which cooling water flows, wherein the cooling manifold comprises a manifold plate and a cover plate coupled to one side of the manifold plate, a cooling channel through which cooling water flows is formed between the manifold plate and the cover plate, a partition wall forming a boundary wall of the cooling channel is installed on the manifold plate, and a through hole penetrating the manifold plate is formed on the outer side of the area through which cooling water flows surrounded by the partition wall. Claim 2 A cooling water module according to claim 1, wherein the space between the manifold plate and the cover plate, excluding the cooling water channel, is prevented from being sealed by the through hole. Claim 3 A cooling water module according to paragraph 2, wherein the cover plate is brazed to the manifold plate, and foreign substances or moisture generated during brazing can be discharged to the outside through the through hole. Claim 4 A cooling water module according to paragraph 2, wherein when cooling water leaks from the cooling water channel, the leaked cooling water is discharged to the outside through the through hole. Claim 5 A cooling water module according to paragraph 2, wherein when the air in the space between the manifold plate and the cover plate, excluding the cooling water channel, expands as the temperature of the cooling water rises, the expanded air is discharged to the outside through the through hole. Claim 6 A cooling water module according to claim 1, wherein the manifold plate is positioned in the direction of gravity, the bulkhead of the manifold plate is positioned in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and the portion of the bulkhead located above the direction of gravity is called the upper bulkhead, and the through hole is positioned above the upper bulkhead with respect to the direction of gravity. Claim 7 In claim 6, the cooling water module, wherein the through hole is positioned to abut the outer wall of the upper bulkhead. Claim 8 In claim 6, the upper bulkhead is formed in a structure that is bent or inclined along the longitudinal direction and is divided into an upper bulkhead portion located at a relatively lower position relative to the direction of gravity and an upper bulkhead portion located at a relatively higher position, wherein the through hole is positioned above the upper bulkhead portion located at the relatively lower position relative to the direction of gravity, a cooling water module. Claim 9 A cooling water module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cooling water channels are formed, a plurality of partitions are installed to form each of the plurality of cooling water channels, and at least one through hole is formed on the outer side of each of the plurality of partitions. Claim 10 A cooling water module according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate has a cover bulkhead formed protruding so as to be in contact with the bulkhead of the manifold plate, and the cover bulkhead of the cover plate and the bulkhead of the manifold plate are in close contact with each other and brazed together. Claim 11 A cooling water module according to claim 10, wherein the portions where the bulkhead of the manifold plate and the cover bulkhead of the cover plate come into contact with each other are each formed with a male and female structure so that the bulkhead of the manifold plate and the cover bulkhead are connected to each other. Claim 12 A cooling water module according to claim 1, wherein the cooling water manifold further comprises an orthogonal plate formed extending in a vertical direction from one corner of the manifold plate and a mounting plate coupled to one surface of the orthogonal plate. Claim 13 A cooling water module according to claim 12, wherein a cooling water channel through which cooling water flows is formed between the orthogonal plate and the mounting plate, the cooling water channel formed between the manifold plate and the cover plate is called the first cooling water channel, and the cooling water channel formed between the orthogonal plate and the mounting plate is called the second cooling water channel, and a bulkhead forming the perimeter wall of the second cooling water channel is installed on the orthogonal plate. Claim 14 A cooling water module according to claim 13, wherein the first cooling water channel and the second cooling water channel are each formed in multiple numbers, and at least one of the multiple first cooling water channels and at least one of the multiple second cooling water channels are in communication with each other. Claim 15 In Clause 12, a cooling water module in which a component mounting structure is formed on the mounting plate so that a component can be mounted thereon. Claim 16 A cooling water module according to claim 15, further comprising a cooling water valve and a water pump as components, wherein the cooling water valve and the water pump are each mounted in a component mounting structure of the mounting plate. Claim 17 In paragraph 15, the coolant module further comprises a reservoir tank for storing coolant as a component, said reservoir tank being disposed between the manifold plate and the orthogonal plate.

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